Global Tensions Rise: Kyiv Under Renewed Attack, Energy Crisis Deepens, and North Korea Fires Missile

Russia Intensifies Attacks on Kyiv

Kyiv is experiencing intensified Russian attacks, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko stating that residents can no longer consider it a 'peacetime' environment. Strikes have targeted a school, a hospital, and a bridge within the city The Guardian. The Northern Bridge, a major crossing, was struck, following recent repeated attacks on another significant bridge BBC News.

One resident described being in a shelter with her son for two hours after an air raid alert sounded while dropping him off at school in central Kyiv. The attacks have caused widespread fear among the city's population The Guardian.

Global Energy Crisis Deepens Amid Iran War

The global energy crisis continues to escalate, with diesel prices in the UK surpassing £2 per liter for the first time. This represents a 40% increase since the beginning of the year The Guardian. The cost of filling an average family car has risen to £110, an increase of nearly £32 since late February The Guardian.

This surge in prices is attributed to the eight-month-long war involving the US and Israel against Iran, which has disrupted key global shipping routes and choked off supplies from Gulf oil producers The Guardian. In response, G7 countries, including the UK, released 100 million barrels of oil and diesel on Friday, following pressure from US President Donald Trump The GuardianBBC News. This coordinated release aims to prevent further price spikes and avert a potential ban on US diesel exports BBC News.

Flydubai Co-Pilot Attempts 'Terrorist Attack'

A co-pilot on Flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted a “terrorist attack” during the flight, according to the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general The Guardian. The co-pilot reportedly used a crash axe in the assault on the captain and also tried to seize control of the aircraft The Guardian. The incident occurred approximately two and a half hours into the Israel-bound journey, causing the plane to plunge more than 17,000 feet BBC NewsThe Guardian.

Passengers and crew members intervened to overpower the attacker and stabilize the plane, which was carrying 182 people BBC NewsThe Guardian. Officials stated that the co-pilot's actions nearly led to a crash. The suspect had reportedly been barred from flying by Oman due to alleged extremist views The Guardian.

North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile

North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the sea on Saturday, according to reports from South Korea and Japan The Guardian. The launch occurred a day after North Korea rejected Seoul’s accusation that its mines had wounded South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone The Guardian.

The missile was fired from the Wonsan area at approximately 6:30 AM and traveled over 700 kilometers (434 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. South Korean and Washington authorities are currently analyzing the details of the test The Guardian.

Student Protests Disrupt France

Student protests have continued to escalate across France, impacting more than 1,000 schools The New York Times. Days of unrest have been marked by clashes with police, blockades, and the use of tear gas The New York Times. High school students are demonstrating to demand improved educational standards The New York Times.

Bangkok Grapples with Severe Flooding

Bangkok is facing a severe flooding crisis, with heavy rainfall transforming streets into stagnant lakes and affecting all 50 city districts The Guardian. Approximately 300mm of rain, equivalent to half a year's average rainfall in London, fell over about two days in parts of the city The Guardian.

The extreme weather has resulted in 40 fatalities, and a disaster has been declared across the Thai capital The Guardian. Experts have warned that such extreme flooding events are likely to worsen across Southeast Asia The Guardian.

Editorial note: This daily briefing was drafted from the attributed source material below and passed automated source, citation, format, and safety checks before publication.

Sources

• ‘The enemy is tearing our city apart’: terror in Kyiv as Russia ramps up attacks - The Guardian
• Green party conference continues with cost of living on the agenda – UK politics live - The Guardian
• Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe, UAE official says - BBC News
• Russia strikes second major bridge in Kyiv, mayor says - BBC News
• Flydubai co-pilot used crash axe to attack captain, says UAE - The Guardian
• Student Protests Rattle France as Police Clashes Bring Blockades and Tear Gas - The New York Times
• North Korea launches ballistic missile after Seoul demands apology over wounded soldiers - The Guardian
• G7 to release millions of barrels of oil and diesel after Trump threat - BBC News
• Bangkok at breaking point as floods turn streets into stagnant lakes - The Guardian