Jun 29, 2026, 04:00 AM UTC

Ukrainian forces reported an additional 1,230 Russian military personnel killed or wounded over the past day, raising the estimated total Russian losses to 1,402,200 since February 2022. On June 28, 197 combat engagements took place along the front lines, with Russian forces concentrating their offensive efforts in the Sloviansk, Pokrovsk, and Huliaipole directions. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory resulted in civilian casualties. One person died and seven, including two children, were injured in Kharkiv region's Zmiivska community. In Zaporizhzhia, the casualty count from a separate attack increased to two fatalities and 16 injuries, with two children among the wounded, one critically. Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged internal fuel supply challenges, attributing them to Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure, and confirmed a ban on gasoline exports, with a similar restriction on diesel expected.

Sources: Українська правда, Громадське

Iran launched drone and missile attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain on June 27, stating these were in response to earlier American strikes. Bahrain and Kuwait confirmed their territories were hit, with Bahrain reporting intercepted projectiles and damage to a residential building. Concurrently, the US Central Command announced further strikes against Iranian targets, citing an attack on the tanker "Ever Lovely" in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump accused Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement. Amidst these exchanges, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared Tehran had re-established "full control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days," warning against bypassing Iranian-approved routes. Iran also threatened to withdraw from peace negotiations if US bombardments continued.

Sources: Громадське, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода

South Korean technology giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly preparing to announce substantial investments totaling up to $1.3 trillion over the next decade. These funds are earmarked for the expansion and development of the semiconductor industry, with a particular focus on enhancing capabilities for artificial intelligence (AI) chip production. The anticipated announcement underscores a strategic commitment to maintaining a leading position in the global chip market amidst increasing demand for advanced AI infrastructure. This information was initially reported by Korea Economic Daily and subsequently cited by Bloomberg.

Sources: Українська правда

On Monday, June 29, China announced it had placed 20 Japanese entities on its export control blacklist. This measure prevents these organizations from acquiring Chinese goods that have both civilian and military applications. Beijing stated the decision was taken to "preserve national security and interests" and to uphold international non-proliferation obligations. The Chinese government cited what it described as Japan's "remilitarization" as a contributing factor to the imposition of these restrictions. Sources: Le Monde

MCC Brussels, a think tank established by Hungary's Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) and associated with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, commenced operations in November 2022. Launched with the explicit aim of promoting a distinct European narrative, the institution sought to counter prevailing federalist ideas by advocating for greater power for national capitals. Its mission was to reshape the intellectual discourse within the European sphere. Despite its high-profile launch, reports indicate that the future of MCC Brussels in the capital of the European Union is currently uncertain.

Sources: Le Monde