Ukraine Reports Gains in Occupied Donetsk

Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi has reclaimed occupied territory in Donetsk, with Starlink internet service playing a key role in its battlefield operations. The gains come as relations with Washington have soured.

Trump-Zelensky Dispute Tests Western Support

US President Donald Trump called Ukraine's latest strikes a 'disgrace' and said Zelensky is harder to work with than Putin. EU leaders rallied around Zelensky, and US senators have called for an investigation into temporary limits on Starlink speeds that Ukraine says disrupted its missions.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refinery

Russian authorities said Ukraine struck a major oil refinery southeast of Moscow on Thursday, in response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelensky warned that Russia's ambitions extend beyond eastern Ukraine.

Shipping Attacks Near Hormuz Hit Record High

BBC Verify analysis of data from a UK maritime agency shows 12 vessels were struck in a single week near the Strait of Hormuz. Oil exports have slowed as attacks rise.

Houthi Attacks Threaten Saudi Sports and Business Events

Attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Saudi Arabia have disrupted sports tournaments and put at risk business events the kingdom has long used to attract investment and raise its profile.

Settlers Attack Palestinians During Olive Harvest

Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank on Friday, injuring several people, including a photojournalist working for The Washington Post. The BBC reports a surge in similar incidents.

Venezuela Withdraws From International Criminal Court

Crime in Caracas has fallen sharply after police raids that killed thousands. Venezuela is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court as the court investigates the campaign.

Brazil's Lula Backs Lower Criminal Age for Serious Crimes

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva now supports lowering the age of criminal responsibility for heinous crimes from 18 to 16, reversing a longstanding policy. Many observers see the shift as an electoral move.

Protests Grow in New Delhi Over Voter List Review

Crowds have gathered in New Delhi in escalating protests against a review of voter lists that critics say is politically motivated and could disenfranchise voters. The Election Commission and the Modi government deny the allegations. Authorities detained the founder of a youth-led movement ahead of a planned protest.

Pope Leo Returns to Public View After Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo is due to make his first public appearance since surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for lung cancer. Doctors say he can carry out normal activities with full independence.

El Nino Threatens Global Sugar Supply

El Nino has withered sugarcane crops in India, the world's second-largest sugar producer. The shortfall is hurting consumers and farmers and undermining the country's energy security goals.

Polymarket Trades Continued After Elections Were Settled

About $600 million changed hands on Polymarket in election-related trades after the outcomes were effectively settled, according to Ars Technica.

Meta Streamlines Commercial Terms Amid AI Licensing Debate

Meta has streamlined its commercial terms of service in a way legal experts say could help it avoid millions in AI licensing fees. Critics describe the change as an AI power grab.

Deadly School Roof Collapse Prompts Inspections in Pakistan

A roof collapse in northwest Pakistan killed 32 children and a teacher. Safety inspections of schools across the region have followed, raising questions about building regulation.

Monitoring Technology Targets Industrial and Waste Odors

Smells from rubbish dumps and industrial facilities are being monitored more carefully as new technologies are deployed to track and address them.

Sally Rooney Pulls Books From UK Sales

Irish author Sally Rooney says her books can no longer be sold in the UK after she pledged royalties to Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group that is banned in the country.