Dan Sabbagh

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra amid reports that investigators searched her home as part of an alleged money-laundering investigation. The move came after former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov accused the government of systemic governance failures and called for a wartime presidential election, becoming the first major Ukrainian figure to make that demand. Elections have been suspended since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion and remain constitutionally prohibited during martial law. Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency said a conspiracy involving senior presidential-office officials and others had allegedly laundered 150 million hryvnias to secure bail for former energy minister Herman Haluschenko. The broader scandal has damaged Zelenskyy’s credibility, while the president has largely avoided directly addressing the accusations.

Ukraine conducted one of its largest drone attack waves against Russia, with Russian authorities claiming that 1,478 drones were intercepted and reporting deaths in the Moscow and Rostov regions. A major Wildberries distribution warehouse near Podolsk was badly damaged, while Ukraine said it had disabled several of the company’s facilities and struck a rocket-fuel factory. Experts cautioned that Russian interception figures may be inflated but said the damage demonstrated Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike capacity. Russian attacks killed civilians and damaged infrastructure in Ukraine, including Kyiv’s Petrovka book market, while a Spanish F-18 intercepted a suspected Russian drone over Romanian airspace. Both sides’ air defences are increasingly strained, raising concerns about mounting civilian casualties and wider economic disruption.

The documentary Steal This Story, Please! follows Amy Goodman’s four-decade career and her belief that journalism should amplify people directly affected by war, climate change and political violence. Goodman discusses Democracy Now!’s independent, donation-funded model and recounts surviving the 1991 Santa Cruz cemetery massacre in East Timor, where Indonesian soldiers killed 271 protesters and severely beat fellow journalist Allan Nairn. The film presents the massacre and subsequent reporting as an example of how journalists can expose abuses and help sustain movements for political change. Goodman argues that reporters must keep listening and documenting events because transformative “magic moments” can emerge unexpectedly.

An explosive-laden drone was found inside the secure area of Leipzig airport near Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes, with the device failing to detonate because of a faulty detonator. German media reported that it contained up to 800g of PETN and Semtex, enough to cause substantial damage to an aircraft. A second suspected drone collided with a DHL cargo plane, causing minor damage. Although the perpetrators have not been identified, initial evidence and a broader pattern of firebombings, incursions and surveillance operations point toward a Russian-orchestrated campaign. The incident exposes vulnerabilities at a strategically important airport used by Ukrainian, NATO and German military transport and suggests a potentially more serious escalation in European sabotage activity.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage proposes using Royal Navy vessels and Royal Marines to intercept small boats carrying asylum seekers, rescue those onboard and return them to France or Belgium under escort. The plan faces major practical and legal obstacles: maritime law requires ships to assist people in distress, while forcible returns could endanger migrants and expose personnel to legal action. A previous UK pushback proposal was abandoned for similar reasons. Experts warn that returning people to France without its consent could violate French sovereignty, trigger diplomatic retaliation and undermine existing cooperation. A French official has already described the proposal as unacceptable, leaving the plan dependent on cooperation that Reform has not secured.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is presenting the £31bn Dreadnought submarine programme and Trident renewal as central to a reindustrialised Britain, highlighting an £8.4bn new contracting phase expected to support 18,000 jobs and 22,000 apprenticeships. BAE Systems will receive £5.9bn to complete the first four submarines, while the programme remains under scrutiny because of its cost, complexity and overspend risks. Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s NATO commitment to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 but declined to promise an interim 3% target by 2030, while the article also notes Labour’s continuing divisions over nuclear deterrence.

Donald Trump’s decision to pause the US-led bombing campaign against Iran indicates that American military power alone has failed to force Tehran to accept Washington’s demands. Iran has sustained enough missile and drone capacity to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, creating economic and political leverage despite heavy casualties and extensive damage. The campaign has also rapidly depleted US cruise missiles and Patriot interceptors, while renewed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea further complicate regional security. Washington cannot reliably enforce maximalist goals such as regime change, elimination of Iran’s missile program or prevention of a nuclear weapon without a ground invasion, which it does not appear prepared to undertake. Iran may therefore hold short- to medium-term leverage as negotiations and US political pressures continue, although sanctions and economic damage make its position unsustainable without an eventual agreement.

