Ukraine War BUMPER NEWS Update: Pt 1 - Overnight & Other News: Kharkiv Hammered
Table of Contents 📖
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:16⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the first Ukraine War News Update for 7th June 2025, apologising for the slightly later broadcast due to the weekend.
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🪦 DISCLAIMER FOR GENERAL STAFF LOSSES DATA
- These are real people with real lives and real families who love them. Don’t let the numbers sap your humanity.
- These numbers probably aren’t accurate but they’re the best we have and we don’t need them to be accurate to be indicative of patterns of activity.
- All losses are estimates. Losses cannot be counted with accuracy because of the conditions on the ground.
- Both sides would see it to be of their advantage to minimize their own losses maximize the other side’s losses.
- Neither side releases their losses but we have enough transparency from the Ukrainian side to have confidence in they are indicative.
- Personnel losses are hard to count. If a soldier gets injured, heals up, and returns to the front line only to get injured again, is that one loss or two? Also, how to deal with losses from PMC’s or soldiers fighting with RF from occupied territories?
- Equipment losses are hard to count. If an AA complex involves several parts and one part gets disabled, is that a loss, or a fraction of a loss? If a tank gets disabled, repaired, back into the fight, then disabled again, is that one lost tank or two?
- All recorded losses are vulnerable to multiple reporting. We have already seen numerous cases of multiple drones in the air reporting the same loss from different angles as multiple engagements.
- Losses are not always reported on the same day they occurred. It is frequent that drone losses are reported at least 24 hours after other terrestrial equipment losses. Certain losses may not be reported for days or weeks for military intelligence reasons.
Russian Losses Update (06 June 2025)
🎦 00:16-03:10⏩, 03:20-03:24⏩
Jonathan presents the Ukrainian General Staff figures for Russian losses over the previous day, highlighting significant numbers:
- Personnel: 1,120 lost, consistent with recent weeks.
- Tanks: 15 lost, which is above average and significant for a single day.
- Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 52 lost, more than double the daily average, indicating considerable activity or equipment destruction.
- Artillery Systems: 56 lost, over twice the daily average.
- Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 4 lost.
- Anti-Aircraft Warfare Systems: 1 lost.
- Helicopter: 1 lost, which Jonathan speculates could be related to the Bryansk strike.
- Drones: 300 lost, following a huge attack on Kharkiv.
- Cruise Missiles: 37 lost, after major attacks on Kyiv, Lutsk, and Ternopil.
- Vehicles and Fuel Tanks: 166 lost, a large number suggesting high activity on the front lines, particularly around Sumy.
These are described as "really significant numbers," with Jonathan speculating that an unverified report from 'Sarin' about a train carrying 13 tanks and 100 armoured pieces being taken out could contribute to these figures, though he notes it's the only source for that claim.
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Russian Su-35 Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Kursk Region
🎦 04:17-06:30⏩
A Russian Su-35 fighter jet, used for launching guided bombs, was destroyed over Russia's Kursk region. This is the eighth confirmed destruction of an Su-35 by Ukraine during the war.
- Imagery: Ukrainian drone imagery reportedly captured the jet going down.
- Possible Culprits: Speculation points to an F-16 or a Patriot system, with a Patriot being more likely due to its range, as the Su-35 would typically release glide bombs from 70-95km, placing it well inside Kursk.
- Russian Confirmation: 'Fighter Bomber', a reliable Russian aviation source, admitted the incident, stating the pilot survived after ejecting. Jonathan views this as a positive outcome for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Air Force Operations in Tetkino (Kursk Oblast)
🎦 06:30-07:04⏩
The Ukrainian Air Force is "absolutely hammering" Russian forces in the town of Tetkino (Kursk Oblast), according to 'Ocean Technical'.
- Russian troops in Tetkino are now surrounded on three sides by Ukrainian forces.
- Ukrainian F-16s, MiG-29s, and Su-27s are reportedly dropping a mix of US and French-supplied precision-guided bombs on Russian positions there, giving them a "really hard time". Jonathan notes this highlights a clear air advantage for Ukraine inside Russia.
Phoenix Unit Strikes Russian Rear Positions in Russia
🎦 07:04-07:53⏩
Ukraine's 'Phoenix unit' of the Border Brigade Pompster has struck deep into Russian rear positions, destroying several high-value assets:
- A TOS-1A thermobaric multiple rocket launcher.
