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THE REFRACT 2026EVERY STORY HAS MANY SIDES

🇺🇦 Ukraine - MEDIA PERSPECTIVE | The Refract

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UKRAINE

UKRAINE

MEDIA PERSPECTIVE

The Ukrainian perspective, at the heart of Europe's largest conflict since 1945. Ukrainian media (Kyiv Independent, Ukrainska Pravda, Babel) offer frontline war coverage, balancing combat journalism with the pursuit of European integration.

SUBJECTS COVERED BY UKRAINE

52 SUBJECTS

L'après-Orbán : Magyar hérite d'un pays miné, l'UE dégèle 18 milliards, les Balkans perdent leur protecteur

7 countries · 20 sources

Missile Rain on Ukraine: the Deadliest Night in Weeks

A 12-year-old child among 14 dead, 703 aerial targets detected in 24 hours, and stalled negotiations — Russia's war of attrition crosses a new threshold.

6 countries · 13 sources

L'Italie suspend son accord de défense avec Israël : Meloni défie Trump et Netanyahu le même jour

Giorgia Meloni suspend l'accord de défense italo-israélien après les tirs sur des Casques bleus italiens — Trump réplique en la traitant de «lâche». La plus fidèle alliée européenne de Trump vient de changer de camp.

6 countries · 12 sources

Trump vs Pope Leo XIV: When the President Plays Doctor and Takes on 1.4 Billion Catholics

Trump posts an AI image of himself as a Christ-like figure, attacks the first American pope in history, then claims he saw himself as a doctor — even his evangelical allies aren't buying it.

6 countries · 9 sources

Europe After Orban: Magyar Inherits a Mined Country and an EU Ready to Collect

Brussels is already counting the cost of Hungarian cooperation — 27 conditions, 35 billion in frozen funds, and a 90-billion-euro Ukraine loan hanging in the balance.

6 countries · 10 sources

Orban Falls After 16 Years: Hungary Pivots to Europe and NATO

Peter Magyar proclaims Hungary's 'liberation' as Orban concedes a 'painful' defeat — Putin's most faithful ally in Europe has just lost power.

23 countries · 36 sources

iranétats-unis

Islamabad Talks Collapse: Trump Orders Naval Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

Twenty-one hours of negotiations for nothing — the US-Iran ceasefire shatters and Trump orders the American navy to seal off the most strategic waterway on Earth.

17 countries · 27 sources

Starmer drops Trump and rallies Europe: NATO prepares to survive without America

The British Prime Minister no longer hides his frustration — as Trump threatens to leave NATO, London, Ottawa and Rome scramble to sketch an Atlantic defense without America.

13 countries · 22 sources

Inflationénergie

War inflation hits the world: when filling up becomes a luxury from Tokyo to Toronto

US inflation surges to a two-year high, the Bank of Japan freezes rates, European airports warn of jet fuel shortage — the bill for the Iran war is arriving in wallets worldwide.

19 countries · 28 sources

The Battle of Hormuz: supertankers force the passage as Iran clings to the world's chokepoint

Chinese supertankers are crossing the strait under American escort, but Iran claims it authorized no passage — the standoff for the world's energy chokepoint is playing out in real time.

24 countries · 35 sources

Hungary at the Crossroads: Orbán Gambles 16 Years of Power Against a Former Ally Who Wants Him Gone

Orbán loyalists are jumping ship, polls show Magyar winning, and Trump promises Budapest prosperity — but only if Orbán stays.

11 countries · 16 sources

Moment of Truth in Islamabad: The US and Iran Face Off, but They're Playing Different Games

Vance lands in Islamabad as China secretly ships air defense systems to Tehran, Iran loses track of its own mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump announces there is no Plan B.

26 countries · 47 sources

melania-trumpepstein

Melania Trump Breaks Silence on Epstein: First Lady Denies All Ties and Demands 'The Lies Must End'

Surprise appearance at the White House: Melania shatters months of silence to deny any Epstein connection — and every newsroom on Earth dissects each word.

19 countries · 38 sources

Easter Truce in Ukraine: Putin Declares 32-Hour Ceasefire, Zelensky Agrees to Mirror — If Russia Holds

Putin declares a 32-hour Orthodox Easter truce — Zelensky agrees to mirror it, but air raid sirens are still wailing over Kyiv.

16 countries · 31 sources

marchéspétrole

Markets Soar, Oil Plunges: The Economic Fallout of the Ceasefire

Wall Street surges, Brent crashes below $91, but Tehran wants to charge tolls on Hormuz — and Trump fires back with 50% tariffs on Iran's arms suppliers.

12 countries · 12 sources

Hungary Elections: Orban Faces the Tightest Vote in His 16 Years of Power

For the first time in 16 years, an opposition leader polls ahead of Orban — and explosives found near a pipeline are turning the campaign into a thriller.

