Good start to the week, IR friends! HI UNPAR has selected and compiled the seven most important international developments that shaped global affairs over the past week.
In Eastern Europe, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia since the war began, targeting 12 regions as well as the Crimean Peninsula. Russia claimed to have intercepted 660 drones during the assault. Ukraine stated that its strikes successfully hit military vessels and air defense systems in Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country would intensify its attacks to increase pressure on Russia to bring the war to an end.
Meanwhile, Latvia warned of signs that Russia may be preparing provocations against the Baltic states or Poland. The warning comes amid mounting pressure on Russia following Ukraine’s recent attacks. Poland also assessed that the region’s security situation could escalate in the coming months. According to Latvia, Russia is more likely to carry out hybrid attacks than to open a new military front.
In global diplomacy and economic affairs, Montenegro’s President, Jakov Milatović, paid his first official state visit to Kazakhstan to strengthen cooperation in trade, transportation, tourism, and diplomacy. The two countries discussed opportunities to integrate the Port of Bar into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The visit also marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In addition, both sides explored cooperation in digital development, investment, and business.
In the Middle East, the International Maritime Organization postponed the evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel was struck by a projectile attack. No casualties were reported, and the vessel was able to continue its voyage despite sustaining limited damage. The United States accused Iran of being behind the attack, while Iran had previously warned ships to follow designated shipping routes. The evacuation was delayed until greater assurances regarding maritime safety in the region could be established.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military killed senior ISIS leader Ali Husayn al Ulaywi in an airstrike in northwestern Syria. The operation was conducted to prevent threats against U.S. interests. ISIS had previously announced a new phase of its operations in Syria and claimed responsibility for an attack near Manbij. The Syrian government has joined the U.S.-led coalition in efforts to combat ISIS.
In Western Europe, an extreme heatwave swept across the region, with the United Kingdom and France recording their highest temperatures ever for the month of June. Weather authorities issued red warnings due to the severe risks posed to public health. Several tourist attractions in France were forced to close earlier than usual because of the intense heat. The extreme temperatures are expected to persist through the weekend.
Meanwhile, in South America, international rescue teams were deployed to Venezuela to search for victims still trapped beneath collapsed buildings following a devastating earthquake. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes claimed around 920 lives and injured approximately 3,000 people. More than 100 buildings collapsed in La Guaira, while around 70,000 families were affected. Several countries and the United Nations have sent humanitarian aid and rescue teams to support relief operations.
Source:
Khassenkhanova, Galiya. “Montenegro’s Adriatic port of Bar eyed as potential Middle Corridor link”. Euronews. 23 Juni 2026. https://www.euronews.com/2026/06/23/montenegros-adriatic-port-of-bar-eyed-as-potential-middle-corridor-link.
Niumata, Claire. “Scorching heat wave continues in Europe with record-breaking highs in UK and France”. abc News. 25 Juni 2026. https://abcnews.com/International/scorching-heat-wave-continues-europe-record-breaking-highs/story?id=134197130.
Reuters. “U.S. forces killed ISIS leader in Syria airstrike, Central Command says”. NBC News. 24 Juni 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/syria/us-forces-killed-islamic-state-leader-syria-airstrike-central-command-rcna351559.
Sabbagh, Dan. “Russia preparing possible ‘provocation’ in Baltic states or Poland, sources say”. The Guardian. 26 Juni 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/26/russia-provocation-baltic-states-poland.
Stretch, Aidan. “Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia and occupied Crimea as it seeks to force Putin ‘to end the war’”. CBC News. 26 Juni 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-war-drone-attack-crimea-kerch-zelenskyy-force-putin-end-war/.
Wong, Vicky., Emma Pengelly. “UN pauses Strait of Hormuz evacuation plan after cargo ship attacked”. BBC. 27 Juni 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwg9np904qo.
“World aids rescue efforts as Venezuela quake death toll hits 920”. Aljazeera. 26 Juni 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/26/neighbours-aid-rescue-effort-as-venezuela-quake-death-toll-hits-235.