Kazakh president since 2019, exponent of constitutional reform
Ukraine has carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea that hit a vessel Tehran says was Iranian, killing one sailor and wounding others. Iran has summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires, labelled the attack "hostile and criminal" and warned of retaliation; Kyiv has said it targeted ships moving military cargo linked to Iran and called Iran's threats unjustified.
Kazakhstan’s leader has urged a freeze on the Ukraine conflict and a return to Istanbul-style talks, while Ukraine and Russia signal potential diplomacy. The move comes as oil disruptions hit Kazakhstan’s CPC export routes and Moscow-Kazakhstan ties loom large.
The Ukrainian president has arrived in the United States at a critical phase of Russia's war, with Moscow reporting hundreds of drones targeting the capital region. Zelensky is pressing for a license to co-produce Patriot interceptor missiles in Kyiv, while discussions with U.S. leaders focus on accelerating defence collaboration amid strained global supply of interceptors.
President Min Aung Hlaing has visited Moscow and held talks with President Vladimir Putin to deepen economic, energy and defence ties. The trip has included a Myanmar–Russia business forum and discussions about power plants, oil refineries and military cooperation; it follows a wider diplomatic push by Myanmar since contested 2026 elections.
Kazakhstan has held a snap election for a new unicameral Kurultai. The vote follows constitutional changes that abolished the previous two-chamber parliament. Seven parties, led by Adilet, are contesting the 145 seats. Officials say turnout was high and Tokayev’s reform aims to strengthen parliamentary power while preserving loyalty from ruling circles.
The Vice-President has announced his resignation, citing a commitment to change as the CCM expels Emmanuel Nchimbi and nominates Deogratius Ndejembi to succeed him. Parliament will review the nomination. The move follows post-election unrest and a crackdown that drew international attention.
Guinea‑Bissau has organised a constitutional referendum for 30 August 2026 that would replace its semi‑presidential system with a stronger presidency, cut parliament seats and raise candidacy fees ahead of planned December elections. Kazakhstan has held a vote to elect a new single‑chamber Kurultai under a constitution that allows President Tokayev to run for a seven‑year term; four other pro‑government parties have entered the 145‑seat legislature.
Leaders have convened in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's 25th‑anniversary summit. Xi Jinping has told Vladimir Putin bilateral ties have grown "more solid" and promised "even brighter" prospects. The summit has drawn over a dozen heads of state while bilateral talks are focusing on economic cooperation, visa regimes and security topics as wars in Ukraine and between the US and Iran shape the agenda.
Russia and North Korea have opened a one-kilometre, two-lane road bridge across the Tumen River, creating the first direct road link between the countries. Trucks have begun crossing and Russian officials say the bridge will handle up to 300 vehicles daily and connect to Russia’s federal road network; passenger traffic will start when the crossing is fully operational later this year.
President Donald Trump has announced the formation of an "AI Force" and said he will appoint an AI "czar," pledging not to hinder the industry's growth and calling recent safety warnings a "hoax." He has said the existing criminal and civil justice system will handle bad actors and gave no details on the new body's role, budget or timeline.