Europe

Italy has placed all 27 monitored cities on red heat alert amid a severe heatwave affecting Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40C. This unprecedented warning has prompted health advisories for millions, while Austria recorded a historic 41.2C, exacerbating droughts and wildfires across the continent.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s former ambassador to the US, is under investigation for alleged anti-corruption violations, including failing to declare properties and funds. A High Anti-Corruption Court hearing is scheduled in Kyiv following a notice of suspicion issued by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau on 5 August.

The Metropolitan Police deployed 4,000 officers, along with horses, dogs, drones, and helicopters, to manage far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march and a pro-Palestinian rally marking Nakba Day. The extensive security measures underscore concerns over public order during these events.

Russian forces conducted hundreds of strikes across Ukraine overnight, impacting 15 locations with drone attacks, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Additionally, the bodies of 528 Ukrainian soldiers were returned following a recent prisoner of war exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia’s lawmakers have passed a law authorising the Kremlin to deploy troops abroad to “protect Russian citizens,” effectively granting President Vladimir Putin the power to invade foreign countries. The legislation aims to address perceived injustices faced by Russian citizens abroad, exacerbating concerns over Russia’s military intentions.

Denmark’s former Queen Margrethe, who abdicated in 2024, has been admitted to Rigshospitalet due to chest pain described as angina. The 86-year-old monarch will remain hospitalised over the weekend for observation. Her health has been a concern following major surgery last year, but she is reportedly in good spirits.

Moscow has initiated a significant daytime aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones, resulting in at least three fatalities and 12 injuries. Ukrainian military intelligence warns of a sustained attack on critical infrastructure, with drones detected from various directions, including Belarus.

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