Ukrainian authorities say at least 17 people were killed in the latest wave of Russian missile and drone attacks. The overnight barrage is described as the newest in a series of large-scale strikes that have become almost routine during the summer. Kyiv says it failed to intercept a single Russian missile. Ukrainian officials also accuse Russia of deliberately hunting civilians with small drones, a charge denounced by Zelensky as a “safari” attack.
A brutal Russian assault on Kyiv and the surrounding region has killed at least 17 people, including eight at a railway station. Ukraine’s air defences intercepted most of the drones involved, but failed to stop any Russian missile. The country is struggling with a crucial shortage of US-made ballistic interceptors, leaving its ability to protect the capital under severe strain.
Kyiv attackRussiaUkraine air defencemissiles and drones
Russian strikes hit Kyiv overnight, killing at least two people and wounding more than a dozen others. For weeks, the Ukrainian capital has remained a target of Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine’s air defences have struggled to stop the assaults. Kyiv has also intensified long-range strikes against Russia, with casualties mounting on both sides.
A Russian missile attack destroyed the largest warehouse operated by Rozetka, a Ukrainian online marketplace, in the Kyiv region. The company’s co-founder, Iryna Chechetkina, reported the destruction. The strike hit one of the marketplace’s key storage facilities.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy told allies that anti-ballistic defences might have saved lives during a huge Russian attack. Ukraine’s air force said 98 of the 115 drones launched overnight were shot down. Preliminary figures showed that none of the missiles were intercepted. Kyiv is able to stop most drones, but still depends on allied supplies to counter missile attacks. At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the assault.
Russian forces launched a major strike on Kyiv and the surrounding Kyiv region. The attack used ballistic missiles and drones, according to the report. At least 15 people were killed and about 50 others were injured. The incident is part of Russia’s ongoing military campaign against Ukraine.
Russian forces struck the largest Nova Post logistics hub in Kyiv, according to the report. They also hit an Epicenter logistics facility in the Ukrainian capital. The strikes targeted logistics infrastructure in the city.
Russian strikes on Kyiv and nearby areas killed at least 14 people and injured 27, according to Ukrainian emergency officials. Warehouses were also damaged, while some reports gave a death toll of 15. Air raid warnings continued for more than an hour as Moscow’s forces carried out another intense series of attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv’s military administration said the assault began after midnight on Wednesday and hit seven locations.
Russian strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens overnight, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday. Both sides have intensified long-range attacks in recent weeks. Russia used more than twice as many missiles in July as before. On Tuesday, strikes in the Moscow region killed at least five people and injured 10 others. The live coverage continues with further updates.
Several explosions were reported across Kyiv on Wednesday morning as Russian missiles hit Ukraine’s capital. The attack involved a Russian ballistic missile. At least one person was killed in the strike. The incident occurred in the Ukrainian capital amid the ongoing war.
Overnight explosions shook Kyiv and the surrounding region, leaving at least two people dead. Russian missiles struck residential buildings and warehouses. The attacks were described as part of an intensifying campaign against Ukraine’s capital. Kyiv remains the focus of the reported strikes.
Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, killing at least 17 people and injuring dozens, according to authorities. The attacks are intensifying, while Kyiv says it was unable to intercept any of the Russian missiles. Ukrainian authorities have appealed for additional US-made Patriot interceptors as the barrage continues. The strikes have caused deadly damage across the capital region.
Cape Verde’s World Cup goalkeeper Vozinha has been officially presented as the latest signing for Chilean club Colo-Colo. The unveiling marks his move to the Chilean side after his World Cup involvement. Vozinha described Colo-Colo as “the best moment” as he begins this new chapter with the club.
Cape Verde World Cup hero and social media sensation Vozinha has moved to Chilean club Colo-Colo. He said he had always believed he was a player suited to a “big club”. The transfer marks his arrival at the South American side. His remarks emphasize confidence in his ability and ambition. The move has drawn attention because of his World Cup profile and online popularity.
