: Study finds Ukraine war troop casualties near 1.4 million, Russian deaths at 250,000

A recent study has found that total troop casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war are nearing 1.4 million, The New York Times said in a report. The study, reportedly conducted by an unspecified 'center,' also estimates Russian troop deaths at approximately 250,000. These figures underscore the significant human cost of the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Pentagon chief will miss the upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels on Wednesday, a first since the U.S.-created group's formation three years ago to coordinate military aid to Ukraine, AP said in a report. While over 50 other defense leaders are set to meet, the U.S. defense secretary will not arrive in Brussels until Wednesday evening after the meeting has concluded, due to a scheduling conflict following a recent trip, according to a U.S. official.

The Kremlin has dismissed the likelihood of a trilateral meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky taking place in the near future, The Hill said in a report. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed this stance to reporters on Tuesday, stating it is "frankly speaking, unlikely [that it will happen] in the near future," according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

Staggering casualties are being reported in the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the intense nature of the ongoing conflict, The New York Times said in a report. These significant losses are reportedly occurring as Ukrainian forces conduct counteroffensive operations against heavily fortified Russian defensive positions, impacting mobilization efforts and underscoring the severe human cost of the war for both nations involved.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) provided its latest analysis of Russia's offensive campaign in Ukraine as of June 2, 2025, outlining key battlefield developments and operational trends, according to a report in Kyiv Post. The assessment typically examines the intensity and focus of Russian assaults, reported territorial changes, and the response of Ukrainian forces across various fronts. ISW's reports are based on open-source intelligence and offer a continuous evaluation of the conflict's military dynamics.

Russia launched drone attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Chernihiv, Balakliia, and Odesa just hours after peace talks were held in Turkey, killing one civilian and wounding at least eight others across Ukraine, Kyiv Post said in a report. The strikes impacted multiple urban areas shortly following these diplomatic discussions.

Ukraine has missed a scheduled payment on its Value Recovery Instruments (VRIs), which are linked to future economic growth, as the war with Russia continues to strain its finances, Kyiv Post said in a report. The missed payment, reported on June 2, is attributed to the stall in ceasefire negotiations and recent intensified Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which have further damaged the economy and investor confidence. While not typically triggering a cross-default on main Eurobonds, this development signals severe liquidity issues for Ukraine and increases the urgency for a broader sovereign debt restructuring, highlighting the severe economic impact of the conflict.

Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi has been appointed to lead Ukraine’s Joint Forces Command after departing his previous role as Deputy Commander of the Ground Forces, Kyiv Post said in a report. According to Drapatyi, he was asked by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting to continue his service and was subsequently assigned this new key operational command. This appointment is part of ongoing significant changes within Ukraine's military leadership structure amidst the war.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a strike on the Kerch Bridge, a key link between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which reportedly caused damage, AP says in a report. This bridge is strategically vital for supplying Russian forces in occupied Crimea and southern Ukraine, and is part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to target Russian military infrastructure.

Russian forces have made a new advance in northern Ukraine, positioning them within range of the major city of Sumy, CNN says in a report. This development increases the direct threat of shelling to Sumy and adds pressure on Ukrainian defenses, which are concurrently engaged in ongoing battles in eastern and southern parts of the country. The advance near Sumy tests Ukrainian border fortifications in the north.

In recent Russia-Ukraine peace talks, Russia presented a memorandum detailing its conditions for a ceasefire and a comprehensive treaty to end the ongoing war, which Kyiv and its Western allies have described as longstanding, 'maximalist demands' and 'nonstarters', AP said in a report. This development occurred after Ukraine, with the U.S. reportedly having suggested the concept, had proposed an immediate 30-day unconditional ceasefire, highlighting the significant gap between the negotiating positions of the two sides.

Ukrainian sisters Sasha Kurovska, in Kyiv, and Olga Kurovska, in Paris, are testifying about the intensified Russian offensive on the Ukrainian capital and the resulting 'nights of terror' from incessant drone attacks, Le Monde says in a report. Through their letters, Sasha Kurovska described the harrowing experience, stating, 'Sometimes, I think we’re all going to die here in Kyiv,' highlighting the fear among civilians.

Oleg Kruchkov, an adviser to the Russian-appointed head of Crimea, stated that "enemy activity" has been observed off the coast of Crimea in the Black Sea, and he also alleged an "information attack" is occurring in the same waters, TASS said in a report.

