Russia-Ukraine war escalates with new attacks and tensions in Europe

A train derailment in Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, resulted in seven fatalities and 30 injuries. According to Moscow Railway, the incident was caused by unlawful interference in transport operations. Ukraine’s military has not commented on the event.

Meanwhile, Russian shelling struck the village of Dolynka in Zaporizhia, killing a child and injuring another person. In Ukraine’s Kherson region, one civilian was reported dead following further Russian artillery fire.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russian forces launched around 109 drones and five missiles across the country on Friday and into the night. Ukrainian air defense units managed to shoot down 42 of the drones.

Russia claimed to have seized control of Vodolahy in the Sumy region and Novopil in the Donetsk region. Following this, Ukraine announced the evacuation of 11 villages in Sumy, citing the presence of approximately 50,000 Russian troops in the area.

Political and Diplomatic Updates

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over Russia’s intentions ahead of the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul, stating Moscow had offered no concrete goals. He did not clarify whether Ukraine would join the negotiations. Russia has confirmed its participation, with former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky set to lead its delegation.

Tensions extended to the Asia-Pacific region, as China’s embassy in Singapore rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron for linking the defense of Ukraine with Taiwan, arguing the two issues are fundamentally different.

Russia’s war in Ukraine is expected to be a key topic during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

In northern Europe, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced new regulations for foreign vessels in Swedish waters, starting July 1. The move responds to increasing maritime incidents linked to Russia’s so-called Shadow Fleet in the Baltic Sea.

Defense and Arms Production

UK Defence Secretary John Healey unveiled plans to establish at least six new weapons and explosives manufacturing facilities. He emphasized that the war in Ukraine highlights the critical need for a strong military-industrial base to support defense operations.