Russia to continue special op unless goals can be achieved peacefully — Kremlin

Russia will continue its special military operation in Ukraine, as achieving all its objectives through political and diplomatic means remains impossible at this stage, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a briefing, commenting on yesterday’s phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump.

Russia becomes first country to recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government

Afghanistan's government said on Thursday that Russia had become the first country to officially recognise its rule, calling it a "brave decision".

UN special rapporteur calls for full arms embargo against Israel

The United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, said that nations around the world should suspend trade with aggressor Israel amid the tragedy occurring in Gaza, calling it "one of the cruelest genocides in modern history."

At least four dead, 23 rescued in Indonesia ferry sinking: Police

At least four people have died and 23 have been rescued after a ferry carrying 65 people sank on its way to Indonesia’s Bali Island, a local police chief said Thursday.

European parliament to vote on motion of censure for von der Leyen

Next week, the European Parliament will hold a no-confidence vote against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over suspected violations, committed while purchasing COVID-19 vaccines, the DPA news agency reported.

Two Die in France of ‘Heat-Related Illness’: Minister

Two people died in France as a result of “heat-related illness,” said the minister for ecological transition on Wednesday, as the country registered its second-hottest June since records began in 1900.

Israel threatens to turn Gaza ‘into dust’ if Hamas fails to agree a truce

Israeli officials have warned that the country’s military will escalate its operations in Gaza if negotiations on a ceasefire and captive exchange deal do not advance soon, according to the US-based Axios news outlet.

Germany starts funding long-range strike systems production for Ukraine

Germany has initiated funding for the production of long-range combat systems for Ukraine, the Die Welt newspaper reports, citing its own sources.