Russia–Ukraine War Update (June 3, 2025): Crimea Bridge Attack, Shelling in Sumy, and Stalled Peace Talks

Latest developments in the Russia–Ukraine war as of June 3, 2025: Ukraine strikes Crimea Bridge with underwater explosives, Russian shelling kills four in Sumy, and peace talks in Istanbul show no breakthrough.

💥 Ukraine Hits Crimea Bridge with Underwater Explosives

On June 3, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed an attack using underwater explosives on the strategically vital Crimea Bridge. Approximately 1,100 kg of explosives were used to damage the bridge's support structures.

Russia–Ukraine War

👉 This marks the third time Ukraine has targeted the bridge since the war began. (source)

The bridge is a crucial supply line for Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Traffic was temporarily suspended for several hours but later resumed. (source)

🎯 Russian Missile Strike Kills 4 in Sumy

On the same day, Russia launched a missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing at least four civilians and injuring 25 others, including children.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling it a deliberate attack on civilians and proof that Russia has no intention of ending the war. (source)

🕊️ Peace Talks in Istanbul Make No Progress

On June 2, the second round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, Turkey, but ended without any significant progress.
Russia presented hardline conditions, including demands for Ukraine to relinquish new territories and adopt permanent neutrality—terms Ukraine rejected.
The sides only agreed on minor issues such as prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of soldiers’ bodies. (source)

📊 Battlefield Situation and Casualties

• Russian Losses: According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Russia has lost over 1,100 armored vehicles, 1,865 tanks, and may reach 1 million casualties by summer 2025. (source)

• Slow Advance: In the Kharkiv region, Russian forces are averaging only 50 meters of progress per day—slower than the Battle of the Somme in World War I.

In Conclusion:
The past 24 hours have seen an escalation in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, with intense strikes and stalled peace efforts. Civilian casualties mount while military losses continue on both sides. The situation remains volatile and demands close monitoring in the days ahead.