A peninsula whose status is contested since 2014
Ukraine faces intensified Russian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, with multiple cities reporting casualties and widespread damage. Western diplomacy and fear of winter shortages shape the response as Moscow presses its campaign and Kyiv seeks international support.
Ukraine's prosecutor general has released restored surveillance footage of a June 29 parcel bombing in Monaco that wounded tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner and their teenage son. Investigators have traced transfers of cash and cryptocurrency linking a suspected bomber, Anastasiia Berezovska, to two detained men in Ukraine; Berezovska was later found shot dead near Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s commander-in-chief after mass protests over the dismissal of reform-minded ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Drapatyi, 43, is being welcomed as a moderniser; Fedorov has refused offered alternatives and his supporters are continuing street demonstrations while Russia keeps striking Ukrainian cities.
EU foreign ministers are debating options to curb trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights amid growing pressure from member states. While some push for a full or partial ban, no decision has been made as Brussels weighs legal and political hurdles. Meanwhile, Israel expands settlements and a Gaza-related aid package is discussed.
UN rights monitors document a sharp rise in civilian deaths and injuries in the first half of 2026 as Russia and Ukraine widen strikes. FPV drones are reshaping daily life near front lines, while attacks on shipping and oil depots widen the conflict’s reach.
A Ukrainian drone campaign has expanded its strikes into Russia, hitting Wildberries warehouses in Krasnodar and Stavropol regions and causing casualties and fires. Attacks have also targeted logistics hubs and an oil depot, while Russia and Ukraine have exchanged strikes near Ukraine’s ports and in the Black Sea region.
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Wildberries’ warehouses in Russia, hitting facilities in Elektrostal and Tambov and prompting disruptions to delivery. Kyiv says the strikes aim to pressure Russia’s economy by hitting a major online retailer that stores and ships goods for thousands of merchants.
Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests and calls for reform. Supporters describe Drapatyi as a reform-minded leader with frontline experience who can modernise the military and empower field commanders. Critics note his track record in drone warfare and accountability.
Ukraine is pursuing a potential coproduction of Patriot interceptors with Western partners as Russia escalates ballistic missile strikes. Kyiv aims to accelerate air‑defense production, but experts warn that setting up production at scale would take years, even as talks with Raytheon continue and Ukraine seeks faster access to Patriot systems.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich has suspended his duties after being placed on the EU sanctions list for supporting the annexation of Crimea. Viswanathan Anand will take interim charge as Russia-backed influence faces sanctions containment in chess’ governing body.
Ukraine is pushing to accelerate domestic drone production and deepen ties with the United States as it faces ongoing missile strikes. New disclosures show Kyiv seeking a US-built drone factory and increased collaboration on Patriots; meanwhile, a Russian strike hit civilian areas near Kyiv and Ukrainian authorities warn against large crowds at weapons displays.
Since mid-July Ukrainian forces have struck more than a dozen Wildberries warehouses and other industrial sites deep inside Russia. Overnight strikes have hit a Wildberries warehouse in Samara and facilities across the Volga and southern regions, killing dozens on both sides, while Moscow says it downed hundreds of Ukrainian drones.
A drone has crashed into a busy Gelendzhik beach on the Russian Black Sea coast, injuring around 40 people. Russian officials say the incident was a deliberate attack by Kyiv, while Kyiv denies civilian targeting. A specialist medical team is at the scene; several victims are in serious condition. The event follows Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and related incidents in Ukraine.
Ukrainian drones target a Wildberries facility near Moscow, killing and injuring several. Russia counters with drone interceptions and strikes across multiple regions, including St. Petersburg and Belgorod. The events mark a renewed flare in the Ukraine conflict and affect civilian infrastructure.
A soldier opened fire in Khmelnytske, Sevastopol, killing at least four people including two soldiers and three civilians before being detained. Ukraine-linked drone activity and strikes within Crimea are part of ongoing hostilities; authorities urge calm as investigations continue.
The conflict in Ukraine has intensified with multiple regional strikes causing civilian casualties. Russia and Ukraine continue long-range attacks, with Ukraine conducting drone operations inside Russia and Russia striking Ukrainian infrastructure and ports. The situation has prompted international concern as casualties mount and both sides press strategic targets.
