Ukraine Strikes Russian Ships, EU Opens Accession Cluster

Russia accused Ukraine of terrorism over the attacks, which targeted a route handling a quarter of its grain exports.

The escalation came as the UN reported June was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians in over four years.

Bulgaria’s Ukraine-skeptic prime minister pulled his country from the Coalition of the Willing, complicating allied support.

Meanwhile, France’s largest-ever national day parade featured troops from across Europe and Zelensky as guest of honour, projecting unity.