Russia

Russia has threatened to launch "systematic strikes" on Kyiv, targeting "decision-making centres and command posts" and drone manufacturing facilities, and has urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the city. This warning follows a recent escalation of attacks, including a large-scale aerial assault over the weekend that killed four people and injured approximately 100 others in and around Kyiv. Ukraine has condemned the threat as "shameless blackmail" and accused Moscow of attempting to intimidate the international diplomatic community.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia deployed the 'Oresnik' hypersonic ballistic missile during a large-scale aerial assault on the Kyiv region. This marks the third reported instance of Russia using this missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional weapons. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the use of the Oresnik missile, stating it targeted Ukrainian military command centers and air bases.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia deployed the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in a mass attack on Kyiv, marking its third use in the conflict. Concurrently, a new study reveals that hunger is increasingly being used as a weapon of war, with over 20,000 incidents recorded globally in the last eight years, including attacks on markets and food distribution systems.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing to declare a "new stage" in bilateral relations, agreeing to extend their treaty of good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation. The leaders pledged to work together for a more just and equitable world order amid a turbulent international landscape.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Cuba poses a national security threat to the United States, citing its relationships with Russia and China, and suggested the possibility of military action. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez denied these claims, accusing Rubio of lying and inciting aggression. President Donald Trump also indicated a willingness to take action against Cuba, a stance he reiterated while also stating the U.S. wants to help Cuba on humanitarian grounds.