Jul 28, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

Russian forces launched extensive drone and artillery strikes across multiple regions in Ukraine on July 27, killing at least three people and injuring several others. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast experienced over 50 attacks, primarily targeting Nikopol, resulting in three fatalities. In Zaporizhzhia, a drone strike on a commercial venue injured four people, including two children, while another drone strike damaged a residential building in Kharkiv.

The escalation comes as UN political affairs chief Kayoko Gotoh informed the UN Security Council of a sharp rise in civilian casualties during July, citing constant strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure. In Kyiv alone, July bombardments caused 56 deaths and 232 injuries. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that intelligence reports suggest Russian forces have prepared missiles for an impending large-scale attack.

Sources: Ukrinform

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and hostilities involving Iran.

The diplomatic engagements coincide with renewed military attacks in Ukraine. Russian strikes recently hit Kyiv, sparking fires across three city districts. Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that intelligence suggests Russia has prepared missiles for another potential mass attack within 48 hours. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that freezing the conflict is impossible without specific political decisions by Kyiv.

In international legal developments, member states of the International Criminal Court voted to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving a colleague.

Sources: N1, Tanjug

Wildfires across southwestern France continue advancing toward Bordeaux, devastating more than 42,000 hectares in the Gironde region. French authorities called a crisis meeting as firefighters struggle against extreme heat, gusty winds, and fire-generated weather phenomena. In Spain, a national state of emergency remains in effect as blazes spread.

Casualties and displacement figures vary across reporting outlets. Der Standard reports that two firefighters have died fighting the blazes. Displacement estimates remain conflicted, with BBC News reporting over 250,000 total evacuations across France and Spain, while Helsingin Sanomat cites figures exceeding 325,000. In Gironde alone, local authorities have evacuated 220,000 residents, who are prohibited from returning until conditions stabilize. Major transport links, including the Bordeaux-Biarritz railway line, have been suspended. Meanwhile, officials in France's Var department have launched criminal investigations into suspected deliberate arson after three simultaneous ignitions were reported.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, France24, Helsingin Sanomat, Le Figaro

US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran are underway following a three-day pause in military strikes, though he cautioned that US operations could resume if discussions fail. The temporary lull comes amid questions regarding American military stockpiles, with Washington pressing defense firms to accelerate weapons production.

Despite the pause in direct US-Iran strikes, regional maritime hazards remain high. A commercial tanker struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz after attempting an unapproved transit. Meanwhile, Yemeni officials warned that Iran-backed Houthi forces are attempting to replicate Tehran's strait blockade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Separately, Ukraine dismissed Iranian retaliation threats following Kyiv's strike on an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected Tehran's warnings, calling them "unjustified and groundless" and describing the Iranian regime as an accomplice to Russia.

Sources: BBC News, Sweden Herald.

Montenegro's government has announced a sharp increase in retail fuel prices following a rise in international crude oil costs driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East and global supply chain disruptions.

Under the updated pricing structure, Eurodiesel will rise by 14 cents to €1.79 per liter, while Eurosuper 98 and Eurosuper 95 will reach €1.81 and €1.77 per liter, respectively. Heating oil prices will also increase to €1.79 per liter. The adjustments were adopted during an electronic cabinet session modifying fuel excise duties.

The price hikes coincide with growing domestic scrutiny, with opposition figures and economic analysts warning against the country's reliance on high consumption levels alongside a growing trade deficit.

Sources: Vijesti