Agence France-Presse

A Russian drone attack on a busy shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih killed 16 people and wounded 130, including 23 children. A second drone struck about 30 minutes after the first, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying it targeted emergency responders. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the assault “terror by design” and announced plans for the most far-reaching Russian sanctions listings since the war began. Another Russian strike in the Mykolaiv region killed four people, including three children. Ukraine is urging its allies to impose real pressure and accountability on Russia as bombardments intensify, while Western leaders prepare to meet in Kyiv to reaffirm support.

Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala said he has been diagnosed with brief, temporary and treatable absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction. The 23-year-old made the disclosure after collapsing during a friendly against Heidenheim, four days after a similar incident against RB Leipzig. Musiala said he is receiving specialist medical care, has medical clearance from neurologists and faces no further health risk, while Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said the club was aware of the condition and supported him.

Cristiano Ronaldo says 2026 will probably be his final year as a professional footballer and that he wants to leave a spectacular legacy. The 41-year-old Portugal captain, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, is preparing to return to Al-Nassr for the new Saudi Pro League season. He says his post-football life is already planned and expects travel, padel and other activities to help fill the gap left by football.

Torrential rain in eastern Japan, particularly Chiba prefecture, has killed at least nine people, flooded more than 1,000 homes and damaged roads, rail services and power infrastructure. More than 70 houses were partially destroyed, around 1,200 vehicles were abandoned, and some victims were found in submerged cars or on flooded streets. A Chiba weather station recorded 300mm of rain in 24 hours, making it the region’s wettest August in six decades. Authorities issued the highest-level warning for the area, while scientists said human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather.

Finlay Tarling’s NSN Development Team withdrew from the Volta a Portugal following the 19-year-old British cyclist’s death in a reported head-on collision with a vehicle during the race. The eighth stage was suspended, and the race resumed the next day with riders and organizers mourning Tarling. Portugal’s National Republican Guard said it was investigating the circumstances of the crash, while the team said it would continue racing elsewhere in his honor.

Israeli airstrikes on the southern Lebanese villages of Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani killed 11 people, including three children, and injured 19, marking the deadliest violence since a June lull between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure after attacks on its soldiers, while Lebanon’s prime minister rejected the claim that civilians were military targets and called for an end to the escalation. Hezbollah condemned the strikes and threatened a response. The attacks prompted residents to flee north and raised fears that the June ceasefire and Israel-Lebanon framework deal—covering Hezbollah’s disarmament, an Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment—could unravel.

Travis Kelce has publicly described his early July wedding to Taylor Swift as “the best night of my life.” The couple married during two days of celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York, a venue Kelce called a childhood dream, but the event remains largely private because no official images have been released. Around 1,000 guests attended, streets were closed and the couple paid New York City $160,000 for associated costs. Known details include Adam Sandler officiating, outfits by Jonathan Anderson for Christian Dior, Swift wearing Louboutin shoes, and the couple’s engagement in August 2025.

World No 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a persistent right-knee injury. The Italian, who also missed the Montreal Masters, said he was not yet ready to compete after consulting doctors and his team. He is seeking to remain fit for the US Open, which begins in New York on 30 August. World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz has also withdrawn from Cincinnati while dealing with a wrist injury.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in a pre-season friendly in Gothenburg, but Mason Mount’s apparent foot injury overshadowed the result. Mount was substituted after fewer than 20 minutes, continuing a run of injury problems since joining United. PSG took an early lead through Ibrahim Mbaye before Bryan Mbeumo equalised, while United also faced a hamstring concern involving goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Michael Carrick found encouragement in his team’s performance, with two more friendlies scheduled before the Premier League opener against Hull on 22 August.

Five foreign climbers, reportedly Bosnian nationals, were found dead on Mount Elbrus after a group of seven strayed from its route during rapidly deteriorating weather. Two climbers survived, while strong winds complicated rescue and recovery efforts. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign minister, Elmedin Konakovic, confirmed the deaths and called the incident a major tragedy.

Tottenham opened their pre-season tour with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC at Eden Park. Dane Scarlett and Richarlison scored in front of a record 40,112 spectators for a men's football match in New Zealand. Roberto De Zerbi fielded an under-strength side, resting several major players and easing new signings into action, while Tottenham are scheduled to face Sydney FC and Chelsea in Sydney the following week.

France approved a law banning social media access for children under 15, making it the first EU state to adopt such a measure. President Emmanuel Macron backed the reform, which will block new under‑15 accounts from September and apply to existing accounts in 2027. The legislation relies on age‑verification tools and includes school mobile‑phone restrictions while exempting educational platforms. Lawmakers debated verification, privacy and implementation, with the National Assembly’s blanket ban prevailing over the Senate’s tiered approach. The European Commission is evaluating similar restrictions as several EU members push for continent‑wide action.

New Zealand defeated Ireland 40-21 in the Nations Championship, extending their 53-match unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The All Blacks dominated early with four first‑half tries, while Ireland’s mistakes proved costly despite a stronger second half. Additional tries from Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert‑Brown secured New Zealand’s third consecutive victory under new head coach Dave Rennie. Ireland, closing their season, reflected on handling errors and missed tackles that undermined their chances during the match.

More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off Myanmar. UN agencies say the vessels, which departed from Rakhine state in late June, had mostly Rohingya passengers, some coming from refugee camps in Bangladesh. One boat lost contact soon after departure and another is believed to have sunk on 8 July near the Ayeyarwady coast. If confirmed, the deaths would add to nearly 300 people already missing or dead in the region this year. The UN warns that worsening conflict in Myanmar, limited conditions in Bangladesh’s camps, and hazardous weather are driving more Rohingya to undertake dangerous sea journeys. It calls for stronger search and rescue efforts, protection for asylum seekers, action against trafficking networks, and increased international support for Bangladesh and displaced communities.

