Ukraine is holding back Russia’s advance and stabilizing the front in the Sumy region while continuing prisoner exchanges and stepping up diplomatic initiatives. Against the backdrop of new threats from North Korea, the EU has approved a new aid package, and the U.S. is reviewing its funding for international war crimes tribunals.
Heavy Drone Strikes and Frontline Stabilization
Russia has intensified its night-time drone attacks, launching 41 Shahed drones across Donetsk, Kharkiv, and other regions, continuing its tactic of using “drone swarms + ballistic missiles.” Meanwhile, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated on June 26 that Ukraine has halted Russia’s advance in the Sumy region, stabilizing the frontline and blunting the momentum of Moscow’s summer offensive.
“Based on the results of May and June, we can say that this year’s summer wave of enemy offensives from Russian territory is failing,” Syrskyi said.
Peace Talks and the United States
Ukraine said announced its intention to organize a meeting between President Zelenskyy and President Putin, with the mediation of the U.S. and Turkey — a potential next step in the negotiation process. Turkey has confirmed its readiness to host the talks in either Istanbul or Ankara. President Erdoğan saidthat the U.S. would join the format — provided Putin attends.
U.S. Cuts to War Crimes Tribunal Funding
The Trump administration is initiated steps to halt U.S. funding for international war crimes tribunals, including those documenting Russian atrocities in Ukraine. A final decision is expected by July 11.
Specifically, the White House has recommended ending support for nearly two dozen programs that investigate war crimes and prosecute those responsible for mass atrocities around the world.
Threats from Russia and the North Korean Factor північнокорейський фактор
North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia this summer. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), South Korean intelligence has reported Pyongyang’s preparations to send North Korean military personnel to Ukraine in July–August 2025 to fight alongside Russia. In addition to supplying Russia with ammunition and missiles, North Korea may also station troops in Russia’s border region of Kursk.
Satellite imagery further confirms that Russia is actively repairing and modernizing outdated Soviet armored vehicles. While this allows Moscow to maintain the pace of combat operations despite losing over 3,700 units of military equipment, analysts warn that such a resource base is limited and cannot provide a long-term advantage.
EU, Brussels — Sanctions and Military Aid
President Zelensky joined President Zelenskyy joined a European Council meeting where leaders discussed new sanctions against Russia, the release of prisoners, and preparations for the upcoming summit in Rome this July. EU leaders confirmed their readiness to approve another military aid package, including air defense systems and ammunition. However, positions held by Hungary and Slovakia are delaying the introduction of tougher sanctions.Still, the European Council agreed to extend all existing sanctions against Russia for another six months — moving their expiration from late July 2025 to January 2026.
Zelensky also criticized Moscow’s limited ceasefire proposals and urged Donald Trump to uphold his promised sanctions if peace negotiations yield no results. Trump has repeatedly hinted that he is closely monitoring the peace process and warned that the U.S. response may change if Putin shows no willingness to end the war.
Ongoing Prisoner Exchanges
Ukraine and Russia have carried out a seventh prisoner exchange under agreements reached in Istanbul. The exchange included servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the Border Guard Service. As in previous exchanges, the focus was on severely ill and wounded prisoners of war, and this time included a group of young soldiers under the age of 25.
Author: Inna Mikhno