Poland responded to attacks in neighboring Ukraine by scrambling jets and activating its air defense systems. Ukraine utilized its full defense capabilities, including F-16 fighter jets, to counter the Russian assault. President Zelenskyy announced the death of an F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, who had downed seven aerial targets before his jet was damaged. The attacks, consisting of missiles, drones, and bombs, have increased significantly, prompting renewed calls for international support to protect Ukraine and pressure Russia to end the war.
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On June 28, Ukrainian Defense Forces, in collaboration with other units, struck Russian ammunition depots in the Bryansk region. The targeted facility was the 1060th Material and Technical Support Center, formerly the 120th Arsenal. Confirmed damage and fire at the site were reported by the General Staff, with results still being assessed. This attack followed a previous strike on June 26 by Ukrainian drones, hitting fuel and lubricant storage depots of the 1061st Material and Technical Support Center in Bryansk, resulting in multiple explosions and a fire.
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During a meeting with Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow for the “martyred” Ukraine and the victims of the ongoing war, instigated by Russia’s invasion in 2022, and annexation of Crimea in 2014. The Pope emphasized the importance of faith during these difficult times and has consistently expressed support for Ukraine, even appealing to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict. This stance marks a notable shift from his predecessor, with Ukrainian officials appreciating his solidarity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly thanked the Pope for his prayers and compassion, calling for an end to the aggression and a return of those held captive.
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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 the night of June 28, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed to have targeted the Kirovske military airfield in occupied Crimea with drones, destroying several helicopters and a Pantsyr-S1 air defense system. The SBU stated that the attack focused on Russian aviation, air defense systems, and storage facilities. This follows a previous drone strike on June 27 at the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast, where four Su-34 fighter jets were allegedly targeted, resulting in the destruction or damage of the aircraft. While these claims are unverified, Ukraine has increased its drone attacks as Russia continues its aerial assaults.
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On June 26th, approximately 150 pro-Palestinian activists breached a storage facility belonging to OIP Land Systems, a manufacturer of military equipment for Ukraine, causing significant damage. The activists, part of the Stop Arming Israel campaign, targeted the facility believing its equipment was intended for Israel, despite the CEO’s claim that the company has not produced defense systems for Israel in over two decades. Equipped with tools, the protesters vandalized vehicles and offices, resulting in an estimated $1.1 million in damages and delaying a crucial delivery for Ukraine by at least a month. The protest was motivated by Elbit Systems’ ownership of OIP Land Systems, an Israeli defense company, which protesters believe supplies a significant portion of equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces.
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During a press conference at the NATO summit, President Trump suggested the possibility of Putin invading other countries, while also stating he believes the Russian leader is “misguided”. Trump indicated he’s in regular contact with Putin, who offered to help with the Middle East conflict. Although Trump previously stated he would negotiate an end to the Ukrainian invasion within 24 hours, he now deems such negotiations “more difficult”. Finally, Trump confirmed a “good” meeting with Zelenskyy and would “see” if the US would supply Ukraine with Patriot systems.
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In a joint operation, Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU), Armed Forces, and Special Operations Forces successfully targeted the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast, resulting in the destruction of two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and damage to two others. Long-range drones were employed in the attack, which also ignited a fire in the airfield’s technical maintenance area, a key location for aircraft preparation and repairs. The General Staff noted that Su-34s are the primary tactical aircraft used by Russia for strikes on Ukrainian positions and civilian areas, often equipped with guided aerial bombs.
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Russia has concentrated 110,000 troops near Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, making it the “hottest spot” along the front line. Despite ongoing offensives for almost a year, Moscow has struggled to capture the city, likely due to Ukrainian defenses and the use of drones. Pokrovsk’s importance lies in its location on a key supply route and as a strategic target for Russia’s goal of controlling the Donetsk region. Ukrainian actions, including a counteroffensive in the Kursk region, have forced Russia to change tactics and now attempt to encircle the city.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker