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Foreign tourist arrivals in Russia rose 23% year-on-year to 2 million in January-May 2026, driven by simplified visa rules and expanded air links, according to Russian officials. Domestic tourism also grew, with 34.2 million trips recorded, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov credited Global South visitors for offsetting EU restrictions.
China's Foreign Ministry has voiced opposition to what it calls the 'Chinese threat' myth and to rising tensions in the Arctic, responding to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's remarks on preventing Russia and China from strengthening their positions in the region. The ministry also urged NATO to abandon its 'Cold War mentality.'
Typhoon Maysak has caused widespread flooding and damage in southern and central China, leaving residents stranded on rooftops and killing at least two in Nanning. The storm also contributed to tornadoes in central China, while authorities remain on alert for Super Typhoon Bavi.
Russian oil and petroleum product exports rose to 7.71 million barrels per day in June 2026, but revenues dropped by nearly 24% to $15.84 billion due to lower prices. Crude exports hit their highest level since February 2022, while petroleum product shipments declined. Separately, Transneft reported a 1.1% increase in 2025 oil export shipments via its network.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the US would lift sanctions imposed over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 systems, and raised the possibility of Turkey rejoining the F-35 programme. Analysts see a potential 'strategic reset' in US-Turkey relations, though congressional hurdles remain. Trump also criticized NATO allies for not supporting US military action in the Middle East and hinted at a possible troop withdrawal from Europe.
Over multiple trading sessions, the Russian stock market has shown both gains and losses at the opening, with the MOEX and RTS indices moving in tandem. The yuan-ruble exchange rate has also fluctuated, crossing the 11.5 rubles threshold in both directions.
Russian Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova said up to 11 political parties will appear on the federal ballot in the upcoming State Duma elections, with 11 parties having submitted documents. Pamfilova also outlined security preparations, including a focus on potential provocations and international observer invitations.
North Korea announced plans to strengthen its nuclear arsenal 'in quality and quantity' and expand the role of its military intelligence agency targeting South Korea. The decision, made at a ruling party military commission meeting, reflects a shift toward treating the two Koreas as hostile states, according to analysts.
North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to mark the 65th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty with China. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pak, emphasizing bilateral relations and strategic cooperation, while South Korea's unification ministry said it would monitor developments.
Authorities in the southern Russian city of Taganrog are evacuating residents from an emergency zone following a drone attack that caused a fire at the seaport. No casualties have been reported, and a temporary accommodation center has been set up for evacuees.
Japanese officials have reaffirmed Tokyo's support for the G7's sanctions policy against Russia while emphasizing the importance of maintaining bilateral relations with its neighbor. The statements come amid strained ties, with Russia's ambassador to Japan describing the relationship as at an unprecedented low.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Moscow and Beijing are discussing all aspects of a Ukraine settlement and praised China's balanced position, while the Chinese Embassy in Washington urged Kiev to view Beijing's role objectively, reiterating that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable path.
Russia's permanent representative to the OPCW, Vladimir Tarabrin, says Moscow is in active consultations with the technical secretariat over a potential expert visit to investigate the use of chemical weapons in the Ukrainian conflict zone. He also accused Kiev of preparing chemical provocations and using chloropicrin in attacks.
The 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival opened Thursday night at Sultan's Pool with 6,000 attendees. Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa was honored, and the festival features over 100 films from around the world.
As Lionel Scaloni approaches his 100th match as Argentina's head coach, the team rides high on recent Copa América and World Cup successes. Yet, their 2026 World Cup knockout campaign has been marked by narrow escapes, tactical missteps, and a missed penalty by Lionel Messi, while the Argentine Football Association negotiates a new contract.
According to The Wall Street Journal, several Iranian missiles struck targets at US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, including a Patriot air defense system, early warning radar, and fuel tanks. The strikes were part of Iran's retaliation against US presence in the region, though officials report minor damage and no casualties.
Iranian forces launched attacks on US military targets in Gulf states, including Bahrain and Kuwait, in retaliation for American strikes, straining a three-week-old ceasefire. Iran also buried its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while Israel's defence minister warned it could resume its campaign against Iran. US President Donald Trump said he believed the ceasefire was over.
Reports indicate President Vladimir Putin is rejecting calls to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, with recent Ukrainian drone strikes strengthening his resolve. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump believes Putin is ready for a deal, and has granted Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missiles.
Germany has agreed to purchase US Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon launchers, with a formal agreement expected in August. The deal, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is framed as a stopgap measure while Europe seeks to develop its own systems. Reports highlight ongoing tensions between immediate defence needs and long-term European strategic autonomy.
Russia's acting UN envoy Anna Yevstigneyeva accused Western Security Council members of being accomplices in crimes in Ukraine and of disregarding civilian casualties, while reiterating that Russia will not accept ultimatums. Her remarks were made at UN Security Council meetings addressing a strike on a bus in Russia's Bryansk Region and broader Western involvement in the conflict.