8 countries · 14 sources

Conflicts & Security

Explosives Found Near TurkStream Pipeline in Serbia: Orban Cries Sabotage, Opposition Cries False Flag

Two booby-trapped backpacks found yards from the Balkan Stream pipeline in Serbia -- Budapest blames Kyiv, Hungary's opposition blames Orban.

8 countries · 23 sources

US warplane shot down over Iran: the race to find the missing pilot

Two US fighter jets downed in a single day by Iran -- a first in twenty years that turns the war into a quagmire for Trump.

16 countries · 32 sources

geopoliticsdefense

Trump Threatens to Quit NATO: The 'Paper Tiger' That Might Actually Tear

Trump says pulling the US out of NATO is 'beyond reconsideration,' while Europe splits between those trying to revive the EU's mutual defense clause and those refusing to face reality.

15 countries · 18 sources

Diplomacy & Governance

Spain Closes Its Skies to American Warplanes: A NATO Ally's Rebellion Against the Iran War

Madrid bans not just the Rota and Morón bases, but all overflights of its territory by aircraft linked to the Iran operation — including those departing from the UK or France. Trump threatens a full trade embargo. Fifteen US KC-135 tankers relocated to Germany. Ten countries, ten readings of a historic NATO fracture.

10 countries · 11 sources

Diplomacy & Governance

Zelenskyy Sells Ukraine's War Tech to the Gulf: The Unlikely Arms Dealer

Amid the Iran war, Zelenskyy visits Qatar and the UAE to sign defense deals and sell Ukrainian anti-missile drones. Ukraine, a country at war, becomes the Gulf's newest arms supplier. Six countries, six readings of a strategic reversal.

6 countries · 7 sources

Diplomacy & Governance

Can Europe Defend Itself Without America? The NATO Earthquake

Trump accuses NATO of failing to back the US in Iran. British MPs call for European defense without America. Canada finally hits the 2% mark. South Korea accelerates its military transformation. Five perspectives on the end of the American umbrella.

5 countries · 10 sources

Russia's Economic Stagnation: The Price of Militarization

Russia's economy slides toward stagnation with growth forecast around 1% in 2026, after two years of 4%+ expansion. The Central Bank cut its key rate to 15% but inflation remains sticky around 6.5-7%. With 38% of the federal budget devoted to defense and security, an acute labor shortage, and oil revenues down 50%, the war economy model shows its structural limits.

10 countries · 12 sources

Technology & ScienceSociety & Rights

Moscow Internet Blackout: Russia Accelerates Digital Lockdown Under Cover of Security

Since early March, Moscow has suffered massive mobile internet outages affecting all four major carriers. The Kremlin justifies the blackouts with the Ukrainian drone threat, but analysts see an acceleration of digital control. Economic losses exceed $38-63 million in five days, while a February 2026 law gives the FSB power to cut communications nationwide.

10 countries · 10 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

International tensions: Iran at the heart of strategic and diplomatic issues

Recent events involving Iran highlight its central role in regional conflicts and global diplomacy. From Israeli strikes to American negotiations, the country elicits varied responses that impact the security of the Middle East and beyond.

28 countries · 171 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Trump facing international challenges: Iran, economy, and security

The Trump administration is simultaneously facing tensions with Iran, internal economic pressure, and security issues at the borders. These challenges highlight the complexity of its foreign and domestic policies.

20 countries · 51 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Rising tensions between Iran and the United States: Threat to the Strait of Hormuz

Military tensions are escalating between Iran and the United States, with Tehran threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz. This situation poses a major risk to global energy security, affecting international trade and oil prices.

25 countries · 127 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Middle East Conflict: Iranian Strikes on Israel and International Reactions

Iranian air strikes targeted Israel, hitting a city with a nuclear research center and the Natanz nuclear site. These actions have triggered regional tensions and diplomatic moves to stabilize the situation beyond the Strait of Hormuz.

24 countries · 96 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Middle East tensions: Iran at the heart of conflicts and threats

Tensions between Iran and the United States of Israel are escalating, with allegations of potential targets in America and signs of weakness in Iranian power. These conflicts pose significant risks to regional and global security, also impacting energy markets. Note: The text contains an error ("États-Unis d'Israël" which translates to "United States of Israel," a term not used in geopolitical contexts). I've translated it as given but note its unusual usage.

24 countries · 142 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEconomy & Trade

Guerre au Moyen-Orient : tensions énergétiques et crises mondiales

Des attaques sur des infrastructures énergétiques en Iran et au Qatar provoquent une hausse brutale des prix du pétrole et du gaz, exacerbant les tensions régionales et les risques d'une crise économique mondiale.

28 countries · 179 sources

Conflicts & SecuritySociety & Rights

Iran: Israeli Strikes and Humanitarian Consequences

Recent Israeli strikes in Iran have escalated tensions in the region and caused drug shortages. This escalation highlights Iran's critical role as a key geopolitical actor in the Middle East, affecting not only its own population but also its neighbors.

29 countries · 119 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Israel facing security and diplomatic threats

Israel is facing major security challenges with enemy missiles managing to penetrate its defense systems. At the same time, international diplomacy is bustling around the country, highlighting regional tensions and a potential impact on international relations.

