- EU proposes major tobacco tax overhaul, raising cigarette duties by 139%
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- Trump directs Pentagon to reduce military exercises with South Korea after its refusal to aid Iran’s denuclearisation efforts
- One dead as Hurricane Lala hits Hawaii with 91mph winds and heavy rain
- Belgium battles historic wildfire as heat fuels blazes across Europe
- Search continues for missing pilot in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region
Europe
Ukraine launched hundreds of drones targeting military and energy facilities across Russia, resulting in at least six fatalities. This marks one of Kyiv’s largest aerial assaults since early 2022. President Zelenskyy called for European missile interceptors to aid Ukraine against Russian strikes.
A 55-metre statue of the Virgin Mary has been erected in the Polish village of Konotopie, becoming the tallest Marian monument in Europe. Funded by billionaire Roman Karkosik at an estimated cost of 100 million zlotys, the statue will be blessed on 15 August, despite the site remaining unfinished.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced strikes on key Russian military sites, including the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, using FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles. The operation aimed to reduce Russian military capabilities and was part of Ukraine’s strategy to pressure Moscow amid ongoing hostilities.
The Democratic Rally has won Cyprus’s parliamentary election, securing 27.2% of the vote and 17 seats. Following closely, the left-wing AKEL obtained 23.9% for 16 seats, while the far-right ELAM achieved third place with 10.9%, capturing eight seats amid rising anti-establishment sentiment.
Clashes erupted at Bilbao airport as Global Sumud Flotilla activists arrived in Spain, leading to police charges and four arrests. Israel has since summoned a Spanish diplomat, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in Spain’s handling of the situation.
Russia conducted extensive missile strikes on Kyiv overnight, resulting in at least four deaths and 56 injuries, according to local officials. The assault, which involved nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles, targeted various districts and damaged residential buildings and schools, prompting declarations of a continued threat in the capital.
Specialist LKA units in Berlin’s Pankow district discovered 59 unexploded Second World War shells during a routine walk. The find underscores ongoing risks associated with remnants of wartime ordnance in urban areas. Authorities are assessing the situation for safety and proper disposal protocols.
The Terra dei Fuochi, a region in southern Italy, faces severe environmental damage due to illegal waste disposal practices. The area has been significantly compromised by the burying and burning of refuse, raising urgent concerns about public health and ecological impact.
Police in the UK are extending their investigation into former prince Andrew to include allegations of sexual misconduct, following claims that a woman was brought to Windsor for “sexual purposes” in 2010. The inquiry stems from connections with Jeffrey Epstein, amid concerns of public perception regarding misconduct in public office.
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