Overview and Background

On June 22, 2025, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine marked its 1,214th day, with significant military actions reported. Russian strikes targeted multiple locations across Ukraine, including Chernihiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk, resulting in at least seven fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that evidence suggests Russia is preparing for new military operations on European soil.

Emergency responders recovered three bodies from a residential building in Kramatorsk that was struck by a Russian missile. Oleksandr Syrskii, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army, stated that Ukraine will enhance its military operations against Russian targets deep within Russia itself. Meanwhile, Kyiv has imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities operating in Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea.

Key Developments

• Russia's attacks on June 22 resulted in at least seven deaths and over 20 injuries across various regions.
• Ukrainian authorities reported that three bodies were recovered from a residential building destroyed by a missile in Kramatorsk.
• President Zelenskyy announced new sanctions targeting businesses in Russian-occupied areas.
• Ukraine received 6,060 bodies of its servicemen in exchange for 78 Russian soldiers, according to Ukrainian reports.
• Diplomatic talks between Ukraine and Russia have stalled, with no meetings scheduled in recent weeks.

“We will not just sit in defence... this brings nothing and eventually leads to the fact that we still retreat, lose people and territories,” said Oleksandr Syrskii.

In a related incident, a massive drone attack on Kyiv resulted in at least one death and additional injuries, further escalating the conflict. Ukrainian officials reported that residential areas and critical infrastructure were targeted, with significant damage observed in the Shevchenkivskyi district. The ongoing military actions have led to a humanitarian crisis, with residents sheltering in metro stations during attacks.

As the conflict continues, both sides maintain their positions, with Ukraine asserting its right to retaliate against Russian strikes while Russia denies allegations of disorganization and body substitutions following military exchanges.