Jul 30, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Russian forces launched a widespread wave of ballistic and cruise missile attacks across Ukraine overnight, targeting multiple cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and Lviv. Ukrainian air defense systems engaged incoming threats in western Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of an imminent large-scale strike based on military intelligence.

Simultaneously, active fighting continued along the front lines. Ukraine's General Staff reported 191 combat engagements in 24 hours, with heavy clashes concentrated in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions.

In response, Ukrainian long-range strikes targeted Russian strategic energy infrastructure, including an export terminal in the Rostov region located roughly 250 kilometers from the front line, along with oil facilities in Yaroslavl and the Udmurt Republic.

Sources: Investor.bg, Ukrinform

US Central Command launched a series of military strikes against targets in Iran in retaliation for a recent missile attack on American forces stationed in Jordan. The operation followed statements by US President Donald Trump warning of a firm military response to the strike in Jordan.

Simultaneously, Russian forces conducted widespread missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, killing at least seven people, including two children. The aerial bombardment prompted neighbouring Poland to scramble fighter aircraft to secure its airspace.

The Russian offensive coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming that Ukrainian forces struck two major Russian oil refineries and a logistics facility in the Ryazan region. Kyiv stated the long-range operations were designed to diminish Moscow's war financing capabilities.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Tanjug, Vijesti

Romanian operator Nuclearelectrica has begun shutting down the second reactor at the Cernavodă nuclear power station as water levels in the Danube River drop to critical lows. The move follows the shutdown of the plant's first reactor earlier, marking the first time both units at Romania's only nuclear facility have ceased operations simultaneously because of severe drought.

The Danube serves as the essential cooling source for Cernavodă. Dropping river levels have also impacted hydroelectric generation in Serbia and forced operational adjustments in Hungary. With regional temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, Romanian officials have called on the public to lower power consumption to prevent increased reliance on natural gas and costly imports.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, Point, Sweden Herald

French judicial authorities have launched a formal investigation into a former navy fighter pilot over allegations of espionage and compromising national security.

The former pilot, who previously flew Rafale combat aircraft for the French Navy, is suspected of sharing classified defence information and cooperating with intelligence services linked to China. According to reports, the individual faces charges of collaborating with a foreign power and disclosing national defence secrets.

The case highlights growing concerns among Western military institutions regarding efforts by foreign entities to recruit experienced aviators to gain tactical operational insights. French authorities have not released further public details while legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Sources: Defence Turk