Ukraine has reported intensified Russian missile and drone attacks across Kyiv and other cities. Zelensky has urged partners to accelerate air-defence deliveries, citing casualties and the mounting strain on Ukraine’s defensive network. NATO and US officials warn the war could intensify this winter.
Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine while seeking more interceptor missiles and air defense support from allies. Kyiv reports civilian casualties and damage, and Moscow says it has targeted drone hubs and fuel depots.
Ukraine has hit Bashneft-Novoil and Slavneft-Yanos refineries inside Russia, aiming to cut Moscow’s oil revenue. Kyiv says two patrol boats and shadow fleet vessels were struck in the Black Sea as part of its response. Russia reports drone interceptions and damage to a Wildberries warehouse.
Distant drone strikes hit multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, including Yekaterinburg in the Urals. Evacuations are under way with officials reporting some drone interceptions. Ukraine continues long-range strikes to disrupt Russian logistics and economy, while Russia asserts air defenses have intercepted hundreds of drones.
This week long-range Ukrainian drones and Russian missiles have struck cities deep inside Russia and across Ukraine. Attacks on Nizhnekamsk have killed and wounded dozens; Russia says it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged heavy strikes that have damaged energy and civilian infrastructure and caused multiple civilian deaths and injuries.
Russia’s athletics federation has filed a new appeal at CAS to overturn World Athletics sanctions that ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from global events. The IOC has allowed Russian competitors in some Olympic qualifiers, sparking debate among federations that have eased restrictions in other sports. The case tests the balance between sport and politics as World Athletics defends its integrity.
A Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk has killed a child and injured several people, with damage reported to dozens of buildings as regional authorities confirm ongoing strikes across southern Russia and Ukraine. Authorities say the broader Krasnodar region has seen multiple casualties and infrastructure damage, while Russia reports counter-drone activity.
The Kremlin’s campaign has targeted energy facilities and a major refinery in Bashkortostan, with Ukrainian forces striking Salavat and Orsk. The attacks compound Russia’s refining shortages amid the war, while civilian casualties are reported and infrastructure damage grows across multiple regions.
A blast in Sevastopol has killed a Russian Defense Ministry officer, with a Russian national detained on suspicion of carrying out the attack on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence. Authorities say the suspect acted on Kyiv’s instructions while the wider security picture remains murky, as Kyiv denies involvement.
The UN confirms July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the invasion began, with 437 killed and 2,610 injured. Long-range weapons remain the main cause, and Kyiv calls for more air defences as Ukraine expands long-range strikes against Russian targets.
Ukraine has targeted long-range facilities in Russia, including the Progress Center in Samara and an air base in Savasleika, using domestically produced Flamingo missiles. Kyiv says the strikes aim to reduce Russia’s war capacity and bring the conflict closer to Moscow, with reports of fires and damage at multiple sites.
Lev Shlosberg, deputy chairman of Yabloko, has been sentenced to 11 years and 1 month in prison for discrediting the Russian armed forces and spreading false information about the war in Ukraine. The case marks a new blow to Russia's dissidence as Yabloko faces election bans and authorities tighten controls.
The latest wave of Russian strikes targets Kyiv and other Ukrainian infrastructure, intensifying an already brutal conflict. Officials report civilian casualties, power outages, and disrupted daily life as both sides escalate long-range attacks and Ukraine warns of winter-scale challenges ahead.
Ukraine reports a major Russian assault on Kyiv and other cities, with casualties and damage. Kyiv is preparing for ongoing strikes and defense needs as authorities call for international support and new air-defense resources.
The prime minister has told Manchester mayors that a British Isles bid for the World Cup is possible, potentially spreading hosting duties across multiple nations as part of a broader sporting push.
Russian missiles and drones have struck Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia amid intensified fighting. Ukrainian officials report dozens dead or injured, with rescue operations ongoing and the UN warning of a high civilian toll.
A daytime Russian drone strike has hit a busy shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, in two waves. Rescue teams have continued searching the rubble; authorities have reported at least 14 dead, about 121–130 wounded and several people missing, including children. Kyiv has renewed appeals for more air-defence support.