Humanoid robots spent decades confined to science fiction, but they are now among Silicon Valley’s hottest markets. Consulting firm McKinsey estimates that automation could reshape as much as 30 percent of working hours across the US economy by 2030. Dozens of companies are developing machines designed to interact with people and assist with everyday tasks. The report presents the rise of these systems as a sign that the machine era is moving closer to daily life.
The Pentagon has reportedly started drafting a new US nuclear strategy for a potential conflict involving Russia and China. Sources cited by the media say the proposed strategy places emphasis on the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons. The reported approach concerns how the United States would prepare its nuclear policy for such a scenario. The account attributes the details to unnamed sources rather than presenting them as an official announcement.
Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, is asking the central government for urgent help. Hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children have overwhelmed its reception system after last week’s mass border crossing from Morocco. Local authorities describe the situation as “unsustainable” as the territory struggles to accommodate the arrivals.
India could levy a charge on users of cooking gas and natural gas, according to two sources directly familiar with the matter. The proposed revenue would help finance a planned strategic fuel reserve valued at $42 billion. Supply disruptions during the Iran war highlighted vulnerabilities in India’s supply chains. The possible fee is being considered after those disruptions exposed the risks.
Russia’s services purchasing managers’ index rose to 49 points in July, according to an S&P Global study. The reading came as new orders declined for a fourth consecutive month at the beginning of the third quarter. The continued fall in orders points to persistent weakness in demand. Services activity therefore remained below the level associated with expansion.
A four-tonne section of a SpaceX rocket is believed to have unintentionally struck the Moon on August 5. The collision posed no threat to Earth, but it is expected to have carved out a crater on the lunar surface. There is still no official confirmation that the Falcon 9 upper stage made impact. It had been forecast to hit at about 06:35 GMT.
A fragment of a SpaceX rocket roughly the size of a school bus has struck the Moon. Scientists plan to monitor the wayward rocket component’s impact. They hope the observations will help them examine how craters form and how lunar dust is produced by impacts from cosmic objects.
NASA said debris from a rocket launched by SpaceX is expected to collide with the lunar surface on the afternoon of the 5th, Japan time. The agency plans to observe the impact as it occurs. The observations are intended to support future lunar exploration efforts.
The upper stage of a SpaceX rocket is expected to hit the Moon unintentionally on Wednesday. The collision is not considered a threat to Earth, but it will create a crater on the lunar surface.
Major Gulf stock markets opened Wednesday with mixed performance. Investors were looking for indications that talks between the United States and Iran could make progress. The discussions are being watched for signs that they might help bring the Iran war to an end. Uncertainty over the negotiations kept shaping market sentiment.
Cardinal Pedro Barreto has described a $150m out-of-court settlement as a “historic milestone” for 1,373 Peruvians allegedly poisoned by a toxic smelter during childhood. The payment will come from Doe Run Company, the smelter’s operator and a subsidiary of Renco Group. Barreto spent almost 20 years challenging the US mining company’s operations in the Andes. During that campaign, he faced repeated death threats and harassment.
The U.S. box office is heading toward its strongest annual performance since the pandemic. Yet the number of people going to cinemas is falling. A record-breaking opening weekend was driven by the combined impact of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.” Their strong launch has lifted the market’s overall results, even as attendance remains weaker.
The death toll from a Ukrainian strike on an industrial facility in Russia’s Kursk Region has risen to four, Governor Alexander Khinshtein said. The attack also injured a 56-year-old man. He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, acoustic trauma and multiple shrapnel wounds. Khinshtein provided the injury details while reporting the updated toll.
China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Beijing had lodged a complaint with Japan over Tokyo’s newly issued defence white paper. Chinese officials accused Japan of exaggerating the threat posed by China. They also objected to what they described as “unwarranted comments” concerning Taiwan. The complaint adds to diplomatic friction between the two countries over security issues.
Rapper Tupac Shakur was killed in Las Vegas in 1996, leaving behind one of hip-hop’s longest-running mysteries. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is described as the last living suspect connected to the case. The report looks at the people who were present that night and the circumstances surrounding the rapper’s death. The killing continues to draw attention because questions about what happened have endured for decades.
An Israeli raid has intensified fears across refugee camps in the West Bank. The operation has heightened anxiety among residents in the camps. The report portrays the raid as deepening a broader sense of insecurity across the area.
New York copper futures traded just below their all-time peak as investors awaited a decision on US tariffs. Traders were also watching efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Those developments helped lift demand for riskier assets and supported copper prices. Attention remained focused on the potential tariff decision and the outlook for shipping through the strategic waterway.
The Trump administration’s framework for evaluating potential cybersecurity risks from advanced AI is reportedly narrow and unclear. Axios says the voluntary guidelines explicitly leave out open models, which can be downloaded and examined by anyone. The framework also directly states that it cannot be used for those models. The approach therefore offers no testing path for a category of AI systems that is publicly accessible and inspectable.
Flights at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport were halted overnight on Aug. 5 after a modified drone was spotted. It was later found beside an An-124 transport aircraft operated by Ukrainian Antonov Airlines. Authorities said the device contained an unknown substance and a detonator. The discovery prompted the temporary suspension of airport operations.
Germany airportmodified droneUkrainian transport plane
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is urging corporate leaders to join a U.S.-focused industry group aimed at addressing risks linked to artificial intelligence, according to two people familiar with the matter. The initiative comes as corporate America rapidly adopts the still-developing technology. Dimon’s effort seeks to bring businesses together around the challenges created by AI’s expanding use.
Guatemalan authorities have issued a red alert, the highest danger warning, for areas affected by the eruption of Fuego Volcano. The volcano is located about 35 kilometres from the country’s capital. The alert applies to Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango and Escuintla, areas where around 1.6 million people live. Ash, gas and lava from the eruption have forced hundreds of people to flee.
Guatemala’s Fuego volcano is emitting more ash and mud, prompting the evacuation of 1,700 people. Officials say the next three days will be critical. Rain forecast during that period could set off additional mudflows from the volcano. The warning points to continued danger for communities in the affected area.
China put a new Ethnic Unity Law into effect in July, with the stated aim of strengthening patriotism across the country. The measure also covers regions where people outside the dominant Han ethnic group live, including Tibet. Mandarin has become increasingly visible there as Han Chinese settlement has grown. Beijing says the law will advance national integration, while Tibetan activists call it another attempt to erode local identity.
China ethnic policyTibetcultural identityEthnic Unity Law
China’s newly promulgated Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law has drawn what the article calls a predictable response from some Western media outlets. It says that whenever ethnic unity is mentioned, certain Western critics quickly characterize it as “assimilation.” They also portray it as an effort to impose a uniform national identity. The article links those accusations to the West’s own historical burdens.
Two Democrats are competing to become the party’s choice for Michigan’s Senate race in November. The contest is also being watched as a broader confrontation between progressive and moderate forces. It is viewed as a moment of reckoning for the Democratic Party over how it should proceed in swing states ahead of the 2028 presidential election. FRANCE 24 correspondent Fraser Jackson reports from Washington.
MichiganDemocratic PartySenate primaryprogressives and moderates
A contest promoted as a defining test of the Democratic Party’s direction became a tense election-night cliffhanger. Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed held a narrow lead over US Representative Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic primary for the US Senate. His advantage was shrinking, leaving the result increasingly uncertain as the count continued.
US politicsMichiganDemocratic primarySenate election
Ballots are still being counted in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. Voters are deciding a contest that has emerged as the year’s most significant test of the party’s electorate. The race is being watched for what it reveals about how Democratic voters weigh ideological commitments against electability. Results from the primary remain central to understanding the party’s direction.
The United States is continuing discussions with Ukraine over Patriot missiles despite doubts expressed by Trump. One option under consideration would involve producing some missile components in Ukraine. Final assembly could then take place elsewhere in Europe, according to one source. The proposal points to ongoing efforts to work out how production and assembly might be organized.
