Jun 26, 2026, 05:30 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

A small aircraft reportedly crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, also known as "China Zun," the city's tallest skyscraper at 528 meters, located in the central business district. 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. The tower, which can accommodate 12,000 employees, is situated near China's state television building. Details regarding the aircraft, potential casualties, or the cause of the crash remain unknown, and authorities have not yet issued an official statement.

Sources: Le Monde, South China Morning Post

Israel has reiterated its position that its armed forces will only withdraw from southern Lebanon once the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is disarmed. This statement was made by an Israeli government spokesperson on June 25, amidst ongoing US-mediated discussions between Israel and Lebanon in Washington. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israeli forces continue to conduct bombardments in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel "will remain in the South Lebanon security zone as long as necessary," suggesting a potential divergence from US objectives in broader regional negotiations. Separately, France and Italy announced on June 25 their intention to establish a multinational coalition after the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate concludes in December, aiming to bolster Lebanese sovereignty. Sources: Le Monde.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico reportedly made offensive comments towards a journalist during an event with students. Diana Trnkusová of Slovak Television and Radio (STVR) had questioned the Prime Minister regarding the Beneš decrees, a series of 1940s legislative acts that restricted the rights of ethnic Germans and Hungarians. In response, Fico allegedly referred to her as a "fool" and stated he would "douse her with a fire hose, like in a psychiatric hospital." Sources: Громадське

Residents of El-Obeid, Sudan, are expressing profound fears of a potential massacre as the city remains under siege by paramilitary forces, identified as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The constant presence of drones overhead is causing significant distress among the populace, with one resident describing the sensation as "terrifying." This situation draws parallels to the earlier fall of El-Fasher to the RSF, which occurred on October 26, 2025, after a prolonged siege. Local inhabitants report that they "are not going to hold out much longer," highlighting the dire humanitarian situation and the increasing desperation within the besieged city. The ongoing conflict continues to displace and endanger civilians across Sudan.

Sources: Le Monde — International