Jun 24, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that transponders in Belarus, which had been used to direct Russian attacks, stopped operating on June 22. He noted that it is currently unknown whether these devices have been physically removed. Concurrently, Russian forces targeted Zaporizhzhia's central beach with a guided aerial bomb, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including three children. Separately, multiple media outlets reported a change in former US President Donald Trump's stance on the conflict, with sources indicating he privately encouraged President Zelenskyy to adopt a more assertive approach towards Russia, reportedly influenced by recent Ukrainian military achievements.

Sources: Радіо Свобода, Громадське, Українська правда

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Gulf allies on June 24 that Washington is "fully coordinated" with regional partners during technical discussions on a US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU aims to resolve Middle East conflict, with Rubio stating the US would not undermine allies' security. Concurrently, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated there are "no plans" for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of its nuclear facilities. He affirmed that any talks on nuclear sites or enriched materials would only occur within a final agreement with the United States. Separately, Iran denied US assertions that billions in unfrozen assets, part of the MOU, would be used for American agricultural goods, though it did not entirely dismiss the prospect, drawing criticism from hardliners.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed Israel's position that it will not withdraw its military forces from Lebanon. During a speech at the MUNI EXPO conference in Tel Aviv on June 24, Minister Katz stated that this firm stance has been explicitly conveyed to his American counterpart. His comments come amid ongoing US-mediated negotiations between Tel Aviv and Beirut regarding regional stability. Katz further highlighted that the United States is presently not demanding an Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territory, describing this as a "diplomatic achievement." These remarks underscore Israel's consistent policy amidst continued diplomatic efforts concerning its northern border.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

Russia is reportedly experiencing a significant gasoline deficit, with production decreasing by approximately 25% between June 15 and 21 compared to average daily output in previous periods. The shortage has impacted various regions, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous district, leading to public complaints about fuel availability. Amidst these supply issues, reports indicate that Russia has approached Kazakhstan to request the supply of around 50,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline. However, Kazakhstan's Energy Minister, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, stated that Astana has not received such a request. The Russian Ministry of Energy has not issued a comment on the situation.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta has reportedly continued efforts to de-escalate tensions between former US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Following a recent public disagreement, Ambassador Fertitta stated in an interview that the relationship between Italy and the United States remains in a "normal state." This diplomatic intervention, reported via Bloomberg, aims to mitigate friction and ensure the ongoing strength of the bilateral alliance. The ambassador's comments underscore a push to stabilize relations despite the recent public spat between the two leaders, reflecting a sustained focus on maintaining robust ties between the two nations.

Sources: Українська правда