A two-year-old boy was killed by a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s southern Belgorod region and his grandmother and another adult were wounded, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
The Ukrainian military said it struck the Rezonit electronics factory in Russia’s Moscow region, resulting in explosions.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had shot down 260 Ukrainian drones over the past day, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the rapid development and deployment of separate drone forces within Russia’s military. “We are currently creating unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the military and we need to ensure their rapid and high-quality deployment and development,” Russian news agencies quoted Putin as saying.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukrainian forces are gradually pushing Russian forces out of the border Sumy region, where Moscow has established a foothold in order to create a buffer zone with Russia’s western Kursk region.
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged another group of ill and severely wounded prisoners of war. It was not immediately clear how many had been exchanged by each side. All of the Ukrainian soldiers need treatment, President Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app.
Sanctions
A Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Canada from June 15-17 will be about the extent to which the European Union and United States can align on sanctions against Russia, an unnamed German government official told the Reuters news agency.
President Zelenskyy said he planned to attend the G7 summit and hoped to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the meeting. Zelenskyy said he would discuss continued support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and financing for Kyiv’s reconstruction efforts.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said Russia’s approach to peace talks with Ukraine is not helpful. “The Russians are sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here. I think that’s not helpful,” Rutte said.
At a meeting in Rome, foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Britain said they were ready to step up pressure on Russia, “including through further sanctions” involving the energy and banking sector, to weaken Moscow in its war with Ukraine.
Military aid
Speaking during his fifth visit to Kyiv since the start of the war, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said his country’s military support for Ukraine has reached 7 billion euros ($8.12bn) this year. Pistorius said a further 1.9 billion euros are pending parliamentary approval.
Pistorius said Germany is not considering delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine despite Kyiv’s repeated requests for the weapons.
Diplomacy
US ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy will soon leave her post, her embassy confirmed, after serving through one of the most tense and difficult periods in relations between Moscow and Washington.
Israel has attacked several Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites, and carried out assassinations of top military officials and nuclear scientists.
The aggression has led to fears of a wider military conflict in the region, with Tehran promising a “harsh response”.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that Israel faces a “bitter and painful” fate following the attack.
“By God’s will, the powerful hand of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will not let it [Israel] go unpunished,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a prerecorded message that the strikes early on Friday were aimed at hurting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile factories.
What did Israel attack in Iran?
Strikes have been confirmed in the following locations:
The capital, Tehran, and military sites in the surrounding area.
The city of Natanz, where explosions were reported at the main uranium enrichment facility.
The city of Tabriz, where explosions have been reported near a nuclear research centre and two military bases.
The city of Isfahan, south of Tehran.
The city of Arak, southwest of Tehran.
The city of Kermanshah, west of Tehran.
Images posted on social media showed damaged structures, including residential buildings, across the Iranian capital.
Who did Israel kill?
According to Iranian media, Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian military, were among those killed in the Israeli attack.
State-run news outlet Nour News said Khamenei adviser Ali Shamkhani was “critically injured”.
According to Tasnim, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Major-General Gholamali Rashid, was killed.
Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi, who is reporting from the Iranian capital, Tehran, said that aside from military officials, two top nuclear scientists, Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Tehranchi, were also killed in targeted assassinations.
Abbasi was the former chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, while Tehranchi was the head of the Islamic Azad University.
What was the reaction in Iran?
People in Iran woke up to terrifying scenes of destruction in their neighbourhoods.
In a statement, Khamenei said Israel “opened its dirty and bloody hand to a crime” against Iran, revealing its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centres.
“The regime must expect severe punishment.”
Abolfazl Shekarchi, the spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, was quoted by Iranian media as saying that Israel will pay a “heavy price” for its attacks.
IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major-General Hossein Salami was reportedly killed in the attacks [File: Majid Asgaripour/WANA Reuters]
What was the reaction in Israel?
Israeli military chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, said Israel had reached a “point of no return” with the attack on Friday.
