Kyiv in focus: new attacks and impending customs measures against Russia

Kyiv in focus: new attacks and impending customs measures against Russia

Charkiw, Ukraine - On June 12, 2025, the war in Ukraine continues to tear headlines. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans a visit to Kiev to find out about the current situation. Against the background of repeated Russian drone attacks, this happens in which several people were injured in Charkiw, including four children. According to the military governor of Charkiw, a total of 15 people were violated by such attacks that also damage civilian infrastructure.

The EU has decided on Russian goods in a further step, especially on fertilizer and food to make Russia more difficult to finance the war. These customs increases concern agricultural imports such as sugar, vinegar, flour and animal feed and are gradually introduced over a period of three years. The decision of the EU is part of the ongoing efforts to increase the pressure on Russia, especially after a massive attack with over 400 drones and 40 rockets, which calls for President Selenskyj for increased international support.

military developments

According to reports from the Ukrainian military, attacks on Russian airfields and fuel camps in the Oblasten Rjasan and Saratow were also confirmed. These attacks are referred to as preventive measures with regard to a potential massive attack. In the meantime, Russian sources stated that they shot down 174 Ukrainian drones during their attacks. At the same time, the city of Engels in Saratow reported that a high -rise was hit, but could not complain about injuries.

In order to strengthen your own air defense, Airbus equips the Bundeswehr with DircM systems (Directed Infrared Counter Measures) for 23 A400M military aircraft. These technologies should protect the aircraft from rocket attacks with infrared search heads.

political reactions and economic effects

In politics, the pressure on Russia is becoming increasingly stronger. SPD boss Lars Klingbeil distances himself from a fundamental paper, which calls for a realignment of defense policy and discussions with Russia. In contrast, SPD foreign politician Ralf Stegner defends the need for military deterrence and diplomatic conversations with the neighbor. Norbert Walter-Borjans, former SPD leader, warns of an "armaments frenzy" and emphasizes the importance of a dialogue.

The economic consequences of the war are increasingly noticeable. High inflation, strongly increased energy prices and bottlenecks in vital goods put a strain on the German economy. In particular, the dependence on energy imports from Russia has led to price increases that have risen rapidly since the beginning of the conflict. The inflation rate, which is also fired by material shortages and delivery bottlenecks, lets consumers and companies look concerned about the future.

The current events illustrate that the war in Ukraine brings not only humanitarian, but also serious geopolitical and economic challenges, the effects of which will be felt for a long time.

For more information about these developments, visit: Tagesschau , mdr , Tagesschau Wirtschaft .