Syria and Israel have engaged in direct face-to-face talks aimed at reducing tensions and preventing conflict along their border, marking a significant shift in their long-standing adversarial relationship, with recent developments including back-channel negotiations and regional diplomatic efforts.
One person died in the Russian border region of Belgorod after drone attacks, while a fire broke out at an oil refinery in Samara. The attacks were part of increased hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukraine targeting energy sites in Russia in retaliation for bombardments on its territory. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed "12 Ukrainian drones" over several border regions.
A Russian border region is facing sustained Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes, leading to the closure of schools and colleges and a major evacuation plan. Ukraine's offensive is aimed at pressuring the Kremlin, but it lacks ammunition due to a shortfall in Western supplies. The attacks have embarrassed the Kremlin, with casualties reported and Putin vowing support for affected civilians. The European Union plans to use frozen Russian assets to provide weapons and funds for Ukraine, while the U.S. Congress remains stalled over military funding. Additionally, the Czech government is sourcing artillery shells for Ukraine, as the conflict continues to escalate with casualties reported on both sides.
Roadblocks are being set up in Russia's Belgorod region, with restricted entry into border areas and plans for a "visiting procedure" for residential buildings due to intensified shelling. The regional authorities are distributing free food kits, waiving utility bills, and relocating 1,200 children to other regions. Intercepted conversations and social media posts indicate a significant number of residents evacuating, as the area resembles a front-line city with frequent explosions.
Russia plans to evacuate about 9,000 children from a border region targeted by Ukraine, reflecting Kyiv’s increasing focus on striking targets behind the front line. Civilian areas of Belgorod have been battered in the fighting, with casualties reported. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range firepower to hit targets inside Russia, while Russia has also launched attacks in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged Western partners to supply more air defense systems, as Ukraine ramps up its defense production and relies on international support.
Ukrainian missile and drone attacks on Russian critical infrastructure and border regions are undermining President Putin's attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy and control ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The attacks have heightened the visibility of the war on Russian soil, leading to increased public support for ending the conflict and challenging the Kremlin's political control. The recent strike on Belgorod, which resulted in civilian casualties and widespread damage, has further escalated tensions, prompting calls for a more aggressive response from Russian nationalists. The attacks have also raised concerns about Russia's ability to quickly repair damaged infrastructure and defend against future strikes.
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions following a series of military actions in the Baluchistan border region, with Iran initiating a missile and drone attack on "terrorist" targets in Pakistan and Pakistan responding with precision strikes on militant targets inside Iran. The international community, including the United Nations and the United States, called for restraint, while China offered to mediate. The situation prompted both nations to recall their ambassadors, raising concerns about potential border closures and their impact on the local population. Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister held an emergency security meeting, emphasizing the inviolability of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stressing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to address security concerns for regional peace and stability.
Ukrainian shelling in Russia's border region of Belgorod killed one person and injured four others. The region has been targeted by repeated strikes from Ukraine's armed forces, and in May and June, pro-Ukrainian militants clashed with the Russian military. Regional militias in Belgorod have started receiving weapons to defend against attacks from Ukraine, according to state media.
Russia claims to have destroyed three drones targeting an oil refinery in the southern border region of Bryansk, as Ukraine pursues its counteroffensive against Russian forces. Drone attacks have multiplied in recent months, with Kyiv and Moscow claiming to repel some several times a week. Oil facilities on Russian soil appear to be the priority targets of the drone attacks. The Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula is also regularly targeted.
Russian troops sent to the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine to "protect" local residents are accused of looting and taking over people's homes, repeating a practice they gained notoriety for in Ukraine on their own people. Residents complain of soldiers living in their homes, leading an outrageous lifestyle, with alcohol and other things leaving behind garbage and filth, bathrooms and houses are fouled up, personal belongings and property are stolen.
Two people were killed and two others were wounded in the shelling of Russia's Belgorod, a border region that has been hit by repeated attacks this week. The Russian army said it had used its air force and artillery to repel an attempt from the Ukrainian army to invade Belgorod.
Russia is evacuating hundreds of children from border villages due to intensifying shelling in the Belgorod region, where the situation is deemed "alarming" by the Kremlin. The attacks have come as Kyiv says it is preparing for a major offensive against Moscow's forces. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine and its Western backers of being behind the increasing number of reported attacks. Several oil depots have been hit in recent weeks.
Russian forces claim to have conquered the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's east, but Kyiv denies it and says the nine-month battle for the city continues. The city has been left in ruins, and a force of pro-Ukrainian troops who say they are Russians made an incursion into a Russian border region. The so-called Liberty of Russia Legion says their end goal is to end Putin's dictatorship.