The U.N. human rights chief said Iran has executed at least 56 people since March 19. The executions followed charges related to national security. Twenty-seven of the cases were linked to protests that took place at the beginning of the year. The statement was issued on Wednesday and focused on the scale and stated basis of the executions.
India is experiencing a severe monsoon season that has claimed more than 100 lives since July. Torrential monsoon rains have triggered flooding and landslides across affected areas. Rainfall patterns are being disrupted by climate change and El Niño, adding to the season’s severity. The combination is contributing to dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
Israeli restrictions on Palestinians’ freedom of movement are fragmenting the West Bank. Barriers to traveling freely make everyday life extremely difficult for Palestinians. Yet these measures do not make Israel safer, according to the report’s framing. The restrictions therefore impose severe hardship without delivering the security outcome associated with them.
Nigel Farage’s party has proposed “Operation Fortress” as a way to stop migrants it describes as “invading.” Experts have condemned the plan as unrealistic. They also warn that using the navy to return asylum seekers could be dangerous in practice. The proposal has therefore drawn criticism over both its feasibility and implementation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino held emergency discussions on Wednesday with fellow directors of world football’s governing body. The talks came as criticism mounted over a proposal he has since abandoned. That plan would have opened the World Cup to private investment. The backlash has included calls for Infantino to leave his post.
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has spoken directly to Trabzonspor supporters for the first time. The message marks his initial public address to the club’s fans. No details of what he said were provided. His outreach places the focus on his relationship with Trabzonspor supporters.
China has imposed a series of restrictions on U.S. agencies and other entities. Beijing says the measures respond to recent U.S. actions involving Chinese telecommunications operators, testing laboratories, drones and other technology items. The steps affect U.S. companies and drone exports. They follow measures linked to the FCC and Xinjiang, according to the report.
China’s Ministry of Commerce announced stricter export controls on dual-use items linked to drones and destined for the United States. The ministry said the measures are intended to safeguard China’s national security and interests. It also described the controls as fulfilling the country’s international non-proliferation obligations.
A powerful typhoon named Dolphin is moving across the western Pacific toward China’s eastern coastline. Coastal areas are expected to receive heavy rainfall starting Sunday and continuing into early next week. The storm’s projected path places China’s eastern seaboard in its anticipated zone of impact. Further weather effects are tied to the typhoon’s approach.
The report outlines what is currently known about the suspect and the investigation into alleged arson. The arson allegation remains under investigation, and the available account does not establish the suspect’s responsibility as fact.
At the end of July, Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta was struck by a massive wave of illegal crossings. About 70,000 migrants risked their lives leaving Morocco and attempting to reach Ceuta by sea or on foot. Hundreds of others reached Melilla. The Spanish government said 75 people died during the crossing, turning the episode into a severe test for the European Union’s migration system.
Ceuta mass crossing puts EU migration system to the test
FlashTranslated by Minutes
The U.S. box office is on pace for its best year since the pandemic but as Reuters Media Editor Ed Lee explains, the industry's rebound is increasingly being powered by higher ticket prices, premium-format screenings and a handful of blockbuster releases rather than a broad return of moviegoers.
The U.S. box office is on pace for its best year since the pandemic but as Reuters Media Editor Ed Lee explains, the industry's rebound is increasingly being powered by higher ticket prices, premium-format screenings and a handful of blockbuster releases rather than a broad return of moviegoers.
Russian newspapers on Wednesday highlighted the European Union’s failure to resolve the Ceuta crisis. They also focused on attacks in the Black Sea that disrupted shipping. The two developments were presented among the leading stories in the Russian press.
After years of restoration, the royal chapel at the Palace of Versailles is opening to the public until September 27. For the first time, access goes beyond private visits. The palace’s various annexes also offer classical art to discover through the end of the month. The opening provides visitors with an opportunity to explore these restored spaces and their artworks.