- Two tanks.
- An armoured vehicle.
- Artillery.
- A Shetel electronic warfare system (noted as "pretty high value").
- A drone command post.
Jonathan notes that while such videos are common, this range of destroyed equipment, especially deep inside Russian territory, adds to the high daily loss figures reported by Ukraine.
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Ukrainian Drone Strikes in Belgorod Oblast
🎦 07:54-09:01⏩, 39:10-39:16⏩
Ukrainian drones hit an electrical substation and a cell phone tower in Valyuki, Belgorod, inside Russia. Jonathan acknowledges that striking civilian infrastructure could be seen as questionable but offers a counter-argument:
- Many military units rely on mobile phone coverage.
- Military equipment, including electronic warfare or surveillance communication systems, are often placed atop tall structures like cell phone towers, making them legitimate military targets.
Ukrainian FPV Drone Supply and Distribution Challenges
🎦 09:01-12:01⏩
A BBC article quotes Serhii Varikin, commander of the 58th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade's Unmanned Systems Battalion, stating that his brigade now receives only 200-300 FPV drones per month (about 10 per day), compared to being able to launch 100 per day a year ago. This contradicts reports of increased Ukrainian drone production. Jonathan explores possible explanations for this discrepancy:
- Increased Demand: Ukraine is replacing soldiers with drone operators, creating many more drone units across an expanded front line, thus spreading available drones thinner.
- Prioritisation: More effective or prominent units might be prioritised for drone allocation, creating a "snowball effect" where successful units receive more resources, while less successful ones get fewer.
- Logistics/Corruption: Communication issues, transport breakdowns, or even corruption within senior ranks could lead to drones being misdirected or disappearing.
Jonathan remains confident that overall Ukrainian drone production and procurement are increasing, but distribution issues or differing operational priorities could explain specific units receiving fewer.
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Ukrainian Drone Interceptors' Increased Range and Success
🎦 12:01-15:48⏩
Andrew Perpetua reports a significant improvement in Ukrainian drone interceptors, which are now operating far beyond their usual limits.
- Extended Range: Previously, interceptions were routine over friendly territory or the grey zone. Now, they are occurring 12-18 kilometres, and even up to 32 kilometres, deep inside Russian territory (e.g., Kursk Oblast near Tetkino).
- Proactive Interception: This indicates that Ukraine is now sending interceptor drones into Russian airspace to take out Russian reconnaissance and kamikaze drones before they can reach the contact line or Ukrainian territory.
- Interpretation: Jonathan suggests this could mean increased range for Ukrainian interceptor drones, greater success in clearing Russian reconnaissance capabilities over Ukrainian skies, or a combination of both. He deems this a "good sign for the Ukrainians" and "super important."
Destruction of Russian Buk Surface-to-Air Missile System
🎦 15:49-16:27⏩
Ukrainian drones from the 'Shadow Unit' successfully struck a Russian Buk surface-to-air missile system on the eastern front. Jonathan notes that the destruction of Buk systems, which are a "mainstay" of Russia's medium-range air defence, is occurring with "really frequently."
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Analysis of Russian Air Defence Weaknesses in Border Regions
🎦 16:27-18:45⏩
Jonathan references a video by 'Sukhamina' discussing how Ukrainian strikes in Tetkino reveal significant Russian vulnerabilities:
- Lack of Air Defence: Russians are complaining about the absence of their own air defence coverage.
- Insufficient Support: A lack of artillery and close air support for Russian forces.
- Ukrainian Air Advantage: This suggests Ukraine has an air advantage even inside Russia, particularly in border areas.
- Systematic Degradation: Jonathan reiterates his long-held observation that Russian air defence systems, particularly Buk units, have been systematically degraded since May 2023, when Ukraine's counter-offensive revealed these weaknesses. He concludes that Russian air defences may now be insufficient to cover the front line, evidenced by a Russian jet being shot down inside Kursk.
Gas Platform Fire in Black Sea
🎦 18:45-19:25⏩
A gas platform in the Black Sea, used by Russian troops for military purposes (likely air defence or electronic warfare), caught fire near temporarily occupied Crimea. This incident, which occurred two nights prior, potentially involved active Ukrainian sea drones.
