**US and Russia Hold Phone Call Amid Global Tensions**
In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on June 14. According to Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, the conversation was a routine diplomatic exchange.
The phone call took place as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Russia has been launching drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, following two rounds of peace talks that failed to produce a lasting agreement.
**Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates**
Meanwhile, Israel and Iran continued to exchange attacks on June 14, after Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and military leadership the previous day. US President Trump has warned that the US military is on high alert, watching for any signs of retaliation from either side.
In a statement, Trump said that the US will respond if Iran launches further attacks, to defend itself or Israel. The escalation of violence between these two nations adds to the growing tensions in the region.
**Ukraine Sees Heavy Drone Attacks**
Back in Ukraine, Russian forces launched 58 attack drones and decoys from multiple directions, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. This is part of Russia’s ongoing campaign to weaken Ukrainian defenses using Iranian-designed Shahed-type UAVs.
In response, Ukraine’s military has struck critical facilities of Russia’s military-industrial complex overnight, aiming to reduce Russia’s ability to produce explosives and ammunition.
**More Casualties Reported in Conflict**
The number of casualties reported in the conflict continues to rise. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russian forces have suffered 1,130 casualties just over the past day.
**Ukraine Develops Own Ballistic Missile**
In a boost for Ukrainian defense capabilities, their domestically developed short-range Sapsan ballistic missile has successfully completed combat testing and is now in serial production. This could potentially give Ukraine an edge in defending against Russian aggression.
**France Accidents Claim Lives of Ukrainians**
Tragedy struck on June 13 when three Ukrainian nationals were killed in a bus accident in France. The group, made up of students and teachers from Chernivtsi Oblast, was returning from an academic exchange program.
The victims were returning to Ukraine as part of an ongoing phased prisoner exchange process between the two countries.
**Global Community Responds**
As global tensions continue to rise, international leaders are speaking out against aggressive actions. Poland’s military command has condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, saying they were “provocative testing of the readiness of NATO countries’ systems”.
The European Union and other G7 members are pushing for a price cap on Russian oil to be lowered from $60 to $45 per barrel.
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