Rīga TV

Why the U.S. Struggles to Win Wars: Promises Unfulfilled

An NPR article notes that U.S. presidents promised short, decisive wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran, but these conflicts proved far more difficult and failed to achieve political goals.

NPR World · 18 Jul, 16:38

Russian Forces Strike Train Locomotive and Carriages in Zaporizhzhia Region

Russian troops launched a double strike on a train's locomotive and passenger carriages in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, but no casualties were reported as passengers and staff were evacuated safely.

Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 18 Jul, 16:38

Iran Accuses US of Hitting Critical Infrastructure as War Intensifies

US strikes on an Iranian desalination plant leave 10,000 without water; Iran retaliates with drones and missiles against Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Al Jazeera · 18 Jul, 16:38

Cuba on the Brink of Collapse as Blackouts and U.S. Pressure Push Society to the Edge

Cuba endured its third national grid collapse in ten days, amid a U.S. oil blockade and growing protests. The country is edging toward a breakdown.

The Guardian World · 18 Jul, 16:37

Roundup: Gulf Tensions, EU Climate Pledges, and Heat Wave Deaths

Water infrastructure hit in Iran and Kuwait; EU Commission to announce climate policies; June heat wave may have killed up to 14,000 Europeans.

Politico Europe · 18 Jul, 16:37

Koretsky Plans to Optimize State Apparatus

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky has announced plans to streamline the state apparatus and enhance management efficiency, particularly under martial law.

Ukrainska Pravda · 18 Jul, 16:36

Russian energy companies ask Indian refineries to supply more gasoline

Due to reduced refining capacity from Ukrainian strikes, Russian energy companies have requested Indian refineries to provide additional gasoline supplies.

LSM · 18 Jul, 16:36

White House backs Argentina players over Falklands banner in World Cup semi-final

The White House has defended Argentine footballers who displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final win over England. UK officials have called for a FIFA investigation.

The Guardian World · 18 Jul, 15:38

Ethiopia opens new refugee support centre in Addis Ababa

The UN refugee agency and the Ethiopian government have launched a centre in Addis Ababa offering free legal advice and assistance with documentation to help refugees navigate bureaucracy and improve employment prospects.

France 24 · 18 Jul, 15:38

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian online retailer warehouses kill eight

Eight people have been killed and 62 injured after Ukrainian drones struck two warehouses of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, according to Russian officials. Ukraine's President Zelensky said the attacks targeted logistics centers used to supply components for drone production.

BBC World · 18 Jul, 15:37

Zelenskyy holds second day of talks with frontline corps commanders

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with Deputy Head of the President's Office Pavlo Palisa, met for a second consecutive day with corps commanders operating on the hottest sections of the front. Discussions centered on frontline situations, artillery needs, robotic systems, and logistics.

Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 18 Jul, 15:37

Russia Protests Removal of Soviet War Memorial in Valga County

Russia's Foreign Ministry has protested the removal of a Soviet monument in Jõgeveste, Valga County, which sits on a WWII Red Army mass grave. The protest was delivered to Estonia's chargé d'affaires in Moscow.

ERR News · 18 Jul, 15:37

Germany: CDU's Jens Spahn resigns amid surrogacy controversy

Jens Spahn, the head of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the German parliament, stepped down on Saturday after it emerged that he and his husband had a child via a surrogate mother in the US. Surrogacy is illegal in Germany and the CDU opposes its legalization.

Deutsche Welle · 18 Jul, 15:37

Zelensky reportedly considers dismissing military commander-in-chief Syrskyi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering dismissing the country's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, according to a report by the Financial Times, citing a source in the Ukrainian administration.

LSM · 18 Jul, 15:36

Half of Canada's Wildfires Beyond Reach, Firefighters Forced to Let Them Burn

A new report reveals that half of Canada's wildfires ignite in remote, roadless regions, rendering conventional firefighting efforts futile. These blazes are frequently left to burn unchecked.

The New York Times · 18 Jul, 15:36

Hungarian Prime Minister Supports Lowering Voting Age to 16

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has expressed support for lowering the voting age to 16, stating that most young people are prepared and informed enough to participate in decision-making.

Ukrainska Pravda · 18 Jul, 15:36

As He Steps Down, Starmer’s Future Plans Remain Unclear

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, preparing to leave office, has not yet decided his next steps, though friends and allies see him on the international stage.

