Russia launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks against Ukraine on June 29, killing at least 12 civilians and wounding 40 others, AP reported on June 30. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as "horrifying attacks."

Russian missiles targeting infrastructure struck the central city of Dnipro, killing 5 people and injuring 29. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, Russian drones hit a passenger minivan, killing 3 civilians and wounding 6, including one child. Ukrainian police also reported that Russian drones killed a 69-year-old woman and 77-year-old man in Sumy region in the northeast. In Kharkiv, midday airstrikes resulted in 1 death and 5 injuries, according to Mayor Igor Terekhov.

Zelenskyy called on Europe to accelerate air defense development to intercept Russian missiles. "People need greater protection from these horrifying attacks," he stated on social media. "Most importantly, we need anti-missile capabilities. It is critical that Europe move with maximum urgency in developing its own air defense systems—both the systems and the missiles."

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago, Russian forces have repeatedly destroyed Ukrainian infrastructure and residential areas. UN reports indicate that more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the conflict.

Orlando Gili, Paraguay's hero goalkeeper, spoke after demonstrating his penalty-saving prowess that helped his team knock out Germany in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32, revealing that his team had analyzed the opposing team's shooting beforehand. The match remained tied 1-1 after both 90 minutes and 120 minutes of play. Paraguay took the lead through Julio Enciso in the 42nd minute, but Germany equalized with a goal from Kai Havertz in the 54th minute. In the penalty shootout, Paraguay won 4-3, with Gili saving two of Germany's penalty kicks, while another German player shot wide. Paraguay thus secured a knockout-stage victory in World Cup history for the first time in the nation's history. Germany, a four-time former world champion, lost on penalties in the World Cup for the first time and failed to reach the Round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup tournament. Gili stated: "Of course, we analyzed every player and every detail of the penalty takers beforehand. Thank God I was able to save two penalties. I feel deeply honored that we were able to eliminate the former champion. This is a victory for all Paraguayans."

Japanese tennis champion Naomi Osaka turned heads once again by sporting a traditional kimono during her opening match at the Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament. The four-time major champion honored Japanese culture by appearing in an elegant white kimono for her match at the All England Club, before defeating France's Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5.

The 28-year-old tennis star opened up about her fashion choice, explaining: "When I think of Wimbledon, it's clear to me it means all-white clothing, and that's obviously the tradition of the tournament."

"In my mind, when I think about it, I think about my culture, which is Japanese and Haitian heritage," she continued. "Then when I delve deeper into Japanese culture, I think about what's most distinctive, which for me is the kimono. You don't need to see the color of a kimono to know it's a kimono."

Osaka also drew inspiration from pop culture, saying: "I thought about one of my favorite films—I love Kill Bill. I still remember falling in love with Lucy Liu's character. She wore an all-white kimono and I remember thinking it was so cool. I started from there. It's kind of my own interpretation, combined with respect and love for Japan."

Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada acknowledged that the national team needs significant development to achieve its World Cup championship ambitions after being eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan's campaign ended following a 1-2 loss to five-time world champion Brazil on June 29. Despite the defeat, Kamada expressed confidence that Japan can eventually win the World Cup, saying: "I still believe that before we become a country that can truly win the championship, we have many areas that need improvement—both player quality and other aspects. To be honest, we need to develop much more." He added: "We still have a long road ahead to elevate Japanese football and make it like a national pastime. That's what I truly feel if we want to win the World Cup." Looking forward, Kamada pledged: "From now on, I want to work hard every day to help Japan eventually win the World Cup championship." He expressed regret that the team couldn't meet expectations, noting the overwhelming support they received. However, he called for continued commitment from all to make Japan a genuine championship contender: "For Japan to truly be able to compete for the championship in the future, we need to fully commit to Japanese football and the Japanese football community. I hope everyone will continue to provide full support."

Germany is intensifying investigations into the motives behind a deadly shooting at a youth welfare center in Stade, Lower Saxony, according to BBC reporting on June 30. The attack occurred around noon on June 29, resulting in at least six deaths. Five victims were killed at the scene of the youth welfare facility, while a sixth person died from injuries sustained after being transported to hospital.

Police previously disclosed that two suspects have been arrested, including the alleged gunman. Investigators are also examining a third person of interest. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Police confirmed that gunfire first erupted at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time, with police units immediately dispatched to the scene. Officials confirmed multiple homicides occurred at the youth welfare center on Kurfürstenstrasse, and stated that others were injured, though they did not provide further details.

South Korean forward Son Heung-Min posted an emotional apology on Instagram to fans over the national team's disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging everyone to offer support to the players instead of criticism.

South Korea's World Cup campaign ended at the group stage after three matches in Group A against host Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. The team managed only three points and finished third, failing to advance to the knockout rounds.

In excerpts from Son's post, he wrote: "I must sincerely apologize to the South Korean people. If I were a viewer watching this tournament, I would feel heartbroken, disappointed, and deeply distressed as well. That's why even an apology doesn't feel sufficient. This tournament meant more to me than anything, and it's indescribably painful to see the dream stage I've always spoken about crumble. Honestly, I haven't been able to accept this reality yet, and I believe you feel similarly.

Moving forward, I will do everything in my power to win back the hearts of South Korean football fans. I will run with all my strength to bring you joy again. I have never forgotten the promise I made to our fans. I will give everything to prepare myself once more.

I feel heavy-hearted and deeply sorry to ask for your compassion again in this situation. But instead of excessive criticism and hurting our players' feelings, I sincerely ask that you send us encouragement and support, no matter how difficult that may be."