Russia Hit by Second Major Cyberattack in Two Days: Live Updates

10:56 AM EDT

Zelensky hails Trump’s shortened deadline for Putin as ‘extremely significant’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed Trump’s decision to shorten the deadline for Russia to end its war in Ukraine, calling it “extremely significant.” Trump announced Monday that he was reducing his original 50-day ultimatum—set on July 14—to just 10 to 12 days, placing the new deadline between August 5 and 7.

Zelensky praised the move as a show of strength, stating, “Peace through strength is possible. Ukraine, as always, is ready to work with America, with President Trump, in the most productive way possible, to end this war with dignity and lasting peace.”

He also accused Russia of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts: “It is Russia who is doing everything to undermine peace efforts and drag out the war.”

Trump has threatened sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia’s economy if President Vladimir Putin fails to comply with the new timeline. The Kremlin has acknowledged the deadline but maintains its military objectives, prompting concern over escalating tensions.

10:39 AM EDT

WATCH: Trump to slash Putin deadline from 50 to 10 or 12 days

10:21 AM EDT

Zelensky pushes EU bid during talks with Denmark’s Frederiksen

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to discuss accelerating Ukraine’s path to European Union membership during Denmark’s six-month presidency of the bloc. The leaders agreed to use the remainder of the term to push forward key reforms and political decisions needed to advance accession talks.

In a Telegram update, Zelensky said: “We need to make the most of this time to implement all the necessary decisions.” He also acknowledged recent controversy surrounding anti-corruption reforms, noting that a new bill aimed at restoring the independence of oversight agencies is now before parliament.

“I am grateful to Denmark for its support,” Zelensky said. “We agreed that the parliament should vote on this bill urgently, this week.”

Denmark has pledged to use its presidency to support Ukraine’s EU ambitions, despite ongoing resistance from Hungary and concerns in Brussels over reform setbacks.

10:09 AM EDT

Trump and Starmer meet in Scotland, clash on Gaza crisis and trade

Trump hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland on Monday, blending diplomatic talks with personal promotion. The leaders discussed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and trade tensions. At the same time, Trump showcased his luxury property and announced plans to open a third Scottish golf course.

Starmer pressed Trump to take more decisive action on Gaza, calling the situation “desperate.” Trump, initially defensive about U.S. aid efforts, shifted tone after being shown images of starving children, saying Israel “has a lot of responsibility” and pledging to urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure food reaches civilians.

The two also addressed Ukraine, with Trump proposing a shortened ceasefire deadline for Russia and threatening sanctions if no progress is made. Trade talks continued, including a new framework with the EU and unresolved issues around steel and Scotch whisky tariffs.

Despite policy differences, the meeting was marked by mutual praise and light-hearted exchanges, with Starmer promising to invite Trump to a football match and Trump admiring Turnberry’s dining room windows.

09:45 AM EDT

Poland links arson attacks to Russian-backed sabotage network

Polish authorities revealed Tuesday that a 27-year-old Colombian national acted on behalf of Russian intelligence to carry out two arson attacks in Poland last year. The suspect, trained by a Russian-linked operative, received detailed instructions on how to execute the attacks, including the use of Molotov cocktails and methods for documenting the damage.

Following the incidents in Warsaw and Radom, the man traveled to the Czech Republic, where he set fire to a bus depot and was preparing another attack on a shopping mall before being apprehended. He has already been sentenced to eight years in prison by a Czech court and now faces terrorism charges in Poland, with a possible life sentence.

Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) said the case reflects a broader pattern of Russian hybrid warfare. Intelligence officials warned that Russian operatives are using Telegram to recruit Latin American nationals with military backgrounds, exploiting economic vulnerabilities to enlist them for sabotage missions across Europe.

The revelations follow similar warnings from Czech intelligence, which reported that Russian recruiters are targeting non-EU migrants to destabilize European governments through coordinated acts of sabotage.

09:28 AM EDT

Trump threatens secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers

President Donald Trump is escalating pressure on Russia by threatening secondary sanctions aimed not at Moscow directly, but at countries that continue purchasing Russian oil. The move comes even though Russia has little direct trade with the U.S., due to sweeping sanctions imposed under the Biden administration.

