The war in Ukraine is gradually returning to Russia with the Ukrainian armed forces' Kursk operation. Approval ratings and trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin have declined.
Despite statements about willingness to negotiate, Russia remains highly motivated to achieve its goals for Ukraine. The Ukrainian army used a new weapon, the Palianytsia drone missile.
Ukraine is securing potential claims for late resettlers as refugees. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes Ukraine's will for freedom and warns against turning Ukraine into a buffer zone.
At least five civilians were killed in a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine. The historic house of Ukrainian fighter Nestor Makhno was destroyed in a Russian attack.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged 115 prisoners with UAE mediation, the first since Ukraine's Kursk operation. President Zelenskyy signed laws ratifying the Rome Statute and banning the Russian-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The US imposed sanctions on organizations and individuals allegedly supporting Russia's war. Norway granted Ukraine a license to develop artillery shells.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda and Lithuania's Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte attended Ukraine's Independence Day. Ukraine's Kursk offensive is seen as impressive but risky, showing Ukraine's capability for large-scale operations.
The future of the offensive and the possibility of maintaining captured territory remain uncertain. President Zelenskyy warned Putin against further attacks on Ukraine and emphasized Ukraine's readiness to defend its independence.
