Eastern Europe’s second-largest country, at the heart of Europe's security and energy dynamics.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as leader of the Labour Party and will become prime minister on Monday after securing overwhelming support from Labour MPs and trade unions. He has pledged to shift power from Westminster to local areas, prioritise cost-of-living measures and tackle social care while promising a ‘‘distinctively Labour’’ government to counter Reform UK.
Ukraine's prosecutor general has said investigators have restored surveillance footage linked to the June 29 parcel bomb that wounded tycoon Vadym Iermolaiev, his partner and their son in Monaco. A woman named by Interpol as the prime suspect, Anastasiia Berezovska, was later found shot near Kyiv; Ukrainian authorities have detained a serving military intelligence officer and a former law‑enforcement officer in connection with her killing.
The incoming Labour leader has not confirmed new North Sea licences but is open to a pragmatic approach. Trump has criticised Britain’s energy stance, while allies push for bold policy moves ahead of Burnham’s Downing Street debut.
Labour leader Andy Burnham is set to outline his position on North Sea oil and gas projects on his first day in office, amid ongoing consultations into Rosebank and Jackdaw. The debate centres on environmental concerns, energy security, and the economic case for domestic production.
Burnham is moving to form a new economic team. Shabana Mahmood is tipped to lead the Treasury, with Ed Miliband’s path blocked. Other ministers remain in contention as Downing Street staffing takes shape in the run-up to a formal No. 10 transition.
Official CPI data for June shows a 3.5% annual rise in the US and a 0.4% monthly drop, driven by a slide in energy prices. Core inflation remains sticky, with food, services and AI-driven price pressures keeping costs elevated. Markets watch for Fed policy as oil prices rebound amid Middle East tensions.
The outgoing prime minister has thanked staff and families as MPs from across parties pay tribute. He says Labour is leaving the country in better shape and will support his successor, Andy Burnham, as he takes over.
Josh Kerr has broken the mile world record at the London Diamond League, running 3:42.66 to shave 0.47 seconds off Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 mark. The Scot led through precise pacing from Brannon Kidder and Zan Rudolf and won by a clear margin; the meet also featured standout wins from Julien Alfred and Karsten Warholm.
The Labour leadership has chosen Andy Burnham as its new leader. He has pledged to recalibrate the party and steer the country amid economic strain. The process has moved quickly, with Starmer stepping down and Burnham moving into Downing Street. Government planning is underway as Burnham outlines his team and policy direction.
The latest wave of open-weight AI models from Chinese labs is expanding rapidly, offering cheaper, customizable options that are challenging premium, closed models. OpenRouter shows Chinese models occupying top spots for weekly token usage, while industry players push open-weight strategies to reduce costs and speed deployment. Analysts say most routine corporate AI work can be handled by these cheaper models, with premium providers reserved for the toughest problems.
Oil prices remain near multi-week highs as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz escalate. The US has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran, Iran warns it will respond, and analysts expect intermittent supply disruptions to keep prices elevated in coming quarters.
Ukraine has removed a reform-minded defence minister six months into his term, prompting protests and questions about military leadership. Zelenskyy vows unity as political shake-ups continue amid ongoing war.
The slice of stories shows how drones and autonomous systems are transforming warfare. Ukraine’s use of unmanned boats, ground vehicles and motherships is driving NATO Europe to rethink procurement, industrial bases and battlefield strategy.
UK Labour leader Andy Burnham has been confirmed as prime minister-designate after winning the party leadership with 379 MPs’ backing. Starmer will hand over the premiership on Monday after meetings with King Charles III. Badenoch criticises Burnham, calling him a "people pleaser" who has not set out a concrete plan. Readers are being kept informed as the new government takes shape.
The Guardian reports Burnham pledges to deliver “good growth in every postcode” through devolution and industrial policy; Bloomberg notes the economy faces major challenges, including weak growth and debt, as he is set to become prime minister. Together the coverage outlines a plan to rewire the state, with devolution and targeted investment at its core.
Labour is moving toward Andy Burnham becoming prime minister, with endorsements crossing the threshold to trigger a leadership transition. The process is unfolding amid wider political and international signals, and the public awaits the new direction.
Ukraine’s mid-range, Starlink-enabled drones have expanded the front’s reach, pressuring Russia’s supply lines and Crimea’s energy hubs. Russia is countering with camouflage, jamming, and new tactics, while Ukraine trains fighters and pursues domestically produced drones to sustain the push.
The yen has weakened to multi-decade lows as US rates remain higher than Japan's. Intervention is being considered, but the long-running carry trade and energy costs keep downward pressure on the currency. Markets are watching potential official action and the broader implications for Japan's economy and global markets.
OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil output by 188,000 barrels per day from August, marking the fifth straight monthly rise. While the move signals a cautious unwind of earlier cuts, oil supplies remain constrained by the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions. Prices have edged back toward pre-war levels as shipping resumes.
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
Beijing has expanded its regulatory reach to target foreign entities deemed to threaten its supply chains and enforce sanctions. A third draft law would allow prosecutions for acts harming China’s national interests, while officials say the measures safeguard sovereignty and development.
Across US politics, support for Israel is waning amid calls to reassess military aid; Democrats and Republicans are rethinking the framework, with prominent voices urging a recalibration of aid and diplomacy.
Clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have escalated ahead of regional elections, with dozens killed or injured as security forces move to clear roadblocks and suppress protests. The UN has urged investigations into civilian deaths, while Islamabad vows a political path forward amid security-led measures.
A Chinese delegation led by Wang Yang is visiting Pyongyang to advance agreed cooperation with North Korea, including military and economic ties. The talks follow Xi Jinping’s June visit and aim to implement a blueprint for closer strategic relations. North Korea seeks Beijing’s backing while China hopes to maintain regional stability and influence.
Fuel shortages persist across Russia as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt refineries and supply networks. Regions report rationing, long queues at petrol stations, and authorities are imposing export bans while exploring imports to stabilise domestic supply. Prices have risen as the crisis deepens.
AI industry leaders are facing intensified threats as public sentiment turns against AI. Attacks on executives and facilities have prompted heightened security measures, while policy discussions on wealth sharing and regulation intensify.
Sen. Lindsey Graham has died, triggering an interim appointee and a looming Aug. 11 special primary to determine the GOP nominee for the Senate race. Key figures include Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace, and Gov. Henry McMaster, with former President Trump weighing in on potential replacements.
Poland and Ukraine remain at odds over the Ukrainian Insurgent Army’s wartime actions as a Ukrainian president’s decision to honour UPA figures sparked a cross‑border row. Poland has indicted an 18‑year‑old Ukrainian national on 47 charges, alleging Russian intelligence involvement to fuel ethnic tensions. The case comes amid ongoing debates on history and security in the region.
Leaders gather in Paris as Macron hosts a Coalition of the Willing to bolster Ukraine’s defence, with Zelenskyy in attendance. The day also features a large, unified military parade across Paris as Europe showcases its unity against Russia amidst heatwaves across France.
Banks have posted strong second-quarter earnings driven by robust investment banking fees and equity trading, led by Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Citi, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. The AI-backed activity has broadened beyond tech to infrastructure and lending, with SpaceX’s IPO and rising deal volumes underpinning a bullish backdrop for the sector.
EU conferences open for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro mark renewed momentum in enlargement talks. Kyiv partners with Brussels to advance five policy clusters; Hungary's veto persists on two clusters. Ukraine seeks I EU reform alignment amid security concerns as Russia’s war continues.
The updated Russia sanctions legislation has gained White House backing and is advancing in the Senate, aiming to impose tariffs on the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas while allowing waivers for national interests. The bill narrows the scope from a blanket 500% tariff to up to 100% and seeks to pressure Moscow amid ongoing debate over coalition support and timing.
The US has intensified strikes on Iran while stockpiles are being depleted; defense contractors are urged to accelerate production as the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit highlights the broader risks to national security.
Trump is rallying defense and investment leaders in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, as he presses for a robust defense budget and stronger U.S. industrial ties. The event features top defense officials and corporate leaders, with the White House highlighting national security and investment opportunities amid ongoing concerns about global threats and the cost of living.
Keir Starmer faces his last Prime Minister’s Questions while preparing to hand over leadership to Andy Burnham. The day includes cabinet farewell talks, a scheduled joint appearance with Badenoch, and discussion of the Hillsborough Law as ministers mark a turning point in a turbulent transition.
Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s Odesa region have intensified, targeting port infrastructure and civilian areas. Officials report casualties and damage to residential and industrial sites. Ukraine has counterstrikes against Russian vessels, while European leaders visit Kyiv to discuss defence ties.
Ukraine has sustained heavy losses but has gained international pledges of aid. EU officials say the tide is turning as Kyiv strengthens air defenses and targets deep inside Russia, while Serbia attends a Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv amid tensions with Moscow.
Joe Biden has announced a forthcoming memoir, Promise Me, America, detailing decisions and challenges of his presidency. The book, scheduled for Nov. 17, follows Jill Biden’s recent memoir and comes two weeks after midterm elections. Publishers have not disclosed financial terms. The release will cover topics from the pandemic to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Keir Starmer has delivered a final PMQs, defending his record as prime minister while paying tribute to colleagues and supporters. MPs applaud as he says goodbye; Andy Burnham is expected to become the next prime minister on Monday after a turbulent two-year tenure.
Security researchers report AI-assisted attacks are accelerating, with open-source models, jailbroken tools, and AI-powered services enabling rapid coding, data exfiltration, and ransomware-style campaigns. Experts warn defenders are racing to patch vulnerabilities as attackers shorten the window between discovery and exploitation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister. The move has prompted nationwide protests, resignations in the military, and has led Zelenskyy to name SBU chief Yevhen Khmara as acting defence minister while parliament prepares confirmation votes.
Labour has confirmed Andy Burnham as the new party leader and upcoming prime minister after an uncontested leadership contest. Starmer has stepped down, with Burnham expected to form a government and announce a cabinet in the coming days. UK-Ukrainian support continues as Burnham readies for office.
Protests erupt across Ukraine as President Zelensky removes Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, citing a government overhaul. Fedorov accuses Commander-in-Chief Syrsky of blocking reforms; Zelensky says unity requires change. Syrsky acknowledges past successes but signals ongoing strategic shifts amid a rapidly evolving war.
Kyiv has been hit by a major Russian missile strike involving Iskander-M and Zircon missiles. Reports say at least one person has died and multiple others are injured as several districts are damaged. Kyiv’s defenses have downed the majority of missiles and drones, but air-defense shortages persist.