Jul 26, 2026, 01:00 AM UTC

Ukrainian authorities are warning of heightened security threats as intelligence indicates Russia is preparing a large-scale missile assault within two days. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned citizens that partner intelligence reports point to imminent strikes across the nation.

Meanwhile, air defense forces neutralized 81 attack drones and intercepted one of three ballistic missiles targeted at the Kyiv region. Officials also reported that two supersonic Onyx missiles directed at southern targets failed to hit their intended marks.

Despite interceptions, recent Russian bombardments have inflicted widespread civil casualties and infrastructure destruction. The casualty count from guided aerial bomb strikes on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 30 people, including seven children. In Kharkiv, a drone explosion near a high-rise residential building shattered windows and injured a civilian. Military officials stress that aerial threat levels remain critically high nationwide.

Sources: Ukrinform

The Kremlin has rejected a proposal by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to freeze the war in Ukraine, stating that a cessation of hostilities is currently impossible due to Kyiv's stance. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia's conditions for ending the fighting remain unchanged.

The refusal coincides with warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated intelligence indicates Russian forces are prepared to launch a large-scale missile strike within 48 hours. Zelensky also reported that Moscow plans to recruit an additional 30,000 North Korean soldiers this autumn and receive more ballistic missile launchers from Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, member states of the International Criminal Court voted to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Sources: N1, Tanjug

Commercial shipping to Ukrainian Black Sea ports has stalled following Russian attack threats, according to Ukrainian officials. Shipowners voluntarily suspended vessel movements, a pause that could cause $2 billion in grain export losses. Simultaneously, drone strikes on tankers near Novorossiysk led the Caspian Pipeline Consortium to suspend operations, threatening Romanian fuel supplies.

The economic disruption coincides with military engagements in regional airspace. NATO confirmed allied aircraft intercepted two drones within 24 hours in Romanian airspace under direct alliance command. European Council President António Costa offered solidarity to Bucharest, stating that "the security of Romania is the security of Europe."

Sources: Digi24, Flux24, Ziarul de Gardă

German police have launched an extensive search after a van struck a crowd of attendees near Tiergarten park during Berlin's Pride celebrations on Saturday night. Authorities confirmed that at least one person died, while between 16 and 17 others sustained injuries, several of them critical.

The vehicle collided with people gathered near the Brandenburg Gate shortly before 10:00 p.m. before hitting a tree, after which the driver escaped on foot. First responders cleared the surrounding district to care for victims and secure the site.

Reporting varies slightly on casualty numbers, and some outlets cited witness claims that individuals were also stabbed during the event, though police have not confirmed knife attacks. Investigations continue as officials advise people to stay away from the city center.

Sources: BBC News, NOS, Sweden Herald, TV 2 Nyheter.

US President Donald Trump has instructed the American military to halt air strikes against Iran to allow space for diplomatic efforts, according to media reports citing informed sources. The directive resulted in the first night without US bombardments on Iranian territory following nearly two weeks of continuous action.

Washington initiated the military campaign earlier this month after accusing Iranian forces of targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had routinely approved daily attack plans over a 13-day period before withholding authorization on Friday.

Neither Washington nor Tehran has issued an official statement clarifying whether the pause signals a lasting ceasefire or a temporary halt to hostilities.

Sources: Ukrinform, Point.