Describing the early morning strikes on Iran as a “fight to preserve our existence”, Zamir said Israel launched the attacks as it could not “wait for another moment to act”.
He also said: “Anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price.”
Israeli opposition politician Yair Lapid posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, congratulating the Israeli army for its attack.
This handout photo released by the IRGC’s official Sepah News Telegram channel shows smoke billowing from a site bombed by Israel in Tehran early on June 13, 2025 [Sepah News/AFP]
What was the response from the US?
Iran and the United States are currently involved in talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, aiming to reach an agreement that would limit the programme in return for sanctions relief for Iran.
In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said Washington was not involved in the Israeli strikes.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see,” Trump said, adding that the US will help defend Israel if Iran retaliates.
Trump is expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was not involved in the operation.
“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said. “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
Opposition Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said the Israeli strikes are “clearly intended to scuttle” the Trump administration’s diplomacy with Iran.
People gather near damaged vehicles in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Tehran early on Friday [Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters]
What is the danger of hitting nuclear facilities?
Attacking nuclear facilities can cause several consequences of unpredictable scope, including radioactive leaks, explosions and long-term contamination.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says the UN body is closely monitoring the situation in Iran.
He said that the IAEA can confirm that the Natanz site was among the targets hit by Israel.
“The Agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country.”
This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on May 20, 2025 [Planet Labs PBC via AP]
What’s the global reaction to the attack?
In a statement, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum restraint” to avoid “descent into deeper conflict” following the Israeli strike.
“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said.
“He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.”
Oman, which is mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran, called Israel’s action “a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation” of the UN charter.
“Such aggressive, persistent behavior is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security.
“The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action.”
Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, has also reportedly been killed by Israel [Iranian Army/WANA via Reuters]
With a squad including estate agents, students and teachers, part-timers Auckland City will go from tourists to facing Bayern Munich with nothing to lose at this month’s Club World Cup in the United States.
The New Zealand side, the winners of the Oceania Champions League in each of the past four years, are the only one of the 32 teams playing in America that are not full-time professionals.
“We’re all used to leaving the house in the morning, going to do the day job and then going and training football at night,” Auckland striker Angus Kilkolly told BBC World Service.
“I work for a power tool brand, a global brand, I manage a sales team there. We’ve got a few other boys who work in sales as well, real estate agents, teachers, a couple of the boys are uni students.
“It’s not easy but it’s something we have always done so we don’t really know any different. It’s no different to going to school and then going to play football after school.
Facing Bayern, Benfica & Boca ‘a dream for us’
Getty Images
While Kilkolly’s work colleagues will be attending what he calls a “big national sales event”, he will be on the other side of the world representing not only his club but, as Oceania’s only representatives, the country and continent too.
He might return with some great stories.
The tournament begins on Saturday, with Auckland in Group C and drawn alongside three legendary clubs.
They start against six-time European champions Bayern Munich on Sunday, then have a match against Portuguese giants Benfica five days later before taking on Argentina’s Boca Juniors, a side that has won the South American Copa Libertadores on six occasions.
“When the draw got made we were all ecstatic, it’s a dream for us,” added Kilkolly. “These are teams we’re used to watching in the Champions League and European finals so to actually step foot on the same grass as them and compete and hopefully have a really good game.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to show our personalities, show we deserve to be here, and are good footballers.
‘We went to see the White House, which was cool’
Getty Images
With Auckland dominating club football in Oceania, this will be their 12th appearance at the Club World Cup, more than any other side.
They came third in 2014, but this year the format has been dramatically changed from previously only having seven sides to now having 32, with 12 from Europe, including Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea.
But before they go head-to-head with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern, whose squad includes England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane, Auckland have been keen to enjoy every moment while in the United States.
“We got to spend a few days in Washington and went to see the White House and a few of the monuments, which was cool,” added Kilkolly.
“A lot of us haven’t been to America before so to have a little bit of free time where we could go out and see a lot of the history in the city was awesome.
“The facilities, training grounds have been amazing, and it was also good to get out and see the White House and all these things that you only really see on TV or on the news.”