Ukrainian defence startup Fire Point says it is producing about 100 Flamingo long-range cruise missiles and hundreds of FP-1 and FP-2 drones daily, supplying much of Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign against targets inside Russia. Its weapons have reportedly struck Russian military and energy infrastructure, while the company has expanded to 83 Ukrainian factories and 6,000 employees. Fire Point is also developing ballistic missiles and a European air-defence system intended as an alternative to Patriot, reflecting Ukraine’s rapid emergence as a major domestic arms producer amid shortages of Western-supplied systems.

Iran’s missile and drone attacks on US bases and infrastructure across the Gulf have become more accurate and lethal, exposing weaknesses in stretched American and regional air defenses. Experts attribute the improvement to advances in missile navigation, maneuverable warheads, targeting intelligence and coordinated tactics, including the use of drones to distract defenses before ballistic strikes. Chinese satellite imagery and technology may have assisted Iran, while Russian battlefield tactics from Ukraine may have influenced its approach, although direct military support remains uncertain. US interceptor stockpiles have been substantially depleted, and the Pentagon is investigating how an Iranian strike damaged Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti airbase despite THAAD protection.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any US attack on Iranian infrastructure after Donald Trump threatened to destroy a bridge or power plant for every Iranian strike on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s military said such action would expand the war and threatened to disrupt Gulf oil flows and target regional energy infrastructure. The conflict has also involved US strikes on Iranian military sites, Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers, missile interceptions by Jordan and mounting disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose above $95 a barrel amid fears of wider supply disruptions. Washington simultaneously signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could permit domestic uranium enrichment, prompting concerns about safeguards and the perceived inconsistency with the US effort to restrict Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Israel, Lebanon and European governments remain under pressure as military escalation, civilian casualties and economic risks grow.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he will review the controversial early-release scheme with the justice secretary before it begins in September, while assuring the family of murdered police officer Andrew Harper that the main perpetrator will not be released early. The policy has drawn condemnation from Harper’s widow and mother, and Conservative MPs have offered support for legislation excluding serious criminals and sex offenders. Burnham also announced a £2 cap on single bus fares in England, funded partly through changes to international climate finance, prompting charities to warn that poorer countries will bear greater climate risks. Other developments included commitments to NATO defence spending, Wes Streeting’s support for greater European defence contributions, Ed Miliband’s call for de-escalation in the US-Iran conflict, and assurances from Scotland’s first minister that Glasgow is ready to host the Commonwealth Games.

Defence secretary Wes Streeting said Andy Burnham’s government will make military spending a priority over other departments and give the arms industry greater certainty. Burnham has recommitted the UK to raising defence spending from 2.6% to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, potentially adding more than £25bn in real terms, with former defence secretary John Healey’s appointment as chancellor signalling Treasury support. Streeting linked defence investment to jobs, economic growth and reindustrialisation, while critics argued that infrastructure cuts could cost 10,000 jobs and that health spending generates more employment per pound. At Farnborough, Streeting unveiled BAE Systems’ prototype loyal wingman drone. He also said Israel had fallen short of the standards expected of an ally in Gaza and the West Bank, and defended his previous description of Israel’s actions as war crimes.

Andy Burnham’s new government began work with a focus on easing the cost of living, including an £850m VAT cut on household electricity bills from October, which ministers say will be funded by cancelling the digital ID programme. Anas Sarwar is reportedly preparing to leave his post as Scottish Labour leader and enter the Lords as a minister in the revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Burnham has created a powerful prime ministerial department, established a No 10 North operation in Manchester and pledged to advance devolution. His reshuffle has drawn accusations of factionalism from Keir Starmer’s allies, while the new cabinet faces pressure over NHS doctors’ pay, court backlogs, defence spending and the funding of wider economic promises. The government also reaffirmed support for Ukraine and indicated that defence spending will rise substantially to meet the UK’s NATO commitments.

Hungary’s Fidesz party says prosecutors raided its offices and seized its communications system and databases, describing the action as politically motivated under Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government. Prosecutors confirmed searches linked to an investigation into alleged misappropriation and other crimes involving the National Cultural Fund, but gave few details. The live coverage also reports Marine Le Pen’s condemnation of the raid, Andy Burnham’s diplomatic and EU-related priorities as UK prime minister, worsening shortages and infrastructure disruption in Russian-occupied Crimea after Ukrainian strikes, new Russian shipping restrictions in the Azov Sea, a rare Russian naval live-fire exercise near the UK, and a UN-reported rise in civilian casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war.