Alexander Stepanov says the Russian Pacific Fleet’s comprehensive naval exercises are directed at Washington’s policy in the Pacific zone. He characterizes that policy as militarizing its proxies and supplying them with offensive weapons. In his assessment, the drills are intended to counter those activities. Stepanov identifies the fleet’s submarines as a key deterrent in the Asia-Pacific region. The remarks frame the exercises as part of a response to growing military pressure in the area.
The Russian battlegroup South’s press service says Ukrainian troops killed people who refused to leave Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. It cited a local resident, who alleged that a group of people had been shot near the Konstantinovka administration building. The account presents the killings as connected to efforts to force residents to evacuate. The allegation was conveyed by the Russian military’s press service.
Olympic swimming champion Chad le Clos of South Africa says a fire destroyed his home while he was competing at the Commonwealth Games. The incident occurred as he was taking part in the sporting event. Le Clos learned of the loss during a run in which he set a Commonwealth record. His account links the destruction of his residence to the period of his record-setting performance.
Chad le ClosSouth AfricaCommonwealth Gameshouse fire
Russia’s chocolate confectionery exports increased by 18% in the first half of 2026, reaching $400 million. Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan were the five largest importers of Russian chocolate during the period.
Britain’s dominant services sector returned to growth last month, according to an S&P Global survey. New orders increased, helping lift activity in the industry. Expectations for activity over the coming 12 months also strengthened. The outlook reached its highest level since before the Iran war began in February.
Russia carried out a new series of overnight strikes against Ukrainian military sites. A fire broke out in three districts of the Kyiv Region after a series of explosions. The report gives no further details about the strikes or the fires.
Drought has lowered the Danube near Prahovo in Serbia, exposing shipwrecks linked to the Nazi era. Around 200 Nazi ships are believed to lie on the riverbed in the area. The unusually low water has also severely constrained ferries, tourist boats and commercial shipping. The wrecks have become visible as navigation faces growing restrictions.
Euro zone business activity rose to its highest level in eight months in July, according to a survey. The improvement was supported by a revival in services and continued strengthening in manufacturing. However, the uncertain course of the conflict in the Middle East remains a concern. The Iran war is still weighing on the region’s economic outlook.
Donald Trump says the United States and Iran are engaged in what he describes as “very good discussions.” His wording presents the talks in a positive light. No further details about the discussions are provided.
Washington and Tehran have developed a stark rhetorical split over the status of their bilateral negotiations in recent days. Expert analysis characterizes the competing descriptions as calculated strategic moves by both sides. Each government is seeking to apply political and public pressure to the other through its account of whether talks are underway.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Ukraine’s failure to intercept missiles on its Western partners. Commenting on overnight developments, he said they resulted from delayed deliveries of interceptors or an unwillingness to provide them. His remarks attributed the unsuccessful missile defenses to shortcomings in external support.
Zelensky blames Western partners for Ukraine’s failure to down missiles
FlashTranslated by Minutes
Eight people were killed at a train station in the village of Kvitneve, Kyiv Oblast, after a delay forced them to miss their last connection home, according to the head of the Brovary District State Administration.
Video: Olena Zashko / The Kyiv Independent.
Eight people were killed at a train station in the village of Kvitneve, Kyiv Oblast, after a delay forced them to miss their last connection home, according to the head of the Brovary District State Administration.
China has imposed retaliatory sanctions on six United States entities over Xinjiang. The ministry said the entities aided and abetted what it called Washington’s illegal sanctions against Xinjiang. It said their actions had produced an “extremely negative impact.” The measures therefore target US entities accused of supporting the Xinjiang-related sanctions. The announcement adds a new punitive step to tensions between China and the United States over the issue.
Germany’s services sector contracted only slightly in July, according to a business survey released on Wednesday. Demand improved modestly during the month. New business also increased for the first time in five months. The results point to a less severe downturn in the sector.
