A bomb attack at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow killed three people, including the bomber, and wounded 21. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called it a "brutal terrorist act." No one has claimed responsibility, but Russian war bloggers speculated a link to the Ukraine war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky states Russia is seeking 30,000 more troops and missile launchers from North Korea to aid in the war against Ukraine, with preparations underway in Russia's Voronezh region.
Laura Loomer, a prominent Donald Trump ally and conservative influencer, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a dramatic reversal of her long-held skepticism towards Ukraine and its conflict with Russia. Her shift in perspective, following an air raid experience, could have political implications in Washington.
The EU unveiled its largest sanctions package in four years against Russia, leading FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend his activity. The measures target 218 individuals and entities, including banks, vessels, and military-industrial complex, while Ukraine faces ongoing attacks.
Top US and Russian diplomats, Marco Rubio and Sergey Lavrov, discussed the Ukraine war on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Manila, Philippines. Lavrov reiterated Russia's readiness for a political settlement and condemned Western arms supplies, while Rubio affirmed the US's willingness to play a constructive role in ending the conflict.
Secretary Rubio will meet Lavrov in Manila to discuss the Ukraine war and potential cooperation. He also discussed a South China Sea incident with China's Wang Yi, while ASEAN ministers negotiate a non-aggression pact.
Russia is actively recruiting foreign nationals from economically vulnerable regions for its war in Ukraine, often using deceptive promises of work or high wages. Many recruits, including Kenyans, Cubans, and Bangladeshis, face combat, death, or severe injury, with families struggling to recover bodies or find answers, prompting international concern.
Russia's extensive nuclear arsenal has proven ineffective in the Ukraine war, despite threats. The article argues tactical nuclear weapons are unlikely to be used due to historical ineffectiveness in non-nuclear conflicts, risk of radioactive fallout on Russian territory, and Moscow's claim over eastern Ukrainian oblasts.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that former Russian and German officials held a secret meeting in Baku in mid-July to discuss the Ukraine war, a development of which Azerbaijan was unaware until after the fact. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Putin continues to refuse negotiations.
The UN reports a sharp increase in civilian casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war, with 1,396 killed and 7,978 wounded in Ukraine in H1 2026, and 250 killed and 1,596 injured in Russia during H1 this year. Long-range missiles and drones are cited as primary causes. India protested a Russian strike on a ship near Odesa that killed 10, including four Indians.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, thanking Pyongyang for its support in the Ukraine war. Choe's visit, without an obvious occasion, fuels speculation she is coordinating a potential visit by Kim Jong Un to Russia, following Putin's prior invitation.
North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ammunition and missile shipments for the Ukraine war, and prepare for a possible Kim Jong-un visit. Putin thanked North Korea for its support and for sending Korean People's Army soldiers to the Kursk region.
EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss sanctions against Russia, with no agreement yet on the 21st package. Meanwhile, the 'Coalition of the Willing' convened in Paris to reaffirm support for Ukraine, focusing on military aid and defense cooperation. Drone strikes near Moscow reportedly killed at least three people.
Russia's budget deficit reached 2.5% of GDP in H1, while tensions rise between Iran and the US over alleged plots. Updates on the Ukraine war include Patriot missile production plans, drone attacks, and NATO discussions. Other news covers Iran's farewell ceremonies, Israel's actions in Gaza, and Turkey's S-400 sales.
Mama Regina in Cameroon waits for her son's body, who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine. He left seeking a better future, a new migration route for Africans drawn to the war's pay and conditions.
US President Donald Trump voiced disappointment with NATO at a summit in Turkiye, citing allies' defense spending and support during the US-Iran conflict. Tensions also arose over Greenland and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russia reports massive Ukrainian drone attacks, while NATO prepares significant aid for Ukraine. Tensions rise as US and Russia exchange rhetoric, and Ukraine faces internal challenges. Discussions around potential Putin-Trump meetings and broader geopolitical shifts are ongoing.
UK newspapers cover US President Trump's request to Fifa regarding a red card, Prince Harry's UK visit and accommodation dispute, a rise in ADHD disability benefits, Ukrainian President Zelensky's views on the war, and a new endometriosis test.
Ukraine's President Zelensky pleaded for Patriot interceptor missiles after Russia's latest bombardment killed at least 26 people in the Kyiv region. He cited an inability to intercept ballistic missiles due to a shortage. Meanwhile, the US urged NATO allies to increase defense spending immediately ahead of a summit.
President Trump attends a NATO summit facing pressure on defense spending and Russia's war in Ukraine. He spoke with Putin and Zelenskyy, expressing belief that both leaders want the war to end, though experts remain skeptical.
NATO summit opens in Ankara, focusing on defense spending increases amid Russia's Ukraine invasion and US calls for greater European burden-sharing. Leaders will discuss concrete plans to meet the 2035 goal of 5% of GDP for defense expenditures.
The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new phase with recent drone strikes on Russian oil facilities and a large-scale attack on Kyiv. U.S. President Trump reportedly discussed the conflict with both Putin and Zelenskyy, ahead of a NATO summit.
President Donald Trump will meet President Volodymyr Zelensky at a Nato summit in Turkey next week. This comes as Ukraine warns Russia is preparing a "massive strike" following drone attacks on St Petersburg and Crimea.
US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the US expects European allies to bear the financial burden of the war in Ukraine, while affirming continued US support. He anticipates substantial announcements regarding further aid to Kyiv at the upcoming NATO summit on July 7-8.