A Russian frigate conducted an unexpected live-fire exercise in international waters 45 miles south of Plymouth, prompting the British patrol vessel HMS Tyne to reposition after a safety request. The drill occurred amid heightened maritime tension following recent encounters between Russian vessels and UK ships, including warning shots fired near a British yacht and the seizure of a Russia-linked oil tanker. UK defence officials said the Royal Navy monitored the activity and remains prepared to protect national security.

Andy Burnham has become UK prime minister and formed his first Labour cabinet after Keir Starmer resigned. John Healey is chancellor, Ed Miliband foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper health secretary and Wes Streeting defence secretary, while Angela Rayner returns as housing secretary and Shabana Mahmood, Pat McFadden and Lisa Nandy retain their posts. Burnham promises a “circuit breaker” government, early measures on the cost of living, action to end rough sleeping, lower energy bills and bus fares, and a 10-year national plan. His government will also manage higher defence spending, support for Ukraine and close cooperation with France. Conservatives question whether the pledges have a credible delivery plan, while housing and victims’ charities call for urgent action in their respective areas.

Sustained exchanges between the US and Iran have escalated as both sides strike strategic targets across the Gulf, with Iran demonstrating it retains significant missile capabilities despite earlier US claims of severe degradation. Recent Iranian attacks on Gulf states and commercial tankers disrupted regional shipping and raised oil prices, while US strikes targeted Iranian ports and infrastructure. Intelligence assessments indicate Iran has maintained much of its missile arsenal, complicating US efforts to contain it. Strategic options discussed in Washington include further strikes and potential seizures of key sites, though risks of escalation and international condemnation remain high. Both sides appear unable to achieve decisive military advantage, prolonging instability around the strait of Hormuz.

A watchdog reprimanded MI5 for misleading the courts, oversight officials and the public about its relationship with a neo-Nazi informant known as Agent X. The informant allegedly attacked and threatened his girlfriend, Beth, while invoking his status with the agency to silence her. MI5 initially confirmed his informant status to the BBC but later adopted a misleading “neither confirm nor deny” position, while false evidence was provided in court proceedings. Investigatory Powers Commissioner Brian Leveson said the failures undermined oversight and accountability. MI5 director general Ken McCallum apologised to the courts and Beth, and the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal will consider further action.

Graham Platner announced that he was withdrawing from Maine’s US Senate race while insisting sexual assault allegations against him were false and accusing Democratic Party insiders and donors of undermining his campaign. The Maine Democratic Party plans to hold a convention to select a replacement, with former state Senate president Troy Jackson entering the contest and other possible candidates being discussed. Republicans used the allegations to attack Democrats, while Donald Trump questioned whether the accuser was telling the truth despite his own legal liability in E Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse and defamation case. The live coverage also reported Trump’s renewed threats and US strikes against Iran, his demand that the Supreme Court revisit birthright citizenship, uncertainty over Mitch McConnell’s health, a court order releasing funds owed to Carroll, and an appeals ruling keeping Trump’s name off the Kennedy Center during litigation.

Donald Trump's erratic conduct at the NATO summit in Turkey left allied leaders uncertain about his position. He alternated between criticizing fellow members over defense spending and praising the alliance's unity, creating confusion and leaving NATO politically bruised despite efforts to project cohesion.

Donald Trump delivered inconsistent messages during the Nato summit in Ankara, shifting from criticism of allies over defence spending and Iran to expressions of unity and support for article 5. His confrontational remarks toward Iran, complaints about European cooperation, and renewed claim over Greenland unsettled European leaders before he later adopted a calmer tone in private meetings. The final declaration reinforced Nato’s collective-defense commitment, though uncertainty remains over the timing of the next summit amid protests in Albania. Trump’s fluctuating behavior raised concerns about alliance cohesion and the potential strategic advantage for Russia as Nato members announced new arms procurement commitments.

Donald Trump used the Nato summit in Ankara to signal possible licensing that would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missile interceptors while noting the US could not supply many from its own stockpile. He criticised Spain and the UK over their responses to the Iran conflict, reiterated threats toward Iran, and claimed extensive Iranian military losses. European leaders emphasized alliance unity, with Denmark and Greenland rejecting renewed US suggestions of taking control of the Arctic territory. Trump praised Turkey’s president and Nato’s secretary general, highlighted defence spending progress, and said the US might purchase Ukrainian drones while reaffirming that Ukraine would receive US security guarantees.