An astronomer is assessing the risks associated with destroying an asteroid using a nuclear bomb. The proposed method would begin with an unmanned spacecraft creating a deep hole in the celestial body’s surface. A nuclear explosion could then be used to break up the asteroid. The assessment focuses on the possible consequences of this approach.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed criticism over a plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, which has since been scrapped. FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström and chief of global football development Arsene Wenger both criticised the proposal. Infantino had been expected to stand unopposed, but may now face new challengers when he seeks a fourth term next March.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is coming under increasing pressure ahead of talks scheduled for Wednesday. The pressure follows the failure of his World Cup selloff effort. The meeting is expected to be a critical moment for FIFA leadership. Infantino’s position is therefore under sharper scrutiny as the organisation prepares for the discussions.
🇯🇵 🌡️ Tokyo delivery worker 'pushing through' sweltering heat
In the heat of Japan's capital, Hiroto Uchida "keeps pushing through," delivering parcels around the city. "When I first started, I felt like I was going to collapse," says the worker with one of Japan's largest delivery companies
🇯🇵 🌡️ Tokyo delivery worker 'pushing through' sweltering heat
In the heat of Japan's capital, Hiroto Uchida "keeps pushing through," delivering parcels around the city. "When I first started, I felt like I was going to collapse," says the worker with one of Japan's largest delivery companies
Turkey’s ruling alliance is expected to present a draft law to parliament on Wednesday, according to state media and a party leader. The measure would facilitate the disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. It would do so by permitting thousands of former militants to return. The initiative is intended to bring a decades-old conflict to an end.
The Chinese film “Dear You” has premiered in Thailand. Director Lan Hongchun explains why Bangkok’s Chinatown was selected as a filming location. She also describes the film’s aim of creating an emotional connection for audiences in both China and Thailand. The discussion focuses on memory, migration and feelings shared across the two audiences.
The Chinese film Dear You held its Vietnamese premiere in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday evening. The Hanoi China Cultural Center said the event took place there. The screening marked the film’s debut before Vietnamese audiences. It was presented as the movie’s Vietnam premiere.
Rwandan cinema is enjoying an unprecedented level of attention after a landmark Cannes success. In May last year, Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo’s film Ben'Imana won the Caméra d’Or, becoming the first Rwandan feature to receive the prize. The victory has energized a local film scene that is flourishing. Restored cinemas in Kigali, an open-air festival and a new generation of filmmakers all reflect the momentum.
Rwandan cinemaCannes Film FestivalCaméra d’OrKigali
The Danube has fallen to record-low levels, making every centimeter of available river water critical. Nuclear plants in Romania and Hungary face the threat of being shut down because there is not enough water to cool them. The declining river level is putting pressure on the plants’ continued operation and highlighting the urgency of the water shortage affecting the Danube.
Danubelow water levelsnuclear plantsRomaniaHungary
NATO has confirmed that a UAV was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig airport, according to a news agency. Security sources said the drone was carrying explosives and had a detonator. The reported finding highlights a security concern at the airport involving an unmanned aircraft and a nearby plane.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing to open what would be its largest Ebola treatment facility to date. Construction is nearly finished while health authorities rush to contain an outbreak that the World Health Organization says is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace. The WHO recorded 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths in the country as of July 30. Officials hope the additional capacity will reinforce the response and improve care for patients as the outbreak continues to spread.
China has sent its third medical expert team to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo in fighting Ebola. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that the team arrived in Kinshasa, the DRC capital, on Aug. 1. The deployment provides medical support for the country’s Ebola response.
Russia’s Pacific Fleet says the Oniks missile can overcome virtually all modern air-defense systems. The claim comes as naval drills continue. During the exercises, crews operating Bal and Bastion coastal missile systems moved launchers to designated positions along the coast. The deployments took place in Primorye, Kamchatka, Chukotka and the Kuril Islands.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement said on Wednesday that it had carried out a missile strike against a Saudi oil tanker. The group said the attack took place off the coast near Yanbu, a Red Sea port city in Saudi Arabia. The statement attributed the action to the Houthis and identified the vessel as Saudi-owned. It described the incident as an attack in waters alongside the kingdom’s Red Sea coast.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria said the rebels had attacked the Saudi oil tanker Wafa in the Red Sea. He said the strike involved several ballistic missiles. The claim identifies the vessel and the reported weapon type, but gives no further details about the incident.
