EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas confirmed reports that China's military has trained Russian personnel for Ukraine. The EU is assessing implications and agreed to sanction Chinese entities. Reports suggest drone training based on a July 2025 agreement, though China denies involvement.
UK Defence Minister John Healey's resignation, alongside armed forces minister Al Carns, signals leadership ambition and exposes the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal's political fragility. The move left Australian ministers waiting, highlighting AUKUS as a political stunt rather than a policy-driven initiative.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Russia on June 16-17, 2026. During his trip to Moscow, he will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and meet with President Vladimir Putin, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused German official Johann Wadephul of being a 'good disciple of Goebbels' for repeating accusations over the Bucha massacre. Lavrov also stated that Europe is 'scheming' against Russia and that European values equate to depriving Russians of basic rights.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that the US will prioritize Ukraine peace talks, suggesting Europe lacks a full understanding of the situation. He voiced concern about European "unrealistic plans" ahead of the G7 summit.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that implementing the Alaska agreements would be the first stage in ending the conflict and allow for coordination on other Ukraine-related details. He expects the US to take specific steps regarding the agreement reached by the presidents in Anchorage last year, which he noted was initially proposed by the US.
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 the Ukrainian conflict was the main topic during his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Lavrov described the conflict as a "hybrid war" initiated by the West against Russia using Ukraine.
Australian activists who joined a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza allege sexual assault by Israeli defence personnel. Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with the activists, assuring them the Australian Federal Police (AFP) will investigate their claims. The Israeli embassy has denied the allegations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that "everything must be done" to ensure justice prevails in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the rights of Russian speakers.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed a US-Iran peace deal to end hostilities, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a new poll shows One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has overtaken Anthony Albanese as preferred PM, with the party also seeing a surge in donations.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to stable bilateral relations and offering support for Mongolia's development. The leaders discussed aligning development strategies and enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, green development, and the digital economy, with trade expected to reach $20 billion this year. Mongolia pledged not to harm China's interests.
High-level representatives from the United States and Iran may meet in Switzerland next week. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar plans to travel to Switzerland to prepare for the meeting, whose agenda is not specified.
Mongolia's President U. Khurelsukh met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Ulaanbaatar, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship and shared strategic goals. Both leaders expressed commitment to deepening comprehensive strategic partnership, with Mongolia reaffirming its adherence to the One-China principle and China pledging to be a reliable neighbor and partner.
The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, following months of conflict. The agreement, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, involves Iran allowing free passage through the strait in exchange for the US lifting sanctions and unfreezing assets incrementally. Negotiations on Iran's nuclear program are expected to follow.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib stated that armed operations are harming the economy and hindering tourism, dragging Lebanon into unnecessary wars. He emphasized the need for the Lebanese government to reassert state authority with international support, while proceeding cautiously to avoid internal friction.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that control over the Strait of Hormuz will not revert to its pre-war status, as Iran and Oman will jointly administer the waterway and charge service fees. This comes as the US and Iran finalize a deal to end a conflict that began with joint US-Israeli bombardments.
Iran and the US are reportedly close to an agreement to end their war, with mediators in Pakistan working to finalize the details. Both countries' foreign ministers have expressed optimism, though US President Trump has disputed leaked terms from Iran. Israel has stated it is not a party to the deal.
India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar defended the nation's energy ties with Moscow, stating the US had previously asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global markets. He also criticized Europe's stance on India's imports and its arms sales to countries that have attacked India. Separately, a fire in Delhi killed three people.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran and Washington are close to signing a memorandum to end a conflict. He stated that the agreement, which will be signed digitally, could happen in the coming days as final talks conclude.
Iran's Foreign Minister Erakchi stated that a memorandum of understanding might be signed digitally within days. He emphasized that negotiations for a final deal would not proceed if the terms of the MoU are not implemented, particularly regarding 60% enriched uranium and sanctions relief. Erakchi also mentioned the lifting of the US naval blockade and the administration of the Strait of Hormuz as key points in the potential agreement, identifying Israel as an enemy of the deal.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the US will pledge non-interference in Tehran's internal affairs under a memorandum of understanding. The deal also includes an end to Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Araghchi stated that failure to implement the MoU would halt talks on a final agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Israel is actively working to prevent an agreement between Tehran and Washington. He indicated that details about the 'Zionist regime's' attempts would be revealed later to avoid escalating tensions and jeopardizing the deal's signing. Araghchi previously mentioned that Tehran and Washington were very close to signing a memorandum to end the conflict.
Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla denounced US sanctions against state oil company CUPET as "crude lies" and "aggressive, uncouth, and rabid lies." The US claims assets were unlawfully expropriated and accuses Cuba of hoarding energy. The sanctions follow a pattern of intensified US pressure, impacting daily life, medical supplies, and infant mortality on the island.
