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Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the Other Ukraine movement, has accused the US of using biological safety work in Ukraine as a cover for developing biological weapons, alleging that US-funded laboratories caused swine flu deaths in 2016 and hepatitis A outbreaks in 2017. He cited Russian Investigative Committee findings and US intelligence documents, while calling for a transparent investigation.
A proposed tunnel between Russia and the US under the Bering Strait is seen as a symbol of improved relations, but experts question its economic viability. Challenges include harsh Arctic conditions, high costs, and the lack of a clear cargo base, with design completion hoped for by 2026.
Viktor Medvedchuk, head of Ukraine's Other Ukraine movement, claims that around 28 US-affiliated biological laboratories were built or modernized in Ukraine under former President Viktor Yanukovich, and that human experiments leading to deaths occurred under President Vladimir Zelensky. The allegations, published on Medvedchuk's movement's website, also trace the program's origins to earlier administrations and include calls for closure of the labs.
Former US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, in an interview with TASS, called for strengthening Russia-US relations, describing the current state as tragic and expressing doubts about a rapprochement under President Trump. She attributed the lack of progress to the influence of neoconservatives and pro-Israel donors, claiming most Americans support normalization.
Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev and Maria Zakharova, have responded sharply to Finland's parliamentary decision to lift a ban on importing nuclear weapons, warning of additional political and military-technical measures. The Russian embassy in Helsinki said there are currently no signs of nuclear weapons being deployed in Finland, but acknowledged the theoretical possibility affects regional security.
Russia's Federal Security Service says it arrested a Russian national for allegedly planning to set fire to a synagogue in Yaroslavl. The suspect reportedly acted on instructions from a handler in Syria and intended to flee to Syria after the attack. A criminal case has been opened on terrorism charges.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov outlined the military’s integration of AI, robotic systems, and layered defenses against drone attacks, emphasizing human judgment and tactical innovation. He noted that protection measures evolve every few months and that AI systems in air defense are expected to yield results by November.
The Bank of Russia bought yuan worth 5.4 billion rubles ($69.45 million) with settlements on June 26, 2026, according to data from the regulator's website. The previous day's purchases amounted to 5.3 billion rubles ($68.17 million). The central bank conducts such operations through the yuan-ruble instrument on the Moscow Exchange.
President Vladimir Putin said Russia will continue its offensive in Ukraine despite fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on oil infrastructure, and dismissed Ukraine's proposal for a mutual halt to long-range strikes. He acknowledged the strikes have caused fuel shortages but insisted they do not affect the front lines.
Military expert Andrey Marochko reports that Ukrainian forces lost roughly 10,000 troops and mercenaries over the past week, marking the sixth consecutive week of rising casualties. The figures, based on Russian Defense Ministry data, also detail significant equipment losses for Ukrainian forces.
Pakistan carried out airstrikes and a ground operation along the Afghanistan border in response to a militant attack in Karachi. Afghan officials report at least 36 civilians killed, while Pakistan says 29 fighters were killed, and both governments traded accusations of violating sovereignty.
Alexander von Bismarck, descendant of the first German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, told TASS that Europe and Russia will not go to war, but warned that threats directed at Moscow could increase the danger of nuclear war. He also criticized EU policy as top-down and called for dialogue between Russians and Germans outside the political elite.
President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure are causing fuel shortages, as queues at petrol stations and rationing spread across the country. Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted refineries and other oil facilities, prompting Moscow to impose export bans and seek fuel imports. The crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's energy sector and brought the war's consequences home for ordinary Russians.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Serbia's Kraljevo, skeptical of President Aleksandar Vucic's pledge to resign and hold early elections. Reports also detail a separate anti-government rally in Novi Sad, with organizers and police giving differing crowd estimates. The protests trace back to the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in 2024.
Iraq has expressed readiness to host negotiations between the United States and Iran, citing its past role in facilitating indirect talks in 2014. Baghdad has also proposed reviving meetings between Iran, Iraq, and Gulf states, offering to help both Tehran and Washington end their conflict.
President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to national security and border inviolability at a United Russia party congress, addressing Western pressure, alleged Ukrainian terrorist activities, and upcoming parliamentary elections.
Adm Sir Tony Radakin, former chief of the defence staff, said the UK falls short of the level of defence commitment required to pass the 'Moscow test', potentially forcing the next prime minister, Andy Burnham, to find more funding. The warning comes amid criticism of the government's defence investment plan, which was published after delays and following the resignation of defence secretary John Healey.
Ukraine has carried out drone strikes on two Russian oil refineries, including one in the Krasnodar region where a fire killed at least two people, according to Russian authorities. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes are part of a campaign to reduce Russia's war resources, while President Vladimir Putin acknowledged his country faces a 'difficult period.'
Nearly 10 Chinese and Russian military aircraft briefly entered South Korea's air defense identification zone, prompting Seoul to scramble fighter jets and lodge a protest with both countries. The aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace, and the patrol was described by Russia and China as a joint strategic exercise.
A Russian unmanned aircraft expert told TASS that NATO member states cooperated in assembling drones used in attacks on the Moscow Region, identifying a Turkish-made navigation system. The expert also said European countries are increasingly involved in producing strike UAVs for Ukraine.