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Bryansk Airfield Attack Damage Assessment
🎦 19:25-21:17⏩
Russian media reports that the attack on Bryansk Airfield destroyed an Mi-8 transport/attack helicopter and damaged an Mi-35 helicopter. The Mi-8 reportedly burned down completely with its combat kit detonating.
- Ukrainian General Staff List: This Mi-8 loss could account for the helicopter listed in Ukrainian General Staff figures.
- Suspected Larger Damage: 'Osint Intuit' suggests the explosion was much larger than expected from just a helicopter and had signatures of solid rocket fuel, leading to suspicion that an Iskander missile system stored in a hangar was also destroyed or damaged.
- Russian Admission: Jonathan notes that Russian sources themselves have admitted to the destruction/damage of two helicopters, lending credibility to at least those claims, although he believes there was more damage.
Russian Attack on Ochakiv Wind Farm
🎦 21:18-22:28⏩
Russians are now attacking the Ochakiv wind farm, located on the Bug River Estuary, just across the water from the Kinburn Peninsula. Jonathan previously highlighted the benefits of decentralised power systems (like wind and solar) for Ukraine, but this attack demonstrates that such systems, when close to the front lines, become easy targets for Russian drones.
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Bridge Explosion in Kupiansk Area
🎦 22:29-22:59⏩
A massive bridge explosion occurred in the Kupiansk area over the Oskil River. This was not the original bridge, which had already been destroyed, but a "replacement bridge" constructed from mud and dirt. Its destruction by Russians is significant as it was still incredibly important for transport across the river.
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Fires and Sabotage in Russia
🎦 23:00-24:19⏩
Several incidents inside Russia indicate ongoing issues:
- Anapa Amusement Park Fire: The 'Jungle Park' amusement park in Anapa burnt down, one of many large fires across Russia.
- Railway Sabotage: 'Raging 545' reports that since the beginning of June, five railway lines close to the Ukrainian border have been sabotaged, including two near Bryansk and lines near Orel, Kursk, and Voronezh. Jonathan suggests this is a systematic Ukrainian effort to create obstacles for Russian supply lines, particularly vital for troops in the northern areas like Sumy.
Russian Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine
🎦 24:19-26:12⏩
Last night saw a significant Russian aerial assault on Ukraine:
- Drones: 206 Russian drones were launched. Ukraine shot down 87 and suppressed 80 via electronic warfare, meaning approximately 20% (40 drones) got through. While this is worse than the previous 0-5% success rate for Ukraine, it is better than a third getting through.
- Missiles: All 7 cruise missiles (Kalibr and Kh-59/69) were shot down, but two Iskander-M ballistic missiles were not intercepted.
Jonathan suggests that most of the successful drone strikes likely occurred in Kharkiv due to its proximity to the border, making it difficult for air defences to acquire and shoot down targets in time without being highly vulnerable themselves.
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Ukrainian Air Defence System (IRIS-T SLM) Effectiveness
🎦 26:12-28:28⏩
A video from Ukraine's 11th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade shows a soldier intercepting eight Russian cruise missiles (Kh-101 and Kalibr) with 100% accuracy in 30 seconds using an IRIS-T SLM air defence system. Jonathan highlights:
- Target Prioritisation: The system's kill-count display shows only missile intercepts, suggesting these high-value systems are reserved for cruise missiles to conserve expensive missiles, rather than being used on cheaper Shahed drones. Lower-tech systems or closer-range engagements are likely used for drones.
- Recent Provision: The launcher's unpainted, completely green appearance (contrasting with earlier sand-patterned units meant for Egypt) indicates it's a very recent German provision to Ukraine.
- Increased Missile Supply: The launcher was "fully equipped with missiles," a rare sight for Jonathan, who usually sees them at half capacity. This, coupled with Germany's pledge and delivery of 110 additional IRIS-T missiles in early 2025, suggests Ukraine has recently gained greater access to these crucial interceptor missiles.
Devastating Russian Attack on Kharkiv
🎦 28:29-31:21⏩
Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, endured its "most extensive attack" since the full-scale invasion began, according to Euromaidan Press.
- Scale of Attack: Russia launched 53 drones, 4 guided glide bombs, and missiles.
- Casualties & Damage: At least three people were killed (with others potentially still under rubble), and 21 injured, including a one-and-a-half-month-old baby and a 14-year-old girl. 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes were damaged.
