Parliamentary elections in France, Russian strike on Kharkiv - Weekend brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

• Ukraine launches serial production of drones with over 1,000 km range

• Russia-Ukraine war: British intelligence review of front line

US signs billion-dollar contract for Patriot missiles

The United States will purchase missiles for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems. The US Army has signed a multi-year contract with Lockheed Martin worth $4.5 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, the American military ordered 870 PAC-3 MSE missiles and related equipment.

Lockheed Martin manufactures the latest PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles used to arm the Patriot system. According to US Army budget documents, these missiles cost about $4 million each.

Belarus reports tension on border with Ukraine

Statements by the Belarusian Defense Ministry about tension on the border with Ukraine may be a provocation by the Russian Federation to pull the Ukrainian Armed Forces away from the front line,

Such statements indicate that Russia's information operation to stir up tension on the border with Belarus is being unwound. For this purpose, military observers have already been deployed there, saying that Ukraine is preparing an attack on Belarus.

Can Ukraine destroy Russian S-500 air defense system in Crimea: Security Service's response

In early June, it became known that Russia had transferred elements of a new S-500 anti-aircraft missile system to Crimea.

According to the head of Ukraine's Security Service, Ukraine is monitoring all movements of Russian equipment in Crimea. However, "everything has its time".

"Everything has its time, we are constantly working, including on enemy air defense systems. Of course, there will be many different surprises ahead," he said.

Zelenskyy calls on West not to delay assistance after Russian strike on Vilniansk

According to the head of state, there are ways to overcome the daily Russian terror that affects Ukrainian cities and communities. To do this, he said, it is necessary to destroy Russian terrorists and launchers where they exist, as well as to increase the number of modern air defense systems in Ukraine.

"I am grateful to all partners who help. And the decisions we need must be accelerated. Any delay in making decisions in this war means the loss of human lives," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Russia holds over 14,000 Ukrainians illegally - Ombudsman

"Returning three categories of Ukrainian citizens - children, prisoners of war, and civilians - it is the civilian group that presents the greatest challenge," the ombudsman said.

Explaining further, the ombudsman clarified that, unlike prisoners of war, there is no exchange process for civilians. "We cannot trade them, nor do we have direct means to exert additional influence on the Russian Federation. We lack even a legal basis to conduct this process," he added.

Zelenskyy explains what Ukraine needs to protect itself from Russian glide bombs

According to the head of state, it is necessary to look for solutions to attack Russian airfields where Russian planes that drop bombs are located.

"There are airfields where they use glide bombs, and as long as their bombs do not fly at a long distance, we can hit these airfields. But there are already airfields at a greater distance. Today, we need to be allowed to use ATACMS deep into the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy said.

Russia drops FAB-500 on Kharkiv again: Aftermath report

According to the Kharkiv prosecutor's office, preliminary data indicate that the Russians dropped an FAB-500 on the city, as evidenced by the wreckage that has already been collected at the scene.

According to the State Emergency Service, the strike caused a fire in an area of 200 square meters. Eight trucks were on fire, and another 6 trucks, 3 industrial and warehouse buildings, and a medical facility were damaged.

The strike destroyed the Nova Poshta postal terminal.

Zelenskyy announces talks with partners to authorize strikes on Russian airfields

"Strikes on the Russian border helped protect lives. So will further decisions - the bold decisions that must be made, that we need, and that we are constantly talking about with our partners. In the coming weeks, we will continue to communicate to get the necessary decisions," Zelenskyy said.

Who wins in first round of parliamentary elections in France

According to the Ifop exit poll, the National Rally party, whose formal leader is the pro-Russian Marine Le Pen, is supported by 34.2% of voters. The far-left Popular Front is in second place with 29.1% of the vote. But President Emmanuel Macron's political party is in third place with 21.5% of the vote.

France has another round of elections ahead. Since it has a majority system, the situation may change in the second round.