The Guardian World · 18 Jul, 14:37

Reports: Trump considers broader attacks on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Axios, is considering expanding attacks on Iran, including strikes on infrastructure.

TVNET · 18 Jul, 14:36

India's salt workers: The human cost of the world's most popular seasoning

Al Jazeera's investigation reveals that India's booming salt industry, one of the world's largest producers, relies on the labour of the marginalised Agariva community, who work in extreme conditions in Gujarat's salt deserts.

Al Jazeera · 18 Jul, 14:36

Andriy Onistrat resigns from army after transfer to paperwork role; sees it as punishment for supporting Fedorov

Andriy Onistrat, a senior officer and founder of a drone battalion, has filed a resignation after being transferred to the 17th Army Corps as a chief paper-pusher, which he views as punishment for supporting Mykhailo Fedorov and the Vyriv project.

Ukrainska Pravda · 18 Jul, 14:36

Argentina fans in New York share hopes ahead of 2026 World Cup final

Members of the Argentinian diaspora in Queens and a growing number of Bangladeshi New Yorkers in Brooklyn are eagerly preparing for Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Al Jazeera · 18 Jul, 13:37

Hungary Blocks Opening of Next Chapters in EU Accession Talks with Ukraine

Hungary objected on Friday to opening the next chapters in EU accession talks with Ukraine, delaying the decision until July 22.

Delfi · 18 Jul, 13:37

Laos unable to determine cause of tourist deaths linked to methanol

Laos authorities say they cannot establish blame or cause for the deaths of six tourists who died in November 2024 after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng.

BBC World · 18 Jul, 13:37

Zelenskyy: Warehouses hit in Russia supplied sanctioned components for drone production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that logistics facilities struck in Russia's Moscow and Tambov oblasts were used to supply sanctioned components for drone and navigation equipment production.

Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 18 Jul, 13:37

UK poultry sector growth plan risks national security, campaigners warn

The UK government's plan to expand poultry production to boost food security is being criticized as a national security risk due to reliance on imported feed and environmental damage.

The Guardian World · 18 Jul, 13:37

Midday News Bulletin: July 18, 2026

Key stories from Europe and beyond in today's midday news roundup.

Euronews · 18 Jul, 13:36

US and Iran Exchange Strikes for Seventh Consecutive Night

The US military conducted a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran, while Iran retaliated with attacks on US military targets in the Middle East. The conflict continues to escalate.

LSM · 18 Jul, 13:36

Fighting Intensifies Between US and Iran After Cease-fire Collapses

In the days since the cease-fire unraveled, the US and Iran have expanded the scope of their attacks, with reports of water facilities and other critical infrastructure coming under fire.

The New York Times · 18 Jul, 13:36

Europe heatwave killed up to 14,000; Commission faces climate policy test

June's brutal heatwave caused thousands of excess deaths across six worst-hit European countries, while the European Commission prepares to unveil key climate policy announcements.

Politico Europe · 18 Jul, 13:36

Ministry of Defense Clarifies: Reserve+ Will Work Normally, Technical Works Only at Night

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense clarified that the Reserve+ app will operate as usual, with short technical works nightly for 1-2 hours.

Ukrainska Pravda · 18 Jul, 13:36

Trump restarts Iran war, risking political disaster in midterms

Less than a month after a ceasefire, Trump resumed strikes on Iran, jeopardizing Republican chances in November's midterm elections.

The Guardian World · 18 Jul, 12:37

US Democrats Divided Over Support for Israel Ahead of Midterm Elections

Over 100 House Democrats voted to cut military aid to Israel, revealing a deep party rift that could impact November's elections and US foreign policy.

France 24 · 18 Jul, 12:37

Tusk welcomes Zelenskyy's decision on Ukrainian-Polish relations

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's announcement of new initiatives in bilateral relations, particularly regarding historical issues.

Ukrainska Pravda · 18 Jul, 12:36

Japan's superstitions create market for 'stigmatized properties'

Homes with a history of death or misfortune, known as 'jiko bukken,' are difficult to sell or rent in Japan, leading to a niche business of 'ghost investigations' and cleansing rituals.

Deutsche Welle · 18 Jul, 11:38