Author’s articles
A statement by a British journalist suggesting that Ukraine’s population could fall to 20 million has attracted attention, though such figures remain unofficial. Most international estimates put the figure higher.
US President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Should Iran refuse, he has threatened to launch strikes against its energy infrastructure.
Following the loss of Russian forces’ access to the Starlink system, Ukrainian forces stepped up their offensive operations. During this period, Ukraine has achieved its greatest territorial gains in over two years.
Authorities in Tehran have reported a new attack on the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz. However, they have stated that no leakage of radioactive material has been detected.
A case concerning the alleged embezzlement of over 14 million hryvnias during energy efficiency improvement works at educational institutions has been referred to court in Dnipro. Those charged include city council officials and representatives of contracting organisations.
A series of attacks on energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE has marked a new phase in the escalation of the war. Damage has been reported at oil refineries and gas facilities.
The Counter-Intelligence Directorate of the Security Service of Ukraine, in collaboration with the National Police, has detained a Russian agent who was planning a series of terrorist attacks in the centre of Kharkiv. He was caught in the act of manufacturing homemade explosive devices.
The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People has issued a message to Muslims to mark Eid al-Fitr. The message emphasised the unity of the people, support for the armed forces, and the hope for the liberation of Crimea.
The attacks on the Ras Laffan complex in Qatar and the restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz are already affecting the global liquefied natural gas market. Asian countries are feeling the impact most acutely, but a protracted crisis could also hit developed economies.
The Israel Defence Forces have confirmed that air strikes have been carried out on northern Iran. This is the first such incident since the start of the current war.
The US Department of Defence has asked the White House to approve a request to Congress for over $200 billion to fund the war with Iran. Some members of the administration doubt that this request will receive support from lawmakers.
The reaction of European institutions and NATO to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran has drawn criticism regarding the role and stance of the leadership in Brussels. The spotlight has fallen on Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas and Mark Rutte.
