Russia

Russia’s diesel export ban has disrupted global energy markets, causing shortages and price spikes in industrial fuel. The ban impacts countries even those not purchasing diesel from Russia, as diesel is the largest component of global oil consumption used across industries like machinery, agriculture, transport, and electricity.

The UN Security Council's third meeting on Iran's nuclear program since Resolution 2231 expired in October failed to reach a resolution. Russia and China forced a procedural vote, which passed with 11 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions, mirroring previous sessions. The US and Western allies reiterated allegations about Iran's nuclear activities, but the session ended without formal outcomes.

Cuba experienced an islandwide blackout for the second time this week due to a crumbling power grid and fuel shortages linked to a U.S. energy blockade. Fuel shortages have halted public transportation and led to canceled surgeries, with Cuba producing only 40% of its needed fuel and depleting a supply from a Russian tanker by April.

Ukraine is establishing a long-range strike command and a new Joint Rapid Response Forces unit to increase pressure on Russia and enhance frontline responsiveness. Brigadier General Dmytro Voloshyn has been appointed to lead the rapid-response forces.

A bipartisan group of senators announced an agreement with the Trump administration to advance new legislation sanctioning countries that purchase Russian oil, aiming to pressure Moscow. The legislation, which faced prior resistance from the White House, now appears closer to approval after Trump's recent shift in stance on the Ukraine war.

Ukrainian MP Yehor Chernev states that Trump's meeting with Zelensky indicates a shift in US policy, attributed to Ukraine's battlefield gains, Russia's worsening fuel crisis, and midterm politics. Chernev anticipates Ukrainian-made Patriot missiles within two to three years.

President Volodymyr Zelensky will join world leaders in Paris for a Coalition of the Willing meeting aimed at increasing financial and military support for Ukraine and pressuring Russia toward peace negotiations. Moldova and North Macedonia are also expected to participate in the coalition.

US senators and the White House have reached a deal to strengthen sanctions against Russia. The agreement follows recent signals from Donald Trump indicating increased support for Kyiv.

Ukraine claimed to have struck 48 Russian vessels over five days, including 18 overnight, with 13 of those being oil tankers linked to Moscow's 'shadow fleet.' The attacks also targeted oil refineries, fuel terminals, and power substations as part of a large drone operation.

Public support for United Russia is at historic lows ahead of the September 2026 Duma elections. The Kremlin is using asset nationalization and capital freezes to maintain control.

Russia is open to Turkey selling S-400 air defense systems to the UAE, though final approval from Moscow is still pending. The systems, purchased by Turkey in 2019, triggered US sanctions and blocked Turkey’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. Negotiations over resale to the UAE have been ongoing for months.

President Donald Trump pledged to allow Ukraine to produce US Patriot air defense missiles, but experts say production could take over a year to begin, leaving Kyiv with ongoing shortages. Ukraine faces difficult decisions defending against Russian missile attacks while awaiting implementation of the agreement.

Boris Nadezhdin, an anti-war politician, has been designated a 'foreign agent' in Russia, which prohibits him from running for office. This occurred after he submitted documents to run for the State Duma in September.

Ukraine's sports minister Matviy Bidnyi is outraged by the IOC's decision to allow Russia's return to the Olympics, as stated in an exclusive interview with DW.

Russia has deployed upgraded 'anti-drone' tanks equipped with the Arena-M system, designed to counter FPV drones and anti-tank weapons. Leaked documents indicate joint development between Moscow and Beijing on next-generation armored vehicles incorporating AI, active protection systems, and drone integration.

Ukrainian drones attacked a dozen Russian oil tankers in the Sea of Azov overnight, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian forces and isolate Crimea. Ukraine's military confirmed the strikes as part of an ongoing campaign.

Italy expelled two Russian diplomats accused of interference, while Poland sentenced a couple for spying for Moscow. Analysts warn that Russia may escalate hybrid warfare efforts as its Ukraine campaign stalls, prompting concerns over a 'dangerous summer' for Ukraine and Western allies.

Global oil and fuel markets are unprepared for a resumption of US-Iran conflict, with Western crude stockpiles near historic lows and rising oil prices. Analysts warn of potential shortages in diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel due to damaged Middle East refineries and reduced Russian refining capacity.

