Introduction
Ukraine has refuted Russian claims of an indefinite postponement of prisoner swaps, asserting that such allegations are part of Moscow's deceptive tactics amid ongoing attacks in Kharkiv.Context
On June 7, Kharkiv suffered from Russian missile and bomb strikes that resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left 22 injured. Following this, another bombing raid was conducted by Russian aircraft, claiming the life of one civilian and injuring over 40 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described this act as "another brutal murder."In a separate incident, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region resulted in injuries to two individuals.
Developments
Peace talks in Istanbul are set to continue on Monday, where both parties aim to negotiate further prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of the remains of 12,000 fallen soldiers. However, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky announced that Kyiv had unexpectedly postponed the exchanges indefinitely.Andriy Kovalenko, a member of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, counters this claim, emphasizing that Moscow should cease its deceitful strategies and return to constructive dialogue. He criticized the Russian side for its failure to adhere to agreements regarding prisoner exchanges and body repatriations.
During the night, Russian forces employed high-precision long-range weaponry and drones to target military locations across Ukraine, with Russia's Defence Ministry claiming that all targets were successfully hit.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv, which is located just a few dozen kilometers from the Russian border, is facing one of the most intense assaults since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Throughout these attacks, residential areas as well as educational and infrastructure facilities have suffered significant damage.
Kharkiv's regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov warned that there may still be individuals trapped beneath the rubble after a civilian industrial site was hit by 40 drones and several bombs.
In the Moscow region, Governor Andrei Vorobyov indicated that two individuals were injured due to a Ukrainian drone strike overnight, with nine drones reportedly shot down.
Russia's aviation authority announced a resumption of operations at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky airports after a temporary suspension due to flight safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry claimed that since midnight, air defense units had intercepted and destroyed 36 Ukrainian drones within Russian territory, including in the Moscow area.
Ukrainian forces also reported the downing of a Russian jet on Saturday, though further details remain undisclosed. The Russian military has yet to respond to these claims.
In his evening address, Zelenskiy remarked on the recent destruction of three Iskander missile systems and damage inflicted on Russian military helicopters. He noted continued strikes on Russian military logistics and airfields, stating that every complication for Russia aids in Ukraine's defense.
A senior German military official reported in an upcoming YouTube podcast that a Ukrainian drone strike deep within Russian territory likely damaged around 10% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet while some aircraft were being readied for operations against Ukraine.