The Australian Forest Products Association alleges Russian timber is entering Australia by exploiting sanctions loopholes, being re-routed through countries like China and Lithuania. They estimate up to 100,000 cubic metres annually, impacting local industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
Donald Trump has told Vladimir Putin that ending the conflict in Ukraine was vital and he is ready to help, according to a Kremlin foreign policy adviser. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Trump, discussing peace and Ukraine's improved position on the eastern front.
Donald Trump informed Vladimir Putin during a Sunday phone call that ending Russia's war in Ukraine is critical and he is prepared to assist. Trump also mentioned a potential US peace deal with Iran, according to a Putin adviser.
Presidents Putin and Zelensky spoke separately with President Trump via phone on Sunday. Discussions focused on the Ukraine war, with Trump emphasizing a swift end to hostilities and readiness to influence European allies and Kyiv. Trump also noted that strikes on civilian targets complicate settlement efforts.
British armed forces intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel on Sunday. The operation, the first UK-led of its kind, aims to disrupt oil revenue funding Russia's war in Ukraine. The vessel is suspected of being part of a Russian "shadow fleet" and is being investigated.
British armed forces intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel on Sunday. The operation, the first UK-led action of its kind, aims to disrupt oil revenue funding Russia's war in Ukraine. The vessel is suspected of being part of a Russian "shadow fleet."
British armed forces, including Royal Marines and NCA officials, intercepted the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on Sunday. This marks the first operation to disrupt oil revenue funding Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked Britain and called for further legislative steps.
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated the Russia-Ukraine conflict's outcome will shape Europe's future, ahead of the G7 Summit. Meanwhile, Ukraine reportedly used AI drones, Russia suffered a civilian death from a Ukrainian strike, and a German general warned of a potential Russian NATO invasion by 2029.
As Russia faces setbacks in Ukraine, analysts fear Vladimir Putin may escalate the conflict rather than capitulate. Potential reactions range from cyberattacks and sabotage to nuclear threats, as Ukraine gains ground and Russian influence campaigns expand.
President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia spent eight years attempting to halt the conflict in Ukraine, alleging that Kyiv used the Minsk Agreements to rearm and prepare for military operations.
North Korea's largest surface combatants, the Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyers, are undergoing sea trials. The lead ship, Choe Hyon, and the second, Kang Kon (which capsized and was relaunched), are set to join the navy despite skepticism over Kang Kon's condition after the incident.