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has reshuffled senior military personnel amid continuing speculation about his whereabouts. The head of the Presidential Guard was promoted to brigadier general, while commanders were replaced in four of the country’s five joint military regions. Three presidential decrees bearing Biya’s signature were dated August 3. Biya, described as the world’s oldest head of state, has not appeared in public since June 7.
Ghana’s parliament has passed legislation that could expose cocoa farmers to prison terms of up to 20 years. The bill targets farmers who convert cocoa farms to other uses without government approval. It was approved on July 30, but its contents were not made public until late on August 2. The measure would give every cocoa farm protected status, making unauthorized repurposing a criminal offense. Farmers have criticized the legislation.
Amnezia, one of Russia’s most widely used VPN services, said on August 4 that Russian authorities had begun a fresh attack on tools designed to bypass internet blocks. The company said the campaign had already lasted for at least several days. Amnezia representatives offered no details about the methods or scope of the latest wave of blocking. The developments suggest a major renewed effort against circumvention tools in Russia.
Russian forces carried out attacks that killed 17 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the assault involved 29 missiles and 115 drones. The attacks were described as taking advantage of Ukraine’s shortage of missile interceptors. The episode highlights the pressure on Ukraine’s ability to defend against incoming strikes.
Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to speak today. She may announce that she intends to return to Bangladesh after living in exile in India. Hasina faces the death penalty, making any return announcement highly consequential. Attention is focused on whether she will confirm plans to come back and how she presents that decision.
Kyiv says a North Korean missile unit has deployed in Russia to take part in the war in Ukraine. The unit could be equipped with as many as 120 ballistic missiles. It may also have six launchers. The reported deployment links North Korea and Russia directly to the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.
Recent primary elections in the United States have exposed a rift inside the Democratic Party. Progressives and centrists are divided over American support for Israel. The contests in Michigan, Missouri and Washington offer a snapshot of that internal disagreement. Their results highlight how foreign-policy questions are shaping Democratic electoral politics.
Lebanon and Israel have held another round of direct negotiations in Rome, with the United States acting as broker. The meeting follows earlier discussions in Washington, where the two sides agreed on a framework covering Hezbollah’s disarmament and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah’s chief rejected the talks, describing them as a humiliation for Lebanon. The negotiations therefore remain contested despite the framework reached earlier.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that two-thirds of all drones attacking Russia are aimed at Moscow. He highlighted that the Russian Defense Ministry and city authorities are continually strengthening the capital’s air-defense capabilities. His remarks underscored the scale of the reported drone threat to Moscow and the authorities’ ongoing efforts to reinforce protection of the city.
Two-thirds of drones attacking Russia target Moscow, mayor says
FlashTranslated by Minutes
🇶🇦 🇮🇱 🇵🇸 Qatar blames Israel for delayed implementation of Gaza peace plan
Mediator Qatar has blamed Israel for delays in implementing a Gaza peace plan, as US President Donald Trump said militant group Hamas had agreed to disarm while Israel refused to leave the territory
🇶🇦 🇮🇱 🇵🇸 Qatar blames Israel for delayed implementation of Gaza peace plan
Mediator Qatar has blamed Israel for delays in implementing a Gaza peace plan, as US President Donald Trump said militant group Hamas had agreed to disarm while Israel refused to leave the territory
Oil prices have surged as a result of the Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The largest companies in the oil industry have seen their profits rise sharply as well. US President Donald Trump says they are earning far too much and is urging them to bring prices down. With the midterm elections only three months away, he may be worried that anger among Americans is growing.
US President Donald Trump says progress has been made in dealings with Iran. He nevertheless warned that Iran would face a “hard hit” if no agreement is reached. The remarks combine an assertion that negotiations are advancing with a direct threat of consequences should a deal fail to materialise. Trump did not provide further details about the progress or the possible action in the statement.
