RUSSIA VS UKRAIN WAR UPDATE

Here are the latest updates on the Russia‑Ukraine war as of June 20, 2025:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified rhetoric, asserting that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people” and claiming “the whole of Ukraine is ours,” even suggesting a potential push for control over Sumy to establish a buffer zone .
Western analysts warn this marks a renewed expansionist aim, with talks underway on reopening peace initiatives contingent on Ukraine recognizing Russian territory claims

Ukrainian forces continue limited advances in northern Sumy Oblast, reclaiming positions south of Andriivka, while Russian attacks persist near Sumy City
Russia seized the village of Kostiantynivka in Sumy Oblast during its spring offensive on June 2–3 .

On June 17–18, Russia launched its deadliest airstrike campaign of the year on Kyiv—175 drones, 14 cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles—killing over 28 civilians and injuring more than 130 .
Ukrainian deep-penetration drone raids—known as “Operation Spider’s Web”—struck five Russian air bases on June 1, destroying at least 10 long-range bombers and damaging over 20 aircraft .
On June 3, Ukrainian agents damaged the Crimean Bridge with explosives in a targeted SBU operation

A fifth POW exchange was carried out per the Istanbul accord, though Russia reportedly inflated figures. Ukraine has received over 6,000 fallen soldiers’ remains under that agreement, with about 1,245 delivered recently

Russia’s economy shows signs of strain, with comments from officials suggesting a recession is looming
Meanwhile, the EU plans to phase out Russian gas by 2027 and is proposing strict sanctions while condemning attacks timed with diplomatic events like the G7 summit .

A shocking alleged case emerged of a Russian soldier resorting to cannibalism endured on the front lines—highlighting the brutal and chaotic nature of the conflict
Casualties continue to mount: CSIS estimates ~950,000 Russian killed or wounded (including ~250,000 dead), and Ukrainian losses between 400,000–700,000 under various assessments

Russia is visibly escalating pressure both militarily and rhetorically, signaling readiness for broader offensives.
Ukraine counters with strategic deep strikes and frontline positional gains.
Diplomatic and economic warfare continues—sanctions tightening, gas embargoes in planning—while POW and repatriation efforts proceed amid allegations of manipulation.
Civilian toll remains high, with tragic narratives underscoring the brutal realities of a prolonged war.