A Greek-managed oil tanker carrying nearly one million barrels of crude oil exploded off the coast of Libya on June 27, marking the fourth unexplained blast this year involving vessels that had previously docked in Russian ports. The tanker, Vilamoura, suffered a severe explosion in its engine room as it transited international waters near Libya.
Another Russian Oil Tanker Explodes—Already the Fourth This Year Read Post »
In a striking display of public dissent, massive protests rocked Budapest and Belgrade on June 28, 2025, signaling mounting instability for two of Russia’s key European allies, Hungary and Serbia. Prime Ministers Viktor Orbán and President Aleksandar Vučić, often seen as Moscow’s staunchest supporters in Europe, are grappling with humiliating demonstrations and, in Hungary’s case, collapsing poll numbers, raising questions about their political survival and Russia’s influence in the region.
Putin’s grip on Eastern Europes as demonstrations rock Budapest and Belgrade Read Post »
Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed Sunday that Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, a 31-year-old F-16 pilot, was killed during one of the largest Russian air assaults since the start of the full-scale war. Ustymenko died after his fighter jet was critically damaged while intercepting Russian missiles and drones overnight on June 29. According to the Air Force, Ustymenko successfully destroyed seven enemy air targets during the mission.
Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Killed While Intercepting Massive Russian Air Assault Read Post »
In the early hours of June 28, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out a high-impact drone strike on the Russian military airbase “Kirovske” in temporarily occupied Crimea, destroying multiple helicopters and a key air defense system, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, described as a special operation by the SBU, targeted aviation assets and ammunition infrastructure at the base.
Russian drones slammed into high-rise apartment buildings in Odesa late Thursday, igniting fires and killing a married couple, Ukrainian officials said. Fourteen others were injured in the attack, which marked the latest in a series of strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s Black Sea port city. Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish blazes and search the wreckage for survivors.
Drone Strike on Odesa High-Rise Kills Married Couple, Injures 14 Read Post »
Ukrainian drones launched a precision strike overnight on June 27, targeting four Su-34 fighter-bombers stationed at the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, located roughly 900 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The operation was confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff and the Ukrainian National News (UNN). Aircraft Hit According to preliminary data, two Su-34s were destroyed while two others sustained serious damage.
Ukraine Destroys Su-34 Jets at Russia’s Marinovka Airfield in Volgograd Read Post »
Russia’s Sberbank, which is disconnected from the international financial information transfer system SWIFT, has the ability to send rubles with conversion into euros to foreign accounts in European banks. This is reported in The Bell. Journalists have found out that Sberbank allows transferring money to accounts of at least two European neobanks: the British-Lithuanian Revolut and the German N26.
Russia’s Sberbank now evading sanctions by using Revolut and Germany’s N26 Read Post »
Russian troops have captured one of Ukraine’s most valuable lithium deposits, threatening a major U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and deepening unease in Kyiv about the consequences of continued battlefield losses. The Shevchenko deposit—located just west of the village of the same name in Donetsk region—was taken by advancing Russian forces this week.
