Russia attacks west Ukraine with drones and missiles, kills two
Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine on Saturday, firing 597 drones and 26 missiles in its fourth large-scale attack this month. Strikes hit cities nationwide, killing two and injuring 20 in Chernivtsi, a western city near the Romanian border, Reuters reported.
Ukraine’s air force downed 25 missiles and 319 drones, jamming 258 others. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged stronger sanctions and more air defence, saying the war can only be stopped by force.
Western cities—Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi—suffered the most damage. Lviv, near Poland, and Lutsk, in northwestern Ukraine, saw homes, businesses, and public buildings hit. The UN said June saw the highest civilian toll in three years, according to Reuters.
Preliminary report reveals engine shutdown before Air India crash
A preliminary investigation into last month’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad has revealed that both of the aircraft’s fuel control switches were in the cut-off position just moments before the fatal impact, effectively shutting down the engines.
The report, which contains cockpit voice recordings, describes misunderstanding between the two pilots in the closing seconds. One pilot is heard questioning another why the fuel switches were turned off. The second pilot denies doing so. According to aviation experts, it is highly unlikely that both switches were accidentally activated at the same time, creating more doubts about the sequence of events, BBC reported.
The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 260 passengers and crew. The only survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, reportedly escaped the wreckage through a breach in the fuselage.
Air India has stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, while aircraft manufacturer Boeing expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The incident remains under active inquiry, according to BBC.
UN Chief condemns Houthi attacks on civilian vessels in Red Sea
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned renewed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on civilian ships in the Red Sea. According to his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, the recent sinking of two commercial vessels resulted in at least four deaths, multiple injuries, and 15 crew members reported missing.
Guterres urged the Houthis to refrain from obstructing ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. He stressed that such attacks violate international law, endanger maritime safety, and threaten severe environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences, according to UN News.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to de-escalation in the region and to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen through engagement with all stakeholders.
Cameroon sets presidential election for October 12
Cameroon will hold its presidential election on October 12, according to a decree signed by President Paul Biya, leader of the Central African nation. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, according to Xinhua.
Candidates must submit their applications by July 21, with the final list to be published by August 11. The official campaign period will run from September 27 to October 11.
