Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1224: Putin’s recent speech exposes his true territorial ambitions

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Ukraine's new M-1 Abrams tanks are ready—but their brigade might not be. Ukraine is getting 49 M-1 tanks from Australia. It risks wasting them.

NATO's shortest summit reveals its deepest crisis. The Alliance still names Russia the threat—but behind closed doors, it no longer agrees on how, or even whether, to respond.

Inside Russia's secret digital war on NATO's logistics lifeline to Ukraine. A report reveals the scope of a three-year-long cyber campaign: infiltrators gained long-term access using spearphishing and known software flaws.

Military

"We're standing, and we will keep standing," Ukrainian pilot dismisses talk of peace with Russia as illusion. While Kremlin boasts advances and claims Ukraine as its own, frontline pilot Apostol calls for reinforcements. Ukrainian soldiers dragged 40-kilo grenade launcher into Russia — and kept firing under guided bombs. Then, they refused to leave it behind. Ukraine wipes out 230,000 Russian soldiers in first half of 2025 alone. Ukraine grinds down Moscow's manpower and equipment with ruthless efficiency. Ukraine hits Russian military train just days after first sabotage in partially occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russia's key supply line derailed once again. Ukraine's air defenses destroy 4,758 Russian aerial targets in June. Last night, Moscow struck Ukrainian farms and homes. Ukrainian jets flew about 895 sorties in May, Air Force reports Liutyi drones strike deep into Russia, hitting Izhevsk military plant about 1,400 km away (video). Also, local authorities declared a missile threat in Russia's Akhtubinsk, hosting an air base 600 km from the front. Frontline report: Bayraktar drones are back — and this time, they're after Russian warships. With domestic production now exceeding 120 units a year, Ukraine is deploying Turkish-designed Bayraktar drones in a new role: hunting Russian warships near Crimea. Ukrainian drones just lit up Russian-occupied Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk — here's how (video). Last night, Ukrainian drones and missiles ignited the Luhansk fuel facility, destroyed the 8th Army's command center in Donetsk, and targeted radars and aircraft in Crimea.

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine's tech revolution clashes with Russia's massive military machine — result will define future of warfare. Ukraine's defense relies on rapid innovation, cutting-edge drones, and creative battlefield technology, while Russia counters with sheer numbers and relentless production. Kyiv unveils joint manufacturing plan with Ramstein coalition, aiming to build weapons at home and abroad. All of weapons will supply the Ukrainian military. FPV-style upgrade gives Ukrainian long-range UJ-26 Beaver drone real-time visuals. Thermal imaging and new communication systems boost precision in the long-range strikes. Ukraine's Intelligence: Explosion disables Russian shadow fleet tanker, carrying 1 million barrels of sanctioned oil. The Vilamoura, carrying crude oil, was previously spotted at Russian ports and is now under tow.

International

Russia's digital invasion of Romania signals new warfare against democracy, ex-US ambassadors argue. Three retired diplomats write that Moscow's failed manipulation of Romanian elections reveals an evolving strategy targeting Western nations. ISW: While signaling peace to West, Putin's recent speech reveals drive to annex Ukrainian lands and erase its nationhood. From calling Kherson and Zaporizhzhia "Novorossiya" to branding Odesa as Russian, Putin and his aides double down on propaganda denying Ukraine's right to exist as a separate nation. Editor and director of Sputnik Azerbaijan detained in police raid as suspected Russian spies. Local reports say masked police took away the Russian propaganda outlet's leadership. FT opinion: Russia may last a year. Ukraine risks collapse within half a year without urgent aid. Russia has the manpower edge to outlast Ukraine, FT warns. Germany asked to "lead Europe" and persuade Hungary on Russia sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says European unity is at stake as Hungary and Slovakia resist.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukraine identifies Russian soldiers who tortured civilians with axe during Bucha massacre. The occupiers forcibly locked people in a cellar and interrogated them. UN confirms Russia's guilt for Olenivka massacre in 2022— Ukraine vows to hold Azovstal killers accountable. Kyiv says the pain for the 50 killed Ukrainian soldiers has never faded. United24: Ukrainian soldier tells how Russian surgeon burnt Glory to Russia on his body while in captivity. The inscription was made by the same Russian surgeon who had operated on his serious combat injuries while the soldier lay unconscious. BBC: "Life is constant tension, fear, distrust" — reality of Russian occupation in Mariupol. Ukrainian students living in occupation are forced to attend mandatory lessons where they learn that Russia "liberated" Russian-speaking populations from so-called Nazis in 2022, while teachers who refuse to participate face intimidation or termination. Ukraine captures Russian soldier who tortured and executed Ukrainian POWs. Now he faces life in prison. Sergey Tuzhilov shot a bound Ukrainian soldier in the back of the head and helped kill two others during fighting in Kharkiv Oblast last June, according to Ukrainian investigators. Read our earlier daily review here.