Jun 26, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

Ukraine successfully repatriated 160 military personnel from Russian captivity in the 76th prisoner exchange, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed. All individuals had been held since 2022, with 115 identified as defenders of Mariupol. The ages of those released spanned from 26 to 66. While [Українська правда]'s headline stated the individuals were held for four years, its article body and other reports confirmed they were held since 2022. The Russian Ministry of Defense also acknowledged the exchange.

Separately, Russian forces launched seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 189 uncrewed aerial vehicles towards the Kyiv and Poltava regions overnight on June 26. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 177 targets, including three ballistic missiles and 174 drones, but four missiles and eleven drones struck various sites. Ukraine's General Staff updated its assessment of Russian military personnel losses to 1,398,370 since the full-scale invasion, with 1,310 reported in the preceding 24 hours, alongside equipment losses.

Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Casualty figures from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 continue to show significant discrepancies. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has reported at least 164 fatalities and approximately 1,000 injuries. In contrast, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado stated a higher count of 235 deaths and around 4,300 injured. The tremors, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, caused extensive structural damage in the capital, Caracas, and led to the closure of the nation's main airport. A national state of emergency remains in effect as search and rescue operations persist in affected regions, with aftershocks still being felt. Sources: Українська правда, Радіо Свобода

Russian authorities reported intercepting 660 Ukrainian drones overnight across more than a dozen regions, including Moscow. Concurrently, explosions were heard in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian air force indicating a missile targeted the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Kyiv intends to conduct "preemptive attacks" on Russian territory. The Kremlin attributed Ukrainian strikes to deteriorating front-line conditions for Kyiv, asserting Russian forces are advancing "along the entire front" and forecasting "irreversible" consequences. Separately, Russian attacks on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia oblast injured at least 16 people, striking warehouses, an administrative building, and the regional center. Russian-occupied Crimea declared an "emergency situation" due to a fuel crisis exacerbated by recent Ukrainian attacks. The European Council extended economic sanctions against Russia until summer 2027, and a €90 billion European loan's first installment was disbursed to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged "mutual respect" and "understanding of history" between Poles and Ukrainians at a reconstruction conference in Gdansk.

Sources: Le Monde — International

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of launching at least four drones at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that one drone struck the upper deck of a cargo ship, causing damage before the vessel continued its journey, while three others were reportedly shot down. He described the incident as a "senseless violation" of a ceasefire agreement. Iran has not yet commented on these specific allegations. This development follows earlier warnings from Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who reiterated that "safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed" without coordination with Tehran and consideration of its status as a coastal state.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

Rescuers are continuing their search for survivors in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck near the capital, Caracas. 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. While some reports cite at least 188 deaths and over 1,500 injured, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed 160 fatalities. Witnesses described intense shaking and panic across affected areas.

Sources: BBC News