Jul 29, 2026, 04:30 PM UTC

Russian air strikes struck Kyiv early in the morning, causing blazes across the Desnyanskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Solomyanskyi districts and damaging local infrastructure, according to emergency services. The bombardment followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's warning that Moscow had prepared missiles for an impending large-scale attack.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that freezing the Ukrainian conflict remains "not possible at this time" due to Kyiv's stance, reiterating Russia's conditions for ending hostilities.

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

In Spain, severe wildfires spanning Ávila, Castellón, Madrid, and Toledo provinces led to the evacuation of more than 73,000 people, marking the country's largest fire-related displacement this century, while over 170,000 residents face ongoing threats.

Sources: N1, Tanjug

The world’s six largest oil and gas producers nearly doubled their second-quarter profits in 2026 compared to the previous quarter, buoyed by shifting global energy market conditions.

In contrast, shares of French luxury group LVMH fell in Paris after the conglomerate failed to reassure investors that demand for high-end consumer goods is experiencing a full recovery. The drop reflects broader investor caution regarding luxury market momentum across key global regions.

These corporate financial updates follow previously reported quarterly earnings from Swiss lender UBS, which saw its net profit rise 17% to $2.8 billion during its integration of Credit Suisse, as well as ongoing discussions between European allies and Washington regarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources: Tanjug

British paratroopers from the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment have evaluated new tactical mobility options, including electric bikes, during the military exercise "Rhino Bizz". Participating alongside Canadian forces, elements of the 16 Air Assault Brigade tested the vehicles to assess their operational utility for airborne anti-tank platoons.

The trial reflects ongoing efforts to adapt light infantry operations to modern battlefields increasingly dominated by drone surveillance and electronic warfare. Electric bikes offer potential tactical advantages, such as low acoustic and thermal signatures, which may allow troops to transport anti-tank weaponry across contested terrain with reduced risk of detection.

Sources: Hartpunkt.

Portugal’s opposition party Chega has requested a parliamentary committee of inquiry to investigate potential political interference involving Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves. The party argued that recent controversies surrounding Neves have compromised the credibility of the Judicial Police, the ministry, and the cabinet.

In response to the growing political scrutiny, Neves scheduled a press conference to address the issues surrounding his role. Ahead of Neves' statement, the prime minister and the secretary-general of the Socialist Party scheduled a meeting at São Bento to deliberate on the matter.

Sources: RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Portugal’s unemployment rate remained steady at 5.6% in June, holding at the same level recorded in May, according to preliminary estimates released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

While the month-on-month figure showed no change, the June rate represents a 0.4 percentage point decline compared to the same period last year. INE's data highlights relative stability in the national labor market heading into the summer season. The steady employment figures suggest sustained strength in Portugal's economic activity, offsetting wider regional economic uncertainties across the European Union.

Sources: RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)