The UK government is threatening to sue Roman Abramovich to ensure proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club are directed to humanitarian causes in Ukraine, TASS said in a report. This move reflects the government's determination to see the funds, understood to be approximately £2.3 billion and currently held in a frozen account after Abramovich was sanctioned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, utilized for their intended purpose of aiding Ukraine.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained an individual in Crimea, whom the agency identifies as a Ukrainian special services agent, for allegedly assembling a powerful improvised explosive device (IED), TASS said in a report. The FSB claims the detained person retrieved components from two hidden caches to construct the IED, which reportedly consisted of over 1.2 kg of explosives, an electric detonator, a homemade electric radio receiver, an electronic transmitter, and destructive elements.

Yevgeny Balitsky, head of the Russian-appointed administration in the occupied parts of Ukraine's Zaporozhye region, announced that power supply has been restored in three districts, TASS said in a report. This development follows an earlier statement from Balitsky confirming the full reinstatement of power in the occupied cities of Melitopol and Berdyansk. The Zaporozhye region continues to be an area of active conflict where infrastructure has sustained significant damage; it is partially occupied by Russian forces, and the provincial capital, Zaporizhzhia city, remains under Ukrainian control.

Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address long-standing bilateral issues between their countries, TASS said in a report. Nawrocki simultaneously expressed Poland's willingness to continue cooperation with Ukraine, emphasizing this should be "on the basis of mutual respect," a statement made concerning relations between the two nations during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

A Moscow court has prohibited the operations of Lesta Games and Lesta Games Agency, the entities publishing the online game World of Tanks in Russia, following an action by the Russian Office of General Prosecutor, TASS said in a report. The prosecutor's office accused the companies of "extremist activity in the form of support for the Ukrainian army." This ban occurs as Russia has broadly applied laws against perceived 'extremism' and 'discrediting the armed forces' since its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, often targeting entities viewed as opposing the war. Wargaming, the original developer of World of Tanks, had transferred its live operations in Russia and Belarus to Lesta Games in 2022.

A man has been arrested in St. Petersburg, Russia, with a criminal case initiated against him for allegedly gathering information for an entity Russian authorities designate as a 'Ukrainian terrorist group,' TASS said in a report. The charges fall under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to participation in the activities of an organization recognized as terrorist under Russian law.

Residents of a village near Irkutsk in Russia reportedly shot down about five Ukrainian drones, though the exact number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) involved remains uncertain, TASS said in a report. The alleged incident occurred in Eastern Siberia, a region over 4,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, which would signify a deep incursion if confirmed.

Switzerland has broadened its anti-Russian sanctions, aligning with European Union measures in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, TASS said in a report. The new restrictions have resulted in the blacklisting of 17 individuals, 58 organizations, 189 ships, and 31 enterprises.

A nationalistic, pro-war subgenre of Russian fantasy fiction, dubbed 'Z literature,' has gained prominence since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago and is reportedly aimed at encouraging young readers to enlist, according to a report in The Guardian. This literature, named after the 'Z' symbol of support for the invasion, often features 'popadantsy' narratives where protagonists travel to pivotal moments in Russia's past to alter history in the nation's favor. These stories typically depict heroic Russian characters battling against 'zombie Nazis' and western spies, with themes centered on recovering imperial grandeur.

A Russian rocket attack targeted the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Tuesday, resulting in at least three fatalities and 25 injuries, AP says in a report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the assault, which local authorities said struck apartment buildings and a medical facility. The attack reportedly occurred a day after unspecified direct discussions related to ending the conflict. Concurrently, Ukraine’s secret services announced they had conducted further strikes inside Russia, claiming to have damaged a key bridge.

Ukraine has claimed it struck the Crimea Bridge, a critical infrastructure link connecting mainland Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula, The New York Times says in a report. This alleged incident would be the third such attack on the bridge, which is vital for Russian military logistics in southern Ukraine. The claim from Ukraine was made two days after it reportedly conducted one of its most ambitious military operations of the war deep inside Russian territory.

A massive explosion has damaged the Crimean bridge, with Ukraine's special forces stating they were behind the attack, The Independent said in a report. Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly demanded action from Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned a Russian airstrike on the city of Sumy that resulted in three fatalities, calling for tougher sanctions and stronger support for Ukraine's defense, The Guardian says in a report. Zelenskyy stated the attack deliberately targeted civilians on 'ordinary streets' and asserted that Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and villages daily. He emphasized that without decisive global pressure, particularly from the United States and Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not agree to a ceasefire.

Overnight Russian strikes targeted multiple Ukrainian regions, including Odesa and Chernihiv, leaving several civilians injured, Meduza said in a report. Regional officials confirmed the attacks and reported casualties resulting from the bombardments.

