Jun 26, 2026, 08:30 AM UTC

Russian forces launched 196 aerial targets, including seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 189 drones, at Ukraine overnight on June 26. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 177 targets, including three ballistic missiles, though four ballistic missiles reportedly struck their intended locations in the Kyiv and Poltava regions. Additionally, Russian forces targeted energy and civilian infrastructure in Odesa region's Vylkivska community, resulting in a fire and injuries. Separately, 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

Rescuers continue to 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. Conflicting reports on fatalities persist; initial reports cited at least 188 deaths, while Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed 160. Health authorities later reported at least 235 fatalities. Witnesses described intense shaking and panic.

Sources: BBC News

Asian stock markets saw a significant downturn on Friday, primarily driven by a sell-off in technology companies. Investors expressed concerns that recent increases in share prices might have been excessive. South Korea's Kospi index experienced a temporary trading halt after an 8% drop, ultimately closing 5.8% lower. This regional decline followed a sharp fall in Apple shares on Thursday. The market movements reflect broader anxieties regarding valuations within the tech sector. Sources: BBC News.

South Korea's former First Lady, Kim Keon-hee, has received an additional seven-year prison sentence for accepting bribes linked to appointments. The wife of impeached ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol was found guilty on Friday, June 26, of "accepting without hesitation valuable items that an ordinary citizen would struggle to obtain even once," according to the live-streamed verdict. This new conviction comes as she is already serving time for a separate corruption case. The court ruled that Ms. Kim illicitly received financial benefits in exchange for influencing official nominations during her husband's presidency. Sources: Le Monde — International.