As Russian Aggression Turns West, Poland Says It’s Ready

On Friday, World Cup 2026 qualifying matches will kick off at 7:45 PM GMT, featuring Poland against the Netherlands and Croatia facing the Faroe Islands. England's head coach, Thomas Tuchel, emphasizes the importance of substitutes, urging them to transform any frustration from not starting into impactful performances. He is also preparing a strategy to cope with the expected high temperatures during the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, both sides are extensively utilizing aerial drones. However, Ukrainians are also employing terrestrial drones, which are operated from underground bunkers. These wheeled or tracked drones have become crucial for logistical support and rescue operations.

The city of Pokrovsk, once a vital logistics and cultural center in Ukraine's Donbas region, is facing imminent collapse. Since mid-2024, residents and officials have been removing valuable resources from the town, which had a population of over 60,000. The ongoing war has led to significant physical destruction and a severe decline in living conditions. International correspondent Anna Conkling warns that these may be the final days of Pokrovsk under Ukrainian control.

Iran has seized a fuel tanker in a Middle East waterway, a move that has not been explained by Tehran. This incident occurs amid ongoing unresolved nuclear issues between Iran and Western nations.

Kyiv experienced a severe attack on Friday, with over 400 Russian drones and a dozen missiles striking the city. Videos captured explosions throughout the capital, highlighting the intensity of the assault. Ukrainian officials reported casualties and damage across various districts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv as "deliberate, calculated and wicked," following a night of strikes that resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries. Air raid sirens echoed through the capital as residents sought shelter from the onslaught, which included the use of Shahed drones. Zelenskyy has called for increased air defense support from Europe and the United States to bolster Ukraine's defenses against such attacks.

An Ipsos survey of nearly 10,000 people across nine Western countries reveals that satisfaction with democracy is below 50% in eight of them, with only Sweden showing higher levels of contentment. The survey highlights significant concerns regarding the future of democracy, as majorities in all but one country express fears about its stability. Key threats identified include fake news, lack of political accountability, extremism, and corruption.

Russia's PROD Olympiad is inviting English-speaking students in grades 8-12 from around the world to participate in the inaugural international IT Olympiad. This event focuses on industrial software and real IT business challenges, aiming to engage young developers in practical applications of their skills.