Jun 26, 2026, 03:30 PM UTC

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Ukraine exchanges 160 soldiers, reports Russian attacks and losses

Ukraine announced the return of 160 military personnel from Russian captivity, including Mariupol defenders, while also reporting new Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and Poltava regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the return of 160 military personnel from Russian captivity, marking the 76th such exchange. All freed soldiers had been held since 2022, with 115 defenders of Mariupol among them. Their ages ranged from 26 to 66. Russia's Ministry of Defense also confirmed the operation. Separately, Russian forces launched seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 189 uncrewed aerial vehicles overnight into June 26, targeting the Kyiv and Poltava regions. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 177 targets, though four missiles and eleven drones impacted various locations. Ukraine's General Staff updated figures for Russian military personnel losses to over 1.39 million since the full-scale invasion began, including 1,310 in the last day. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

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France confirms first Ebola case as DRC outbreak continues

France has confirmed its first Ebola case in a humanitarian doctor returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak has led to 304 fatalities and over 1,100 cases.

France has confirmed its initial Ebola case, involving a humanitarian doctor who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The French Ministry of Health announced the diagnosis on June 24, initiating surveillance measures. The DRC is currently grappling with its 17th Ebola outbreak, which commenced on May 15. According to figures released on June 26, the outbreak has resulted in 304 fatalities and 1,115 contaminated individuals, with a mortality rate of 26.3%. Earlier reports on June 24 indicated 1,155 confirmed cases. The epicenter of the health crisis is located in Ituri province. This development underscores the global implications of the ongoing epidemic originating from Central Africa.

Sources: Le Monde

France challenges EU Commission's recruitment rules at ECJ

France, supported by Spain, has launched a legal challenge at the European Court of Justice against new European Commission recruitment rules designed to tackle the under-representation of certain nationalities among EU staff.

France, joined by Spain, has initiated legal proceedings against the European Commission's new recruitment regulations before the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The Commission introduced these measures to address the under-representation of certain nationalities within its civil service. Paris argues that the issue of national representation among European officials is highly political, directly impacting a member state's influence in Brussels and the broader perception of European integration. The challenge highlights ongoing tensions regarding the balance of national representation and merit-based hiring within EU institutions. Sources: Le Monde

A small aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

A small aircraft has reportedly crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, also known as "China Zun," in the central business district. Debris was seen at the base, and emergency services were dispatched to the scene.

A small aircraft reportedly crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, also known as "China Zun," located in the city's central business district. The incident, cited by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, involved the 528-meter tall skyscraper. Debris was observed at the base of the building following the impact. Emergency services, including a significant police presence, fire trucks, and ambulances, were dispatched to the scene. Further details regarding the aircraft, potential casualties, or the cause of the crash were not immediately available. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the event.

Sources: Le Monde, South China Morning Post