Under the proposed plan, imports from nations such as China, India, and Germany could face tariffs of up to 100 percent, effectively doubling the cost of goods from some of America’s largest trading partners. These secondary sanctions are designed to penalize countries that help sustain Russia’s economy through energy purchases, which Washington views as undermining global efforts to isolate the Kremlin.

The threat marks a sharp shift in Trump’s approach, turning economic tools into leverage against allies and adversaries alike as he seeks to force a resolution to the war in Ukraine.

09:14 AM EDT

US likely moved nuclear weapons to UK amid rising Russian threats

The US has likely redeployed nuclear weapons to the United Kingdom for the first time since 2008, according to defense analysts and open-source flight data. On July 16, a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft flew from Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico—home to a significant nuclear weapons depot—to RAF Lakenheath in England with its transponder switched on, making its location publicly visible.

The mission involved the Prime Nuclear Airlift Force, a specialized unit responsible for transporting nuclear arms. Analysts believe the delivery included B61-12 thermonuclear bombs, a modernized tactical weapon with variable yield and precision guidance.

The move is seen as a strategic signal to Russia amid escalating tensions and nuclear saber-rattling. Neither the U.S. nor the UK governments have confirmed the deployment, consistent with longstanding policies of non-disclosure regarding nuclear weapon locations.

08:58 AM EDT

China fires back at US allies: ‘Political manipulation’

China’s embassy in the United Kingdom has issued a sharp rebuke after Britain and Australia raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the Asia-Pacific, slamming the two countries for “unwarranted accusations and political manipulation.”

The statement followed the arrival of the U.K.’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in the port of Darwin just three days earlier to take part in Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

The U.S. and its allies—both within the Asia-Pacific and beyond—have been stepping up security cooperation in response to China’s increasingly assertive actions in the region, as President Xi Jinping seeks to challenge American primacy.

Newsweek reached out to the Australian Department of Defence and the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office via emailed requests for comment.

Read the full story by Micha McCartney on Newsweek.

08:42 AM EDT

Russia kills 27 in Ukraine amid Trump’s shortened ceasefire ultimatum

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire in a fire department school following a Russian air attack in Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, Monday, July 28, 2025.
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire in a fire department school following a Russian air attack in Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, Monday, July 28, 2025.
Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP Photo

Russia launched a wave of overnight attacks across Ukraine, killing at least 27 civilians and injuring dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes targeted a prison in Zaporizhzhia and medical facilities in the Dnipro region, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of impending sanctions and tariffs unless Moscow halts its offensive.

Four glide bombs hit the Bilenkivska Correctional Facility, killing 17 inmates and wounding over 80 others. In Kamianske, missiles damaged a maternity hospital and a city ward, killing three people, including a 23-year-old pregnant woman.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as “conscious, deliberate strikes,” noting that 73 towns and villages were hit overnight. He welcomed Trump’s decision to shorten the original 50-day ceasefire deadline to just 10–12 days, calling it a timely move for peace.

Trump, speaking from Scotland, expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he was “not interested in talking anymore.” Kremlin officials responded defiantly, with Dmitry Medvedev warning that ultimatums could escalate tensions with the U.S..

Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 32 of 37 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia, along with two ballistic missiles. Additional strikes hit Kharkiv and Kherson, while Russia claimed new territorial gains in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to retaliate with long-range drone attacks, targeting Russian infrastructure and disrupting rail traffic in Rostov, where one civilian was killed.

08:26 AM EDT

UK condemns deadly Russian strikes, vows increased pressure

The UK has sharply condemned Russia’s latest airstrikes on Ukraine, which killed at least 16 civilians and injured dozens more. In a statement posted by the UK Embassy in Kyiv, officials accused the Kremlin of “terrorising Ukrainian civilians” and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to intensifying pressure on Moscow.

“The Kremlin is not serious about peace,” the UK Embassy wrote on X. “The UK will continue to ramp up the pressure on Russia.”

08:11 AM EDT

Yermak: Russia’s war strategy backed by North Korea, Iran, and Global South

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression, accusing Moscow of disguising its war as a defense of national interests. “In reality, Russia continues to promote a strategy of destroying Ukraine as a state,” Yermak wrote on Telegram, calling this the only genuine “Russian interest.”

