Iran launched missile strikes against Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, completing the retaliation cycle that began with Israel's nuclear facility strikes the previous day. The attack prompted an emergency UN Security Council session as the Middle East escalation continued to dominate Ukrainian media coverage.
Ukraine conducted its fourth prisoner exchange this week, returning soldiers captured since 2022 under what appears to be an ongoing swap arrangement stemming from the Istanbul agreement. Zelensky announced exchanges would continue next week, marking an unprecedented frequency of prisoner returns.
Ukrainian forces struck deep into Russian territory, hitting chemical plants in Stavropol and Samara regions that produce explosives and ammunition. The General Staff confirmed successful strikes on military-industrial facilities, demonstrating continued long-range capabilities.
Trump and Putin held a phone conversation on Trump's birthday, with both leaders discussing the Ukraine conflict alongside Middle East tensions. Trump later claimed he told Putin the war must end.