Kilkolly says his side could compete at the highest level and cause some shock results.
‘The Kiwi attitude is the underdog on the global stage’
Getty Images
Kilkolly, now 29, had a six-month spell playing in Lithuania when he was 19.
He has recently had some difficult times following the death of his brother three years ago and his father just over a year ago.
“Going through experiences like that doesn’t necessarily change your perspective but enhances your perspective of how valuable life is and how valuable opportunities are,” he said.
“If you get an opportunity and want to do something in life, you have to do it now. You don’t wait for anything.
“The memories [of his brother and father] never fade. I want to make them proud and have my own story. That’s what I’m doing, to live every day trying to do what would make them proud and I know they are watching.”
The world will be looking on as Auckland aim to shock the footballing community.
“We’ve had a lot of experience playing at Club World Cups before and Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca will be another step,” said Kilkolly. “We’ve played in front of big crowds and against good players before.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, gave up public royal duties five years ago and much of what they have said and done since has shocked sources close to The Firm
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit public life in 2020 and moved to the US(Image: AP)
A fresh indication Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could return to the public duties – the “biggest hint yet” – has reportedly left royal sources “utterly bewildered”.
Much of what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said and done since they quit public duties five years ago is said to have astonished members of the Royal Household. These include their accusations of racism against unnamed members of the family and Meghan’s recent posting of a video which showed her “twerking” in the maternity ward before the birth of Lillibet.
Now sources close to the Sussexes have disclosed details about passport applications for both Prince Archie, six, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. It is thought the applications include the titles HRH (His /Her Royal Highness) as well as the surname Sussex, and this is reportedly because Harry and Meghan want their kids to decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals, or stay out of public life when they get older.
This has been seen by some insiders as “the biggest hint” the Duke and Duchess may want to return to The Firm. Richard Eden, a royal reporter with the Daily Mail, writes in today’s edition: “The suggestion gives the biggest hint yet that they’re hoping to mend fences.
“And it raises the question: Could the Sussexes, who chose to give up boring old public duties to seek their fortune in the US, stage a return to the royal fold via their children?”
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READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s single word that left late Queen fearing ‘disaster’
Harry and his wife have reportedly managed to spring a fresh surprise on royal relations(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The original revelation was reported in The Guardian last week. The newspaper read: “The Guardian understands that Prince Harry wants to keep the HRH titles for his children so that when they grow older they can decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals, or stay out of public life.”
Insiders have reacted with shock and scepticism, following Harry and Meghan’s exploits and bombshells since moving to the US. Mr Eden writes: “‘I find this very hard to understand,’ one royal source told me this week… ‘Harry and Meghan apparently found official duties and life within the Royal Family unbearable, yet they want this for their children. It doesn’t make sense.’
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“It’s true that the Sussexes have devoted much time and energy to publicising their unhappiness with royal life. It’s hard to forget Harry’s grin on a video as he described their ‘freedom flight’ to Los Angeles when they began their American adventure in 2020.”
A Japanese great-grandmother with 400,000 Instagram followers who shot to fame for her goofy self-portraits after taking up photography aged 72 has died, her son said on Thursday.
Kimiko Nishimoto, who died this week at the age of 97, told AFP in a 2018 interview that “you can take photos no matter how old you get”.
“Wherever it is, in your house, outside, or in your bed, you can do it. That is the nice thing about a camera,” she said.
Dubbed the “selfie queen” by Japanese media, Nishimoto’s posts showed her in various candid poses — from riding a broom like Harry Potter to imitating an off-duty sumo wrestler on their fifth beer of the night.
READ ALSO: Two BTS Megastars Released From South Korea Military
(FILES) This file picture taken on January 16, 2018 shows Kimiko Nishimoto posing next to a picture of her on the sliding window of her house in the western Japanese city of Kumamoto. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP)
“Our mother always created her work with a smile,” a post from her son Kazutami Nishimoto said on her Instagram account.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited her photography exhibitions held across the country, to those who shared warm words of encouragement through Instagram… and to all who supported her warmly throughout her journey.”