Donald Trump declared the US ceasefire with Iran over at the Nato summit in Ankara, denouncing Iran’s leadership and criticizing alliance members over defense spending and military cooperation. His remarks followed US strikes on dozens of Iranian targets after attacks on commercial vessels. Trump also reignited disputes with the UK, Denmark, and Spain, repeated his claim on Greenland, and threatened to cut off trade with Spain. European leaders attempted to stabilize the summit, while Nato prepared a pre-agreed communiqué to avoid further disruption as tensions in the Middle East escalated.

Marine Le Pen confirmed she will run for France’s 2027 presidential election and appeal her conviction, arguing the appeal should suspend an electronic tag requirement. She presented her campaign as a joint ticket with Jordan Bardella while preparing for the possibility he may replace her if the court rules against her. Political and legal uncertainty continues as France’s highest court is expected to rule before the election. Alongside French developments, Nato discussions focused on defence spending and Ukraine’s bid for membership, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging the alliance to admit Ukraine to strengthen collective defence.

Zelenskyy urged Nato to admit Ukraine, arguing the country’s strengthened defence capabilities would enhance the alliance’s collective security. He emphasised Ukraine’s advances in missile and drone technology, its capacity to strike deep inside Russia, and the high interception rate of incoming attacks, while stressing the urgent need for Europe to develop its own anti‑ballistic missile systems due to shortages of US Patriot interceptors. Nato officials reported slowing Russian advances, heavy Russian casualties and significant Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure. Despite Ukraine’s military progress, the prospect of Nato membership remains distant, with key allies reluctant to admit a country at war. Zelenskyy is attending Nato events in Ankara and is scheduled to meet Donald Trump amid renewed hopes for mediation efforts to end the conflict.

Nato leaders prepare for a tense summit in Ankara amid pressure from Donald Trump for allies to increase defence spending and meet ambitious GDP targets. Secretary general Mark Rutte urges members to provide concrete plans, while European states plan to showcase major arms contracts to demonstrate progress. Relations remain strained after disputes over Iran, Greenland and defence commitments, and Trump continues to criticise allies’ contributions. The summit is expected to reaffirm Article 5 and offer symbolic support to Ukraine, while European militaries work to compensate for planned US reductions. Success is defined largely as avoiding confrontations and maintaining unity.

A mass funeral procession for Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei drew millions of mourners in Tehran amid calls for revenge following his death in a US-Israeli airstrike. Senior Iranian officials made rare appearances while Khamenei’s successor, his son Mojtaba, remained absent due to security concerns. Regional tensions continued as Hamas moved to hand control of Gaza to a technocratic committee, Israel conducted strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire, and leaders exchanged warnings over military actions and arms sales. Additional reporting highlighted settlement expansion in Hebron, the condition of a detained Gaza doctor, and Israel’s extensive wartime targeting system.

Israel’s arms supplier Elbit Systems reported that its Tzayad command system detected 850,000 real-time targets during the Gaza and Lebanon wars between October 2023 and the end of 2025. Military and independent experts warned that such volumes make adequate vetting impossible and raise serious humanitarian and legal concerns. Elbit later claimed the figures reflected system data rather than confirmed targets. Additional AI systems, Lavender and Hasbora, also generated large numbers of potential targets, contributing to accelerated strike speeds. Casualty figures from Gaza and Lebanon underscore the scale of civilian deaths, while analysts questioned the feasibility of maintaining human oversight in such high‑tempo operations.

Dan Jarvis urged Andy Burnham to outline a credible route to increasing UK defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, requiring £25bn in additional annual funding. Jarvis emphasised the rising global security risks and pledged to reassure US officials of the UK’s commitment to NATO targets. He highlighted recent gains in the defence investment plan, including increased funding for drones, while acknowledging broader cuts needed elsewhere. The article details political tensions surrounding defence budgets, Healey’s resignation, and Jarvis’s desire to remain defence secretary under a Burnham premiership.

Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv killed at least 21 people and injured more than 80, causing widespread damage across residential areas and prompting a vow of retaliation from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European leaders condemned the attack, with calls for increased sanctions on Russia and renewed support for Ukraine ahead of a Nato summit in Ankara. Germany also accused Ukrainian state authorities of ordering the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, raising diplomatic tensions. Elsewhere across Europe, governments addressed extreme heat conditions and travel disruption concerns linked to the EU’s new entry and exit system.

