St. Petersburg is Russia’s cultural heart and a strategic hub on the Baltic, recently thrust into global headlines amid wartime and security tensions.
The International Skating Union has lifted its February 2022 ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under neutral status without national symbols. Visa challenges remain for some while Milan-Cortina 2026 set precedents; Finland, South Korea and China host next championships. IOC guidance is cited, with safety and competition integrity cited as reasons.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Ukraine has launched long-range drone strikes that hit a fuel terminal in St. Petersburg and a military facility, with smoke rising over the port. Putin attends the St. Petersburg forum as tensions escalate and oil facilities target Moscow’s war effort.
British, French and German ambassadors have met Russian officials to press for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv after the E3 leaders backed Zelenskyy’s proposal for a face-to-face summit. Moscow has rejected meeting before a deal is agreed and continues to strike and be struck by Ukrainian long-range and drone attacks that have disrupted Russian supply lines and fuel deliveries to Crimea.
Zelensky has publicly urged direct talks with Putin to end the war, proposing a Swiss-style leaders’ meeting and cease-fire, while Putin has said there is no point in meeting and emphasised long-term agreements.
Ukraine has used long-range drones to hit strategic targets deep inside Russia this week, striking St Petersburg's oil terminal, the Kronstadt naval base and supply lines to occupied Crimea. Russian authorities have reported hundreds of intercepted drones, governors have ordered residents to shelter indoors, and Crimea is facing severe fuel shortages that are disrupting travel and tourism.
The UK, France and Germany are coordinating on security guarantees for Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets with partners after Russia’s war setbacks. A drone strike near the Chernobyl site underscores ongoing tension, while Kyiv pledges to respond and strengthen European air defence.
Ukrainian forces have carried out long‑range strikes deep inside Russia, targeting drone components and oil infrastructure. Authorities report damage at facilities in Cheboksary and Samara, while Kyiv says other oil facilities and drones are being targeted. Russia reports drone activity and counterstrikes across multiple regions.
Drones linked to Ukraine’s long-range strikes have entered Baltic airspace, prompting NATO members to tighten monitoring. The activity follows a surge in drone incursions, with Russia and Belarus cited as threats. Ukraine’s use of drones is intensifying pressure on Russian and allied corridors while Estonia hosts regional talks.
G7 leaders have pledged tougher sanctions and stepped-up industrial support for Ukraine after meetings in Evian, but U.S.-led mediation has stalled while President Trump has shifted focus to the Middle East. Russia has accused the U.S. of abandoning neutral mediation, and Russian strikes and Ukrainian long-range drone attacks have recently hit Russian infrastructure and Kyiv's historic Lavra monastery.
Ukraine has carried out its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, striking the Kapotnya oil refinery, igniting large fires and forcing the temporary closure of all Moscow airports. Officials report dozens wounded, black smoke and oil residue across the city. Kyiv says the strikes target Russian energy infrastructure that funds the war; Moscow vows retaliation.