Jun 25, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

Kyiv experienced explosions on the evening of June 25, with Ukraine's Air Force reporting a ballistic missile threat and subsequent missile activity as air defense systems engaged. Separately, the Operational Command "East" confirmed Russian attempts to infiltrate Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, though it denied the city was encircled. Earlier reports had suggested a more significant penetration. Ukraine's Naval Forces affirmed that the Kinburn Spit remains an "active combat zone," noting its strategic importance. The death toll from Russia's June 23 missile strike on Kryvyi Rih rose to five after a 23-year-old man succumbed to severe injuries. Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a 40-day influence operation by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) aimed at encouraging Russia to end the conflict. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday evening, June 24. The latest provisional figures, announced by Parliament President Jorge Rodriguez, indicate at least 188 fatalities, over 1,500 injured, and 157 people reported missing. This marks a significant increase from earlier reports. Residents described the seismic activity, with one tremor measured at magnitude 7.2 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), as the most violent in 126 years. Widespread damage includes the collapse of the Maiqueta airport roof. In response, international aid efforts are mobilizing, with the United States pledging $150 million, France dispatching 85 rescuers, and the Pope contributing 100,000 euros.

Sources: Le Monde

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced on Thursday, June 25, the suspension of its evacuation plan for the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows an attack in the Gulf of Oman targeting a vessel that had previously navigated through the strait. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that the suspension is intended "to reconfirm that the necessary security guarantees remain in place for vessels on our evacuation list as well as for all those in the region." The measure aims to ensure the safety protocols are robust for all maritime traffic in the area after the incident. Sources: Le Monde.

Pakistani human rights activist Mahrang Baloch was recently sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Quetta, Balochistan. The verdict, delivered on June 22, found Baloch guilty of "terrorism" and "murder." Baloch, a prominent voice for the Baloch people and a leader within her organization, the Committee, has long been a target of Pakistani authorities. The 33-year-old was tried alongside another leader from her group in the provincial capital, located near the borders of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. This sentencing follows a period of heightened scrutiny from the government regarding her activism.

Sources: Le Monde — International