- Civilian Targets: The attacks predominantly targeted civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, and businesses.
- Intensity: Tim White, who followed the attack through the night, reported up to 60 explosions in the city, describing the situation as "pretty horrific" and "horrendous war crimes."
Jonathan stresses the brutality and the sheer scale of the damage to civilian areas.
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Donald Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Anger
🎦 31:21-34:21⏩, 33:18-34:21⏩
Jonathan expresses his strong disapproval of Donald Trump's comments blaming Ukraine for being bombed by Russia, stating that Ukraine "gave Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night."
- Justification of Aggression: Jonathan highlights how Trump's remarks (e.g., analogising Ukraine to "silly boys" in a park) appear to justify Russian aggression.
- Ukrainian Reaction: He shares the raw anger of people inside Ukraine, citing Richard Woodruff, who calls Trump's statements outrageous and unhelpful. Anton Kereshenko counters Trump's narrative by stating, "Russia didn't need and never needed a reason to strike Ukraine. They've been doing that for three years, mate."
Jonathan concludes that Trump appears to be siding with Putin and that his statements are "tremendously embarrassing" and are capitalising on the suffering of Ukrainians.
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Ukrainian Retaliatory Drone Strikes on Russia (06-07 June)
34:22-35:19⏩, 37:38-40:04⏩Ukraine launched extensive retaliatory drone attacks into Russia, including during daytime hours:
- Targeted Regions: Ukrainian kamikaze drones attacked Moscow, Orel, Ryazan, Tula, and Kursk regions.
- Airport Disruptions: Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports in Moscow, as well as Kaluga Airport, suspended arrivals and departures due to drone threats.
- Russian Interceptions: Russia claimed to intercept 82 drones across seven regions between afternoon and midnight Moscow time.
- Damage: Fires were reported in Kursk due to falling drone wreckage, with damage to an agricultural firm and dry grass igniting wildfires. An electrical substation and a mobile communication tower were reportedly struck in Valyuki.
- Ongoing Activity: A new Ukrainian kamikaze drone attack was reported in Moscow on the morning of 7th June, with explosions on the city's outskirts. Jonathan notes that while there's significant activity, detailed battle damage assessments are still awaited.
Kyiv Civilian Area Strike (Two Nights Ago)
🎦 35:15-36:13⏩
Jonathan shows previously unseen footage of a Russian strike on central Kyiv from two nights prior, noting the hits on "commercial civilian areas." Anton Kereshenko commented on the Ukrainian resilience following such attacks, stating, "Ukrainians lived through that. And then very next morning, we go to work, kids go to school, life goes on. We have to, we cannot let Russia win. Our resilience never ceases to amaze me, honestly." President Zelensky also stated that Russia "even burned down another warehouse with humanitarian aid. They are waging war against cities and against life itself." Jonathan contrasts this resilience with Trump's comments.
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Transnistria Operation Considered by Ukraine
🎦 40:06-41:17⏩
According to The Washington Post, Ukraine considered an operation to attack the 1,500 Russian troops stationed in Transnistria (the annexed area east of Moldova).
- Objective: The primary goal would be to access one of the largest ammunition and equipment stores, which Ukraine desires and Russia wants to utilise but cannot easily access.
- Decision: Ukraine ultimately decided not to open a new front in Transnistria "yet."
Jonathan critiques The Washington Post for revealing such sensitive information, arguing it could inform Russia.
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"Operation Spiderweb" and Future Ukrainian Naval Drone Missions
🎦 41:09-41:52⏩
The Washington Post, citing intelligence sources, reports that Ukraine is preparing "new, powerful and large-scale operations" similar to "Operation Spiderweb" (which involved ingenious methods for delivering drones to Russian airbases). One specific possibility being considered is sending naval drones hidden in cargo containers to attack Russian and allied ships in the North Pacific Ocean. This operation has not yet begun. Jonathan ponders if more "incredible missions" will be carried out.
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Russian Railway Cyber Attack
🎦 41:52-42:09⏩
Russia admitted its rail network was subjected to a "massive cyber-attack" (DDoS attacks), which overwhelmed websites. The Kremlin claimed the traffic originated from users in Indonesia, USA, Colombia, China, and Brazil, and stated the attack was ongoing but with decreased power and speed.
