Greece is closing the Acropolis and urging outdoor workers to suspend operations due to a third heatwave that will bring temperatures up to +43°C. Authorities are on high alert, and tourists and residents are advised to avoid the heat and crowds.
The 2025 Venice Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 9, presenting new works by famous directors and actors. Among the premieres are Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein", Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia" and Paolo Sorrentino's "Grace", as well as Netflix films.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot visited Kharkiv to discuss strengthening air defense and protecting the city from Russian terror. They saw firsthand the consequences of Russian strikes on civilian targets and discussed attracting additional international support for the region's residents.
A French court has convicted the director of the company Anavim and two men of human trafficking, who worked in inhumane conditions during grape harvesting. The company was dissolved, and the culprits were ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
Iran does not plan to abandon uranium enrichment, despite serious damage to facilities from US strikes, which is a matter of national pride. Negotiations with European states, China, and Russia on the nuclear issue and possible sanctions are resuming, as the 2015 agreement expires in October.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
Iran has expressed readiness for indirect talks with the US regarding a new nuclear deal. Tehran expects the lifting of American sanctions in exchange for dialogue.
A delegation from France and Ukraine visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, inspecting the New Safe Confinement and a facility damaged by a UAV attack. The parties discussed cooperation in nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with Ukrainian companies to accelerate cooperation in the production of weapons and drones. French companies expressed readiness for joint drone production in Ukraine.
US President's Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, during his visit to Kyiv, discussed with the Ukrainian side the necessary weapons, including Patriot systems, and joint arms production. The visit took place in the context of agreements between the leaders of the US and Ukraine, confirming the continuation of high-level dialogue.
Ukraine is ready to continue negotiations with Russia, expecting a constructive dialogue and a mandate to resolve important issues. A meeting at the level of leaders involving Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, European leaders, and Erdogan is proposed.
Rescuers extinguished fires in Kyiv and Kharkiv that arose as a result of Russian attacks. Two people died, 15 were injured, and more than 50 people were evacuated.
Ukraine and France will create a €200 million fund to support Ukraine's critical infrastructure and economy starting in 2026. Issues of weapons, finance, reconstruction, and sanctions against Russia were also discussed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine plans to open over 10 new consular offices by the end of the year, including in Romania, Iraq, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, France, and Poland. Consulates in Antalya and Gdansk will receive general consulate status.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defense assistance to Ukraine, particularly strengthening air defense. The parties also discussed joint defense production, including the manufacturing of drones in Ukraine.
The French government has launched a criminal investigation against company X for alleged algorithm manipulation and fraudulent data extraction. The company denies the accusations and calls the investigation politically motivated.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced a visit to Kyiv to participate in the annual conference of ambassadors. He will reaffirm unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude futures rose by 6 cents to $69. 34 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 17 cents to $67.51. This comes as the impact of new European sanctions on Russian oil supplies is being assessed, alongside concerns about declining demand due to tariffs.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister François Bayrou have become the most unpopular executive pair in the country's history. Macron's approval rating stands at 19%, and Bayrou's at 18%.
American World War II veteran Jake Larson, known as "Papa Jake" on TikTok, has died at the age of 102. He participated in the Allied landings in Normandy and shared his experiences.
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.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he would vote against the EU budget for 2028–2034, which provides for the allocation of 100 billion euros to support Ukraine. He justifies this by saying that the budget "sends Hungarians' money to Ukraine" and "destroys Hungarian farmers."
Taisiia Onofriichuk won a bronze medal in the individual all-around at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup stage in Milan. She also qualified for all four finals, which will take place on July 20.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports on the Kremlin's nervous reaction to the bans on Russian state media in Europe. The restrictions, imposed by a number of European countries, have dealt a blow to Russia's foreign propaganda system.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The ban on marketing agreements between pharmacies and drug manufacturers from March 1, 2025, negatively affects small manufacturers who have lost their promotion tools. This can also lead to market shadowization and job losses.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France discussed Ukraine's defense needs, strengthening air defense, and training pilots for Mirages. France confirmed its readiness to accept additional pilots for training and is working on joint solutions for protection against Russian strikes.
Pornhub has ceased operations in France for the second time due to the re-enactment of the age verification law, which requires a third-party verification system. Aylo, the owner of Pornhub, states that the new requirements are ineffective and create risks for user privacy.
Austrian extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner died on July 17 in Italy during a paragliding flight. The 56-year-old athlete lost control and crashed into a hotel complex's swimming pool, which led to cardiac arrest.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign an agreement on mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack. The document also provides for the joint development of a missile system and measures to mitigate the consequences of Brexit.
