Daniel Keane

Ukraine says it used Flamingo missiles to strike a Russian rocket and space centre in Samara, around 900 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, and attacked the Savasleyka airfield used by Russian fighter jets. Russian authorities acknowledged localized damage after what they called a massive attack. NATO scrambled Italian and Turkish fighter jets after a drone entered Latvian airspace during attacks on Russian ports. The live coverage also reports Ukraine’s plans for further strikes on Russian energy and military infrastructure, Russia’s rejection of peace talks that freeze the current frontline, growing Russia-North Korea security cooperation, and advances in drone technology that could widen the battlefield kill zone.

Volodymyr Zelensky warned that North Korea may send 30,000 to 50,000 troops to Russia, adding to its reported provision of soldiers, weapons and missiles for Moscow’s war against Ukraine. US intelligence reportedly assessed that Vladimir Putin could test NATO within weeks through a limited incursion or cyberattacks in eastern Europe. The live coverage also reported suspected hybrid attacks in Germany, Russian strikes near Kyiv, Ukrainian attacks on vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, and concern over civilian casualties. Donald Trump downplayed the conflict’s direct relevance to the United States, while an American detainee in Russia was reported to be gravely ill.

Spain accused several EU governments of responding selfishly and unlawfully to the Ceuta migrant crisis after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco and more than 60 deaths were reported. Italy temporarily suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain, while France, Denmark and other countries called for tougher border controls and action against irregular migration. Spain said most arrivals had been returned to Morocco, blamed traffickers and misinformation, and began installing a floating barrier. The EU scheduled an emergency ministerial meeting amid growing divisions over migration policy and responsibility for the bloc’s external borders.