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Suspected Car Bombs in Moscow & Chongar Checkpoint Delays
🎦 42:12-43:17⏩
- Moscow Car Bombs: Two suspected homemade explosive devices were found under vehicles in Moscow, prompting 'Tim White' to instantly suspect a "false flag" operation designed to portray Ukrainians negatively and Russian police positively.
- Chongar Checkpoint Delays: Long queues of Russian trucks have formed at the Chongar checkpoint between occupied Crimea and Kherson. Authorities are conducting thorough inspections, leading to massive tailbacks. Jonathan suggests this reflects Russia's justifiable fear of Ukrainian drone attacks in Crimea, similar to the "Operation Spiderweb" tactics.
Wagner PMC Announces Mission Completion in Mali
🎦 43:17-44:48⏩
PMC Wagner has announced the completion of its mission in Mali and is "returning home."
- Previous Reports: This follows recent reports of Malians and Russians taking hits, and Ukrainian activity in Mali supporting Tuareg rebels.
- Wagner's Claim: A Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel stated they "eliminated thousands of militants," "helped local patriots build a strong and disciplined army," and returned "all regional capitals... under the control of the legitimate government" over three and a half years.
- Jonathan's Speculation: Jonathan questions if this withdrawal genuinely reflects successful completion of objectives or if Ukrainian undermining operations have played a role in forcing Wagner's departure.
Russian Economic Situation: Interest Rates and Oil Exports
🎦 44:49-48:20⏩
- Interest Rate Cut: The Russian Central Bank cut its key interest rate for the first time since 2022. While the Kiev Independent reports this reflects decreasing inflation, Jonathan suggests it also indicates a lack of economic activity and growth, as inflation often signals a "heated economy." The move is also attributed to political pressure amid Russia's economic slowdown.
- Oil Industry Losses: Russia's fourth-largest oil company reported heavy losses, with the entire Russian oil sector collectively losing $4 billion in Q1 2025, a significant reversal from a $4 billion profit a year earlier. This occurred before the recent fall in oil prices, suggesting Q2 will be even worse.
- Oil Export Decline: Russian oil exports fell by a sharp 29% in the final week of May, the steepest weekly drop since the full-scale invasion. The 17th round of EU sanctions is "biting hard," disrupting loadings, payments, and insurance, forcing Russia to rely on a shrinking "shadow fleet."
- US Sanctions: Jonathan notes that while Europe is applying "real pressure," the US has yet to enact tighter sanctions (like the Lindsey Graham proposition), allowing Russia space to adapt and exploit gaps in the sanctions front.
Russian False Flag Propaganda Video
🎦 48:21-51:00⏩
Jonathan highlights a "hilarious" propaganda video released by Russian Z-bloggers, which claims to show a Ukrainian operative attempting a drone diversion near a military site being thwarted.
- Staged Nature: Jonathan calls it an "obvious setup" due to its clearly staged and amateurish nature. The video depicts a lone "Ukrainian" in a poncho "fiddling" with a drone in the grass, then comically attempting to run before being apprehended, followed by convenient discoveries of a gun, two drones, a backpack, and a bomb.
- Contrast with Reality: Jonathan contrasts this with the actual sophistication of Ukrainian operations like "Operation Spiderweb," which involved complex planning (e.g., trucks with solar panels).
- "Sims" Analogy: He likens it to previous ludicrous Russian false flags, such as planting 'The Sims' computer games in a flat to frame alleged "Nazi" saboteurs, having misheard "three SIMs."
Medvedev's Mockery of US Political Discord
🎦 51:00-51:37⏩
Jonathan notes the "tremendously embarrassing" ongoing public feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, which Dmitry Medvedev of Russia has seized upon. Medvedev publicly offered to mediate a "peace deal" between Musk and Trump for a "reasonable fee" and to accept Starlink shares as payment. Jonathan finds this mockery indicative of Russia capitalising on internal US political disunity and "stupidity."
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Wrap up
🎦 51:37-52:00⏩
Jonathan thanks his viewers, promising shorter videos soon as content volume hopefully decreases. He spares a "long and ponderous thought for the Ukrainians caught in Kharkiv," describing the situation there as "pretty horrific." He concludes by wishing everyone well.
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🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand
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