On 22 June, Russian forces dropped two guided glide bombs on a crowded area of Sumy, Ukraine, killing five people including a 13-year-old girl and injuring at least 30 others. CCTV footage captured the moment of the explosions near a coffee shop and a public transport stop, causing panic among civilians. The attack damaged buses, cars, and residential buildings. This marks a significant escalation in the use of glide bombs against the city center, resulting in the highest single-incident death toll in Sumy in recent weeks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a cabinet reshuffle on July 12, 2026, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after one year in office. The reshuffle is driven by a need to update political strategy amid Russia's ongoing invasion and follows a corruption investigation into Ambassador to the US Olga Stefanishyna, who faces embezzlement allegations. Svyrydenko, who helped secure a critical minerals deal with the US, is expected to become ambassador to Washington. Former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and state energy CEO Serhii Koretskyi are candidates to replace her. The changes also target several ministerial posts and law enforcement heads, with a focus on co-producing Patriot missiles with the US.

Background: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, allowing Russian athletes to compete in Olympic qualifying events and the 2028 Los Angeles Games under strict conditions, though the use of the Russian flag, colors, and anthem remains undecided. Today: The IOC voted to provisionally lift the 2023 suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, which was imposed for incorporating sports organizations from occupied Ukrainian territory. The decision was announced as Russian missile strikes killed dozens of Ukrainians and destroyed over 800 sports facilities, including 20 Olympic training centers. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated the move was to ensure all athletes could compete, but critics argue it undermines the Olympic Charter's principles of peace and human dignity. Ukrainian officials noted that 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since the full-scale invasion began.

According to a New York Times report, Russia has been using Japan as a base for technology procurement and espionage in its war against Ukraine. Russian spies, expelled from Western countries, have relocated to Japan, exploiting weak espionage laws and the high-tech industry. Ukrainian estimates indicate 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese parts. A Russian military intelligence unit, the 20th Directorate, operates in Tokyo under diplomatic cover. Separately, US senators announced agreement with the White House on a Russia sanctions bill.