EU members agreed to the 21st sanctions package against Russia after weeks of negotiations, targeting energy, financial services, crypto, and trade. The deal includes an LNG exemption for Greece and maintains the oil price cap.
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed military chief Oleksandr Syrskii, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi, following days of protests in Kyiv over the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had previously clashed with Syrskii.
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.
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.
Russian forces are employing camouflage and jamming systems, including those targeting Elon Musk's Starlink, to counter Ukrainian "mid-strike" drone attacks. These drones, often reliant on Starlink, have been effective in disrupting Russian logistics.
The International Olympic Committee has lifted its suspension on Russia, allowing Russian athletes to potentially compete at the Los Angeles Olympics. The ban, imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, was lifted after the Russian Olympic Committee removed Ukrainian territories from its jurisdiction. However, decisions on Russian flags and anthems, and hosting events in Russia, remain with international federations.
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere urged China to leverage its relationship with Russia to facilitate a negotiated settlement for the war in Ukraine, citing it as crucial for improved Sino-European relations. Discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo focused heavily on Ukraine, with Norway emphasizing the need for unconditional negotiations starting with a ceasefire on the current front lines.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte contacted Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi after a Chinese nuclear submarine fired a test missile into the Pacific, stating Nato cannot be 'naive' about China's military development given intertwined global theatres.
The US has warned Poland about a potential Russian "provocation" targeting vital infrastructure or involving border incursions, aimed at testing Nato's resolve and pressuring Western allies to cut aid to Ukraine.
Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that Britain's anti-Russian policy and support for Ukraine will persist despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation. Slutsky believes this stance harms British citizens, citing migration crises and declining living standards due to financial aid for the Ukraine conflict.
Top Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, are returning Polish state honors after Poland's President Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. The dispute stems from Ukraine naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which Poland accuses of WWII massacres of Poles. Ukrainian officials view the move as beneficial to Russia.
Top Ukrainian officials are returning Polish state honors in protest after Poland's president stripped Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest award. The move, linked to Ukraine naming a military unit after a WWII militia accused of massacres of Poles, could strain ties between the strategic partners.
The European Union has initiated tentative diplomatic contacts with Russia to ensure Europe's involvement in potential peace talks for the Ukraine war, as Ukraine launches significant drone attacks on Russian targets.
Russia has introduced a decree offering "humanitarian support" and residency visas to foreigners from countries deemed to impose "destructive neoliberal ideological policies." Citizens from Europe, the US, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand are eligible. In the past year, 1,112 visas were granted, with German and French nationals being the largest recipients.
Crimea has banned nighttime rides on mopeds, quad bikes, and motorcycles, citing their noise resemblance to drone attacks and alleging children are deliberately involved. Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on the peninsula, impacting supply routes and fuel availability. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone hit a Moscow refinery, halting operations, and Russia's strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine.
G7 leaders aim to prioritize the Ukraine war, with Donald Trump suggesting the US may soon reinstate sanctions on Russian oil. Meanwhile, Ukraine reports a bomber crash and Russian strikes kill at least eight people across multiple regions. A Russian artist critical of Putin was killed in Poland.
President Trump indicated the US might reimpose sanctions on Russian oil as part of a G7 effort to pressure the Kremlin. This comes after a weekend truce eased global energy prices, previously impacted by the war with Iran. Leaders agreed to increase economic pressure on Moscow.
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the G7 summit in France, pledging further support for Kyiv and urging Russia to "make a deal" to end the war. European leaders emphasized the need for continued U.S. commitment to Ukraine's defense.
G7 leaders are trying to refocus President Trump on the Ukraine war, which has been overshadowed by the Iran conflict. Despite U.S. aid cuts, France and European allies remain key supporters of Kyiv. Trump plans to meet Zelenskyy and stated he wants to focus on Ukraine, calling the war 'ridiculous'. The UK announced new sanctions against Russia's 'shadow fleet'.
US President Donald Trump stated Russia should make a peace deal with Ukraine and vowed to "do whatever I can" to end the war following a meeting with President Zelensky and G7 leaders at a summit in France. Trump described the high casualties on both sides as 'ridiculous'.
Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore stated that Vladimir Putin is attempting to intimidate the UK through sabotage, arson, and cyber attacks, aiming to expand the conflict beyond Ukraine. This follows recent arson attacks linked to a Russian-speaking Telegram user.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has requested an investigation into Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser's meetings with Russian officials. Kartheiser, previously removed from his group over a Moscow trip, has held video calls and visited Russia, participating in the St Petersburg Economic Forum. Metsola cited concerns that these actions could misrepresent the Parliament's stance and potentially breach the code of conduct regarding disclosure and reputation.
G7 leaders convene in France to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine and the Middle East crisis. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will attend. The summit follows a US-Iran conflict resolution, with leaders aiming to ease economic impacts and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
