Jaroslav Lukiv

Russian attacks killed at least two people in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, according to Ukrainian officials, following strikes on a crowded shopping center in Kryvyi Rih that killed 16 people and injured 130, including 23 children. Nine people, including two children, remained missing amid the rubble. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the shopping-center attack, saying it was carried out in two stages and that the second strike targeted emergency responders. Ukraine also reported strikes on a Russian oil-processing facility and military airfield, while Russia has not commented on the latest attacks.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Alhendín, about 10km south of Granada, injuring at least three people and damaging buildings and vehicles. The shallow tremor prompted residents to flee their homes amid concerns about aftershocks, while museums, public buildings and sports centres closed. The Alhambra palace was temporarily shut, and Granada’s metro reduced train speeds for safety. The quake followed several shallow tremors that had affected the area since the previous Friday.

Russian opposition politician Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years and one month in a penal colony for allegedly discrediting the armed forces and spreading false information. Shlosberg rejected the charges, called the trial politically motivated, and urged a ceasefire and political dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine war. His Yabloko party said it would appeal, while Russia's Supreme Court separately upheld the party's exclusion from September's parliamentary elections, leaving it as the only registered party opposed to the invasion. The developments underscore the suppression of anti-war opposition and independent election monitoring in Russia.

Russian opposition politician Lev Shlosberg was sentenced by a Pskov court to 11 years and one month in a penal colony for allegedly discrediting the armed forces and spreading false information. Shlosberg rejected the charges, condemned the trial as politically motivated and renewed his call for a ceasefire and political dialogue. His party, Yabloko, plans to appeal the conviction, while Russia's Supreme Court separately upheld the party's exclusion from September's parliamentary elections. Yabloko was the only registered party to oppose the invasion of Ukraine; all other participating parties support the war. The developments underscore the suppression of political dissent under Vladimir Putin, despite declining poll ratings for the ruling United Russia party.

France’s Constitutional Council has struck down legislation banning social media access for under-15s, ruling that it disproportionately infringed on freedom of expression and lacked adequate safeguards for age verification and online privacy. President Emmanuel Macron has instructed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a revised law, with the government aiming to implement the reform by early 2027. The decision comes amid growing efforts in Australia, the UK and across the European Union to restrict children’s access to social media over mental-health concerns.

Romania has shut down both reactors at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant after prolonged heat caused the Danube River to fall to exceptionally low levels, leaving insufficient water for cooling. The plant supplies about 20% of Romania's electricity and is not expected to restart within 10 days; reduced hydropower output will add to the need for evening fossil-fuel generation and electricity imports. Hungary's Paks plant faces a similar risk. The disruption forms part of a wider European heatwave crisis involving drought-stressed rivers, wildfires, agricultural losses and potentially significant economic damage.

Romania has shut both reactors at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant after prolonged heat caused the Danube to fall to exceptionally low levels, disrupting the plant's cooling-water supply. The second 706-megawatt reactor was disconnected from the grid on Thursday, and officials do not expect a restart within 10 days; the first reactor had been offline since July. Romania will rely on solar and wind during the day, while coal, gas and electricity imports may be needed in the evenings, with hydropower also reduced. Hungary's Paks plant faces similar risks. The article places the shutdown within a wider European climate crisis involving record-low river levels, transport disruption, agricultural losses, wildfires and heatwave-related economic damage across Greece, France, Spain and the UK.

US Central Command says an MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova after its crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings while attempting to reach an Iranian port. The ship was disabled and reportedly diverted, with no casualties reported. Washington says its blockade of Iranian ports remains in force and has redirected 55 vessels, disabled three and boarded two. The operation comes amid continuing US-Iran-Israel hostilities, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing disruption to global energy shipping. Separately, Yemen's internationally recognized government said Houthi attacks on a Red Sea cargo ship killed six people and injured 10.

Ukraine said it struck the Bashneft-Novoil refinery in Bashkortostan and the Slavneft-Yanos refinery near Yaroslavl, hundreds of kilometres inside Russia, as well as patrol and shadow-fleet vessels in the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attacks aimed to reduce oil revenues financing Russia’s war. Russian and regional authorities reported fires, drone interceptions and injuries at the Yaroslavl refinery. Russia said it targeted Ukrainian fuel, energy and transport infrastructure. The overnight Russian strikes killed at least 11 people across Ukraine, damaged homes and a railway station, killed a person in Odesa and caused a major electricity and internet outage in Kherson, underscoring the escalating attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure despite a largely static front line.

