Jun 26, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated plans for alliance members to significantly boost arms production. Ahead of the July 5-7 NATO summit, Rutte stated new contracts and defense industry agreements would be announced, sending a message to Russia: "We know what you are doing, and we are better at it." On the Ukrainian front, Russian infiltration attempts in Donetsk's Kostiantynivka were confirmed by Operational Command "East," though its commander denied the city was encircled. Kyiv experienced evening explosions on June 25, with air defense systems active following a ballistic missile threat. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also authorized a 40-day influence operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) aimed at encouraging Russia to cease hostilities. Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly attacked a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on June 25, struck by an "unknown" object near the Omani coast.

Sources: Громадське, Українська правда

Rescuers are continuing their search for survivors in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck near the capital, Caracas, on Wednesday. The seismic events, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes respectively, occurred seconds apart, with the latter being among the strongest to hit the nation in a century. Widespread damage is reported in Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira, where buildings have collapsed and residents were seen fleeing into streets. Reports indicate people are trapped under debris, with calls for help heard. Initial reports cited at least 188 fatalities, while Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed 160 deaths. However, a day after the tremors, the country's health authorities reported at least 235 people had been killed. Witnesses described intense shaking and panic.

Sources: BBC News