Euromaidan Press Staff

Dnipro Hydroelectric Station, a major Ukrainian power plant, is in critical condition and unable to generate electricity following a Russian missile strike.

In a significant development, Ukraine has secured the release of 75 soldiers and civilians who had been held captive by Russian forces.

This represents a loosening of previous restrictions amid Ukraine's escalating cross-border attacks.

Ukraine has used Western-supplied weapons to strike targets within Russia, according to reports, testing the boundaries of allied support. France and Germany appear open to such strikes, while the US remains opposed, highlighting divisions among Ukraine's partners.

Belgium has pledged to deliver 30 F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv by 2028, with the initial aircraft arriving this year.

Ukraine is mounting counterattacks near Vovchansk and Starytsia in the Kharkiv Oblast, while Russia continues its assault on Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. Meanwhile, Spain has committed a record $1.1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including Leopard 2 tanks and Patriot missiles, and signed a security agreement with Kyiv.

Russian troops have failed to achieve Vladimir Putin’s stated goal of creating a “buffer zone” to the north of Kharkiv, though there are signs that Russia is gathering forces for another attempt.

Russian armed forces attacked Kharkiv multiple times throughout the day, hitting a shopping center and a residential area among others. Six people have been killed as a result, and many have been injured.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that their forces are engaged in fierce battles, successfully repelling a Russian advance in Kharkiv Oblast and launching a counterattack. The UK intelligence suggested that Russia deploys Africa Corps in Kharkiv offensive. The US also announced a $275 million military aid package to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, while Germany and Denmark delivered Leopard tanks and HIMARS to Ukraine.

The attack on Kharkiv targeted a large printing enterprise, killing seven and injuring more than 20 people, after which President Zelenskyy urged the allies again to provide air defense systems to Ukraine.

Ukraine deploys maritime drones with rockets and tests a land drone for mine clearance, Germany plans to use Russian asset revenues for aid, the UK accuses China of arming Russia, and Sweden pledges $7 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

As the war grinds on, neutralizing Russia's naval dominance brings Ukraine one step closer to securing sea control and unblocking grain exports from its ports.

Marking five years as president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the West for being extremely slow in making decisions on military aid to Kyiv.

The General Staff of Ukraine reports that intense fighting is ongoing between Russian and Ukrainian forces.