He attributed Russia’s persistence to foreign support, citing direct military aid from North Korea and Iran, and sanction evasion facilitated by countries in the Global South. A recent U.N. report confirmed that North Korea has supplied arms and troops to Russia, while Iran continues to provide drones and military technology.

Yermak warned that Russia’s challenge extends beyond Ukraine and Europe, now threatening the United States as well. “Putin’s regime is incapable of stopping the war — this is possible only by force,” he stated, urging more decisive international action to counter Moscow’s campaign.

07:55 AM EDT

Kremlin claims peace commitment after deadly strikes and Trump warning

Just hours after Russian airstrikes killed 22 civilians across Ukraine, the Kremlin insisted it remains “committed” to peace efforts. The strikes targeted a prison and medical facilities, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny of Moscow’s intentions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged a “slowdown” in efforts to restore relations with the United States, citing recent threats from President Donald Trump. On July 28, Trump warned that Russia has “10 or 12 days” to agree to a ceasefire or face heavy sanctions and tariffs.

“We would like to see more dynamics,” Peskov told reporters. “In order to move forward, we need impulses from both sides.”

Despite ongoing peace talks in Istanbul, Russia has continued its military campaign, including strikes on civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the latest attacks “deliberate” and urged global leaders to hold Russia accountable.

07:42 AM EDT

About Silent Crow: Aeroflot cyberattack sparks alarm over Russia’s digital defenses

Russia’s flagship airline, Aeroflot, was forced to cancel dozens of flights on Monday after a massive cyberattack crippled its internal systems. The breach, claimed by pro-Ukraine hacker group Silent Crow and Belarusian collective Cyber Partisans, reportedly destroyed 7,000 servers and compromised 20 terabytes of data.

Silent Crow, active since late 2024, has previously targeted Russian government agencies and major corporations. The group’s Telegram statement declared the Aeroflot operation a “complete compromise,” framing it as part of a broader campaign against Russian infrastructure.

Cyber Partisans, known for opposing Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, joined the effort, marking their first collaboration with Silent Crow.

Russian officials have launched a criminal investigation, with lawmakers calling the incident a “wake-up call.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the attack as “alarming,” underscoring growing concerns over the country’s cyber vulnerabilities.

The hackers have threatened to release sensitive passenger data, intensifying scrutiny over Russia’s digital security posture amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

07:28 AM EDT

Putin ally responds to Lindsey Graham over Trump’s peace talks demands

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev delivers a speech to delegates during the plenary session of the 22th Congress of United Russia Party, December 14, 2024, in Moscow, Russia.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev delivers a speech to delegates during the plenary session of the 22th Congress of United Russia Party, December 14, 2024, in Moscow, Russia.
Contributor/Getty Images

A key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a call by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham for Russia to get “to the peace table” and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The rejection by Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and prime minister, of the call by the Republican from South Carolina, came as President Donald Trump spoke of his disappointment with Putin and announced that he would bring forward a deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The comments by Medvedev, who is known as a hawk on Ukraine and close to Putin, will further dim hopes for compromise on a settlement to end the Ukraine war.

Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin as Russian forces pound Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles and push on with ground offensives while the White House is trying to broker peace.

Trump, speaking to reporters in Scotland on Monday, said he would reduce a 50-day deadline he had given Putin for a ceasefire in Ukraine to “a lesser number,” adding that he was “very disappointed” with the Russian president.

On July 14, Trump gave the Russian leader a September 2 deadline to end hostilities, or face secondary sanctions which could deliver a blow to Moscow’s key energy exports.

Read the full story by Robert Birsel on Newsweek.

07:25 AM EDT

Cyberattack shutters Moscow pharmacies

A sweeping cyberattack has disrupted daily life in Russia, forcing the closure of hundreds of pharmacies and grounding flights nationwide.

The Stolichki pharmacy chain, which operates nearly 900 stores across the Moscow region, was hit hardest, with its accounting systems rendered inoperable.

The incident follows a major breach at Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, which canceled dozens of flights after hackers reportedly destroyed thousands of servers and accessed sensitive data.