18 countries · 72 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Trump and tensions with Iran: An isolated head of state on the international stage

The Trump administration is at the heart of international debates regarding the crisis with Iran, where its approach is criticized by its European allies. This tension highlights the divides between the United States and its partners on how to manage regional crises.

21 countries · 68 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEconomy & Trade

Middle East Conflict: Iran at the Epicenter of Strikes and Tensions

Israeli air strikes target Iranian sites in Iran, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. This upsurge in tensions destabilizes the region and affects global oil prices. European diplomacy seeks to prevent a military escalation.

30 countries · 169 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Hormuz Strait Crisis: Trump Faces Allied Refusal to Intervene Militarily

European and Asian allies overwhelmingly reject Trump's demand to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran. This crisis is dividing the West and causing oil prices to soar.

9 countries · 16 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Military escalation in the Middle East: Israel launches ground operations in Lebanon

Israel is beginning limited military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon while tensions intensify with Iran. This major escalation threatens regional stability.

12 countries · 29 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Trump divides his allies over securing the Strait of Hormuz against Iran

The United States is asking for military assistance from its allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz blocked by Iran, but Europe and Asia are largely refusing to get involved in this conflict that threatens global energy supplies.

14 countries · 37 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

War in Iran: Global divisions over military intervention and energy crisis

The Iranian conflict divides Western allies on military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a global energy crisis and major economic repercussions.

17 countries · 152 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Donald Trump and International Tensions: A State of Emergency?

International media highlights President Donald Trump's actions that fuel tensions on several fronts, particularly with Cuba, Iran, and in his statements concerning military power. These moves raise questions about the role of American diplomacy and its impact on global stability.

19 countries · 47 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Iran-Israel Military Escalation: Sanctions and Divided International Reactions

The conflict between Israel and Iran enters a decisive phase according to Tel-Aviv, triggering a wave of Ukrainian sanctions against Moscow and contrasting diplomatic reactions from Western allies.

13 countries · 30 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Iran-Israel-United States War: Media Divergences on Escalation and Perspectives

The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States reveals contrasting media perspectives on military escalation, diplomatic negotiations and global economic impact.

21 countries · 162 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Iran-Israel War: Global divisions over the legality of strikes

The Iran-Israel conflict is dividing the international community over the legality of military operations. Italy condemns the attacks as contrary to international law, while the United States supports Israel.

15 countries · 36 sources

Diplomacy & GovernanceConflicts & Security

Diplomatic Tensions: Cuba-USA, Ukraine-France and Middle East Conflicts

World leaders are multiplying negotiations in the face of crises: Cuba-United States dialogues, Zelensky-Macron meeting on Ukraine, and Iran-Trump escalation. These discussions reveal the major geopolitical stakes of 2026.

18 countries · 57 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Iran-Israel War: Military Escalation and Global Economic Impact

The conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States is intensifying with strikes on Gulf countries and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a surge in oil prices and a global energy crisis.

23 countries · 236 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz: Trump threatens Iran with military response

The United States destroys Iranian mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatens Tehran with a severe response if the blockade persists, escalating regional tensions.

19 countries · 52 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Iran-USA-Israel War: The Strait of Hormuz at the Heart of Global Tensions

The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel is intensifying tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil supply. The economic and geopolitical repercussions are dividing the international community.

24 countries · 316 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Escalation in the Middle East: European ministers evacuate, China and Iran condemn

In the face of the escalating conflict, Italy and Spain are closing their embassies in Tehran while China condemns American threats. A major crisis that is dividing the international community.

18 countries · 50 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Peace negotiations in Ukraine at the heart of international diplomatic debates

Zelensky's positions on Ukrainian peace negotiations are generating contrasting reactions across global media. A crucial issue that reveals geopolitical divisions over conflict resolution.

5 countries · 7 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Ukraine-Russia Prisoner Exchanges: A Sign of Opening for Negotiations?

Prisoner exchanges between Kyiv and Moscow are rekindling speculation about possible peace talks. These humanitarian gestures are being scrutinized as indicators of a diplomatic shift in the conflict.

2 countries · 3 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Trump reshapes his administration and intensifies his military strategy on Iran

The American president fires Kristi Noem and appoints a new head of homeland security, while claiming a role in choosing Iran's future leader. These decisions reveal internal tensions and Washington's controversial strategy in the Middle East.

23 countries · 91 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Trump Threatens Spain with Trade Sanctions for Its Opposition to War in Iran

Tensions are rising between Washington and Madrid after Pedro Sánchez refused to support American-Israeli strikes in Iran. The EU expresses its solidarity with Spain in the face of Trump's commercial threats.

17 countries · 76 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Iran-US War: Military Escalation and Khamenei's Succession in Question

American-Israeli strikes on Iran provoke major regional escalation. Khamenei's presumed death opens a succession crisis as Iran retaliates in the Gulf.

24 countries · 359 sources

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