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Why the Russian Army Will First Focus On Kostiantynivka
Today we zoom in on the Kostiantynivka frontline, as pressure continues to mount on the defenders of the important Donbas defensive node.
Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2026
THE BRIEFING
Here’s what’s happening in geopolitics today.
A mix of diplomacy, tension and shock events shaping the day’s headlines; from the Pope’s visit in Africa to stalled progress in US-Iran talks.
Meanwhile, North Korea keeps up weapons testing, Kyiv is rocked by a deadly hostage situation, and a high-profile war crimes case unfolds in Australia. It’s a snapshot of a world balancing fragile negotiations with sudden bursts of instability.
Today we zoom in on the Kostiantynivka frontline, as pressure continues to mount on the defenders of the important Donbas defensive node.
THE LAST 24 HOURS IN GEOPOLITICS
1. Pope Leo XIV lands in Angola for third leg of his journey
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Angola, marking the third leg of his multi-country Africa tour after previous stops in Algeria and Cameroon. He landed in Luanda for a three-day visit that will include meetings with political leaders and large public gatherings, as part of a broader effort to engage with one of the world’s fastest-growing Catholic regions. The visit comes as the Pope continues to emphasise themes of peace, social justice and governance, while seeking to strengthen the Church’s presence across Africa.
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2. Iran says gaps remain in US talks as Trump cites ‘very good conversations’
Iran has said significant gaps remain in ongoing negotiations with the United States, despite recent talks showing some limited progress. Tehran pointed to unresolved disagreements over key issues, including its nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that a final deal is still distant. Meanwhile, Trump described the discussions as “very good conversations,” highlighting a contrast in tone between the two sides as a fragile ceasefire continues.
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3. North Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea off its east coast
North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles toward waters off its east coast on Sunday, in what officials say is the latest in a series of weapons tests this year. The missiles were fired from the Sinpo area and travelled roughly 140 kilometres, with South Korea, the United States and Japan all confirming the launches and closely monitoring the situation. Seoul condemned the tests as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, warning they risk further escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
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4. At least six killed in Kyiv as gunman opens fire and takes hostages
At least six people have been killed in Kyiv after a gunman opened fire on civilians before taking hostages inside a supermarket in the city’s Holosiivskyi district. The attacker barricaded himself inside the store during a roughly 40-minute standoff with police, killing one hostage before Ukrainian special forces stormed the building and shot him dead. Around 14 others were injured, and authorities have launched a terrorism investigation into the incident, with the motive still unclear.
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5. Australia’s most-decorated soldier vows to fight war crime charges
Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has publicly denied allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan, saying he “categorically” rejects claims he was involved in the murder of unarmed civilians. The decorated veteran, who has been charged with five counts of war crime murder linked to incidents between 2009 and 2012, said he acted within the rules of engagement and expressed pride in his military service. Speaking after being released on bail, Roberts-Smith said he intends to fight the charges and clear his name, with the case expected to take years to proceed through the courts.
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