Russia opened a new front in Sumy Oblast in early June, capturing around a dozen border villages. The push followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's May declaration that Moscow aimed to create a "security buffer zone" along Ukraine's northeastern border.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone attacks, with five people dead in the strikes, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was optimistic about military progress.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country needs funds of more than $65 billion annually as it continues to battle against Russian forces. "Ukraine must tackle a deficit of $40 billion.