A Ukrainian drone operation, reportedly codenamed 'Spiderweb,' successfully struck Russian air bases, leading to reports that the Kremlin is 'angry and alarmed' by the unexpected vulnerability of its military assets deep within Russian territory, Meduza said in a report. These attacks, targeting Russia's air fleet far from the immediate front lines, are part of Ukraine's strategy to hit military infrastructure inside Russia and have reportedly highlighted significant concerns for Moscow regarding its air defense capabilities, according to information Meduza attributed to a Bloomberg report citing sources in Moscow.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report alleging that Russia is using drones to deliberately target Ukrainian civilians, actions the organization describes as potential war crimes for which it urges accountability, Al Jazeera Politics reports. The non-governmental organization's findings detail instances where drones were allegedly used against non-combatants, and HRW is calling for international mechanisms to ensure Russia is held responsible for these purported violations of international humanitarian law.

Ukraine claims its forces struck 41 Russian warplanes deep inside Russian territory during a major operation involving smuggled drones, Al Jazeera Politics said in a report. These strikes, targeting airbases significantly distant from the Ukrainian border, come as discussions continue over Western military aid and follow a period of increased Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine. The operation underscores Ukraine's advancing long-range drone capabilities and is considered a morale boost for Ukraine and a security concern for Russia, although the specific count of affected aircraft is a Ukrainian assertion pending independent verification.

The United Kingdom has unveiled plans for a major boost to its military capabilities, including increased investment in nuclear warheads, submarines, and conventional munitions, Al Jazeera Politics says in a report. This development, occurring within the last seven days as of 2025-06-02, is a direct response to what the UK government currently assesses as a rising and 'most immediate threat since the Cold War' (a past historical period) posed by Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The announced increase in defense spending is intended to enhance the UK's national security and deterrent capabilities.

Low expectations surround the second set of peace negotiations in Istanbul between diplomats from Kyiv and Moscow, as Russia has dispatched a low-level delegation to the talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, France 24 said in a report. According to France 24’s Istanbul correspondent, Jasper Mortimer, this Russian approach suggests little progress is anticipated from the current discussions, which are part of ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Russia's central bank head is facing growing pressure to implement a substantial cut to the key interest rate, Kyiv Independent said in a report based on information from Bloomberg. This pressure, reportedly coming from three officials, is attributed to the increasing financial toll the ongoing war in Ukraine is imposing on the Russian federal budget and its civilian industries. Some officials are reportedly urging for this decision to be made at the central bank's upcoming meeting scheduled for June 6, 2025. This development occurs as, in the past, the central bank had enacted significant rate hikes to combat inflation and stabilize the ruble following economic shocks related to the war.

Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist for current President Donald Trump, said on Monday that Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) should face arrest if he persists in "stirring it up" in Ukraine through overseas travel, The Hill said in a report. Bannon's comments reportedly expressed frustration over a recent Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s strategic bombing fleet and highlight ongoing political divisions regarding U.S. support for Kyiv, where Senator Graham is a prominent congressional advocate for Ukraine.

Within the past seven days, Ukraine has bombarded Russian air bases, marking a continuation of its recently intensified strategy of targeting military and infrastructure sites deep inside Russian territory, The New York Times said in a report. These operations, primarily conducted with domestically produced drones, aim to degrade Russia's military capabilities and have reportedly exposed vulnerabilities in Russian air defenses. Such strikes consistently fuel discussions among Western allies about policies regarding the use of their supplied weapons on Russian territory and often lead to Russian retaliatory attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and urban centers.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) praised Ukraine’s "ever-resourceful" government and armed forces for a creative weekend drone attack that successfully targeted Russian bombers and military assets, The Hill said in a report. Graham stated these Russian assets were used to kill Ukrainian citizens and destroy their infrastructure, and also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for continued conflict.

Two women died on Monday, June 2, 2025, in a Russian bombardment near Kupyansk in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Le Monde said in a report. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office announced the fatalities on Telegram.

In a second recent round of direct discussions held in Istanbul within the past week, Ukrainian and Russian representatives agreed to a prisoner exchange, according to a report in The New York Times. However, these talks, hosted by Turkey, made little substantive progress towards a ceasefire or ending the broader conflict, reportedly occurring as Russian military operations and shelling of Ukrainian cities like Mariupol and Kyiv continued and, in some areas, escalated. This limited outcome follows a pattern from previous negotiations, while Western allies, including the United States and the European Union, continued to impose and discuss further economic sanctions against Russia. The ongoing war has also perpetuated a severe humanitarian crisis and a large-scale refugee outflow from Ukraine.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz recently declared his intention to make the Bundeswehr (Germany's armed forces) the strongest military in Europe, The Hill says in a report. This statement comes amid a significant shift in Germany's defense posture, which was catalyzed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. That past event prompted current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to announce the 'Zeitenwende' (turning point) policy and a €100 billion special fund to modernize the Bundeswehr, marking a departure from Germany's historically restrained military stance.