Ukraine said overnight strikes hit the Engels airfield and Saratov oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region, as well as an oil depot in Kaluga and a drone-launch site in Bryansk. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attacks long-range sanctions against facilities that help finance Russia’s war. Russia reported eight deaths and said it had intercepted or destroyed 635 drones, while Ukrainian officials reported Russian strikes on ports, vessels and commercial warehouses. The attacks reflect an intensifying campaign against energy, military and logistics infrastructure despite little movement along the front line and no breakthrough in US-led peace efforts.

Ukraine says its overnight strikes hit Russia’s Engels airfield, a major base for strategic bombers, and the Saratov oil refinery, as well as an oil depot in Kaluga and a drone launch site in Bryansk. Russia reported eight deaths, hundreds of drones intercepted, and damage including a fire at a Wildberries warehouse. Russia also said it attacked Ukrainian ports and vessels, while Ukraine reported a Russian strike that killed one person near Kharkiv. The exchanges reflect an intensification of attacks on energy facilities, logistics hubs and urban infrastructure despite little movement along the front line and no breakthrough in US-led peace efforts.

Italy has placed 19 major cities on its highest heat alert, with 25 of 27 cities expected to reach red-alert status by Monday as a North African subtropical anticyclone intensifies over the Mediterranean. Officials warn that extreme temperatures pose risks even to healthy people and advise residents to avoid direct sunlight, remain indoors during the hottest hours and stay hydrated. The heatwave is occurring alongside severe wildfires in Greece, France, Portugal and Spain, while climate change is contributing to more frequent heatwaves, water stress and intense fires across Europe.

Italy is placing nearly all of its major cities under the highest red heat alert as a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa intensifies over the Mediterranean. Health officials warn that extreme temperatures pose risks even to healthy people and advise residents to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours, remain indoors and drink fluids. The heatwave comes as wildfires affect Greece, France, Portugal and Spain, with evacuations and extensive damage reported. Climate scientists say rising global temperatures are contributing to more frequent heatwaves and increasingly intense wildfires across Europe.

Spain and France are facing renewed heatwaves, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C and heightened wildfire danger. A major fire in France’s Gironde region has burned tens of thousands of hectares, destroyed homes and prompted mass evacuations, while authorities prepare for the possibility that flames could reach near Bordeaux. Spain is also battling large, uncontrolled fires west of Madrid. Officials attribute many French fires to human activity, including carelessness and suspected arson, while climate scientists warn that rising temperatures are intensifying heatwaves and wildfires across Europe.

US President Donald Trump says friendly negotiations over the war with Iran are progressing and suggests the conflict could end soon, while Iran denies that direct talks are taking place. The United States and Iran have paused attacks for a third consecutive day after nearly two weeks of renewed fighting, but Trump warns that Washington could resume military operations if negotiations fail. The conflict began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran and has involved Iranian strikes on US bases and Israeli targets, disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, and reported casualties. Trump also rejects claims that US weapons stocks are running low, while White House officials highlight ammunition reserves and accelerated production of Patriot missile systems. Falling oil prices reflect hopes that the pause could lead to de-escalation.

Spain and France are facing renewed heatwaves, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C and heightened wildfire risks. In France, a major blaze in Gironde has burned tens of thousands of hectares, destroyed homes and prompted mass evacuations, while authorities prepare for the possibility that the fire could approach Bordeaux. France has recorded an unprecedented fire season, with officials citing both accidental and deliberate human causes. Spain is also battling uncontrolled fires west of Madrid, where a merged blaze has affected more than 27,000 hectares and forced over 100,000 people to evacuate. Satellite analysis and climate data indicate that rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent and intense European heatwaves and wildfires.

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike after negotiations and assurances that authorities would not take legal action against protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar site. He had been supporting the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, which is demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a medical entrance exam was cancelled over a paper leak. The movement's protests are continuing despite a police crackdown that injured demonstrators and officers, making it a prominent expression of dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi days after protests erupted over the earlier removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The changes followed confirmed tensions between Syrskyi and Fedorov, who had been praised for reforms and anti-corruption efforts. Syrskyi was replaced by General Mykhailo Drapatyi, a popular commander aligned with Fedorov. Zelensky also offered Fedorov a new government role while tasking Drapatyi and acting Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara with creating a new defence strategy. The shake-up aims to calm political unrest, though public dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s decisions remains significant.

Two firefighters died while responding to a major blaze near Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport that began as a brush fire and spread to a building, delaying flights and prompting deployment of about 100 firefighters and aircraft. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez plans to visit Gironde, one of several regions facing intense wildfires amid heatwaves. Another large fire erupted in the Var department, forcing evacuations and drawing 500 emergency personnel. France has experienced nearly 11,000 fires this year, with over 42,000 hectares burned by mid‑July, as rising temperatures driven by climate change intensify wildfire risks across Europe.

