Russia requires Ukraine to get rid of Western weaponry

Russia demands that Ukraine destroy all Western-supplied weapons as a condition for a ceasefire, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko in a recent Izvestia interview.

"All these surpluses must be destroyed. All international algorithms are known. They must be reduced, utilized, and guaranteed," Grushko said, referring to foreign military aid to Ukraine. He claimed these weapons pose a threat not only to Russia but to the West itself, citing the example of U.S.-supplied Stinger missiles in Afghanistan allegedly ending up on black markets.

Grushko's remarks reflect a key point in Russia’s so-called ceasefire proposal, which includes halting foreign military aid to Kyiv. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has repeatedly insisted this condition is necessary to stop hostilities.

Russians emitted over 1,900 tonnes of harmful substances into the air over Kyiv and the oblast in the last two days during the attacks

More than 1,900 tonnes of harmful emissions were released into the air during Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding oblast on 6 and 10 June, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The strikes caused unfiltered burning of fuel, plastics, equipment, and building materials, contributing to extensive air pollution. The ministry estimates environmental damage at over UAH 5.7 million (approx. US$137,000), calling it part of Russia’s systematic environmental destruction and a long-term health risk for residents.

Moscow claims that the US has canceled talks with Russia on restoring diplomatic relations

The U.S. has reportedly canceled the next round of diplomatic talks with Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed on June 16. The talks were aimed at easing tensions and restoring embassy operations, as well as addressing peace efforts in Ukraine.

Zakharova said the U.S. has taken a “pause” and expressed hope it wouldn’t be prolonged. The U.S. has not officially commented on the cancellation.

This comes after prior rounds in Riyadh and Istanbul, where discussions focused on diplomatic relations and banking services for embassies. The talks were also part of former President Donald Trump’s broader effort to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine — an approach met with skepticism in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy has warned that U.S. inaction only emboldens Putin.

Zelensky's trust rating droped to 65%- poll

Public trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dropped by 11 percentage points since May, according to a new poll released by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on June 16. The survey shows that 65% of Ukrainians currently trust the president, while 30% do not, resulting in a trust balance of +35%—the lowest recorded since March. Despite the decline, his approval rating remains above the February 2025 low of 57%.

Sociologists did not identify a single clear cause for the short-term drop, but point to several contributing factors. These include growing public fatigue with the war, increased pressure for a ceasefire, and a gradual weakening of the diplomatic momentum seen earlier this year during tense exchanges with U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy’s approval had briefly surged to 74% in early May after signing a minerals agreement with the U.S., widely seen as both a diplomatic and economic win. However, that boost was short-lived.

The poll also reveals a stark regional divide. Support for Zelenskyy is highest in western Ukraine, where 73% of respondents expressed trust. In the country’s south and east—areas more frequently targeted by Russian attacks—only 61% reported confidence in the president.

Public attitudes on the issue of territorial concessions show a clear link to trust in Zelenskyy. Among those who support him, 55% are firmly opposed to any compromise with Russia. By contrast, among those who distrust him, 46% are willing to cede some territory, while just 43% oppose concessions.

The KIIS survey was conducted between May 15 and June 3, 2025, using phone interviews with 1,011 adult residents across Ukraine, excluding occupied territories.

The industrial facility near Nikopol was damaged due to the Russian attack

A Russian attack on the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has damaged an industrial facility, according to regional officials. The assault involved both artillery and FPV (first-person view) drones, targeting multiple areas including Nikopol, as well as the Myrove, Pokrovske, and Marhanets hromadas.

Serhii Lysak, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, confirmed that an industrial site sustained damage in the attack. Mykola Lukashuk, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council, also reported on the incident, emphasizing that despite the destruction, no casualties have been recorded.

The strikes are part of ongoing Russian efforts to disrupt Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy by targeting civilian and industrial sites across frontline regions.