United Nations
The investigation into the mass murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka continues, not all involved have been identified. Russia has not provided access to the crime scene to international organizations, and former heads of the colony have been notified of suspicion.
On July 28-29, 2022, Russians killed over 50 captured Ukrainian defenders from "Azovstal" in Olenivka, and about 150 more were wounded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasizes that this crime is a reminder of Russia's disregard for international humanitarian law.
July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day, which focuses on prevention and treatment, and World Nature Conservation Day, which calls for a careful attitude towards the environment. Orthodox believers also honor the memory of the holy apostles Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas.
The drone production plant in Russia's Alabuga is significantly expanding, as evidenced by satellite images showing dozens of new buildings. This expansion will accommodate up to 40,000 workers, indicating a significant increase in UAV production, including Shahed drones and their cheaper versions.
The Israel Defense Forces will implement a daily military pause from 10:00 to 20:00 in certain areas of the Gaza Strip to allow access for humanitarian aid. Also, from 6:00 to 23:00, safe routes for humanitarian convoys, coordinated with the UN, will be in effect.
Israel has resumed air deliveries of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and is taking other measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. This includes establishing humanitarian corridors for UN convoys and humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first Western member of the UN Security Council to do so. This move came after Great Britain and Canada refused to join the initiative due to their unwillingness to anger the United States.
Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continue for the third day, with the death toll rising to 33. Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire, while Thailand demands an end to sovereignty violations.
At the UN, the US called on China to stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia that are used in the war against Ukraine. China responded that it is not a party to the conflict and accused the US of trying to shift blame.
At the UN, the US reminded Russia of Trump's 50-day ultimatum regarding peace in Ukraine and accused China of supplying dual-use goods used in the war. Russia continues to attack civilians despite the UN resolution.
UN funding for Ukraine's humanitarian needs remains critically low, with only 34% of the planned $2. 6 billion raised.
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UN has confirmed the death of at least 13,580 civilians, including 716 children. More than 34,000 civilians have been injured as Russia continues shelling, having fired 5,183 long-range munitions.
US President Donald Trump commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's intention to recognize Palestine as a state, stating that his words do not matter. Macron plans to make an official statement at the UN General Assembly in September, which has caused outrage in Israel and the US.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to recognize the Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. This decision drew sharp condemnation from Israel and the United States, but received a positively neutral reaction from European allies.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as an independent state in September this year at the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the need to end the war in the Gaza Strip, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza.
The United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, citing that the organization has deviated from its founding mission. The US and Israel had already announced their withdrawal in 2017 during Donald Trump's presidency.
Shipowners and oil traders are distancing themselves from the Indian company Nayara Energy Ltd. after its inclusion in the EU sanctions package. The tanker Talara turned around and left the port of Vadinar without loading fuel, and Nayara began demanding prepayment due to concerns about payments.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Senate is ready to pass a sanctions bill that provides for secondary duties of up to 100% for countries buying Russian oil. He also urged European allies to follow the US example and impose secondary sanctions against Russia.
On Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed on the grounds of a college and school in Dhaka, killing at least 19 people and hospitalizing over 100 with burns. The incident occurred at Milestone School and College, and the interim government of Bangladesh promises to investigate the causes of the crash.
In Bangladesh, an F-7 BGI military aircraft crashed on the grounds of Milestone School and College in Dhaka. At least one person was killed and four others were injured in the incident.
Iran, Great Britain, France, and Germany may hold talks on Tehran's nuclear program next week. This comes after the E3 countries warned of renewed sanctions if no progress is made.
During July 18, 177 combat engagements took place at the front, 47 of which were assault actions stopped in the Pokrovsk direction. The invaders launched two missile and 71 air strikes, used 3843 kamikaze drones, and carried out 5825 shellings.
More than 5,000 Tuvalu citizens have applied for Australian visas due to rising ocean levels. The Australian government has stopped accepting applications for 2026, as the number of applicants exceeded the quota.
Netflix used AI-generated visual effects for the first time in the series The Eternauts for a building collapse scene. This allowed for faster production and reduced costs, despite controversies surrounding the use of AI in the entertainment industry.
Today, July 18, cloudy weather with moderate rains is expected in Ukraine, with heavy rains in Zakarpattia and Prykarpattia. Air temperature will range from 13-18° at night to 29-34° during the day in the south and east.
President Zelenskyy stated that about 40% of the weapons of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are produced in Ukraine, and this figure should increase to 50% within six months. The new government will audit defense agreements with partners.
Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has declared the protection of the Druze community a priority following reports of troop withdrawals from As-Suwayda. This comes after Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and amid inter-communal clashes that have resulted in over 350 deaths.
The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania met in Lublin, reaffirming their support for Ukraine on its path to the EU and NATO. They called for increased sanctions pressure on Russia and an immediate ceasefire.
In South Korea, a teacher and a student's father were arrested for attempting to steal exam papers from a school in Andong. Their attempt was stopped by an alarm, and the police suspect previous incidents and bribery.
Over 14 million children remained unvaccinated in 2024, according to a UN report. This led to an increase in measles and whooping cough incidence in Europe and a measles outbreak in the US.