Nishimoto’s son teaches photography classes, which his mother started taking in retirement.
“Though she began photography at the age of 72, she was blessed with countless encounters, which enriched this third chapter of her life tremendously,” he said.
Nishimoto appeared on national television as her online following grew and was interviewed by major news outlets.
But her more out-there visual scenarios were also the cause of some confusion over the years.
One snap — showing her wrapped in a garbage bag, as if she had been discarded — drew criticism from people who didn’t know she was involved in its set-up.
The judge in the Harvey Weinstein sex crimes retrial declared a mistrial on the outstanding rape charge against the movie producer Thursday, after the jury foreperson refused to return to deliberate the case amid a jury room feud.
In front of packed press and public benches in the 13th-floor New York courtroom, Judge Curtis Farber dismissed jurors who had been unable to reach a verdict on the charge that Weinstein raped Jessica Mann.
“Deliberations became heated to such a degree I am obligated to declare a mistrial on the one count on which you didn’t reach a verdict,” Farber declared from the wood-paneled bench, wearing a robe and reading glasses.
READ ALSO: Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty Of Sexual Assault After Retrial
Former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan criminal court during his rape and sexual assault re-trial in New York on June 10, 2025. (Photo by Michael Nagle / POOL / AFP)
Weinstein’s lawyer Arthur Aidala had forcefully argued that a crime had been committed against one of the jurors, but the judge dismissed the claim.
On Wednesday, the jury convicted Weinstein for sexual assault on Miriam Haley, and acquitted the fallen movie mogul for allegedly sexually assaulting Kaja Sokola. The defense vowed to appeal.
The prosecutor brushed off the defense’s claim that a retrial on the charge of raping Mann would exert unfair pressure on the alleged victim. “We will proceed to trial and that is what justice would be in this case,” Nicole Blumberg said.
Outside court, Aidala alleged that two jurors had indicated to his team that the panel had considered the cases of rapper Sean “P Diddy” Combs and convicted child sex abuser R. Kelly in their discussions.
“(If) they say, ‘Well, look at R Kelly. Look what’s going on across the street with P Diddy’… That’s not what you can do, and that’s what we just heard happen,” said the sharp-suited attorney.
(FILES) US producer-musician Sean “Diddy” Combs (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
Combs is on trial at a nearby courthouse for alleged racketeering and other crimes, and the publicity of that case has largely eclipsed Weinstein’s retrial.
Weinstein, 73 and wheelchair-bound by ill-health, is already in jail for a 16-year term after he was convicted in a separate California case of raping a European actress more than a decade ago.
Proceedings in New York have been dogged by personal issues between jurors, two of whom have privately complained to the judge about fellow panelists.
The foreman had told judge Farber he could not continue after facing threats.
“One other juror made comments to the effect ‘I’ll meet you outside one day’,” the judge said Wednesday quoting the foreman, adding there was yelling between jurors.
After Weinstein’s lawyer demanded a mistrial over the jury rupture, Weinstein himself addressed the court Wednesday, deploying a commanding voice reminiscent of his Hollywood heyday.
‘Threats, violence, intimidation’
Harvey Weinstein (C) arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court for a hearing on October 11, 2018 in New York City. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
“We’ve heard threats, violence, intimidation — this is not right for me… the person who is on trial here,” he said.
The Oscar-winner’s conviction on the Haley charge is a vindication for Haley whose complaint in part led to the initial guilty verdict in 2020.
That landmark case helped spur the “MeToo” movement that saw an outpouring of allegations from prominent women who were abused by men.
Weinstein underwent a spectacular fall from his position at the top of the world of Hollywood and show business in 2017 when allegations against him exploded into public.
The movement upended the film industry, exposing systemic exploitation of young women seeking to work in entertainment, and provoking a reckoning on how to end the toxic culture.
More than 80 women accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct in the wake of the global backlash against men abusing positions of power.
