Jun 4, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC

Fighting erupts in Mogadishu as police launch security operation

Fighting erupted in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on June 4, as police launched a "large-scale security operation" against "heavily armed militias" accused of mortar attacks. Journalists reported smoke over the city. Sources: Le Monde

Fighting broke out in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, during the night of Wednesday to Thursday, June 4, prompting a significant response from authorities. Somali police announced a "large-scale security operation" targeting "heavily armed militias" within the city. According to police statements, the objective of this operation is to neutralize these groups, which are accused of launching mortar attacks against various districts of the capital. Journalists on the ground reported seeing smoke clouds rising above Mogadishu amidst the clashes. The security forces' action is presented as a direct effort to address the militia activities and restore stability.

Kateryna Mykhalko discusses Ukrainian defense industry's European prospects

Kateryna Mykhalko, head of the European DefenceTech alliance NAD, states that Ukrainian defense companies need more than battle-tested products to compete in Western markets, discussing the European DefenceTech sector and the EU's evolving defense industry.

Kateryna Mykhalko, who has led the European DefenceTech alliance New Age Defence (NAD) since February, believes that Ukrainian defense companies require more than just combat-proven products to successfully compete in Western markets. Mykhalko, formerly director of "Technological Forces of Ukraine," discussed the unique characteristics of the European DefenceTech sector and the evolving defense industry within the European Union. She noted that drones are often perceived as "weapons for the poor." Her insights highlight the challenges and opportunities for Ukraine's defense sector as it seeks integration and competitiveness in the broader European landscape.

Sources: Forbes Ukraine

French senators clash with government over military budget law

French senators, led by Les Républicains, have clashed with the government over the Military Programming Law update, blocking a key article while pushing for a higher defense budget despite shared threat assessments.

French senators have engaged in intense debates over the update to the Military Programming Law (LPM), with discussions beginning on June 2. A significant confrontation emerged between the Senate majority, particularly the Les Républicains (LR) party, and the government. LR senators advocated for an increased defense budget, leading to the blockage of a crucial article within the proposed legislation. This disagreement occurred despite a shared understanding among parties regarding the threats facing France. The legislative process for the LPM update, which aims to modernize the nation's military capabilities, has encountered budgetary hurdles in the Senate.

Sources: Le Monde

EU reportedly planning sanctions against Chinese and other firms over Russia support

The EU is reportedly preparing sanctions against four Chinese companies, along with firms from UAE, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lukoil subsidiaries, and individuals, for allegedly aiding Russia's military. Sources: Forbes Ukraine (citing Politico).

The European Union is reportedly preparing to impose sanctions on four Chinese companies for their alleged involvement in supporting Russia's military efforts. According to an internal document from the European External Action Service (EEAS), cited by Politico, the proposed measures would also target companies from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, subsidiaries of Russia's Lukoil and dozens of individuals are expected to face new restrictions. These sanctions aim to address entities believed to be contributing to Russia's war machine.

One year since Russian attack killed three siblings in Korostyshiv

One year has passed since a Russian attack in Korostyshiv killed three siblings from the same family. The community continues to remember 17-year-old Roman, 12-year-old Tamara, and their younger sibling, with classmates sending messages and placing flowers.

One year has passed since a Russian attack in Korostyshiv, Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of three children from the same family. The incident claimed the lives of 17-year-old Roman, 12-year-old Tamara, and their 9-year-old sibling.

The community continues to remember the victims, with reports of flowers placed at their graves marked by three crosses bearing the same surname. Classmates reportedly still send birthday greetings to the deceased children via messaging applications and place flowers on empty school desks to preserve their memory. The hromadske outlet visited Korostyshiv to cover the anniversary and observe how the memory of the children is being maintained.

Sources: Hromadske