Viral social media posts claiming to depict recent drone attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, launched just before negotiators were scheduled to meet for peace talks in Turkey as of 2025-06-02, have been found to use misleading footage from previous, unrelated clashes, Deutsche Welle (DW) said in a report. While the article confirms that actual drone strikes by both sides did occur recently in the lead-up to the diplomatic discussions, the specific videos circulating widely on social media misrepresented these events by using older material from past incidents. This highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation surrounding the conflict, particularly during sensitive periods such as impending negotiations.

In a past event during the Russia-Ukraine war, a Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul for what was identified as a second round of talks with Russia, which were scheduled to commence on the day of their arrival, Meduza said in a report. This development was reported at the time by Suspilne, which cited Ukraine's then-Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi. This information pertains to a specific, historical instance of attempted negotiations between the two countries.

Germany's top military officer has warned that the Western alliance needs to prepare for a possible attack by Russia within the next four years, specifically by 2029, BBC World said in a report. This assessment underscores the perceived necessity for NATO members to bolster their defensive capabilities in anticipation of potential aggression.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched airstrikes in Ukraine that killed five people, an event occurring shortly before peace talks scheduled in Istanbul, The Independent said in a report. Despite these upcoming diplomatic discussions, Kyiv and Moscow are reportedly 'still far apart' in their negotiating positions. The attacks highlight the persistent violence in the conflict and the significant challenges to achieving a peaceful resolution.

Yevhen Balytskyi, the Kremlin-appointed head of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, claimed within the past seven days that a Ukrainian attack left 457 settlements in the region without power, affecting more than 600,000 homes, Kyiv Independent said in a report. This information is current as of June 3, 2025, and the reported claims pertain to these recent power outages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Norway will assist Ukraine in covering a potential 1 billion euro gas shortfall, as per a report in Kyiv Independent. This aid is intended to help close any deficit that may arise if Ukrainian gas production infrastructure, affected by Russian attacks, is not fully restored, thereby helping to ensure the population's gas supply.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged US President Donald Trump to enforce tougher sanctions against Russia if potential future peace talks, referenced by a hypothetical "Istanbul meeting," were to stall, Kyiv Independent said in a report. This appeal occurs amid the ongoing war and highlights Ukraine's strategy of seeking increased international pressure on Moscow should diplomatic efforts, which have seen limited progress since past attempts like the March 2022 Istanbul talks (a past event), fail to yield results. Zelensky's statement directly addresses the current US administration under President Donald Trump, underscoring the perceived need for robust American action contingent on the outcome of any renewed negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, on June 2, 2025, for a summit with the Bucharest Nine (B9) member states and Nordic countries, his spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov confirmed, Kyiv Independent said in a report. The summit, taking place amidst Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, will focus on security concerns, military aid, and political support for Ukraine. Discussions are also anticipated to address Ukraine's aspirations for NATO and EU membership, and the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank, a key issue for B9 countries (which formed in 2014 as a past response to Russian actions) and Nordic nations, including recent NATO members Finland (joined in 2023, a past event) and Sweden (joined in 2024, a past event).

Ukraine's defence minister stated that Ukraine has proposed the next round of peace talks with Russia occur between June 20 and June 30, amidst the ongoing conflict, The Guardian says in a report. This development comes as Moscow has reportedly rejected an unconditional ceasefire. Instead, Russian officials have indicated they offered a 'two-three day partial ceasefire,' though the specifics of such a limited truce were not detailed. Diplomatic activities are ongoing, with negotiation teams recently observed in Istanbul, Turkey, which has previously facilitated discussions.

The latest round of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations concluded in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday after approximately one hour, AP said in a report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Vilnius, Lithuania, stated that documents were exchanged via Turkish mediation and announced preparations for a new prisoner of war exchange. Additionally, both sides agreed to a swap of 6,000 bodies of soldiers killed in the conflict, though expectations for a significant breakthrough in ending the war remained low.

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which commenced with Russia's full-scale invasion (a past event with continuing impact), NATO allies are currently engaged in a significant military exercise designed to test the alliance's strength and readiness by simulating a Russian invasion across frontline member states, Euronews says in a report. This exercise, reflecting increased NATO defense preparedness since the conflict's escalation, occurs as Ukrainian forces have reportedly conducted widespread drone attacks within the past week, targeting several Russian airbases and dealing a notable blow to Russian military assets.

