In a major escalation, Russia unleashed its largest aerial assault against Ukraine overnight, employing 537 aerial weapons, including drones and missiles. This extensive attack resulted in damage to homes and infrastructure across multiple regions, with at least six people injured, including a child. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 249 weapons, but tragically, lost an F-16 fighter jet, and its pilot, while defending against the onslaught. Ukrainian officials have stated that this was the most massive air strike to date, emphasizing the need for strengthened air defenses and continued international support.
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President Zelenskyy has signed a decree for Ukraine to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. The decree, which also mandates immediate action to implement the decision, originates from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Notably, this move follows similar actions by Poland, Lithuania, and Finland, and does not mention the Verkhovna Rada’s involvement, although a vote may be required. Ukraine joined the convention in 1999, with ratification occurring in 2005.
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Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the Vatican, expressed solidarity with Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims, acknowledging their country’s suffering due to the ongoing war with Russia. The pope, who met with Ukrainian President Zelensky at his inauguration, offered prayers for the victims, prisoners, and families impacted by the conflict. He also offered a special blessing to mothers of soldiers killed in the war and called for a just and lasting peace, even offering the Vatican as a venue for peace talks. This stance, in contrast to some past remarks from his predecessor, has been welcomed by Ukraine.
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On the night of June 27-28, Russian forces launched 23 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia and Cape Chauda in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 22 of the drones, primarily targeting the Odesa region. While the majority were neutralized, a hit was reported in Odesa, and debris from the downed drones fell in eight locations. This attack follows a prior drone strike in Odesa on the evening of June 27, which resulted in the death of a married couple and injuries to two children.
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On June 28th, Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (DIU) drones targeted military facilities in Bryansk, Russia. Local reports indicated loud explosions and gunfire, sparking discussion amongst Russians. While authorities remained silent, a Ukrainian intelligence source confirmed the DIU attack hit facilities of the 120th Arsenal. This follows a previous DIU strike on June 26th targeting fuel and lubricant warehouses in the same city.
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Early Thursday morning, June 26, Moscow and surrounding regions were hit by a large-scale drone attack, with explosions reported in multiple areas. Russian authorities reported their air defenses intercepted and destroyed 50 Ukrainian aircraft-type drones across various regions, including Moscow, Kursk, and Rostov. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces launched attacks on Russia. Ukrainian forces were also involved in strikes, damaging a Russian defense facility in Taganrog, which is tied to military drone production, with hits recorded in seven locations overall. These events highlight the increasing centrality of drone warfare in the ongoing conflict.
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During an address to the Dutch parliament, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia has deployed 28,743 Shahed drones against Ukraine since the full-scale war began on February 24, 2022, with 2,736 launched in June alone. Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s reliance on Iranian support for this drone campaign. Furthermore, Zelenskyy emphasized that Vladimir Putin disregards international laws, including the prohibition of killing, violence, and the destruction of cities, and that accountability is crucial for such violations.
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Ukrainian forces attack oil depot in Russia’s Rostov region, and this action has sparked a flurry of discussion. The core of the debate revolves around the strategy behind such strikes and their potential ramifications, especially in the context of a broader geopolitical landscape. It’s clear that targeting oil depots is seen by some as a strategic move, a way to hinder Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. Crippling fuel supplies directly impacts the logistics, making it harder to keep the wheels of war, and the hardware, moving.
This action, the destruction of an oil depot, has a tangible effect, a practical impact on Russia’s capabilities.… Continue reading
A decapitated bottlenose dolphin, found on Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender County between April 16th and 18th, is the subject of a $20,000 reward offered by federal authorities. The dolphin’s head was intentionally removed, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. A necropsy revealed the presence of Brucella bacteria, posing a potential risk to humans. Information leading to those responsible can be submitted to NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood