Jul 30, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone strike across Ukraine overnight, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 50, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi.

The bombardment hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure in multiple cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and Lviv. In the Kryvyi Rih district, a direct strike targeted a private residential home. National grid operator Ukrenergo reported power outages in five regions, with Sumy Oblast facing the most severe disruptions to its energy network.

Air defense systems engaged targets nationwide following warnings from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about an imminent major attack. Emergency crews in Sumy and other impacted areas are currently conducting repair operations.

Sources: Investor.bg, Ukrinform

Italy's ruling coalition is facing internal division and legislative friction across multiple fronts. In parliament, a deadlock over the National Recovery and Resilience Plan decree has halted progress in the Chamber of Deputies due to disagreements over European Union-mandated tenders for Intercity train services, putting up to €3 billion in funding at risk.

Concurrently, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's proposal to request €14.9 billion from the EU's Safe defense purchasing fund continues to draw pushback from coalition partner Lega, which insists parliamentary approval is required. Meanwhile, court documents in Milan revealed Russian intelligence agencies recruited ordinary Italian citizens to gather NATO data. On the economic front, national statistics office Istat reported a 0.2% GDP expansion in the second quarter, aligning with growth in France and Germany.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore.

Japanese authorities have confirmed at least 28 fatalities following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the southwestern island of Kyushu, updating earlier figures provided by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who had initially reported 13 deaths. Local officials in Kumamoto Prefecture had previously reported 17 confirmed victims. A government spokesperson cited by national broadcaster NHK noted that the revised toll includes individuals whose deaths are believed to be disaster-related.

The earthquake caused severe damage across the region, destroying residential structures, roads, and bridges. Emergency crews remain deployed in search-and-rescue operations, while more than 9,000 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters. Japanese authorities stated that comprehensive damage assessments are still underway.

Sources: Der Standard, FAZ, ORF.

The head of Albania's Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), Klodian Braho, briefed journalists on the status of several high-profile investigations.

Braho stated that the probe concerning former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku remains one of the institution's highest priorities, with active searches and financial checks ongoing. Braho also addressed international law enforcement efforts, confirming that SPAK requested French authorities to seize assets linked to suspect Ermal Beqiri following his arrest in France. The requested seizures encompass aircraft and additional real estate holdings. Furthermore, prosecutors are conducting preliminary verifications on two recent referral materials related to the case known as "The Albanian File."

Sources: BalkanWeb.

Emergency services and military personnel responded to reports of a powerful explosion in eastern Poland near the village of Tarnawa Kolonia, roughly 50 kilometers south of Lublin. Local authorities received alerts following a loud blast reported in Biłgoraj County, where responders subsequently located a crater measuring ten meters in diameter in an open field.

Police, fire crews, and a military helicopter were deployed to inspect the site and secure the surrounding area. The incident occurred shortly after air raid sirens sounded in the region, prompting speculation regarding whether a stray missile or projectile caused the blast. Polish authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast.

Sources: Kanal 5.