Ukraine launched a major nighttime attack across approximately 12 Russian regions and Crimea on Thursday, in one of the broader single-night operations reported during the conflict. Russia struck back across Ukrainian territory before dawn.
No casualty figures had been independently verified by time of publication. Statements from both governments conflicted on specifics; wire services were still compiling accounts.
Crimea has been a sustained target throughout the conflict. Ukraine does not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of the peninsula and has pressed operations there consistently, targeting logistics infrastructure Russia uses to support forces in the south.
No ceasefire talks were announced by any party as of June 26. The conflict continues without a formal pause.
Australia's stated position, support for Ukrainian sovereignty alongside a sanctions package maintained in coordination with allied nations, remains unchanged.
