22 July 2026
Ukraine-Russia War
After widespread protests, President Zelensky dismissed the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, appointing Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi as his replacement. Zelensky remarked that: “A significant path has been travelled. The defence of Ukraine continues, and every warrior deserves dignified treatment. I am grateful to Oleksandr Syrskyi and to every one of our soldiers for Ukraine’s strong frontline positions.”
Ukraine struck two more warehouses of the Russian online retailer Wildberries. Ukraine claims that the Wildberries sites are being used to provide the Russian army with drone components, navigation equipment and body armour.
Iran War
President Trump stated that the US is not finished at all with Iran. It is believed that the US will target Pickaxe Mountain, an underground nuclear complex. It is rumoured that Iran has been moving its centrifuges to this site. Iran denies that there is any nuclear activity occurring at the site.
The Pentagon seeks additional funding for the war, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth estimates that the war so far has cost $37.5 billion.
In a statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of “unforgettable lessons” if the United States continues its attacks. Since taking power, Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public, and no audio or video recordings have been released. It is believed that he suffered severe injuries to his face and legs in the bombing which killed his father.
President Trump stated that the US would “take care” of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels if the group imposes a blockade on the Red Sea. If the Houthis were to impose a blockade, it would put further pressure on the global energy markets.
US-Saudi Arabia
President Trump formally approved a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. The civilian nuclear program will open the doors for American companies to build Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power infrastructure. It is believed that the Trump administration will submit to Congress a pact with Saudi Arabia to share nuclear power technology. There is also a provision in the agreement under which the US will build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if warranted by the two countries.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s opposition, the People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), accused the government of advocating a new war in the northern Tigray region. The government organized a rally of thousands of people in the capital to denounce the forced conscription of civilians by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Human Rights Watch has reported in the past that the TPLF has abducted and forcibly recruited children as young as 15.
Afghanistan
Dozens of mine workers in Badakhshan protested over the Taliban’s closure of some mine sites. It is believed that the Taliban have closed smaller mines owned by low-income individuals, but have kept the largest mines open because of bribes.
The Taliban have compiled lists of former security personnel in Kandahar, Helmand and Uruzgan and begun surveilling them, including by phone to verify where they live. It is believed that the Taliban are checking on former security personnel to ensure that they are not organizing into a threat.
South Korea
South Korea seized a cargo vessel that is suspected of violating UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. A South Korean official confirmed that investigations confirmed the violations and the ship was seized. The Prada, also known as the Sophia, was among the ships named in a joint statement by South Korea, the US and the European Union for violating sanctions which ban the export of North Korean coal and iron ore.
Portugal
Portugal will procure three FREMM frigates from Italy’s Fincantieri. The deal is estimated to be worth €3 billion ($3.4 billion). Delivery of the warships is expected in 2029 and 2030.
Social Media Wires
Footage of one of the Wildberries warehouses
Featured Photo: “Ukraine Armed Forces Day, 2024” – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking-news report that incorporates wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale and cropping.