Russian intelligence is assessed to have conducted an extensive drone surveillance campaign targeting nuclear and military sites across multiple European countries from late 2024 to 2026, exploiting shadow fleet vessels to launch and recover unmanned aircraft. The International Institute of Strategic Studies found 144 incidents linked to Russian operations, highlighting failures in NATO air defences and European reluctance to publicly attribute responsibility. Drone activity focused on sensitive US and European nuclear bases, with vessels such as the Hav Dolphin repeatedly implicated. Some drones were also observed over Ireland shortly after a visit by Ukraine’s president. The campaign, attributed to Russia’s GRU, aimed at nuclear reconnaissance, mapping logistics, and psychological pressure, and activity slowed after European navies began seizing shadow fleet ships in 2026.

UK political debate centred on funding gaps in the government’s Defence Investment Plan, with Keir Starmer defending the proposal and rejecting criticism from Kemi Badenoch. Andy Burnham was pressed to support the plan as questions arose over borrowing capacity and fiscal headroom. Additional issues included teacher pay rises, union reactions, devolution tensions, migrant arrival data, and speculation over David Miliband’s future role. Broader political responses from ministers, unions and analysts shaped a day of policy disputes and parliamentary exchanges.

Andy Burnham faces a £4.7bn funding gap in the new £298bn defence investment plan unveiled by Keir Starmer, leaving nearly a third of the programme unfunded ahead of the next budget. The plan increases defence spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2030 and prioritises drones, nuclear capabilities, and new fighter aircraft, partly financed through efficiency cuts and reductions to capital projects across government. The Treasury says additional borrowing is possible, though politically contentious, while critics within Labour argue the measures either do not go far enough or lack strategic clarity. The plan has triggered internal resistance over cuts and raised concerns about long-term defence readiness amid warnings over potential Russian threats.

UK defence spending plans leave a substantial budget gap despite new commitments, driven by increased international threats, long‑term nuclear modernisation costs and legacy underfunding. Labour leaders face tension between Treasury constraints and Nato demands, particularly as the US pushes for higher spending targets. Major procurement programmes remain delayed or over budget, and allies expect the UK to continue contributing to missions in Europe and the Middle East. Germany plans to meet the higher Nato target, increasing pressure on the UK to follow, leaving future leaders with difficult decisions on funding, priorities and the country’s global role.

Keir Starmer announced a £15bn increase in UK defence spending over four years, funded by cuts and delays to road, energy and housing projects. The plan marginally raises defence spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2030, with major investments directed toward nuclear submarines, aircraft, drones and warheads. Starmer warned likely successor Andy Burnham not to borrow to raise defence budgets, rejecting proposals for defence bonds. Military leaders and former defence secretary John Healey argue the funding remains insufficient, falling short of the £28bn the Ministry of Defence sought. Some military capabilities will be retired early, and efficiency savings will be required to support the plan. Starmer aims to secure the policy before the Nato summit, expressing confidence that the next Labour leader will maintain the spending trajectory.

The UK defence secretary Dan Jarvis secured an additional £1.5bn for the country’s delayed defence investment plan, increasing drone funding to £5bn and reducing an earlier £18bn budget gap. The funding agreement followed negotiations with chancellor Rachel Reeves and drew on cuts to other departments’ capital budgets. The plan, to be unveiled as the government transitions from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, outlines expanded drone capability, new uncrewed speedboats for Royal Marines, and future hybrid air-defence frigates. Senior military figures continue to warn that UK spending may still fall short of what is needed to deter Russia, while Nato secretary general Mark Rutte expressed confidence the UK would meet long-term commitments.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte expressed confidence that expected UK prime minister Andy Burnham will adhere to the alliance’s long‑term defence spending commitments, including progress toward the 3.5% of GDP target by 2035. Rutte said additional defence investment would support both national security and economic growth, and indicated that the UK’s forthcoming defence investment plan would represent a significant step despite previous internal disagreements. The plan’s funding gap has been reduced substantially following recent allocations. Rutte also praised outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer’s role in sustaining European support for Ukraine, while noting that other Nato members such as Germany remain ahead of the UK in meeting spending goals.

Latvia and another NATO member warned that Russia may stage a limited provocation in the Baltic states or Poland to test the alliance as pressure increases from Ukrainian long‑range strikes near Moscow and St Petersburg. Poland’s prime minister voiced similar concerns at the Eastern Flank summit. Analysts note Russia’s weakened position but caution it may escalate horizontally rather than accept setbacks. Recent incidents, including Russian sabotage attempts and drone incursions into Poland, heighten anxiety amid uncertainty over US commitment ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.