Zelensky stated that Russia’s only remaining advantage is ballistic missile attacks on civilians, while Ukraine has strengthened militarily. He announced the Freya air defense project and highlighted ongoing Western support.

Regional mediators including Qatar and Pakistan are working to de-escalate U.S.-Iran tensions over a nuclear deal amid reports of Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Israel shared intelligence with the U.S. about a potential plot to kill President Trump, while Ukraine intensified attacks near Crimea, and Russia's Putin rejected peace negotiations as Russian strikes killed hundreds of civilians in June.

Russia has increased its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, using up to 25 drones in single strikes. Ukraine's power grid has faced a 36% rise in strikes this year, resulting in the loss of approximately half its electricity generation capacity.

An OSCE expert mission found that Russia's treatment of Ukrainian children may involve systematic indoctrination and militarization, potentially violating international humanitarian and human rights law. The report calls for enhanced accountability and child protection measures.

Trump grants Kyiv licenses for Patriot systems, which Kyiv plans to produce domestically as Russia faces challenges in defending against Ukrainian attacks.

Ukrainian drone strikes caused fires at key oil facilities in southern Russia, further straining an already pressured fuel network due to prior Ukrainian attacks.

Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on tankers near Crimea as part of a campaign to disrupt Russian fuel supplies and transportation routes in the region. The attacks aim to exacerbate existing fuel shortages in Crimea.

Ukraine's AI-enabled drones and long-range missiles have disrupted Russian logistics and fuel infrastructure, causing shortages and operational strain. Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians, compared to historical terror weapons, have failed to break Ukrainian resolve.

Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei was buried in Mashhad following a six-day funeral procession attended by 41-43 million people. The funeral spanned five cities in Iran and Iraq, with mourners chanting anti-American slogans and carrying banners referencing 'Kill Trump'. Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli air strike on 28 February 2026, marking the start of an ongoing war.

Zelenskyy stated that China directly warned Russia against using nuclear weapons in response to Ukrainian strikes. He learned of this from European leaders at the NATO summit in Ankara and discussed it with U.S. President Donald Trump. A Russian MP recently urged Putin to consider nuclear strikes to force a peace agreement.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of a potential petrol and diesel supply crunch as refineries in the Gulf and Russia face disruptions from wars. Global consumption of these fuels remains high despite the challenges.

The IOC has allowed Russian athletes to return to Olympic competition and qualifying events, but their eligibility for the 2028 Los Angeles Games remains unresolved. European commentators criticize the decision, arguing it incentivizes Russia and reduces global pressure regarding the war in Ukraine.

Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States have agreed to expand military cooperation in response to rising jihadist violence in the region. The partnership involves Moscow providing training, equipment, and paramilitary assistance, marking a shift away from Western allies.

Ukraine's military reported 233 combat engagements and thousands of Russian strikes and drone attacks on Thursday, with intense fighting across multiple front-line areas. Ukrainian forces resisted dozens of assaults near Sloviansk, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk.

Ukraine struck an oil refinery in southern Russia. Authorities in Taganrog evacuated residents following a separate strike on a seaport.

NATO unity behind Ukraine was reaffirmed at the Ankara Summit despite earlier tensions, according to a former US commander. Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure are altering the war's momentum and may prompt Moscow to consider full-scale mobilization.

Ukraine's top commander Syrsky stated that Russia's 2026 large-scale offensive failed to meet its objectives despite having nearly twice the manpower. The Russian advance has significantly slowed, with monthly casualties averaging about 32,000 troops.

Ukrainian drones struck oil infrastructure and defense-related sites across southern Russia overnight, causing fires and disrupting airport operations. Moscow claimed to have intercepted 376 drones targeting facilities linked to Russia's energy exports and military industry.

Ukraine reported to the UN Security Council that Russian recruits are surviving only 10 days to three weeks due to catastrophic battlefield losses, while Moscow's advances remain limited.

Three-time Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington. Ukraine attacked energy targets in Russia using long-range drones, and flooding in southern China following record rainfall killed at least 39 people.

The US condemned Russia’s destruction of Ukrainian homes and heritage at the UN Security Council, urging Russia to stop the war and citing 40,000 monthly casualties in Moscow’s forces. Ukrainian civilians are facing deadly strikes in Kyiv.

The Baltic states informed the UN Security Council that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians constitute a sustained campaign of terror and urged Moscow to agree to an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.