Jun 26, 2026, 07:30 AM UTC

Russian forces launched 196 aerial targets, including seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 189 drones, at Ukraine overnight on June 26. Attacks impacted the Kyiv and Poltava regions, with Ukrainian air defense intercepting 177 targets, including three ballistic missiles. Separately, Russian forces struck energy and civilian infrastructure in Odesa region's Vylkivska community, causing a fire and injuries. Ukraine's General Staff updated Russia's total military personnel losses to 1,398,370, with 1,310 occurring in the past day, alongside 12,059 tanks. Internationally, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly attacked a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on June 25. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Venezuela's provisional death toll from Wednesday's powerful earthquakes has risen to at least 235, as confirmed by Health Minister Carlos Alvarado on Thursday. This figure updates previous reports, with 157 individuals still missing and widespread destruction evident, particularly in La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas. The Maiquetia - Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed following the tremors, one of which measured magnitude 7.2. Residents described the seismic event as the most violent in 126 years, with one recalling, "the earth would never stop shaking." Search efforts for survivors continue amidst collapsed buildings. International assistance is mobilizing, including $150 million from the United States, 85 rescuers from France, and a €100,000 contribution from the Pope. The final casualty count is anticipated to increase.

Sources: Le Monde

Significant disagreements persist within the European Union regarding its policy towards Israel, particularly concerning the potential imposition of sanctions. These internal tensions have led to a notable power struggle within EU institutions, specifically between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. The dispute centers on the conduct of EU foreign policy, with reports indicating that Kallas has emerged politically weakened from this latest episode. The ongoing debate underscores the deep divisions among member states on how to collectively address the conflict and its broader implications for the EU's international relations. Sources: Le Monde.

Ten years after the United Kingdom's Brexit referendum, concerns voiced by a majority of Scottish elected officials regarding the impact on Scotland have reportedly been confirmed. On June 23, 2016, 62% of Scottish voters opposed leaving the European Union. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, then leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), had advocated for Scotland to remain within the EU single market. Following the Brexit vote, she indicated an intention to seek approval from the UK government for a second independence referendum, citing a significant change since the 2014 consultation. The SNP continues to hold power in Scotland a decade later.

Sources: Le Monde

Ukrainian water and heating infrastructure requires an estimated €50 billion in investment, yet current funding covers only 1.5% of this demand. This significant gap was a central topic at a recent Forbes Development conference. Discussions focused on the barriers preventing businesses from investing more actively in the sector, the high failure rate of public-private partnership projects, and the primary risks for potential investors. Participants highlighted that tariffs represent a major challenge, often described as "the elephant in the room," hindering private sector engagement despite the substantial need for modernization and development in municipal infrastructure.

Sources: Forbes Ukraine