Jun 29, 2026, 07:30 AM UTC

Ukrainian forces reported an additional 1,230 Russian military personnel killed or wounded over the past day, bringing total estimated Russian losses to 1,402,200 since February 2022. On June 28, 197 combat engagements occurred, with Russian forces focusing offensive efforts in the Sloviansk, Pokrovsk, and Huliaipole directions. Separately, 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 rose to two fatalities and 16 injuries, with two children among the wounded, one critically. 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 anticipated.

Sources: Українська правда, Громадське

France's National Public Health Agency, Santé publique France, confirmed approximately 1,000 excess deaths between June 24 and 26, coinciding with an extreme heatwave. The World Health Organization estimates over 1,300 heat-related deaths across Europe since June 21. Meanwhile, the heatwave continued to set new national temperature records. Germany recorded a new high of 41.7°C on Sunday, June 28. While [Радіо Свобода] reported this occurred in Coschen, surpassing the 41.5°C set the previous day in Drevice, [Українська правда] cited Neißemünde as the location for the 41.7°C record, noting it was the third consecutive day a temperature record was broken. In response to the extreme heat, Germany's Alliance 90/The Greens party has called for widespread air conditioner installation. Poland also experienced its highest recorded temperature in over a century, reaching 40.5°C in Słubice on Sunday. Sources: Forbes Ukraine, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.

Ukrainian energy holding DTEK is advancing its five-year artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, aiming for over 90% of its workforce to regularly utilize AI and convert its companies into "intellectual businesses." This initiative, launched in April, seeks to embed AI into core processes. Separately, professional investors are increasingly entering Ukraine's MilTech sector, moving beyond traditional angel investors and venture funds. The country's business landscape also saw Forbes Ukraine host a two-day Entrepreneurs Forum 2026, gathering over 700 participants. Additionally, Ukrposhta has formalized an agreement to become an official partner of the global marketplace Etsy in Ukraine, signed on June 29. These developments highlight various strategic advancements and growing investment interest across Ukrainian industries. Sources: Forbes Ukraine.

Venezuelan authorities have confirmed an increased death toll following the recent double earthquake. On Sunday, June 28, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that 1,450 people had died, an increase from the 1,430 fatalities reported the previous day. Rodriguez described the event as "the most brutal natural disaster that our country has suffered in its entire history." The seismic activity also caused significant structural damage, with 774 buildings affected or collapsed, including 189 that suffered total destruction. Rescue and recovery efforts are reportedly ongoing as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the devastating tremors.

Sources: Le Monde

France is set to participate significantly in the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations of US independence in New York. This involvement highlights the historical ties between the two nations, particularly referencing figures like the Marquis de Lafayette, often called "the hero of two worlds," who aided the American Revolutionary War. The decision comes despite ongoing economic and military disagreements between Paris and Washington, with commemorations often serving to set aside contemporary grievances. France's participation underscores a focus on shared history amidst current transatlantic differences.

Sources: Le Monde