Japan acknowledges the need to strengthen counter-espionage measures following a New York Times investigation alleging that Russia has turned the country into a major intelligence hub and source of dual‑use technology for its war in Ukraine. Officials highlighted recently approved legislation to create a national intelligence coordination body, while the report detailed how Russian operatives, including one working under Aeroflot cover, use intermediary countries to obtain restricted components. Lawmakers expressed concern over Japan’s weak espionage laws and the growing security risks posed by foreign intelligence activities.

Diego Forlán will take temporary charge of Uruguay’s national team until March 2027 following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure after a poor World Cup group-stage exit marked by internal tensions. Uruguayan Football Federation president Ignacio Alonso said an agreement was close, with Forlán set to oversee both the senior and under‑20 teams. The former striker, who starred in the 2010 World Cup, has limited coaching experience, having previously managed Peñarol and Atenas.

SK hynix set pricing for its Nasdaq listing aiming to raise $26.5bn, benefiting from soaring demand for AI datacentre memory chips. The offering, heavily oversubscribed, positions the company among the largest global IPOs and reinforces its growing status alongside Samsung and Micron in the high‑bandwidth memory market. Proceeds will support new semiconductor facilities in South Korea as competition intensifies amid rising chip prices and national investment in large‑scale chip infrastructure.

Twelve people died and several were injured as a wildfire spread rapidly in Almeria during a heatwave that triggered high-level weather warnings. Authorities indicated the blaze may have begun after a fallen power line ignited dry vegetation, prompting evacuations and road closures while 150 firefighters responded. Spain’s military emergency unit prepared to join efforts as regional officials and national leaders expressed condolences. The incident occurred amid worsening heatwaves and rising wildfire risk attributed to climate change, following a record year of burned land in Spain.

A riot between rival drug gangs at Negombo Prison left 26 people dead and more than 100 injured, including guards. Authorities transferred severely wounded victims to Colombo National Hospital and deployed drones and a helicopter to secure the area. The justice minister expressed shock and announced a three-member investigative team, while officials confirmed that overcrowded prison conditions remain a persistent national issue.

Cuba experienced its third nationwide power outage of the year as its ageing electricity system falters under a US-imposed oil blockade that has sharply reduced fuel supplies. The shortages have triggered prolonged power cuts across the country and contributed to severe scarcities of food, water and medicine, prompting UN warnings of a humanitarian emergency. Authorities have expanded investment in solar energy, though it still accounts for only a small share of the power mix.

Microsoft will cut about 4,800 jobs as part of a major restructuring of its Xbox division while continuing heavy investment in artificial intelligence. The company plans to shed more than 3,000 gaming jobs, spin off or sell four studios, and review a fifth for possible closure. Executives cited shifting industry conditions and a need to improve Xbox’s weak profitability. The restructuring follows previous layoffs and comes after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Some studios will become independent while others move to new owners, and Arkane faces a formal review that could lead to closure or sale.

Argentina advanced to the World Cup last 32 after a dramatic 3-2 extra‑time win over Cape Verde, who delivered a spirited, near‑historic challenge marked by two superb goals and repeated comebacks. Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Cape Verde levelled through Deroy Duarte, then struck again in extra time with a spectacular Sydney Lopes Cabral equaliser. Cristian Romero forced the decisive own goal from a Messi corner, surviving late Cape Verde pressure as Emiliano Martínez produced key saves. Argentina move on to face Egypt, while Cape Verde exit after a defining, widely admired tournament run.

China’s new ethnic unity law has triggered condemnation from rights groups, Taiwan, the UN and US lawmakers, who argue it promotes forced assimilation of minorities, extends ideological control and enables transnational repression. Critics warn the law threatens freedoms in Xinjiang and Tibet, mandates Mandarin dominance, and allows China to target individuals abroad. Beijing defends the legislation as necessary for cohesion and security, while international advocates call for its repeal due to risks to cultural and civil rights.

Sony will end physical disc releases for new PlayStation games in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital downloads through the PlayStation Store or retailer-issued codes. The decision follows a long-term trend toward digital purchasing and aligns with the digital-only launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. Analysts note that nearly 80% of game sales were digital by 2025, though the move has prompted concerns about game preservation, loss of the secondhand market, and impacts on specialist game retailers. Industry commentary suggests the next-generation PS6 will likely be digital-only.

Keiko Fujimori narrowly won Peru’s 7 June presidential runoff against Roberto Sanchez by fewer than 50,000 votes, with final confirmation expected from the National Electoral Jury after weeks of reviewing contested ballots. She pledged to restore order amid rising crime and political instability, drawing on but also distancing herself from the legacy of her father, former president Alberto Fujimori. Sanchez alleged irregularities in overseas voting and had not acknowledged the results. Fujimori, long a polarizing figure, will take office on 28 July for a five‑year term after attempting to soften her image during the campaign.

Rescue teams in Venezuela located a father and son alive four days after powerful earthquakes that killed more than 1,450 people and left thousands injured and missing. Caraballeda and nearby areas suffered severe destruction, prompting extensive international aid efforts, including assistance from the US and 24 other countries. Looting was reported in La Guaira amid frustration over slow relief, while the UN warned millions lack basic necessities. President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude for global support as the country grapples with one of its worst disasters amid ongoing economic collapse.