Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that ongoing Russian strikes on commercial shipping in the Black Sea pose a direct threat to regional food security and grain exports across Africa and the Middle East. Speaking via X, Zelenskyy noted that significant supply reductions are already driving up global grain prices and warned of severe consequences if attacks on cargo vessels persist. In response to proposals for a maritime truce, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejected a third-party proposal from Kyiv to halt strikes on civilian shipping. Moscow dismissed the initiative as a “half-measure” that would merely grant Ukrainian forces operational breathing space, accusing Kyiv of attempting to destabilise Black Sea shipping routes. The diplomatic standoff coincides with several broader geopolitical developments across the region. Russian authorities acknowledged domestic petrol shortages after a Ukrainian strike forced the six-month closure of the Orsk oil refinery, located 1,300 km from the front line. Meanwhile, Polish officials warned that Russian cyber actors are exploiting historical grievances over World War II massacres to strain relations between Warsaw and Kyiv. Further escalating regional concerns, Romanian defence officials confirmed that a second unidentified drone crashed inside NATO territory near the border village of Plauru, whilst Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed deep security cooperation with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during commemorations marking the end of Japanese colonial rule.

Two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air west of Athens while tackling a major wildfire, killing a Greek and a Danish pilot aboard one of the aircraft. The two crew members on the second helicopter survived and were rescued, while the destroyed aircraft had been leased from Australia’s McDermott Aviation to support Greek operations. The tragic crash occurred as high winds whipped up severe blazes across the region, destroying more than 100 homes overnight in the coastal village of Porto Germeno. More than 500 firefighters remain deployed to combat the active flames despite extreme weather conditions hampering aerial firefighting efforts.

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia must establish diplomatic relations with Israel before Washington moves ahead with a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with the kingdom. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said the proposed nuclear partnership remains linked to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, the US-backed agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. Trump dismissed suggestions that the US Department of Energy had announced the nuclear deal without the Israel-related condition. He said there had been no misunderstanding within his administration and insisted the requirement had always been part of the discussions. “I have always said that Saudi Arabia must become part of the Abraham Accords for the deal to move forward,” Trump told reporters, adding that the accords had been successful and that the time had come for Riyadh to join them. The latest remarks came just days after the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a framework for cooperation on a civilian nuclear programme. While the initial announcement focused on energy cooperation and economic benefits, Trump later clarified that the agreement would only proceed if Saudi Arabia formally normalized ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia has not officially responded to Trump’s latest comments. However, the kingdom has consistently maintained that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until meaningful progress is made toward the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Israeli leaders have repeatedly rejected international calls for a Palestinian state under current conditions. The proposed agreement is expected to create a long-term partnership between the two countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It would involve the transfer of American technology, technical expertise and investment aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme. Trump also rejected reports suggesting the agreement would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically. He stressed that no uranium enrichment would be permitted under the arrangement. US officials have argued that the partnership is designed to strengthen bilateral relations while ensuring strict oversight of nuclear activities. They say American companies will play a central role in developing the programme, allowing Washington to maintain close monitoring and prevent nuclear proliferation.