Russian servicemen from the 4th brigade of battlegroup South have begun evacuating residents from Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The first group of six civilians, including a 72-year-old woman, were safely escorted out despite fears of drone attacks.
Russian army's Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops chief, Lt. Gen. Alexey Rtishchev, stated that US intelligence materials confirm American budget funding for biolabs in Ukraine. He also noted research on pandemic potential pathogens.
Russia's Defense Ministry claims US-funded biolabs in Ukraine studied pathogens of plague, anthrax, tularemia, Marburg fever, and Ebola. Lieutenant General Alexey Rtishchev stated that American intelligence materials confirmed US budget funding and top-secret research coordinated by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
A Russian officer claims Ukrainian troops are not resisting in Konstantinovka, Donetsk People's Republic, and are fleeing the city. He stated they have low morale, are sustaining heavy losses, and that Russian forces control the sky, destroying enemy drones.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that Russian troops liberated five settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic between June 13-19, including Yurkovka in the last 24 hours. The ministry also claimed significant casualties inflicted on Ukrainian forces across various Russian battlegroups.
Israeli PM Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon in the foreseeable future, citing security needs and the "security zone" as a barrier against Hezbollah. Lebanon considers the area occupied territory.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims Europe aims to "freeze" the Ukraine conflict and deploy Anglo-French military contingents, stating the real goal is to save Zelensky's regime, not negotiate with Russia. His article was canceled by Politico-Europe.
Stephen Feinberg, deputy undersecretary of defense, wields significant power in Trump's Pentagon, overshadowing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Feinberg, founder of Cerberus Capital Management, has unprecedented control over procurement and invests taxpayer dollars in defense companies, raising conflict of interest concerns.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of America's military presence in Europe, urging NATO allies to increase defense spending and responsibility. The review will examine troop levels, basing rights, and access, with future US budget contributions tied to allies meeting spending targets.
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US forces in Europe and criticized NATO allies for not meeting spending targets and for their response to US strikes in Iran. He stated the US would no longer pay more for NATO defense than allies.
Ukraine is reinforcing its northern border with Belarus due to a sharp increase in Russian spy drones and growing concerns about Belarus's deeper involvement in Russia's war. Officials fear Moscow is integrating Minsk into its war efforts, potentially widening the conflict's scope.
Donald Trump stated that Russia is losing more troops than Ukraine and needs the war to end. He described Russia as the "offensive" party in the conflict, a shift in his stance. European leaders noted a change in his approach.
At the G7 summit, Donald Trump stated Russia is losing more troops than Ukraine due to its offensive role. G7 leaders agreed to increase sanctions on Russia and continue military aid to Ukraine, presenting a united front.
Russian troops are advancing northwest of Rodinskoye near Belitskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), according to military expert Andrey Marochko. He stated that Russian forces are operating in this sector and will continue their advance. In April, Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov mentioned advances towards Dobropolye and ongoing battles for Belitskoye.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including first-degree murder, in a new indictment that makes him eligible for the death penalty. He is accused of killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe near the White House.
Three senior defence figures, including former ministers John Healey and Al Carns, and Chief of Defence Staff Rich Knighton, have criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for underfunding the military. They argue the current defence investment plan is insufficient for future operations and alliances, urging for radical policy changes and increased spending.
The captain of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, Ajay Pant, an Indian national, was charged with breaching sanctions after his vessel was intercepted by British troops in the Channel. The MV Smyrtos was carrying 98,000 tonnes of oil from Russia.
Russian troops have established fire pockets and tactically encircled Ukrainian forces in the Drobyshevo-Stavki area of the Donetsk People's Republic, according to military expert Andrey Marochko.
Russian troops are strategically enveloping the Ukrainian settlement of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic from all sides following the liberation of Artyoma, according to military expert Andrey Marochko. The capture of Artyoma is seen as a strategic success enabling this maneuver.
The Kalashnikov Group has sent a new batch of upgraded AK-12 assault rifles, featuring improved ergonomics and accuracy, to Russian troops under a state defense contract. The AK-12, adopted six years ago, is now the main individual automatic weapon for the Russian Armed Forces and is seeing increased interest from foreign buyers due to its effective use in the special military operation.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that Russian troops liberated Novy Donbass in the Donetsk region and inflicted significant losses on the Ukrainian army, claiming over 1,330 troops lost in the past 24 hours across all frontline areas.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not withdraw its troops from the security zone in southern Lebanon under any circumstances. He pledged to continue operations against Hezbollah, despite anticipated international criticism. This comes amid reports of a US-Iran agreement for a ceasefire, including in Lebanon.
Top White House officials reportedly debated invoking the Insurrection Act after federal agents killed two protesters in Minnesota. Concerns over political blowback and the legal scope of the act were central to the discussions, with some officials arguing against its use.
Iran urged Saudi Arabia to expel US troops, while Russia's SVR chief warned Armenia against relying solely on the West. News also covered a shelling attack off Yemen, Putin's communication with Trump, Macron's stance on French wine tariffs, US troop movements near Iran, China's automotive advancements, Trump's 'guardian of Middle East' proposal, Iran's Strait of Hormuz policy, and a potential US-Iran deal. Other reports included Israeli actions in Lebanon, Ukraine conflict updates, and Hungary's EU talks.
