Extreme Heat in Europe & Fuel Crisis in Russia
Western Europe is facing a wave of extreme heat that scientists say would have been nearly impossible without the influence of climate change. Meanwhile, a fuel crisis is deepening in Russia and occupied Crimea, and attacks on industrial targets are occurring. Tensions are also rising on key maritime routes after a cargo ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
If you are planning a trip to Western Europe, prepare for record temperatures that may affect your movement and health. According to meteorologists, the current June heatwave is exceptional and, compared to fifty years ago, would have been practically impossible without global warming. Extreme weather is now affecting vast areas and requires increased caution when spending time outdoors.
Travel to the eastern part of the region is complicated by a critical fuel shortage in Russia. Since the beginning of June, an export ban on aviation gasoline has been in effect, and airports have already begun restricting aircraft refueling, which may lead to flight delays. Additionally, a state of emergency (extraordinary measures restricting normal operations) has been declared on the Crimean Peninsula to help address fuel shortages caused by logistical difficulties and Ukrainian attacks.
The security situation in the region is further worsened by drone strikes, which damaged an industrial plant in the Tula region south of Moscow overnight. The attack also hit a residential building and injured one woman. Furthermore, Russia's domestic political stability is being undermined by threats from veterans such as Alexander Lunin, who is demanding direct televised negotiations with President Putin under the threat of an armed rebellion.
A potential increase in the price of oil and goods is signaled by an incident in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route for the transport of raw materials. A cargo ship was hit there by an unknown projectile, causing traffic in this key strait to temporarily drop by half. The event is being monitored by the British UKMTO service, which oversees the security of maritime trade.
A large-scale natural disaster has struck Venezuela, where the death toll from a devastating earthquake has doubled to 589. Rescue services in the country are still searching for thousands of missing persons in the rubble of buildings.
In the News section of the app, you will also find details about a plane crash in Beijing or the death of former Russian minister Sergey Ivanov.