Jul 28, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian forces launched long-range drone strikes against Russian oil facilities and export terminals in the Rostov, Yaroslavl, and Udmurtia regions, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian authorities stated that air defense systems intercepted 12 drones approaching Moscow, causing temporary flight disruptions at local airports.

Concurrently, Russian forces continued heavy attacks across Ukrainian territory. Regional officials in Dnipropetrovsk reported over 50 artillery and drone strikes that killed three people and injured six. In Zaporizhzhia, a drone strike on a commercial venue wounded four individuals, including two children.

Addressing the UN Security Council, UN official Kayoko Gotoh reported a sharp rise in civilian casualties during July, citing at least 56 deaths and 232 injuries in Kyiv alone amid persistent strikes on residential areas and critical infrastructure.

Sources: Investor.bg, Ukrinform

The US Department of Defense has initiated a formal review of its 80,000 troops stationed across Europe, reflecting efforts by the administration of US President Donald Trump to shift greater security responsibilities onto European NATO members.

Meanwhile, long-range engagements between Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to intensify. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that Russian air defense systems intercepted more than 390 Ukrainian drones overnight, though local reports indicate an industrial steel mill in the Moscow region sustained damage. The strike follows earlier Ukrainian drone attacks on major logistics hubs belonging to Wildberries, which analysts estimate caused over $1.3 billion in economic losses.

Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia intends to deploy 30,000 North Korean troops in the Voronezh region, supported by new North Korean ballistic missile launching systems.

Sources: DW, FAZ, Hartpunkt, ORF, Sweden Herald.

The 74-year-old suspect in a shooting that left two police officers injured in Ta' Giorni is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday morning. John Agius, a resident of St Julian's, was taken into custody on Friday following an armed confrontation that temporarily trapped two officers inside a residential yard.

Maltese authorities confirmed that formal charges are being finalized following the completion of preliminary investigations into the standoff. Medical updates indicate that one officer injured during the encounter remains in hospital in stable condition. Specific charges against Agius will be presented during the upcoming court session.

Sources: The Malta Independent

Emergency crews in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture are searching for survivors after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake caused major structural damage, split highways, and triggered an explosion at a commercial center in Kashima. Local authorities report that people remain trapped inside damaged buildings following the collapse of sections of the complex.

Concurrently, southern Europe is battling unprecedented wildfires amid rising temperatures. In southwestern France, blazes have consumed more than 42,000 hectares, encroaching within 15 kilometers of Bordeaux and prompting the deployment of military aircraft alongside the distribution of 1.5 million masks to protect residents from smoke. In Spain, firefighters are confronting the largest wildfire in national history, with severe blazes expanding near Madrid. Total evacuations across France and Spain have surpassed 260,000 people. French President Emmanuel Macron declared "We will make it," despite criticism from political opponents regarding state readiness.

Sources: Corriere della Sera

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House for approximately an hour to discuss air defence capabilities and diplomatic efforts.

Following the closed-door talks, Zelenskyy stated that the leaders discussed obtaining a licence for Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles domestically. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the encounter as a "positive and productive meeting," while Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for American support. However, no formal agreement or final decision regarding the manufacturing licence was publicly announced after the session. Kyiv remains focused on strengthening its aerial defences against continuing Russian strikes.

Sources: Bloomberg, ORF, Sweden Herald