According to polling data from two major Russian state-linked survey organizations, President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has experienced its fastest weekly decline since late 2022. This drop, attributed in part to a growing fuel crisis and deteriorating economic sentiment, has seen the share of Russians approving of his performance fall significantly, with disapproval reaching its highest point since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Public trust in Putin and support for the Russian government have also weakened, marking the most unfavorable levels recorded since the start of the war.
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Iranian strikes have hit a vital power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of essential infrastructure in the arid Middle East. These sophisticated technological systems are crucial for producing the freshwater that sustains millions, with Kuwait relying on desalination for approximately 90% of its drinking water. The region’s desalination plants, often integrated with power stations, are susceptible to damage, and disruptions could lead to severe water shortages and national crises.
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Thousands protested the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, citing his crucial role in implementing vital reforms. Servicemen and veterans expressed shock and dismay, believing Fedorov’s leadership had begun to reverse Soviet-style command culture and improve crucial areas like drone procurement and personnel management. Concerns were raised that these advancements would stall under his successor, potentially leading to a resurgence of corruption and a return to outdated military practices. The protest underscored a widespread fear that the hard-won reforms, which had only just begun yielding results, were now at risk.
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A magnitude 7.4 earthquake registered off the coast of Chiapas state in southern Mexico, close to the Guatemalan border. This seismic event prompted a tsunami warning for areas within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter. Reports from Guatemala indicated that structures experienced shaking as a result of the earthquake.
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The Philippines has vehemently condemned China Daily’s AI-generated video depicting Filipinos as monkeys, labeling the imagery as “racist,” “offensive, distressing, and unacceptable.” This strong denouncement signals a firm stance against dehumanizing propaganda, especially in light of heightened tensions in the South China Sea. The video, released on the anniversary of a landmark arbitral ruling against China’s claims, showed a monkey in Filipino attire being manipulated by US and Japanese symbols, ultimately being thrown into the sea. Philippine officials denounced the propaganda as a “disgrace” and an exposure of China’s “moral and intellectual bankruptcy.”
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Andy Burnham has been officially declared leader of Britain’s Labour Party, poised to become prime minister next week following a party rebellion that ousted Keir Starmer. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, was the sole contender and promised to restore hope and purpose to the government. His platform emphasizes transferring power from London to local leaders and addressing neglected issues like social care, aiming to revive a party that has seen declining popularity and faced recent electoral setbacks.
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The spokesman of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ibrahim Zolfaghari, issued a stern warning that any U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure would result in the complete destruction of all regional infrastructure. He dismissed President Trump’s threats as “empty” and asserted that Iran’s response would be a strike of greater power, not an equivalent one. Furthermore, Zolfaghari reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is an “inviolable red line” and Iran will not permit foreign interference.
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China’s government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the UK’s nationalisation of British Steel, warning that the move undermines Chinese investment confidence in Britain. Beijing claims Jingye Group had invested substantially in the company and that the UK’s action infringes on Jingye’s legitimate rights. The UK government stated that commercial negotiations with Jingye failed to reach an agreement, and that the company’s current commercial value was deemed nil given its financial performance, necessitating public ownership to protect jobs and a vital national capability. This action, following the passage of the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act 2026, could impact upcoming UK-China relations.
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Ukraine’s Security Service successfully destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at the Engels air base, approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. This aircraft had been instrumental in launching Russian missile attacks against Ukraine. This operation signifies another successful long-range strike by Ukraine against Russia, underscoring a proactive defense strategy to increase the cost of the ongoing aggression.
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Ukrainian forces have intensified their campaign against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” striking 159 vessels in just 12 days. Operation “Molochka” targets Russian maritime logistics used to circumvent sanctions, aiming to paralyze oil, fuel, and cargo transport without causing environmental disasters. The strikes focus on “feeder” vessels that transfer oil from shallow ports to larger tankers. Ukraine asserts these vessels finance Russia’s war effort, making them legitimate military targets, while Russia condemns the actions as terrorism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker