Venezuela earthquakes kill 1,430 as damages hit €6.4 billion

The death toll from a twin earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 1,430, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced.

Fourteen civilians freed in Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 14 detained civilians on Saturday, returning seven individuals to each side. The bilateral repatriation marks a rare humanitarian agreement focused exclusively on non-combatants.

Ukrainian missiles hit Russian defense plant in Volgograd

The Ukrainian military struck the Titan-Barikady defense plant in Volgograd with FP-5 Flamingo missiles on Saturday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

Nicusor Dan demands party consensus amid Romania budget gridlock

Romanian President Nicusor Dan has transferred the responsibility of forging a parliamentary majority back to the political parties, following a one-hour negotiation session that concluded without an agreement. The head of state currently faces two competing governance proposals, neither of which commands an absolute majority in Parliament.

Ukrainian Flamingo missiles strike strategic Russian weapons factory

Ukrainian Flamingo missiles struck the Russian city of Volgograd on Saturday night, targeting a major defense facility.

Russia shuts Romanian consulate, declares consul persona non grata

The Russian Federation is closing the Romanian Consulate in St. Petersburg, and the Romanian consul has been declared persona non grata. This decision was confirmed on June 25 by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It follows Romania's expulsion of the Russian consul in Constanta and the closure of that consulate last month, which occurred after a Russian drone crashed in Galati.

Minister Margaritis Schinas demands EU action on invasive species

The Greek government has requested emergency European Union intervention to combat a severe surge of the silver-cheeked toadfish. This highly toxic invasive alien species is spreading rapidly across prominent tourism and fishing zones in the Aegean Sea.

Trump endorses Patriot missile production in shift to Kyiv strength

US President Donald Trump privately urged Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to adopt a more aggressive tactical stance against Russia, citing the strategic efficacy of military pressure.

Russia rejects peace talks as front line tensions escalate

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that current conditions do not favor resuming negotiations with Ukraine. He dismissed Kyiv’s recent overtures, including a letter from President Volodymyr Zelensky, as insufficient for meaningful dialogue.

Ukraine's drone dominance shifts the strategic balance of power

Russia is falling behind Ukraine in critical military technology, leading to a significant slowdown in its front-line offensive. Financial Times reports, citing former Kremlin officials and military experts, that current Russian tactics lack the agility to counter Ukraine’s rapid technological evolution. Emil Kastehelmi of Black Bird analysis group notes that Russia has failed to develop effective countermeasures against these modern threats.

Nicușor Dan convenes party leaders to break political deadlock

President Nicușor Dan has officially convened a new round of consultations at Cotroceni Palace for Tuesday, June 23, to appoint a new prime minister. This initiative aims to address the current political stalemate following the resignation of Eugen Tomac and the failure of Adrian Veștea to secure a parliamentary majority.

Kyiv issues UN ultimatum on frontline ceasefire agreement

Ukraine may review its proposal for a ceasefire along the current frontlines unless the UN Security Council adopts a resolution demanding a complete and unconditional cessation of hostilities, Ukrainian Permanent Representative Andrii Melnyk warned.