Ukrainian diplomat and jurist, minister of foreign affairs since Sept 2024
Poland has opened proceedings to consider stripping Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle after he has approved the renaming of a Ukrainian special-forces unit 'Heroes of the UPA' and presided over the reburial of World War II nationalist Andriy Melnyk with state honours. Polish leaders have voiced outrage, and an advisory Chapter meeting has been scheduled to review revocation.
A Shahed drone has struck a fuel‑reception building near the decommissioned Chornobyl plant on 7 June 2026, causing significant structural damage and a localized fire that was extinguished. Ukraine and the IAEA have said no spike in radiation has been detected and no spent fuel was stored in the damaged building. The IAEA is preparing a site inspection.
A drone strike has damaged a turbine hall wall at the Zaporizhzhia plant near Ukraine. Ukraine denies responsibility while Russia and Rosatom allege Ukrainian action. The IAEA and Energoatom report no radiation increase, and investigations are ongoing as both sides trade accusations amid continuing conflict.
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.
The memorandum of understanding on ending the war has been signed in Switzerland and will see the Strait of Hormuz reopen to commercial traffic. Negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions will follow in a 60‑day window, with promises to lift sanctions and unfreeze assets. Officials say the immediate end to hostilities includes Lebanon, and reconstruction plans will be developed.
Ukrainian drones have struck a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week, producing large fires, black smoke and reports of at least 16–17 wounded. Russian air defences have shot down hundreds of incoming drones across multiple regions, closed Moscow airports and prompted threats of "massive" Russian retaliation.
Ukraine has launched its largest drone assault on Moscow in years, striking the Kapotnya oil refinery, igniting large fires, forcing temporary closure of all Moscow airports and wounding civilians. Kyiv says it is targeting oil infrastructure that funds Russia’s war; Moscow has pledged massive retaliation and reported hundreds of drones intercepted across the country.
Poland has revoked President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle after he has signed a decree naming a Ukrainian Special Operations unit for the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a WWII-era formation accused in Poland of mass killings. Ukrainian officials have returned Polish awards and Polish and Ukrainian leaders are urging calm before a major reconstruction conference.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war in a nearly 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue negotiations at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine has struck oil and naval facilities near St. Petersburg, and Russia has responded with heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
Xi Jinping has addressed the Communist Party’s 105th anniversary, warning leaders to prepare for “high winds, rough seas, even perilous storms” as the world enters a period of turbulence and transformation. He has reiterated Beijing’s one-China stance on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, and has stressed building international relations while navigating global challenges. Multiple outlets report on renewed focus on Taiwan, military modernization, and China’s role in a changing world.
The United States has granted Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air-defence interceptors, addressing critical shortages but production will take months to years. Ukraine is pressing allies at NATO for faster and larger support amid ongoing Russian ballistic missile strikes that have damaged Kyiv and other cities.
Kyiv has faced one of its largest ballistic missile barrages, with 41 missiles and 125 drones reported. Officials say air defences have shot down most missiles and drones, while several civilians have been injured or killed. U.S. licenses for Patriot interceptors are under discussion, with production hoped to begin by year’s end.
Ukrainian forces have targeted logistics hubs and oil facilities in Russia, while Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities including Kyiv and Odesa. Officials report casualties and disruptions as both sides escalate attacks and sanctions intensify.
ASEAN hosts three-day talks in Manila as regional leaders address Middle East tensions, Myanmar’s war, and energy security. The Philippines chairs the bloc, with U.S., Chinese, and Russian ministers attending. Talks aim to urge resumed talks and address regional conflicts, including Myanmar, and South China Sea disputes.
Ukraine has carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea that hit vessels Kyiv says were carrying Iranian-linked military cargo to Russia. Iran has summoned Ukraine’s diplomat, said one sailor was killed and another wounded, and warned retaliation; Ukraine’s foreign ministry has denied intent to target civilians and called Iran’s threats unjustified.
Poland has found debris and a 10m crater near Tarnawa-Kolonia after an object that Polish and NATO radars tracked disappeared from airspace and crashed; Warsaw and NATO say evidence points to a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile that crossed into Polish airspace during a large overnight Russian strike on Ukraine that has killed at least eight people.
Ceuta remains in crisis as thousands more migrants have arrived and EU partners call for swift action. Spain is coordinating a response with Morocco while deploying security forces to the enclave. Unaccompanied minors and humanitarian concerns are mounting as shelters fill and authorities assess reception options.
Kyiv has warned that interceptor stocks are depleted amid Russia’s intensified ballistic missile and drone attacks, with remnants of air defence proving insufficient to down incoming missiles. Kyiv is urging partners to release more interceptors from stockpiles as it pivots toward a European air-defence framework.
Ukrainian authorities have released video showing a drone chasing a street vendor in Kherson before it detonates. The vendor survives with shrapnel injuries and a concussion. The UN records indicate civilian casualties rising in the first half of 2026, highlighting a pattern of attacks on civilians amid the broader war.
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.
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 UK has announced it will help France set up assembly lines in Ukraine for long-range missiles, declassifying information on UK-made components to aid Kyiv. Leaders visiting Kyiv frame the step as a long-term boost to Ukraine’s weapons capacity, while Moscow warns of consequences for increased involvement in the war.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham travels to Kyiv for Independence Day amid European leaders’ meeting to boost Kyiv’s defenses. London has agreed to allow MBDA to declassify information on UK-made SCALP missiles to assist Ukraine’s local production. The visit marks a coordinated push to support Kyiv and degrade Russia’s war capabilities.
The United States has removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, and has also delisted the al-Nusrah Front. Damascus says the move unlocks investment and accelerates reconstruction as it seeks to reintegrate with the global economy. Washington frames the step as a path to stability, while analysts caution continued regional risks.
Russia has warned Britain that any involvement in Ukraine using British weapons could trigger responses labeled as escalation. Moscow cites recent Ukrainian strikes with Storm Shadow missiles and accuses Britain of fueling the conflict as it deepens military support to Kyiv.