Briefing

Russia and Ukraine exchanged deadly strikes as Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to meet Donald Trump at the United Nations. In New York, Zelenskyy first met US senators and thanked them for what he called strong bipartisan backing, including a tougher bill on sanctions against Russia that Trump recently signed into law.

Russia-Ukraine warstrikesVolodymyr ZelenskyyDonald Trump

Russia’s Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down 297 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over several Russian regions overnight. One civilian was killed and four injured in Samara Region, where homes, vehicles and other civilian facilities were damaged. Debris also caused damage or a grass fire in other regions.

Russia-Ukraine wardrone attacksSamara Region

German authorities are preparing to limit Saxony-Anhalt’s access to sensitive intelligence after the AfD won 43.8 percent in the state election, officials told The New York Times. Berlin fears classified information could reach Moscow and says allies are concerned about leaks. AfD representative Jork Herrmann called the possible restrictions “utterly undemocratic.”

German politicsSaxony-AnhaltAfDintelligence security

The European Union and the Philippines agreed on a free-trade deal as they seek to diversify supply chains amid higher US tariffs and heightened global trade tensions.

EUPhilippinesfree tradesupply chains

Charles Spencer’s memoir about his late sister Princess Diana and her marriage to King Charles III has been published worldwide. Pre-release excerpts containing explosive claims prompted a rare, strongly worded response from Buckingham Palace.

Princess DianaCharles Spencerroyal memoir