Jun 12, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC

The European Union has officially confirmed that intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova will commence on June 15, marking the formal start of accession negotiations and the opening of the first negotiation cluster. This development coincides with a report from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which stated that May 2026 recorded the highest number of civilian casualties in four years, with 274 killed and 1,763 wounded. Additionally, EU intelligence services have now confirmed earlier reports, finding evidence that China trained Russian military personnel on its territory, with some later deploying to Ukraine. Beijing continues to deny these allegations.

Sources: Українська правда, Радіо Свобода, Громадське

Ukrainian forces are engaged in urban combat within Kostiantynivka against enemy infiltrators, with assault units conducting clearing operations. A battalion commander indicated the city is "semi-encircled" due to Russian advances near Chasiv Yar and Berestky. Military analysts suggest the city's situation has sharply escalated, with Russian forces now close to and operating within its districts, potentially leading to its loss in the coming months.

Separately, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its 19th complete loss of external power on June 10, around 9 PM, following an attack on an electrical substation, necessitating reliance on backup diesel generators, as confirmed by the IAEA. Concurrently, Ukrainian Defense Forces reported striking oil refineries in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, and a chemical plant in Samara Oblast on June 12. Russian President Vladimir Putin subsequently announced that Russia would intensify its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода

Following two nights of US military actions against Iranian sites and Iran's retaliatory strikes on American bases, US President Donald Trump publicly announced intentions for a "very strong strike" against Iran. He threatened to "bomb the shit out of Iran" if a proposed agreement was not reached and mentioned plans to seize Kharg Island and other Iranian oil infrastructure. Trump described an April ceasefire as "the most violated in history." Amidst these escalating tensions, Tehran reportedly declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. However, hours after these pronouncements, President Trump ultimately canceled the planned military operations.

Sources: Радіо Свобода, Українська правда, Громадське, Forbes Ukraine

Ukrainian forces continued their campaign targeting Russian military infrastructure and supply routes to Crimea. On June 11, a "Neptune" missile struck a Russian military object in Sevastopol. The Chonhar bridge sustained critical damage following a second Ukrainian strike in June, leading to its complete blockage and compelling Russian forces to seek alternative supply routes for ammunition and fuel. Additionally, the bridge connecting Henichesk to the Arabat Spit was closed after an attempted strike. Russian-appointed Kherson official Vladimir Saldo claimed Ukrainian forces struck all bridges connecting mainland Ukraine to occupied Crimea, including those over the North Crimean Canal and the Perekop-Armyansk road. Ukraine's Commander of Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, reiterated Ukraine's objective to isolate Crimea by gaining full control of the "Novorossiya" highway. Separately, Russian forces attacked Konotop, resulting in one fatality.

Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода

A US federal appeals court has upheld the 25-year prison sentence for FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, confirming his conviction for one of the largest financial frauds in recent history. The 34-year-old former cryptocurrency executive, once hailed as a prodigy in the sector, was found guilty of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. In addition to his prison term, Bankman-Fried was ordered to repay $11 billion. The appellate decision solidifies the legal outcome for the disgraced figure, who remains in detention following the initial ruling.

Sources: Le Monde