Two firefighters died while battling a large blaze near Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, where a brush fire spread to a building and disrupted incoming flights. About 100 firefighters and aircraft were deployed, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said he would travel to Gironde as fire activity intensifies amid prolonged heatwaves. Another major blaze broke out in the Var department, prompting evacuations and the deployment of hundreds of firefighters. France has recorded nearly 11,000 fires this year, with more than 42,000 hectares burned, as climate-driven heatwaves contribute to increasingly severe wildfires across Europe.

The United States launched a new round of strikes against Iran aimed at reducing its ability to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump vowed retaliation for the deaths of American soldiers. Iran responded by claiming attacks on two tankers and U.S. military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, declaring it now engaged in total war with the United States. Explosions were reported near Tabriz and several ports, while Centcom stated commercial shipping continued through the strait. Iran also said it targeted an Amazon data center in Bahrain, and regional states including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones. Diplomatic messages continue despite the collapse of a ceasefire, and U.S. authorities identified two of the soldiers killed in recent Iranian strikes.

The US carried out a tenth night of strikes on Iranian targets aimed at reducing Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, following President Donald Trump’s pledge to retaliate for the recent deaths of US soldiers in the region. Iran responded with its own attacks on sites in Bahrain, Jordan and Syria while describing the confrontation as a full-scale war, although indirect diplomatic channels remain open. Regional militaries reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, and Iranian state media claimed explosions involving two oil tankers in the strait, a claim disputed by US Central Command.

The United States carried out a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iran as both sides clash over control of the Strait of Hormuz, which remains shut. Iran reported missile attacks near Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, while earlier claiming strikes on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. The escalating exchanges threaten a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict. The White House stated that President Donald Trump remains open to diplomacy but will respond to attacks on shipping. Iran’s top negotiator said Tehran would not uphold any deal that did not benefit the country. Confusion surrounds the reported release of US detainee Dena Karari, with Trump praising Iran while Iranian authorities deny any prisoner release.

US forces carried out a sixth consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military assets around the Strait of Hormuz, as both countries exchanged attacks amid stalled negotiations to end the conflict. Iran reported missile strikes near Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, while saying it had hit US bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. President Donald Trump remained open to diplomacy but warned Iran against further attacks on shipping. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf insisted Tehran would not honor agreements that did not serve its interests. Confusion arose over the status of US detainee Dena Karari after Trump praised her reported release, which Iran’s judiciary denied.

The United States reinstates a naval blockade on Iranian ports and announces a 20% charge on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The US continues airstrikes on Iranian targets, while Iran claims to have struck US assets and accuses Washington of threatening regional stability. The UAE reports Iranian strikes on its tankers, prompting condemnation. Iran asserts it remains the strait’s guardian, rejecting US interference, while international maritime authorities argue there is no legal basis for transit tolls. The renewed blockade raises diplomatic, economic and political concerns, including rising oil prices and uncertainty among US allies over reimbursing the US for securing the waterway.

Poland’s prime minister announced a national memorial for Polish victims of killings carried out by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army during World War Two, urging Ukraine to acknowledge the events as it seeks EU membership. Tensions have risen after Ukraine named a military unit after the UPA, prompting Poland to revoke President Zelensky’s state honour, though Polish leaders insist this will not affect support for Ukraine against Russia. Both governments participated in joint commemorations, and Zelensky emphasised shared security threats posed by Russia.

A speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai in southern Vietnam, killing 15 people and leaving 21 survivors. Rough sea conditions are believed to have caused the accident, and rescue boats recovered passengers trapped inside the vessel. Local authorities continue verifying casualty numbers, while India’s prime minister and its embassy issued condolences and support for affected families.

A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen returned shortly after takeoff when a window came loose, causing rapid depressurization and partially pulling a passenger outward before others pulled him back. The 61‑year‑old was hospitalized with friction burns but remained conscious. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were later transferred to another plane. Greek and Irish aviation authorities launched investigations, while witnesses described panic, oxygen masks deploying, and a loud explosion-like sound. Experts emphasized the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened during flight.

Authorities in Queensland cordoned off a beach area after six large silver spheres, believed to be space debris, were found washed ashore. Investigators in protective gear moved the objects into radioactive‑waste containers amid concerns about hazardous materials. The Australian Space Agency is examining their origin, while online speculation points to spacecraft fuel tanks. Similar objects have previously appeared in Australia and Namibia, including a 2023 metal dome later linked to an Indian rocket.

Authorities in Queensland are investigating six large metallic spheres that washed ashore on Forrest Beach, believed to be space debris. The Australian Space Agency is examining their origin while emergency crews maintain a safety exclusion zone over concerns the objects could contain hazardous material. Local residents expressed curiosity, and past incidents of similar debris in Australia and Namibia were noted, including a confirmed rocket component from India in 2023.