The U.S. and NATO face shortages of Patriot missile interceptors in Europe as inventories shift to the Middle East. Officials warn these gaps could leave NATO vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks, with Ukraine bearing the brunt while allies race to rebound stockpiles by 2030. The issue follows recent moves by Kyiv to secure more air defense and discussions around SCALP missile support from France and the UK.
Leaders from 34 countries are meeting in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day to pledge additional air defences and military aid. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing, with France and Germany, and will authorize the release of classified blueprints for the SCALP missile to support Ukrainian production. EU funds are also being stepped up to bolster Ukraine’s shield as Russia escalates strikes.
Ukraine has pressed SpaceX’s Starlink to operate beyond its borders, arguing wider access could sustain long-range drone operations. SpaceX has restricted use inside Russia, while Zelenskyy says expansion would be a significant escalation. The presidency is coordinating with Washington on how Musk’s policy could shift Ukraine’s military capabilities.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has flown to Moscow for undisclosed talks with Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin. Moscow says President Vladimir Putin was briefed but did not meet Ratcliffe. U.S. and Russian accounts conflict over whether Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO or discussed restarting U.S.-mediated peace talks for Ukraine. The visit is the first CIA director trip to Moscow since 2021.
A Russian military officer has been killed and his wife injured when their car exploded in the Pushkinsky suburb of St. Petersburg. Investigators have opened a criminal probe; Kyiv has denied involvement in the attack, while Moscow has blamed Ukraine for previous assassinations. The incident follows a series of high-profile blasts targeting Russian military figures.
Russia has held a three-day parliamentary election from Sept. 18–20 that is set to return a United Russia-dominated State Duma. Most anti-war candidates were barred, the liberal Yabloko party was disqualified from the nationwide list, voting is being held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and Moscow reported large drone attacks and a sustained cyberattack on electronic voting in the capital.
As Russia's campaign against Ukraine escalates, Ukrainian authorities report multi-city strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. Kyiv and other regions face ongoing air raids, with civilian casualties and disruptions to daily life. Ukraine says jet-powered drones are now part of Russia's upgraded arsenal, forcing a rapid evolution of interceptors and defenses.
Kyiv and its region endure a sixth night of Russian air attacks, with drones and missiles targeting infrastructure and housing. Ukrainian officials report dozens killed or wounded, while authorities warn of ongoing strikes as air defences contend with jet-powered drones and long-range missiles. Western allies face pressure over interceptor stockpiles as Moscow pursues strategic disruption.
Naftogaz has secured a court order to arrest the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov off Svalbard, following a 24-hour standoff with the Norwegian Coast Guard. The move is part of a multinational effort to seize Russian assets tied to Crimea seizures after a 2023 Hague award.
The UN General Assembly has endorsed a non-binding move to shift from the Mercator projection to the Equal Earth map to better reflect continental sizes. The vote saw 164 members in favour with the United States abstaining or opposing; several countries express concerns about disputed territories and implications for regional shading.
The United Nations has endorsed a shift toward the Equal Earth projection, encouraging adoption over the Mercator map. The resolution, supported by 164 countries, stops short of mandating change but calls for broader use in education, media and policy discussions. The United States opposes the move, with concerns over disputed territories.
Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow to revive talks aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite weekend diplomacy, Moscow and Kyiv show deep gaps on terms. Ukraine halts airstrikes during the visit; Russia has escalated strikes elsewhere.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a non-binding resolution encouraging governments, schools and tech firms to use the Equal Earth projection rather than the Mercator map. The vote passed 164–1 with six abstentions; the United States voted against. Several countries have since raised concerns about how the new projection depicts disputed territories.
President Donald Trump has spoken by phone for one hour with Vladimir Putin after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv. The Kremlin has said both leaders discussed possible steps to end the war in Ukraine and praised the envoys' diplomacy, while Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities have resumed.
Drones have struck border checkpoints and cities across Ukraine and Russia, killing and injuring civilians. Authorities report multiple attacks, with border crossings closed and infrastructure damaged. Ukraine and Russia escalate long-range strikes as Moldova and border regions face spillover tensions.