Jul 29, 2026, 02:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian forces have targeted several Russian oil and export facilities far behind front lines, including an export terminal in western Rostov Oblast, approximately 250 kilometres from active combat, alongside energy targets in Yaroslavl and Udmurtia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the long-range operations. In response, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that Russian air defence systems intercepted 12 drones targeting the capital, leading to temporary operational restrictions at local airports.

Simultaneously, Russian forces carried out dozens of drone and artillery strikes across eastern Ukraine. Authorities in Dnipropetrovsk reported over 50 attacks that left three people dead and six injured. In Zaporizhzhia, a drone hit a commercial facility, injuring four civilians, including two children. Additionally, UN officials highlighted a significant surge in civilian casualties across Ukraine during July, particularly citing a heavy toll from ongoing bombardment in Kyiv.

Sources: Investor.bg, Ukrinform

The US Senate voted 86–12 to advance a major sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a White House meeting, US President Donald Trump pledged licenses allowing Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defense interceptor missiles locally.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range drone strikes have intensified across Russian territory. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that over 390 drones were intercepted overnight, although Ukrainian reports claimed a steel plant near Moscow was hit. Recent drone raids on logistics hubs of Russian retailer Wildberries reportedly caused up to $1.3 billion in economic damage.

Additionally, Zelenskyy warned that Moscow intends to recruit 30,000 North Korean troops for deployment in the Voronezh region and receive new ballistic missile launchers from Pyongyang.

Sources: DW, Hartpunkt, ORF, Sweden Herald.

Firefighters continue struggling against massive wildfires spreading across southwestern France and Spain. Strong winds and high temperatures pushed flames toward the Bordeaux metropolitan area, with one official noting responders "are far from having the fire under control."

Over 42,000 hectares have burned in Gironde, destroying residential neighborhoods and campsites. Rail services between Bordeaux and Biarritz remain suspended, and two firefighters have died. Officials in the Var region suspect deliberate arson after three simultaneous outbreaks were identified.

Evacuation numbers vary among sources. Le Figaro and Der Standard report 220,000 evacuations in Gironde. BBC News and France24 report over 250,000 displaced across France and Spain, whereas Helsingin Sanomat reports figures exceeding 325,000.

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

Dutch authorities carried out major security operations across the country following a high-speed pursuit and separate counter-terrorism raids. In Amsterdam Nieuw-West, a vehicle containing explosive material crashed after a police chase linked to an overnight ATM bombing in Germany. Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel secured the hazardous material, allowing evacuated residents to return home while the vehicle's occupants remain at large.

In an operation overnight, special arrest teams detained three suspects aged 16 to 19 in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Alkmaar. According to the Public Prosecution Service, the arrests were made as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation, though specific details regarding the allegations were not immediately disclosed.

Sources: NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting)

Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced the creation of a new parliamentary faction named "Development Plus" following a rift within the right-wing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.

According to Morawiecki, the new grouping consists of 40 members of the Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament, alongside one senator. Speaking in Warsaw, the former leader stated that the faction aims to "work for Poland's development and conservative identity." Detailed policy plans are expected to be announced in the coming days.

The move marks a notable shift in Poland's conservative opposition landscape.

Sources: ORF.