Jul 29, 2026, 08:30 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian forces are prepared to launch a massive air strike, citing military intelligence that a large-scale bombardment is highly likely overnight. The warning follows intense military action across eastern frontlines, where the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 191 combat engagements in a single day, concentrated primarily in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors.

According to Ukrainian military reports, Russian forces executed dozens of air strikes and deployed nearly 200 guided aerial bombs along active combat lines. The escalating frontline pressures coincide with ongoing deep-strike operations by Ukrainian forces targeting energy and export infrastructure inside Russian territory, alongside recent cross-border drone activity near Moscow.

Sources: Investor.bg, Ukrinform

US President Donald Trump has agreed to grant Ukraine licenses to manufacture Patriot air-defense interceptors following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

Concurrently, Ukrainian long-range strikes have targeted key sites within Russia. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated that Russian forces intercepted over 390 drones, though reports suggest an industrial steel mill near the capital was struck. Additionally, recent drone attacks on logistics hubs for Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, reportedly caused up to $1.3 billion in commercial damage.

Zelenskyy further cautioned that Moscow intends to recruit 30,000 North Korean troops to deploy in the Voronezh region, alongside acquiring new ballistic missile launchers from Pyongyang.

Sources: Der Standard, DW, Hartpunkt, ORF, Sweden Herald.

United States Central Command and Jordanian air defense forces intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American positions across the Middle East. The barrage, described by US officials as an attempted surprise attack launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, resulted in no reported casualties or damage, with Jordan confirming it downed five incoming projectiles.

The escalation coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. In response, joint US and Saudi forces executed targeted air strikes against Iran-backed militants in Iraq. US President Donald Trump stated that American forces would retaliate while remaining open to further talks, adding that US military ammunition supplies remain substantial. Following the military developments, global crude oil prices fell by over five percent in Asian trading amid hopes for diplomatic resolution.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Dagens Industri, El Mundo, ORF, TVP info

Raging wildfires in southwestern France have reached the outskirts of Bordeaux, forcing the closure of the Bordeaux-Biarritz railway line and prompting Tour de France organizers to shorten upcoming stages. Two firefighters have died during containment efforts. Meanwhile, authorities in the southern Var region reported three new blazes that they suspect were started intentionally as "mises à feu volontaires."

Containment efforts remain severely hindered by high temperatures, strong winds, and localized storms generated by pyrocumulonimbus clouds. Overall displacement estimates vary, with local French authorities reporting 220,000 evacuees in Gironde, while international reports indicate between 250,000 and over 325,000 displaced people across France and Spain. Spain remains under a national state of emergency as blazes continue across the border.

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

Italy's governing coalition is managing political friction after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced plans to request €14.9 billion from the European Union's Safe defense fund, drawing pushback from coalition partners Lega and Brothers of Italy, who insisted on parliamentary oversight.

Domestically, the government faces criticism over a new decree addressing fuel price increases caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The measure offers lower subsidies to diesel drivers, sparking public dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, Oman is mediating a proposal from Gulf nations to offer financial contributions to persuade Iran to unblock the Strait, where maritime disruptions threaten damages up to $90 billion.

Separately, judicial documents from Milan revealed that Russian intelligence agencies have been paying ordinary Italian citizens to collect sensitive military and NATO information.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Stampa.