Authorities in Queensland are examining six large silver spheres that washed up on Forrest Beach and are believed to be space debris. Emergency crews secured the potentially hazardous objects while the Australian Space Agency investigates their origin. The find has prompted public curiosity and follows similar debris incidents in Australia and Namibia, including confirmed components from India’s PSLV rockets.

Ukrainian forces carried out a long‑range drone attack on a major oil depot in St Petersburg, described by Ukraine as one of Russia’s largest, with no casualties reported. Additional strikes targeted a Russian naval facility in Kronstadt, while regional authorities said dozens of drones were intercepted. Ukraine says Russian oil and gas infrastructure is a legitimate target due to its role in funding the war, and claims nearly half of Russia’s refining capacity is now offline. Vladimir Putin signed a new law aimed at boosting domestic fuel supply following reduced production linked to recent attacks.

Ukraine struck a major oil storage facility in St Petersburg and targeted a Russian Baltic Fleet naval base as part of a broad drone offensive. Russian authorities acknowledged damage from large-scale drone attacks but reported no casualties. Kyiv says nearly half of Russia’s refining capacity has been disrupted, while Moscow claims to have intercepted most drones and portrays the strikes as an attempt to distract from recent Russian gains near Kostyantynivka. Conflicting statements continue over control of the town as both sides seek advantage ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey.

A Ukrainian long‑range drone strike hit a major oil terminal in St Petersburg, which Kyiv calls key to Russia’s war financing, and reportedly targeted a Russian Baltic Fleet naval base in Kronstadt. St Petersburg’s governor confirmed the terminal was struck amid a large drone attack but reported no casualties. The assault follows intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure that Kyiv says have disabled a significant portion of Russia’s refining capacity. Russia claims to have intercepted hundreds of drones and denounced the attacks as attempts to divert attention from Ukrainian battlefield setbacks. Ukraine also disputed Russian claims of capturing the town of Kostyantynivka, insisting it remains under Ukrainian control.

Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee, known for defying Beijing after being detained in 2015 for selling politically sensitive books, has died in Taipei at age 70 following a battle with lung cancer. Lam fled to Taiwan in 2019 amid fears of extradition under Hong Kong’s proposed bill and reopened his Causeway Bay Books shop as a symbol of free expression. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te praised Lam’s commitment to democratic values and resistance to authoritarian pressure. His earlier detention, forced confession and disappearance contributed to growing concerns over China’s tightening control in Hong Kong, helping fuel the 2019 protest movement.

Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookseller detained in 2015 for selling politically sensitive titles and later a symbol of resistance to Chinese repression, has died in Taipei at 70 after battling lung cancer. After fleeing to Taiwan in 2019 amid fears of extradition to China, he reopened Causeway Bay Books as a hub for Hong Kong dissidents. Taiwan’s president praised his commitment to free expression, while his earlier testimony highlighted coercion during his detention in mainland China. His case contributed to wider concerns about Beijing’s tightening control over Hong Kong, helping fuel the 2019 protests.

A Maltese court has begun the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the 2017 car‑bomb murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Fenech, who denies the charges, faces allegations of voluntary homicide and criminal association. Several individuals previously convicted in the case include the Degiorgio brothers, who carried out the attack, and two men jailed for supplying the bomb. The trial opened in Valletta with a sworn‑in jury and is expected to run for several weeks, with Caruana Galizia’s family present.

A Maltese court has begun the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the 2017 car‑bomb killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Previous convictions include brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, along with Robert Agius and Jamie Vella for supplying the bomb, while Vincent Muscat received a pardon for testimony. A jury was sworn in at the start of the proceedings in Valletta, attended by Caruana Galizia’s family, with the trial expected to last several weeks.

A bomb explosion in a residential building in Monaco critically injured Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Jermolajev, his partner, and their 13-year-old son. Authorities reported that the device contained crossbow bolts and air‑gun ammunition, and security footage shows a suspect leaving a backpack before fleeing toward France, prompting a cross‑border manhunt. Monaco’s leadership condemned the attack, while details about Jermolajev’s business background, his Cypriot citizenship, and ongoing Ukrainian sanctions were noted. The motive remains unknown, and investigators are determining whether Jermolajev was the intended target.

A man of Turkish origin allegedly shot and killed six staff members at a mother‑child center in Stade, near Hamburg, amid a custody dispute. Several others were injured, while a mother and her baby present at the site were unharmed. Police detained three people, including the suspected gunman, who has prior records but was not previously seen as violent. Authorities ruled out political or gender‑based motives, describing the incident as a family‑related tragedy. Witness accounts described police firing at a vehicle carrying two suspects before apprehending them. Nearby schools and a nursery temporarily secured children until families retrieved them.