US Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade
In a seismic 6-3 ruling, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending nearly 50 years of constitutional protection for abortion rights. The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization effectively allowed individual states to ban or severely restrict abortion access, triggering immediate legislative responses and nationwide protests.
Ukraine War Intensifies in Eastern Front
The war in Ukraine entered a critical phase as fighting shifted to the eastern Donbas region. The battle for the strategic city of Sievierodonetsk became a focal point, with massive fires reported at the Azot chemical plant following Russian shelling. In a grim turn, a court in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic sentenced two Britons and one Moroccan to death after their capture.
Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates Platinum Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II marked her Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the English throne and becoming one of the longest-reigning monarchs in world history. The celebrations provided a moment of national unity for the UK amid ongoing economic and political challenges.
NATO Expansion Advances Despite Russian Warnings
Finland and Sweden accelerated their NATO membership applications, prompting Vladimir Putin to issue stern warnings against the move, threatening "military-technical" retaliatory measures. The Nordic nations' historic shift away from neutrality represented one of the most significant strategic consequences of Russia's invasion.
European Union Backs Ukraine Membership
In a historic decision, EU executives formally backed Ukraine's membership bid, with the European Commission recommending candidate status for both Ukraine and Moldova. This came after visits by the leaders of Germany, France, and Italy to Kyiv.