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Russian attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa have killed at least three people, according to local officials, as Ukraine's drone forces strike Russian vessels in the Black Sea. The escalation comes amid a broader conflict over shipping routes crucial for grain exports, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visiting Kyiv to discuss defense integration.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited Morocco with a dozen ministers, signing 14 cooperation agreements and marking a new phase in bilateral relations. The visit was overshadowed by fresh Pegasus spyware allegations, but both sides emphasized a 'turning point' in ties.
Border checks between Gibraltar and Spain were lifted on Wednesday under a new treaty signed between the EU and the UK, integrating Gibraltar into the Schengen area. The agreement, hailed as a new era, is expected to bring economic benefits to the region, with thousands of cross-border workers facing smoother daily commutes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces a complaint to the IOC over alleged political neutrality breaches, while a letter from 72 MEPs challenges FIFA's reversal of a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun. Rights group FairSquare alleges Infantino's support for Trump and the creation of the FIFA Peace Prize breached ethics rules.
US President Donald Trump has abandoned his proposal to charge a 20% fee on cargo shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying he will instead pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf states. The reversal came hours before the US naval blockade of Iranian ports was set to take effect, as US and Iranian forces continued to trade strikes across the region.
Ukraine's parliament accepted Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko's resignation on Monday, following President Zelenskyy's announcement of a cabinet reshuffle to prioritize foreign policy and security. Svyrydenko, who played a key role in the US-Ukraine minerals deal, may be replaced by Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi, while EU integration plans remain unchanged.
France's annual Bastille Day parade featured allied European troops and Ukrainian soldiers alongside French forces, with President Emmanuel Macron hosting his final national day procession. Leaders from two dozen countries attended, and the parade coincided with a summit of Ukraine allies and new defence initiatives.
Lebanon and Israel have resumed talks in Rome, mediated by the US, aiming to implement a framework agreement that calls for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Hezbollah has rejected the deal, while expectations for rapid progress remain low amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comment that Russia should stay away from forming security guarantees for Ukraine reflects the EU's dead-end stance, adding that Ukraine's security guarantees are impossible without Russia. Peskov also addressed EU accusations of cyberattacks, sanctions, and relations with Azerbaijan.
At a summit of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, Ukraine's allies announced new military support, including 16 Rafale jets, a license to produce Aster missiles, and the establishment of an anti-ballistic missile coalition. The UK also signed up to a €60bn EU defence loan scheme, while Germany pledged €90 million for Ukrainian long-range drones.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said peace in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future, citing Russia's rigid stance. He also announced Poland will host military exercises with French and British troops in the autumn to prepare for potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
State Duma member Alyona Arshinova claims the European Union is deliberately preparing Moldova for military conflict, citing a €120 million air defense package and recent arms deals. She warns of consequences for Moldovan citizens and accuses the government of abandoning neutrality.
The Trump administration has announced a sweeping campaign against the International Criminal Court, accusing it of posing an 'intolerable threat to US sovereignty.' The EU has pushed back, defending the court's role in prosecuting war crimes and genocide.
Keir Starmer is pushing the long-delayed Hillsborough law through its final Commons stages in his last week as prime minister. The bill, which creates a duty of candour for public officials, was delayed by security service concerns. Andy Burnham, who first introduced the bill in 2017, gave his first Commons speech since returning to Parliament, calling it Starmer's 'legacy.'
Twelve US states, led by California, have filed a lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, citing harm to competition and higher prices for consumers. The deal has received clearance from US and EU regulators but faces legal challenges and potential UK intervention.
A Russian missile struck Kyiv early Wednesday, triggering fires in two districts of the Ukrainian capital, according to officials. The attack marks the third large-scale assault on Kyiv in less than a week, and it comes as NATO holds its annual summit amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The UK has reached an agreement with the EU to participate in the 90-billion-euro Ukraine Support Loan, allowing British defence companies to bid for contracts. Additionally, Britain will invest €300 million to help Ukraine acquire 16 Swedish-made Gripen E fighter jets, a sum lower than earlier estimates.
Ukraine and nine European countries have announced a coalition to develop a shared anti-ballistic missile defence for Europe, citing the growing threat of ballistic missiles. The move comes as leaders met in Paris to reaffirm support for Kyiv, with analysts viewing it as strategic 'insurance' amid a less predictable US security role.
President Donald Trump announced the United States is taking control of the Strait of Hormuz and resuming its maritime blockade of Iran, saying all other countries will have fair and open use of the waterway. The remarks were made on Fox News and Truth Social, with only Iranian ships or customers affected, according to TASS reporting.
Most EU countries have called for a proposal to ban imports from Israeli settlements, with Belgium approving its own ban. The bloc remains divided, with Germany insisting on unanimity for any EU-wide measure.