Biologists have warned in a new report that ships currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz could create a worldwide ecological risk when shipping returns to normal. They say the vessels may carry invasive species to locations around the globe after movement through the waterway resumes. The warning focuses on the possible spread of non-native organisms linked to the ships’ prolonged stay and later departure.
US leader Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would be opened again very soon. He described the discussions as very good, signalling confidence that an agreement could lead to the waterway’s reopening.
Oil prices extended their decline for a third consecutive day as signs of progress raised optimism that an agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Such a deal could release supplies currently held up in the Persian Gulf. The market is focusing on whether negotiations can restore passage through the strategic waterway. The move follows two days of earlier losses.
oil pricesStrait of HormuzPersian Gulfenergy supply
The United States is preparing to announce an agreement with Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, Axios reports. The news portal says the deal could remain in effect for more than 60 days. No other terms of the proposed arrangement are described. The development concerns coordination among the three countries over the strait.
Oil prices stabilized on Wednesday after plunging sharply over the previous two trading sessions. Investors are watching whether efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war are advancing. They are also looking for signs that traffic through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz could be restored. The potential reopening of the key route remains central to market attention.
oil pricesStrait of HormuzU.S.-Iran warenergy markets
US stocks reached a record high as hopes grew that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen. Oil prices declined after US officials promoted progress in talks aimed at reopening the critical waterway.
West Africa-focused Tullow Oil lifted its annual free cash flow forecast on Wednesday. The company expects production for the year to come in at the upper end of its projected range. Strong results from its Ghanaian fields supported the more positive view. Better-than-expected realised oil prices also encouraged the upgrade.
A lightning strike disabled two railway crossings in a Bavarian town, disrupting travel between its eastern and western sides. Drivers were forced to take lengthy detours as a result. In a separate development, flights at Leipzig Airport were suspended after an unidentified object was discovered. DW reports on both incidents.
Across China, primary and secondary school students are stepping into the kitchen during this summer’s break. They prepare meals for their parents after the adults return from work. The routine has become a heartwarming part of family life, with children taking an active role in preparing food at home and showing care for their parents through an everyday household task.
The South African rand moved slightly higher in early Wednesday trading.
A weaker U.S. dollar and declining oil prices supported the risk-sensitive currency.
Domestic investors were meanwhile waiting for the release of a business conditions purchasing managers’ index.
The data is expected to provide a fresh indication of local business activity.
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Brian Fleury is quickly establishing his presence in his first stint as an NFL offensive coordinator. He has shown that he can command a room early in his tenure. The Seattle Seahawks hired Fleury in February to lead their offense. The team is the reigning Super Bowl champion, and players are already showing respect for his approach.
Mexico’s National Autonomous University has ordered around 58,000 students to sit its entrance exam again. The decision followed unusually high scores that prompted suspicions of widespread cheating. The university said its first fully remote online examination had descended into a debacle, with thousands of results annulled. The replacement test will be held in person rather than online.
For decades, Europe’s renewable-energy landscape appeared easy to define. Solar power was concentrated mainly in the sunnier south, while northern countries depended more heavily on wind. Falling equipment prices and rising electricity costs have now changed the calculation. Solar developments are becoming commercially viable in areas once judged too dark, cold or remote to justify the investment. The expansion is broadening the role of solar across Europe.
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MAJOR'Terrifying': deadly Russian attack on Kyiv overwhelms Ukraine's air defence
MAJORUkrainian capital hit by massive overnight Russian strikes, killing 17
MAJORZelenskyy condemns lack of missile defences after deadly Russian attack on Kyiv
MAJORRussian attack on Kyiv region kills at least 14, Ukrainian authorities say
MAJORUkraine live: Russian strikes kill at least 15 in Kyiv and surrounding region
Explosions across Kyiv as Russian missiles strike Ukraine’s capital
Ukraine: Russian strikes on Kyiv kill at least one
MAJORRussian barrage on Kyiv region kills at least 17
