Global volatility: From Moscow explosions to Kyiv missile strikes

In Moscow, a homemade explosive device detonated near an upscale Italian restaurant at Kudrinkskaya Square, injuring 21 others in the vicinity of a historic Stalin-era skyscraper. Simultaneously, the situation in Ukraine remains dire; President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Russia launched 35 missiles and 185 drones, with the country’s Patriot air defense systems rendered ineffective by a critical shortage of interceptors.

Beyond the conflict zones, environmental and political pressures are mounting. Gale-force winds are driving wildfires across Greece, forcing mass evacuations near the Gulf of Corinth, while Spain and France face worsening conditions. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces an existential leadership crisis after major confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF, formally withdrew their support following the collapse of a controversial $4.2-billion private equity proposal. In Pakistan, the mountaineering community is mourning the death of record-breaking climber Nirmal Purja, who perished in an avalanche on Broad Peak.