For the first time in over 360 years, pelican chicks have hatched in London's St James's Park. Four chicks, born since May 17, have survived their first month, delighting park staff. The pelicans, a gift to King Charles II in 1664, typically breed in larger groups, making this event a significant first.
Russia's ambassador to Cuba, Viktor Koronelli, stated that Russia continues to provide food aid to the island through its contributions to the UN World Food Program (WFP). He met with WFP Regional Director Lena Savelli to discuss ongoing assistance amid difficult conditions caused by US measures.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the visit of ambassadors from Britain, France, and Germany to the Russian Foreign Ministry on June 11, 2026, served only to reaffirm an ultimatum to the Russian Federation. The article was initially intended for publication in Politico-Europe but was canceled.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with US Ambassador Sergio Gor in New Delhi to enhance bilateral security cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism and counternarcotics. The discussions aim to combat threats and bring criminals to justice, reinforcing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
British Ambassador to China, Wilson, made a rare visit to Yangjialing, a former revolutionary site and communist heartland where President Xi Jinping once performed hard labour. The visit, at the invitation of the International Department, included tours of the Yanan Revolutionary Memorial Hall, a key site for Beijing's ideology messaging.
Israel's ambassador to the US stated Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, casting doubt on a US-Iran agreement for regional de-escalation. Former Lebanese Ambassador Tracy Chamoun believes Israel aims to acquire territory and resources, violating Lebanese sovereignty and complicating ceasefire efforts.
Seoul's KOSPI hits record high above 9,000 driven by chipmakers and AI, Michelle Steel confirmed as US Ambassador to South Korea, and South Korea's global competitiveness rises 6 notches in 2026.
The US Senate confirmed Michelle Steel, a Korean American former congresswoman, as the next ambassador to South Korea. The vote paves the way for her to take up the post, vacant since January 2023, and focus on alliance modernization and bilateral agreements.
President Lee Jae Myung will host a luncheon next week for ambassadors from 118 countries and chiefs of international organizations to brief them on his recent European trip and administration's diplomatic policies.
Chinese official Xie advocated for a significant expansion of the tariff-free trade list with the US, suggesting it be doubled to $60 billion or even raised to $300 billion, arguing the current exemption list is insufficient given the scale of bilateral trade.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Michelle Steel, a former Korean American congresswoman, as the next ambassador to South Korea in a 55-39 vote. She will focus on modernizing the alliance and implementing security and trade agreements.
Former British ambassador to the EU, Ivan Rogers, criticizes Labour's approach to the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, calling it unprepared and lacking a coherent vision. He argues their proposed solutions are technocratic and irrelevant to the EU's core concerns.
Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov stated that the Canadian government understands Vladimir Zelensky is finished and his regime faces imminent military defeat. He criticized new Canadian sanctions against Moscow as "empty public-relations stunts" masking "helplessness."
Ukraine's armed forces conducted approximately 230 drone attacks on Russia's Belgorod Region in the past week, resulting in four civilian deaths and nearly 60 injuries, including five children. Additionally, Ukrainian troops intensified attacks on Bryansk Region, killing four civilians and injuring 14 on June 11 alone.
Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, contradicting an alleged US-brokered agreement with Iran. He asserted that any deal with Iran does not involve Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.
US ambassadors' tradition of intimate dinners in Brussels, used for building consensus among European allies, has largely disappeared under Donald Trump. These 'like-minded' gatherings facilitated off-the-record discussions on key policy issues, fostering candid exchanges that are now seen as diminished.
Joshua of K-pop group Seventeen will speak at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 25 as a youth goodwill ambassador. The event is part of a joint initiative with UNESCO focused on youth creativity and well-being, with the group having previously donated $1 million to establish a global youth fund.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe is making mistaken assumptions about Russia losing the Ukraine conflict and believes it can issue ultimatums. He commented on his visit to Belarus and meeting with President Lukashenko, emphasizing that these calculations are groundless.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko met with Lebanon's Ambassador to Moscow, Bashir Chauki Saleh Azzam, to express "serious concern" over "ongoing instability in Lebanon, caused by external factors." The meeting also touched upon Russian-Lebanese relations and the importance of maintaining a ceasefire.
Over 800 Russian residents were wounded by Ukrainian drone attacks in May, with Ambassador Rodion Miroshnik attributing the rise to increased Western drone deliveries to Ukraine. He stated drones are the deadliest weapon, causing over 78% of civilian casualties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that ambassadors from Great Britain, Germany, and France offered no new proposals during their recent meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Lavrov also criticized European assumptions that Russia is losing the war in Ukraine, calling such ultimatums "illusory."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that ambassadors from the UK, Germany, and France offered no new proposals during a recent meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Ukraine. Lavrov characterized their stance as an attempt to remain involved in negotiations, despite what he described as misguided European assumptions about Russia's position.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed with his Belarusian counterpart the details of a meeting with European ambassadors in Moscow. The ambassadors presented a five-point document of demands from Germany, France, and Britain.
The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a deal to end months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. The agreement, if signed, would see Iran halt uranium enrichment and end support for regional proxies. Former President Obama expressed skepticism, questioning its difference from the 2015 deal.
