Latest news for 2 June 2025

UKRAINE

Kyiv hits 40 warplanes inside Russia.

Kyiv has claimed its biggest attack on Russian territory on Sunday, after it targeted at least 40 Russian warplanes across four military bases. Ukrainian sources say drones were smuggled into Russia and hidden in trucks with remotely-operated roofs. Russia-Ukraine talks are set to resume in Istanbul today (Monday). (Kyiv Independent)

Comment: Official accounts may vary on the details, but the Ukrainians’ use of drone warfare at scale throughout the war represents a revolution in military operations.

UNITED STATES

Eight hurt in fire attack at Israeli hostage event.

Several people were injured by an attacker who threw Molotov cocktails and was heard shouting ‘Free Palestine’ at an event in solidarity with Israeli hostages, in Colorado on Sunday. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. (BBC)Comment: This is a grave and worrying development coming only days after a gunman killed two Israeli embassy staff in DC on 22 May.

POLAND

Nationalist Karol Nawrocki wins presidential election.

Nawrocki prevailed over the liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski in Sunday‘s presidential runoff, winning 50.89% to his 49.11%. His election deals a significant blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-EU administration. (Politico)

INDIA

New Delhi admits fighter jets lost.

Speaking to the media over the weekend, India’s chief of defence staff confirmed Indian fighter jets had been shot down during the most recent spat with Pakistan, although he did not disclose how many jets were downed. (Al-Jazeera)

Comment: A high-ranking French official had previously said a Rafale fighter jet, sold to New Delhi, was downed in May’s clashes, but India appears to have waited for the attention to dissipate before confirming significant losses.

HONG KONG

Beijing appoints new liaison chief.

Beijing has appointed a new liaison to Hong Kong and Macau, Zhou Ji, who quickly began his mission to the Special Administrative Region, visiting a community centre just days after his arrival. (SCMP)

PANAMA

Mining loophole.

After months of protests, Panama City acquiesced and shut down a controversial mining project, but is allowing 120,000 tons of already mined copper to be exported to cover maintenance costs. (AP)

GABON

Manganese given a deadline.

Gabon’s President announced over the weekend that the country will halt all manganese exports by 2029, a critical mineral in stainless steel and battery production, and key revenue driver alongside oil and wood sales. (Barron’s)