Russian strikes kill civilians in Kyiv as drones and missiles pound the capital

Reuters

Russia launched a combined salvo of drones and missiles on the Ukrainian capital in the early hours, killing at least six people — including a six-year-old boy and his mother — and injuring at least 82, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 300 drones and eight missiles were fired, with residential buildings among the targets. The barrage underscores Moscow’s sustained pressure on urban centers as Ukraine faces air-defense strains and ongoing power grid disruptions. The attack is likely to draw renewed calls in Europe for stepped-up air defenses and ammunition resupplies, while heightening civilian displacement risks inside Kyiv.

Gaza toll mounts amid reports of starvation deaths as bombardment continues

Al Jazeera,

Israeli attacks and a deepening humanitarian crisis continued to claim lives in Gaza, with local health updates and hospital reports citing additional deaths linked to malnutrition and disease amid access constraints. Live updates noted seven new hospital-recorded “famine and malnutrition” deaths, bringing the reported hunger-related toll to 154, including 89 children, alongside ongoing daily strikes. The situation has intensified diplomatic friction over aid access and ceasefire terms, with agencies warning of systemic collapse of medical and food distribution networks unless sustained corridors are guaranteed.

US–Canada trade rift widens after Ottawa’s Palestine move; tariffs threatened

DW,

The White House signaled it could jeopardize trade arrangements with Canada following Ottawa’s steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state. Reporting indicates President Donald Trump threatened punitive measures that could affect elements of cross-border trade unless terms are renegotiated quickly. European partners are also bracing for broader tariff fallout starting August 1, warning of knock-on effects for supply chains and prices. The pressure campaign adds a Middle East policy dimension to North American trade talks and could force Ottawa to balance diplomatic signaling with the imperative to shield key export sectors.

US slaps 25% tariffs on Indian goods; Modi faces domestic backlash

Reuters,

The United States announced a 25% tariff on a range of Indian goods, with added penalties tied to New Delhi’s energy and defense dealings with Russia, raising the prospect of supply-chain disruptions and investor uncertainty. Indian opposition leaders seized on the move to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trade strategy, as sector groups warned of potential export losses. Analysts say the step could complicate US–India strategic coordination on China and technology, while prompting New Delhi to weigh countermeasures or accelerated diversification of markets.

US senator’s potential Taiwan visit highlights shifting Washington posture

Al Jazeera,

US Senator Roger Wicker is reported to be considering a visit to Taiwan, days after President Lai Ching-te canceled a Latin America trip and amid indications of cooler White House engagement on the island. The prospective visit would underscore Congress’s continued role in Taiwan outreach as the executive recalibrates priorities during wider trade standoffs. Beijing is likely to protest any high-profile congressional delegation, while Taipei balances domestic political pressures with the risk of further cross-Strait tension.

Thailand–Cambodia border truce frays as both sides trade breach allegations

The Japan Times,

Thailand and Cambodia accused each other of violating a fragile ceasefire that largely paused the deadliest frontier fighting in more than a decade. The renewed recriminations raise concerns over escalation risks around contested areas and the impact on border communities and trade. Diplomats say sustained monitoring and third-party facilitation will be critical to prevent a slide back into open combat, as both governments face domestic pressure to project firmness while avoiding regional fallout within ASEAN.

UN experts warn IS and al-Qaida threat remains intense in Africa, risks rising in Syria

AP News,

A UN expert panel reported that Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliates continue to pose an “intense” threat across parts of Africa, with expanding operational reach and cross-border attacks, while warning of growing risks in Syria. The assessment urges sustained international counterterrorism coordination and attention to governance failures exploited by militants. It also flags concerns over prison breaks, financing streams, and battlefield drawdowns that could enable regeneration of networks if security vacuums persist.

US, Pakistan announce deal on oil reserves as tariff diplomacy reshapes ties

DW,

The US and Pakistan unveiled an agreement to jointly develop Pakistan’s oil reserves, which Islamabad says will help lower American tariffs on Pakistani exports. The energy-for-trade arrangement comes as Washington wields tariff leverage across multiple partners, signaling a transactional turn that could alter Pakistan’s export calculus and investment flows. Details on timelines and project scope are pending, but officials touted the deal as a buffer against external shocks and a potential spur for energy security and jobs.