Paul Adams

At least 15 people were killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, including 10 in ballistic missile strikes on a drone exhibition near Kyiv and five in Sloviansk. About 100 people were reportedly injured at the exhibition, prompting investigations into why the public event was held and what security measures were in place. Russia said the site hosted people and companies involved in drone strikes against Russian territory. Ukraine said it had intercepted one of three missiles and separately claimed strikes on a military-supply facility and Wildberries warehouses in Russia. Romania also said it had shot down a Russian drone that entered its airspace, while Zelensky prepared to travel to Washington for talks involving Donald Trump.

At least 15 people were killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine, including 10 in ballistic missile strikes on a drone-technology exhibition near Kyiv, where about 100 others were reportedly injured. Russia said the site was being used to demonstrate drones for attacks on Russian targets, while Ukrainian authorities launched an investigation into the event’s organization and safety measures. Ukraine reported retaliatory strikes that killed six people in Kirov and hit Wildberries facilities and other logistics sites in Russia. The attacks come as the United States seeks to restart peace talks, with Volodymyr Zelensky expected to meet Donald Trump, while Romania reported shooting down a Russian drone that entered its airspace.

Public anger over the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has triggered protests across Ukraine, with demonstrators demanding both his reinstatement and the dismissal of army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. President Volodymyr Zelensky is consulting senior officials as rumours swirl regarding Syrskyi’s possible replacement. Syrskyi has defended his record amid criticism that he represents outdated military thinking, while Fedorov is widely seen as a driver of innovation linked to recent battlefield gains. As several younger commanders emerge as potential successors, the government attempts to calm tensions, warning that internal divisions benefit Russia. With renewed Russian attacks expected later in the year, Zelensky faces critical decisions on military leadership and defence strategy.

Public protests in Ukraine have intensified following the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with demonstrators demanding the dismissal of army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. President Volodymyr Zelensky is consulting officials amid conflicting reports about possible changes to military leadership. Syrskyi defended his record and denied conflict with Fedorov as younger officers emerge as potential successors. As Ukraine prepares for renewed Russian attacks, political and military leaders face mounting pressure to resolve the crisis and strengthen the country’s defence posture.

Ukrainian soldiers express anger over President Zelensky’s decision to remove Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, widely admired for modernising the military through technological innovation and reform. Troops and analysts highlight tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, whose leadership style is criticised by some as outdated. Critics argue that Fedorov’s dismissal threatens progress in digital warfare, drone deployment and frontline efficiency, raising fears that Ukraine may be more vulnerable as Russia prepares renewed attacks. The move fuels accusations of growing authoritarianism within Zelensky’s administration and prompts protests demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.

Ukrainian soldiers and activists express anger over President Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, widely credited with driving military innovation, including drone programmes and digital reforms. Many troops view the move as damaging to the war effort, while tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi are cited as a key reason for his removal. Critics accuse Zelensky of undermining effective officials and fostering an increasingly authoritarian style of leadership. Concerns grow that Fedorov’s departure could stall crucial technological advances as Ukraine prepares for renewed Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Iran’s leadership has shifted to a younger, more assertive generation closely tied to the Revolutionary Guard after the assassination of Ali Khamenei, reshaping both domestic governance and regional strategy. Despite heavy losses among its regional allies and severe economic strain, Iran maintained resilience by exerting control over the Strait of Hormuz and striking U.S. and Israeli targets with unprecedented intensity. Gulf states are increasingly questioning U.S. security guarantees and exploring diplomatic openings with Tehran, while Iran’s new leaders balance internal consolidation with cautious social loosening aimed at rebuilding legitimacy. Parallel U.S.-Iran negotiations offer significant financial incentives, including potential sanctions relief, though deep mistrust and unresolved issues like nuclear policy and regional conflicts pose major risks to any lasting settlement.

Iran’s leadership has shifted to a younger, more pragmatic generation following the death of Ali Hamaney and months of conflict with the United States and Israel. Despite major setbacks to Iran’s regional proxies and its nuclear program, the state has demonstrated resilience through aggressive military responses and strategic pressure in the Gulf. Regional governments are reassessing security assumptions as U.S. guarantees appear less reliable. Internally, the regime prioritizes survival over reform while attempting to regain legitimacy amid public trauma. Diplomatic negotiations with the United States could ease sanctions and provide economic incentives, but deep mistrust and unresolved issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and regional conflicts pose substantial risks to long-term stability.

Iran’s leadership has shifted to a younger, more assertive generation following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reshaping the country’s internal dynamics and regional posture. Despite major setbacks across its regional alliances and extensive damage from US-Israeli strikes, Iran fought the US and Israel to a standstill, surprising many observers and altering Gulf states’ views of American security guarantees. The new leadership, closely tied to the Revolutionary Guard, is more willing to act aggressively abroad while cautiously relaxing some domestic restrictions to rebuild legitimacy. Diplomatic efforts with the US offer the prospect of sanctions relief and economic recovery, but deep mistrust, unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, and regional conflicts leave the future uncertain.

Iran’s leadership transition after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has produced a younger, more assertive regime that managed the recent war with the US and Israel and is now negotiating a ceasefire. Despite severe setbacks to its regional allies and infrastructure, Iran’s ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz enabled it to endure the conflict and leverage its position. The new leadership, dominated by IRGC-linked figures, has shown greater willingness to use force and engage diplomatically, prompting Gulf states to reassess their security dependence on the US. Domestically, the regime faces a population disillusioned by recent violence but may seek limited social relaxation to regain legitimacy. Iran now confronts a pivotal moment, with prospects for sanctions relief and a long-term agreement dependent on resolving disputes over its nuclear programme, regional conflicts, and deep-seated mistrust among all parties.