Jun 13, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC

The United States and Iran are reportedly close to signing a preliminary agreement to cease hostilities, with a "framework" document potentially being signed this Sunday in Geneva. Both sides indicated on Friday, June 12, that an agreement could soon be reached, with a high-ranking US official confirming the text has been agreed upon. This diplomatic development follows a period of escalating tensions, during which US President Donald Trump had threatened a "very strong strike" against Iran and announced plans to seize Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure. However, President Trump later stated he canceled these planned military operations. These events occurred amidst continued exchanges of fire, with American forces attacking Iranian facilities and Iran reportedly striking US bases in response.

Sources: Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Ukrainian forces continued targeting Russian military infrastructure and supply routes to Crimea. On June 11, a "Neptune" missile struck a Russian military object in Sevastopol. The Chonhar bridge sustained critical damage following a second Ukrainian strike in June, leading to its complete blockage and compelling Russian forces to seek alternative supply routes for ammunition and fuel, as confirmed by a Ukrainian commander. Separately, the bridge connecting Henichesk to the Arabat Spit was closed after an attempted strike. Russian-appointed Kherson official Vladimir Saldo claimed Ukrainian forces struck all bridges connecting mainland Ukraine to occupied Crimea, specifically naming those over the North Crimean Canal near Preobrazhenka and Myrne, the Perekop-Armiansk road, and a bridge near Stavky. Ukraine's Commander of Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, reiterated Ukraine's objective to isolate Crimea by gaining full control of the "Novorossiya" highway. Russian forces also attacked Konotop, resulting in one fatality. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода

Ukrainian forces have continued targeting Russian oil infrastructure, striking refineries in Tatarstan, Bryansk, and Samara. President Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed these actions, stating, "We continue to apply Ukrainian sanctions." Meanwhile, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant experienced a complete loss of external power, prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to warn of "permanent dangers to nuclear safety." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, asserting, "Our sanctions are working." The European Union is set to resume accession negotiations with Kyiv on Monday. Separately, an anonymous European official reported that China has trained hundreds of Russian soldiers.

Sources: Le Monde

Workers began removing former President Donald Trump's name from the facade of the Kennedy Center early Saturday, June 13. This action followed a court-mandated deadline on Friday to eliminate all references to Trump from the building. Crowds gathered outside the institution, cheering as scaffolding was erected for the removal process. The event was also widely followed online, with thousands reportedly watching live broadcasts of the scene. The removal marks a significant development concerning the public display of the former president's name on a prominent cultural institution. Sources: Le Monde — International.

Turkey has sent a senior intelligence official, Ahmet Cemalettin Çelik, to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, following recent clashes. The visit occurred amidst confrontations between opposition-aligned militias and forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Çelik was reportedly the first foreign official to arrive in the city during this period of heightened instability. This intervention underscores Turkey's substantial engagement in Somalia and its concern regarding the potential for renewed civil conflict, given its significant investments in the Horn of Africa nation. Ankara's swift action highlights its commitment to maintaining stability in a country where it holds considerable influence.

Sources: Le Monde — International