America
Trump, Zelensky Meet on Ukraine War Talks
The President of America, Donald Trump, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, meet later today in Washington to discuss prospects for a peace process aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia.
The meeting comes just days after Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, met on the same subject in Alaska on Friday.
Zelensky is expected to be accompanied by a group of Western leaders—including those of Germany, France, Britain, and the European Union (EU), in an effort to strengthen his hand ahead of the talks.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky and the Western leaders held a video conference to harmonize their positions for today’s talks with Trump.
Following the conference, Zelensky issued a public statement in which he said Ukraine would require security guarantees from America as part of any peace deal with Russia.
Portugal
Wildfires Rage in Portugal
Scores of wildfires are ravaging parts of Portugal, days after they began.
The most affected is the Tarouca area, where hundreds of residents have been displaced and scores of homes and other properties destroyed.
More than 4,000 firefighters have been deployed, along with dozens of helicopters, in the ongoing effort to contain the fires. The blaze has been fueled by a heatwave, strong winds, and prolonged dry conditions.
Israel
Israelis Stage Major Anti-War Protests
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis staged what organizers describe as the largest anti-war protest in recent history on Sunday night.
The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition end the war by reaching a deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages still in captivity.
According to organizers, more than 500,000 people from across the country participated in the demonstration.
The protest, held at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, was organized mainly by families of hostages, human rights activists, and both serving and reserve military personnel, who accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for personal political survival.
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the protest, saying it inadvertently supports Hamas by calling for an end to the war without first defeating the group.
Ukraine
Seven Killed in Russian Attack on Kharkiv
At least seven people were killed and 18 others wounded in overnight Russian military attacks on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
Local sources said the fatalities included children. Six of the wounded were also children.
One of the drones used in the attack struck a residential building, killing several, including children.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, has been a frequent target of Russian military offensives.
Nigeria
Search and Rescue Operations Continue After Sokoto Boat Mishap
Emergency services continued operations today at the site of a boat mishap in Sokoto State, Nigeria.
The boat, ferrying traders to a nearby market on Sunday, capsized for reasons that remain unclear.
Local sources report that about 50 traders and crew were onboard when the boat went down. As of press time, 10 people had been rescued, though many fear that additional survivors are unlikely.
Over 40 people died in similar circumstances in the state last year, when an overloaded boat capsized, killing everyone on board.
Many commercial boats in Sokoto and nearby states are often overloaded and poorly maintained.
America
Police Launch Manhunt After Brooklyn Mass Shooting
Police in the U.S. have launched a manhunt for the suspect(s) behind Sunday night’s mass shooting in Brooklyn, New York.
At least three people were killed and more than nine others wounded in the attack.
Officials from the New York Police Department (NYPD) said they had recovered a firearm and over 40 spent cartridges, but had not confirmed whether the weapon was used in the shooting.
The motive remains unknown. The incident comes just days after city officials claimed that the frequency of mass shootings in the area had dropped significantly.
Palestine
Israel Targets More Gazans as Famine Death Toll Reaches 258
Israel has continued its campaign of widespread destruction across Gaza, targeting homes and health centers.
More than 120 residential buildings have been demolished by Israeli forces since announcing plans to seize and occupy the Gaza enclave.
The demolitions are taking place amid growing fatalities from famine, fueled by Israel’s blockade of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
According to the Gaza-run Ministry of Health, 258 people, including 110 children, have died of starvation since the blockade began.
This number does not include those killed directly in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
According to Hamas, more than 180,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded in the two-year conflict, with approximately 62,000 confirmed fatalities, mainly women and children.
Israel recently confirmed the loss of around 900 troops, including about 450 killed in combat.
