The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned representatives of the diplomatic missions of Russia and Ukraine due to attacks on ships in the Black Sea. The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Fuat Oktay, stated that the spread of the war to civilian shipping is a cause for concern.
Insurance for vessels heading to Black Sea ports has more than tripled after a series of Ukrainian attacks on Moscow-linked maritime targets. According to the broker Marsh, the cost of coverage for visiting Russian ports has increased by more than 250%.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been making statements for two days in a row that indicate his unwillingness to end the war, threatening seaports and freedom of navigation, especially Odesa. Sybiha emphasized that Russia must stop the bloodshed, otherwise it will have consequences.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that in response to attacks on tankers, Russia would expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels entering these ports.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tykhyi, officially denied Ukraine's involvement in the incident with the MIDVOLGA-2 tanker, which was transporting sunflower oil under the Russian flag. He hinted that Russia might have staged the attack, as the vessel's route made no sense.
The tanker MIDVOLGA-2, carrying sunflower oil, was attacked 80 miles off the coast of Turkey. All 13 crew members are safe, and the vessel continued its journey to Sinop.
The Russian-linked tanker "Mersin" suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal, resulting in seawater entering the engine room. This is the third such incident in a few days involving Russian tankers; the SBU may be involved in the two previous ones.
Guinea-Bissau soldiers have appointed Finance Minister Ilídio Vieira Té, a close ally of ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, as prime minister. This follows a military coup that the opposition called fabricated to avoid defeat in the elections.
A group of military officers announced they had seized control of Guinea-Bissau, arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. They suspended the electoral process and declared border closures and a curfew.
Israel has appointed Roi Rosenblit as the new ambassador to Ukraine, replacing Mykhailo Brodsky, who held the position since 2021. Rosenblit previously served as an advisor at the Israeli embassy in Moscow and headed the diplomatic mission in Senegal.
Senegalese authorities reported the detection of the first mpox case this year in a foreigner. The patient is isolated and receiving treatment; no new cases have been detected.
A French court has convicted the director of the company Anavim and two men of human trafficking, who worked in inhumane conditions during grape harvesting. The company was dissolved, and the culprits were ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
The Russian Federation is actively increasing its propaganda presence in Africa, using RT and TASS to broadcast in over 40 countries in six languages. The HUR warns of the launch of training programs for journalists and the creation of new information centers under the control of the FSB.
From July 1, Ukrainians abroad can submit documents for notarial acts online through the "e-Consul" system. This innovation simplifies the process, allowing citizens to upload necessary data and certificates without a physical visit to diplomatic missions until the last step.
Brussels lawmakers are looking for ways to increase financial pressure on Russia. Most members of the European Parliament are in favor of including Russia in the list of countries with weak control over money laundering.
Côte d'Ivoire announced the withdrawal of 600 French troops from its territory. Senegal has also confirmed the closure of French military bases by the end of 2025, which weakens France's military influence in the region.
The Senegalese President called on France to close all military bases in the country, calling them incompatible with sovereignty. The demand is related to Macron's recognition of responsibility for the "massacre" of Senegalese soldiers in 1944.
The Chadian government has announced the termination of a defense agreement with France that will lead to the withdrawal of 1,000 French troops. This decision may increase Russia's influence in the region through Wagner's activities and propaganda.
The military government of Niger has severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing it of supporting 'terrorist groups'. This followed a similar move by Mali and the arrival of Russian military instructors in Niger.
The death toll during Khoja in Saudi Arabia this year exceeded 1,000 people, and more than half of them are unregistered believers who made the pilgrimage in extreme heat.
At least 550 pilgrims have died during this year's grueling Hajj pilgrimage, with most of the deaths attributed to heat-related illnesses exacerbated by hot weather and climate change in the region.
In April 2023, India and Egypt became the main export destinations for Russian marine fuel oil: India received 0. 6 million tons, and Egypt almost 0.5 million tons, as Russian exports were redirected after the EU embargo.
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER plane collided with severe turbulence during a flight from the UK to Singapore, injuring 30 people and killing one passenger. The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok.
An Air Senegal Boeing 737-300 airplane rolls off the runway in Senegal, injuring at least 10 people, four of them seriously, on a flight to Bamako, Mali.
