Jul 29, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC

Russian strikes targeted Kyiv early Sunday, causing fires across three city districts, including Desnyansky, Shevchenkivsky, and Solomyansky. Emergency services reported damage to a warehouse, vehicles, and an abandoned building. The bombardment followed warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Moscow was preparing a large-scale missile assault. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that freezing the conflict remains impossible due to Kyiv's stance, reiterating that Moscow's conditions outlined two years ago must be met.

In international developments, member states of the International Criminal Court voted by a wide margin to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct. Elsewhere in Europe, severe wildfires spreading across Spain's Ávila, Castellón, Madrid, and Toledo provinces forced the evacuation of over 73,000 residents.

Sources: N1, Tanjug

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil refinery and a logistics center in the Ryazan region, roughly 360 kilometers from the border. Zelenskyy stated that the strikes were part of a long-term campaign to restrict Moscow's financial and logistical capacity to sustain its war effort.

The announcement followed high-level talks in Washington, where Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss enhancing Ukraine's air defense network against Russian missile attacks. During the visit, officials noted that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are contemplating a trip to Kyiv to help revive diplomatic efforts. Trump described his discussions with both Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as positive.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Tanjug

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss diplomatic efforts and securing licenses to produce Patriot air defense missiles locally in Ukraine.

Following their private Oval Office meeting, Zelenskyy stated in an interview that Trump agreed to issue the production licenses, characterizing the potential arrangement as a strategic message to Moscow. However, the White House has not publicly confirmed any binding licensing agreement, though officials described the discussion as "positive and productive." The closed-door session was attended by key US Cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

During the visit, both leaders also attended a funeral service for a US senator who was a prominent advocate for aid to Kyiv. Zelenskyy further asserted that Russian military forces have lost their front-line momentum.

Sources: Bloomberg, Defense News, La Stampa, Respect, TVP info

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has issued an international arrest warrant for Telegram founder Pavel Durov, charging him with assisting terrorist activities. Russian authorities allege that Ukrainian secret services used the messaging platform, including specific chatbots, to coordinate sabotage and recruit operatives inside Russia.

Security officials also cited insufficient content moderation, accusing Telegram of failing to remove flagged channels and automated tools linked to Ukrainian intelligence. Durov, who was born in Russia and holds citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, currently resides in France. He already faces legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions over platform governance. Moscow's action marks a further escalation against the billionaire tech entrepreneur.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, ORF, Point

Swiss banking giant UBS reported a 17% year-on-year increase in second-quarter net profit to $2.8 billion for 2026, surpassing analyst expectations amid its continued integration of Credit Suisse. Pre-tax profit reached $3.59 billion. Concurrently, French food group Danone recorded a 4.2% rise in quarterly revenue to €7.2 billion.

In geopolitical developments, European allies have resisted joining a proposed U.S. naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz without prior agreements.

Meanwhile, environmental reports noted humanity exhausts its annual resource allocation by July 30, while a study indicated organic free-range egg production has roughly double the climate impact of caged farming.

Sources: Tanjug