Russia’s Defense Minister Shoigu claimed on June 6, 2023, that Russia had thwarted Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the ongoing war between the two countries. However, evidence to support this claim was thin, according to Meduza. The Ukrainian military had been able to break through Russian lines, as stated by Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is reportedly close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin made the statement in an interview with Newsweek, in which he also claimed that the war was a “proxy conflict” between Russia and the United States. CNN reported on the Russia-Ukraine news on the same day, noting that June 6 also marked the 23rd anniversary of the ceasefire that ended the first Chechen war. WION detailed Russia’s military arsenal in the conflict, including hypersonic missiles and advanced tanks. The situation remains tense as the conflict continues.