World

Zelenskyy defends sacking defence minister Fedorov as protesters demand top general's resignation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy justified the dismissal of popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov at a joint press conference with UK PM Keir Starmer, acknowledging a breakdown in relations between the ministry and the military leadership. Meanwhile, over 1,000 protesters gathered in Kyiv, and Fedorov publicly accused the General Staff of blocking reforms.
Guardian Ukraina · 16 Jul, 18:38

UK aid cuts reduce bilateral support to some African countries by up to 90%
Labour's foreign aid cuts will reduce bilateral support to some African countries by as much as 90%, according to Foreign Office figures.
The Guardian World · 16 Jul, 18:37

EU to start technical preparation for opening clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine on Friday
The EU Council's working group on enlargement (COELA) on Friday, 17 July, will begin reviewing the screening results for clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine and Moldova, marking the start of technical preparation for their opening.
Ukrainska Pravda · 16 Jul, 18:37

Macron vows zero tolerance for forest arsonists
French President Emmanuel Macron promised firefighters a zero-tolerance policy towards forest arsonists, especially in the Fontainebleau forest.
France 24 · 16 Jul, 18:37

Reaching Moscow: How Ukrainian Drones Strike Oil Facilities and Eliminate Shahed Operators
Almost daily, Ukrainian drones target Russian oil refineries, military-industrial plants, and logistics hubs, causing fires. The drone campaign now extends to Moscow, while simultaneously wiping out Shahed drone operators.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 16 Jul, 18:36

Fired Defense Minister Fedorov Publicly Accuses Ukraine's Top General Syrskyi
Dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov accused General Oleksandr Syrskyi of blocking reforms, as President Zelensky chose to keep the commander-in-chief.
Delfi · 16 Jul, 17:37

How World Cup football jerseys became political fashion in Latin America
In Colombia and Brazil, far-right leaders have sought to associate themselves with their country's national football kit, turning jerseys into political symbols and sparking controversy and legal battles.
Al Jazeera · 16 Jul, 17:37

Kenya's High Court rejects Rastafari bid to decriminalize cannabis for religious use
Kenya's High Court has ruled against the Rastafari community's petition to decriminalize cannabis use in their religious rituals, ending a case that had been pending since 2021.
France 24 · 16 Jul, 17:37

Ukraine Repatriates 501 Bodies from Russia, Identifies Fallen Service Members
Ukraine has brought back 501 bodies from Russia in a major humanitarian operation. The deceased are reportedly Ukrainian service members, and forensic teams will work to identify them.
Euromaidan Press · 16 Jul, 17:36

Latvian PM Kulbergs: Ukraine must win, not just hold the front
During a working visit to Paris, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stressed that European support for Ukraine must aim for victory, not merely stabilizing the front line. He called for stronger NATO presence in the Baltics and tougher sanctions against Russia.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jul, 17:36

Italian Highway Executive Given 12-Year Sentence Over Deadly Bridge Collapse
Giovanni Castellucci, former CEO of the company managing Genoa's Morandi Bridge, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 2018 collapse that killed 43 people.
The New York Times · 16 Jul, 17:36

New podcast episode covers Ukraine defense minister resignation, Azov Sea operations, and Odesa strikes
The podcast "Damn Questions" discusses the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, his conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, destruction of Russian ships in the Azov Sea, and Russian strikes on the Odesa region.
Ukrainska Pravda · 16 Jul, 17:36

France and Netherlands settle 400-year-old border dispute
After centuries of disagreement over a lagoon in the Caribbean, France and the Netherlands have finally established the legal coordinates of their border.
Politico Europe · 16 Jul, 16:38

Ukraine's Parliament Approves New Government, Leaving Foreign and Defense Minister Posts for Later
On July 16, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada approved a new Cabinet of Ministers headed by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky, but the appointments of foreign and defense ministers were postponed.
Ukrainska Pravda · 16 Jul, 16:38

HRW Chief: Trump launched 'all-out assault' on human rights
Human Rights Watch executive director Philippe Bolopion says the Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on human rights both domestically and internationally, warning that Washington is ready to upend the rules-based world order.
France 24 · 16 Jul, 16:37

US Defense Secretary Mandates Testosterone Testing for Soldiers Over 30
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that all active-duty and reserve military personnel over 30 will undergo mandatory testosterone level checks during annual physicals, with voluntary hormone replacement therapy available for those with low levels.
BNN · 16 Jul, 16:37

Former Italian motorway boss gets 12-year jail term for Genoa bridge disaster
Giovanni Castellucci, ex-CEO of Autostrade per l'Italia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 2018 collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa, which killed 43 people.
BBC World · 16 Jul, 16:37
Hong Kong Official Warns Booksellers About Security Risks After Raids
A Hong Kong official has warned booksellers about security risks following police raids, which mark the third round of arrests targeting independent bookstores in four months.
NPR World · 16 Jul, 16:36