Relations between Czechia and Slovakia have cooled considerably, primarily over divergent approaches to the war in Ukraine, Deutsche Welle (DW) says in a report. This deterioration was recently highlighted by the Czech government, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, cancelling planned joint consultations with the Slovak cabinet. The shift in Slovak foreign policy under its Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has adopted a more critical stance on military aid to Ukraine and a more accommodating approach towards Russia, contrasts sharply with Czechia's firm pro-Ukraine position. This disagreement is straining a historically close bond, which dates back to their peaceful separation in 1993 (a past event known as the "Velvet Divorce"), and has implications for regional cooperation, including within the Visegrad Group (V4), and broader EU and NATO unity on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that during negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, 2025, Russian representatives admitted to taking Ukrainian children and dismissed Ukraine's efforts to raise the issue of these abductions as a "show for childless European old ladies," the Kyiv Independent says in a report. These specific discussions, where Ukraine highlighted the humanitarian crisis of abducted children, occurred against the backdrop of long-stalled broader peace talks (a past event from spring 2022). The issue of Ukrainian children being moved to Russia has faced prior international scrutiny, including past (March 2023) International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's Commissioner for Children's Rights, concerning alleged child deportations.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has declared that his country's recent attack targeting 40 bomber aircraft at multiple airbases deep within Russia "will undoubtedly be in history books," Sky News says in a report. These strikes, occurring within the last seven days, are part of a pattern of Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russian military assets, conducted amidst ongoing Russian aerial bombardment of Ukraine. Zelenskyy's direct and triumphant acknowledgement of these specific operations, a notable shift from Ukraine's usual ambiguity regarding strikes on Russian territory, is seen as a move to boost domestic morale and signal capability to international partners, potentially influencing discussions on further military aid. Military analysts reportedly view these strikes as a significant operational success for Ukraine, demonstrating evolving capabilities.

Russian and Ukrainian delegations are reportedly heading to Istanbul, Turkiye, where they are expected to present documents outlining their respective ideas for a peace settlement to the ongoing war, Al Jazeera Politics said in a report. These discussions, taking place within the last seven days (current as of 2025-06-02), are happening even as exchanges of fire continue between Russian and Ukrainian forces. For context on past efforts, previous negotiation rounds, which are historical events, yielded only limited agreements, primarily on humanitarian corridors. Turkiye is facilitating this latest round of talks.

At least seven people died after two bridges in Russia's Kursk and Bryansk districts, regions bordering Ukraine, collapsed overnight within hours of each other, authorities stated, BBC World said in a report. The cause of the collapses has not been specified, and no entity has claimed responsibility for the incidents. These events occurred in border areas that have, in past months, experienced increased cross-border incidents, including shelling and drone attacks targeting infrastructure, as the broader conflict continues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he has scheduled a meeting with an official, Drapatyi, to address the situation after Drapatyi reportedly submitted his resignation in connection with a recent Russian strike on a Ukrainian military training camp, the Kyiv Independent said in a report. Zelensky stated in a video address, 'I scheduled a meeting ... to sort it all out,' indicating the matter is under active review by the presidency. This development, occurring within the past seven days, comes as Russia has reportedly intensified strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure in recent months and amidst ongoing discussions within Ukraine regarding military accountability.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed efforts by US senators, notably Republican Lindsey Graham, to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, Politico said in a report. This endorsement occurred during a meeting between von der Leyen and Graham, signaling continued transatlantic alignment as the European Union, current as of 2025-06-02, debates its 14th sanctions package and the US Congress considers further measures against Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) has issued a warning that Russia is actively recruiting Ukrainians to carry out illegal and hostile operations across Europe, characterizing these efforts as another facet of the Russian Federation's ongoing hybrid aggression against both Ukraine and the wider European community, Kyiv Independent said in a report. This warning comes amidst broader concerns and reports from European intelligence agencies about a rise in Russian state-sponsored hybrid activities, including cyberattacks and disinformation, since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine (a past event). European nations have recently taken measures against suspected Russian intelligence operations, and both the EU and NATO continue to develop strategies to counter such threats.

Delegations from Ukraine and Russia convened in Istanbul on Monday, June 2, 2025, for their second round of direct negotiations in three weeks, where Ukraine presented Russia with a list of children to be returned, according to a report in Meduza. Ukraine’s delegation was led by its current Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian side was headed by presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky, who also led the Russian delegation in the previous meeting, a past event that occurred on May 16.