EFI

New Russian strikes across Ukraine killed eight people, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accuse Moscow of terrorising Ukrainians. The attacks are part of continued Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, and Zelenskyy's comments add to Kyiv's calls for stronger international support and air defences as the war grinds on.

Russian drone attacks have struck civilian areas of Ukraine, causing damage and casualties, while Kyiv says its forces have made breakthroughs on the battlefield. The combined reports highlight the escalating pace of the war, with strikes on populated areas continuing even as Ukrainian troops claim advances along the front lines.

Ukraine does not anticipate a ceasefire agreement covering the Black Sea within the coming months, according to a Bloomberg report. The outlook signals that fighting and shipping risks in the region are likely to persist, dampening hopes for a near-term de-escalation that would ease maritime trade and security concerns. Observers are watching whether negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow gain any traction later in the year.

An Israeli drone strike killed a Palestinian woman in Gaza, according to the Muslim Network TV. The report frames the killing as occurring amid continued violations of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The strike underscores persistent tensions and instability in the territory despite the truce, with ongoing concerns about civilian casualties.

Iran says it is prepared both for diplomacy and for war, after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed seven-day ceasefire. The statement signals Tehran is keeping its options open while Washington refuses a pause in hostilities. The rejection leaves little room for de-escalation, and observers are watching whether talks can still happen under pressure.

Israeli forces are reported to be continuing violations of the ceasefire across Gaza, according to Palestinian news outlet IMEMC. The report claims ongoing military activity despite the truce agreement, drawing renewed international attention to the fragility of the deal and the humanitarian situation in the territory.

General strikes have closed markets and disrupted daily life in several Sudanese cities, while army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan remains defiant after Washington barred him and other officials from US visas over the ongoing war. The strike action reflects mounting public anger over the conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions, with the visa measure seen as a rare American sanction against Sudan's military leadership.

Palestinian deaths in the Gaza war have continued to climb even though a ceasefire is in place. Reports from the region indicate casualties are still being counted as bodies are recovered from rubble and people die from wounds sustained before the truce. The news underscores how fragile the ceasefire remains and how heavy the war's toll has been on Gaza's civilian population.

The Wall Street Journal reports that mounting federal deficits and military conflict are unravelling Donald Trump's effort to bring down interest rates and inflation. Soaring borrowing and war-related pressures are pushing against his agenda, complicating expectations for cheaper credit and stable prices, and drawing attention from markets and economists watching the fallout.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards are reported to have seized an American submarine drone in the Strait of Hormuz, further raising tensions with the United States amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The development comes as a ceasefire proposal was rejected and Iranian forces reportedly prepare for what officials describe as a potential wider confrontation.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified after Washington rejected Tehran's proposal for a seven-day ceasefire. Reports say Iran is preparing for what has been described as a 'doomsday war' scenario, raising fears of a wider military confrontation. Observers are watching closely for further escalation between the two governments.

Drone strikes have struck cities across Sudan while the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, rejected calls for a ceasefire, signaling the war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces will continue. The defiance of regional and international mediation efforts raises fears of further escalation and worsening humanitarian conditions for civilians caught in the fighting.

Donald Trump is being accused of defying a federal judge's order, according to reports circulating widely online. The alleged non-compliance has ignited criticism from critics who see it as a constitutional crisis, while supporters dismiss the claims as political grandstanding. Details of the specific order and any potential legal consequences for the former president remain limited, with legal observers closely watching whether courts will move to enforce compliance.

The United States envoy to the United Nations has rejected Iran's latest ceasefire offer, calling it a cynical attempt. The dismissal underscores the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran and signals that diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities face significant obstacles. The remarks are drawing attention amid ongoing international pressure for a resolution to the conflict.

Diesel prices in the UK have reached a record high, with costs driven by refinery disruptions and supply shortages linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. Reports warn that a potential US diesel export ban could deepen Europe's fuel crunch, raising concerns for motorists, hauliers and the wider economy.

Volkswagen has received €1.5bn in German subsidies for electric vehicle development while simultaneously lobbying the European Union to impose tougher measures on Chinese carmakers, EUobserver reports. The report has drawn criticism over the automaker relying on state support at home while pushing for protection against foreign competition in the European market.

A Washington DC health agency has exposed the personal records of roughly 400,000 beneficiaries, according to a report by SecurityWeek. The disclosure raises concerns about how the agency safeguards sensitive health and identity data, and about the potential risk to those affected. Further details on the cause of the exposure and notification efforts were not immediately available.

Coldwell Banker's chief executive says the US housing market is 'definitely in a soft period right now', pointing to elevated mortgage rates and persistent inflation cooling buyer demand. The comments add to a string of cautious assessments from industry leaders as high borrowing costs keep many would-be buyers on the sidelines and slow home sales across the country.

Bitcoin has fallen to around $83,000 as investors react to Donald Trump rejecting a ceasefire offer from Iran, deepening Middle East tensions. The refusal to de-escalate has weighed on risk assets, with crypto markets selling off alongside equities as traders seek safer ground. Commentators are watching whether the conflict further pressures prices or if Bitcoin's usual haven narrative reasserts itself.