Falklands War and Its Echo in England-Argentina Sports Matches
Argentina and Britain fought a bloody war over the Falkland Islands in 1982. Decades later, the dispute still influences matches between England and Argentina.
The New York Times · 16 Jul, 15:37

Over 800 wildfires burn in Canada as air quality alerts extend to US
More than 800 wildfires are burning across Canada, the vast majority out of control, sending plumes of smoke into the northern United States and triggering air quality concerns from the Great Lakes to New Jersey, where the World Cup final is scheduled.
BBC World · 16 Jul, 15:37

It is important not to lose the most important thing — mutual trust and dialogue between the state and the people
The author warns that since 2022, the voice of Ukrainian society has been heard less in state decisions, and calls for maintaining trust and dialogue to prevent internal tensions from being used against the country.
Ukrainska Pravda · 16 Jul, 15:36

Pentagon Considers Landing Troops in Cuba, Reports Say
The US Department of Defense is reviewing military scenarios against Cuba, including the use of the 101st Airborne Division, but an operation is unlikely soon due to resources committed in Iran.
Delfi · 16 Jul, 14:38

US attacks tanker in Strait of Hormuz; Iran releases US citizen
The US fired on an oil tanker attempting to reach Kharg Island as part of its blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran released a US citizen. The ceasefire appears to have collapsed, raising fears of a return to full-scale war.
The Guardian World · 16 Jul, 14:38

Ghana makes biometric ID checks compulsory, bans photocopies
Ghana has banned photocopying or visually inspecting national identity cards, making biometric verification via a mobile app mandatory to combat fraud.
BBC World · 16 Jul, 14:38

Potential replacement of Fedorov as Defense Minister raises concerns over corruption risks and institutional memory
Plans to replace Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko have sparked protests and criticism from civil society and the EU, citing risks to anti-corruption reforms and long-term defense programs.
Ukrainska Pravda · 16 Jul, 14:37

EU ministers: China is 'a critical long-term strategic challenge'
EU foreign ministers stated that China's economic and technological dominance, trade imbalances, and control over rare earths make it a critical long-term strategic challenge for the bloc.
Euronews · 16 Jul, 14:37

Protests Erupt in Ukraine Over Defense Minister Fedorov's Dismissal
Thousands protested in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities against the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, part of a broader government reshuffle by President Zelenskyy.
Apollo.lv · 16 Jul, 13:37

Russian strike on Kyiv kills two, injures five, including child
A Russian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv overnight on July 16 killed at least two people and injured five, including a child. The attack came shortly after the EU Commission president’s visit to announce a drone agreement.
Euronews · 16 Jul, 13:37

New Pegasus Spyware Revelations as French PM Visits Morocco
New evidence shows Israeli NSO representatives spent 10 days in Rabat in 2017 demonstrating Pegasus capabilities, while Morocco used the spyware against officials and dissident Omar Radi. Meanwhile, 103 US House Democrats voted for a symbolic amendment to end military aid to Israel, and Argentina reached the World Cup final after a dramatic comeback against England.
France 24 · 16 Jul, 13:37

Experts: Frequent government reshuffles in Ukraine cause institutional problems
Analysts criticize the recent government change process, highlighting reduced parliamentary role, lack of a government program, and significant resource losses.
Ukrainska Pravda · 16 Jul, 13:37

Ukraine Replaces Defense Minister Who Outpolled President
Ukraine is replacing its defense minister, who had higher approval ratings than the president. Protests have erupted in multiple cities in support of the dismissed minister.
Euromaidan Press · 16 Jul, 13:37

Mykhailo Fedorov: Ukraine’s Ousted Defense Minister and the Face of Drone Warfare
Mykhailo Fedorov, the architect of Ukraine's successful drone warfare program, has been removed as defense minister, sparking street protests across the country.
The New York Times · 16 Jul, 13:36

News Roundup: Orbán Ally, Odesa Attack, Bulgaria's Position
The source text compiles three separate news items: Hungary's former foreign minister joins Chinese car giant BYD; Russia attacks Odesa as von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv; Bulgaria's PM says the country has no place in the Coalition of the Willing backing Ukraine.
Politico Europe · 16 Jul, 13:36

Pentagon Weighs Landing Airborne Division in Cuba
The US Department of Defense is considering deploying thousands of troops from the 101st Airborne Division to Cuba, according to unofficial reports.
LSM · 16 Jul, 13:36

Ukraine gets a new prime minister – Serhii Koretskyi
The Ukrainian parliament has approved Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister. He previously led Naftogaz and Ukrnafta, and his main tasks include preparing for winter and stabilizing the economy.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 16 Jul, 12:37

Toronto chokes under wildfire smoke
More than 100 active wildfires continue to burn in northern Ontario, and their smoke has reached Toronto, causing poor air quality and prompting authorities to urge residents to stay indoors.
France 24 · 16 Jul, 12:37