Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow, striking the oil refinery and injuring 16, prompting Russian vows of retaliatory massive strikes and the formation of a strategic bomber group for overnight operations. EU leaders extended sanctions on Russia for 12 months but are split over negotiations with Moscow, as the US and Ukraine discuss a potential two-stage ceasefire. Andy Burnham's victory in the UK Makerfield by-election threatens PM Starmer's leadership, while Polish PM Tusk calls the murder of a Russian artist a likely political assassination.
Heavy clashes and expanded Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley, have killed at least 15 people and destroyed multiple IDF tanks, while Iran suspends US nuclear talks in Geneva over the lack of a Lebanese ceasefire, threatening to collapse the newly signed MOU. Vice President Vance publicly criticized Israel's leadership as the diplomatic rift widens, and fighting continues between Houthis and STC forces in southern Yemen.
Inter-Korean relations hit a new low with North Korea cutting all ties and declaring the South a hostile state, while President Trump shows interest in re-engaging Pyongyang. US-China tech tensions escalate over disputed ASML machine shipments and a Chinese EUV prototype, alongside UK espionage convictions and sanctions disputes. Afghan drone strikes on Pakistani soil and TTP gains from evacuated army posts mark a volatile security landscape in Pakistan. Myanmar continues to see military airstrikes killing civilians and PDF ambushes. India faces a suspected Ebola case, a Telegram ban, and multiple domestic security and political developments.
Vice President Vance postponed his Switzerland trip for US-Iran talks, and a White House struggle over the Iran deal's legacy emerged, with Trump joking he would blame Vance if it fails. Cuba enacted its most sweeping economic reforms since 1959, opening real estate and banking to foreign capital. A Colombian peace breakthrough saw 100 rebels disarm ahead of Sunday's presidential runoff, while a Pentagon review of NATO troop presence and a Times Square shooting also marked the day.
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has surpassed 200 deaths with a high case fatality rate; Sudan faces new international warnings over atrocities in el-Obeid as EU diplomats make their first visit since the war began, and Egypt remains implicated via drone strike footage. Ethiopia's election landslide masks deep internal instability, while the US imposes visa restrictions on Tigray hardliners to prevent renewed conflict. Libya's rival factions signed an election roadmap, and Somalia warned Israel over Somaliland's embassy opening.