Jul 25, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia intends to recruit 30,000 North Korean military personnel to support its war effort. Speaking in his evening address, Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces have been preparing since June to deploy North Korean soldiers in the Voronezh region. He added that Pyongyang will also supply Moscow with new ballistic missile launchers.

The claims coincide with ongoing reciprocal strikes across the region, which have caused at least 20 casualties in recent days. Ukrainian forces recently struck an oil refinery deep in Siberian territory, while Russian attacks targeted Zaporizhzhia and other frontline areas. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities arrested the chief organizer of a Kyiv defense event following a Russian missile strike that killed ten people. Zelenskyy subsequently warned citizens to prepare for further Russian missile attacks within 48 hours.

Sources: ORF, Tagesschau

Malta's opposition Nationalist Party (PN) and environmental organization Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) have raised concerns over ongoing power blackouts across the island.

The PN stated that the recurring grid failures are significantly damaging Malta's tourism sector. According to the party, the frequent electricity outages contradict government efforts and goals set by the Malta Tourism Authority to transition the industry toward higher quality standards rather than volume.

Meanwhile, environmental NGO FAA highlighted that the power disruptions demonstrate a pressing need for climate-resilient architecture. The organization urged the adoption of modern construction standards that adapt to extreme heat, which could reduce energy demand and ease pressure on the national electrical grid.

Sources: The Malta Independent

Preparations are underway for a London summit involving the United States, the United Kingdom, and regional allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran rejected a truce. With oil prices reaching $100 a barrel, US President Donald Trump is evaluating further military escalation while keeping channels open for dialogue.

Tensions continue to spread across the region. Houthi strikes targeted Saudi Arabia, suspending flights in Riyadh and Jeddah and prompting Kuwait and Bahrain to deploy fighter jets. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported targeting vessels in the Caspian Sea conveying weapons to Iran. On the diplomatic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila, where Moscow urged Washington to halt military assistance to Kyiv.

Sources: Corriere della Sera

Clashes during a demonstration against the Turin-Lyon high-speed rail line in Italy's Val Susa valley left over 60 law enforcement officers injured and four security vehicles destroyed by fire.

Organizers estimated that 20,000 people attended the march, which turned violent when splinter groups launched attacks on construction sites in Chiomonte and San Didero. Demonstrators targeted security personnel with stones and firecrackers, prompting police to deploy tear gas. The unrest forced the temporary closure of the A32 highway and disrupted train services from Turin for several hours after protesters blocked key transit corridors.

The escalation drew widespread political condemnation from across the Italian political spectrum, with political leaders expressing solidarity with injured officers. Italian authorities have expanded investigations into the violence and logistical blockades.

Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore, Corriere della Sera

China is providing critical economic support to Iran to prevent the country's collapse amid heightened Middle Eastern tensions, according to Sinologist Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik. Speaking in an interview with Die Zeit, the expert noted that Beijing relies on small, independent refineries to purchase the bulk of Iran's oil exports. This trade utilizes barter arrangements and shadow financial networks to circumvent international sanctions.

Weigelin-Schwiedrzik highlighted that while Chinese President Xi Jinping is not unconditionally aligned with Tehran, Beijing aims to prevent a scenario where Iran loses its strategic position. Alongside its economic lifeline, China also provides indirect military assistance. However, Beijing remains cautious about entering a formal alliance, seeking to maintain balance in its regional diplomatic relations while securing energy imports.

Sources: Die Zeit.