US-Iran tensions, a deadly Russian drone attack in Ukraine, security concerns in Meghalaya and a new international notice linked to the Sambhal violence case. Officials have issued fresh statements as military, diplomatic and law-enforcement developments unfold. Trump Hormuz remarks sharpen US-Iran tensions US President Donald Trump said he views the Strait of Hormuz as “American territory”

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has been appointed by Russia to an international arbitral tribunal hearing Ukrainian state-owned Oschadbank’s claim over assets and operations lost during the war. The treaty case involves losses in four Ukrainian regions and marks a notable new international role for the former CJI. Oschadbank claim Oschadbank’s claim concerns assets and busines

Peter Navarro says Donald Trump and Narendra Modi can manage the Russian oil tariff dispute as Congress advances a sanctions package targeting major Russian energy buyers. The Senate passed the bill 86-11, while an identical House companion was introduced on August 11, 2026. A bipartisan U.S. sanctions push targeting major buyers of Russian energy is putting renewed pressure on India-U.S. trade ties, but White House Senior

A Belgorod drone attack killed six people and injured 25 as Russia and Ukraine exchanged another wave of deadly strikes. Residential areas were damaged in Belgorod and Kharkiv, while attacks around Odesa highlighted the growing focus on ports, energy and logistics. Belgorod Drone Attack Kills Six Civilians Six people were killed and 25 others injured in an overnight Ukrainian drone attack on th

Russia has merged several irregular combat units into a new Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The move has renewed concerns over the alleged use of Ukrainian prisoners of war in frontline combat, raising questions about compliance with international humanitarian law. Russia Forms Brigade Using Ukraini

Russian President Vladimir Putin has revived disputed historical arguments about western Ukraine, suggesting that some territories could eventually pass to Poland, Hungary and Romania. His remarks came during a televised meeting with Russian Navy personnel on July 26, 2026, as Moscow held scaled-down Navy Day observances. Putin’s Western Ukraine Claims During the meeting, Putin described part

A grain ship sinks near Odesa days after suffering major damage in a Russian missile attack, according to Ukraine’s Sea Ports Authority. The strike on the Golden Leo killed 10 people and renewed concerns about Black Sea shipping, grain exports and global food security. Odesa ship attack damages Golden Leo The civilian cargo vessel Golden Leo sank in the Black Sea after being struck near Odesa

Russian strikes in Ukraine killed at least 15 people on Friday, July 24, 2026, including 10 at a defense industry event in the Kyiv region and five in Sloviansk, as officials opened investigations and warned of another possible large-scale missile assault. At least 15 people were killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine on Friday, July 24, 2026, including 10 at a defense industry event in the Kyiv region and five in the ea

India has strongly raised concerns over the safety of its merchant seafarers after four Indian crew members were killed in a Russian missile strike on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. The discussion highlighted India's demand for better protection of civilian merchant mar

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new army chief, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid nationwide protests. The leadership change places military reform, technology, mobilisation and long-range strikes at the centre of Ukraine’s war strategy. Zelensky Appoints Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine Army Chief   Mykhailo Drapatyi Becomes Ukraine Army Chief

Wes Streeting appointed UK defence secretary marks one of the biggest changes in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first cabinet. The appointment follows a major Labour reshuffle that moved John Healey to the Treasury while placing Streeting in charge of Britain's defence strategy, armed forces and support for international allies. Wes Streeting Appointed UK Defence Secretary by Andy Burnham   Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuff

Ukraine's AI drones are changing the battlefield, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who said Russian soldiers arriving at the front are surviving only 20 to 30 minutes on average. The remarks highlight how low-cost drone technology and long-range strikes are reshaping the war between Ukraine and Russia. CIA Director Highlights AI Warfare CIA Directo

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a revised sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries purchasing large amounts of Russian oil and gas. India and China are among the five countries specifically targeted, placing renewed pressure on their energy trade with Moscow while raising questions about the future of India-US commercial relations. India tariff threat under revised US bill

Trump-Backed Russia Bill Puts 100% Tariff Risk on India India could face tariffs of up to 100% under a revised US sanctions bill aimed at countries that remain major buyers of Russian oil and gas. President Donald Trump has backed the legislation, which would give the White House broad authority to use trade penalties to reduce the energy revenue available to Moscow. The updated proposal is

Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin was briefly detained on Monday, July 13, days after authorities designated him a “foreign agent.” Police charged the former presidential hopeful with displaying extremist symbols over an older online video connected to Alexei Navalny. Boris Nadezhdin detained near Moscow Nadezhdin announced the arrival of poli

France will allow Ukraine to manufacture French-designed missiles and precision-guided bombs under a new bilateral defence roadmap. The agreement also covers radars, next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems and 16 Rafale fighter jets, significantly expanding Paris’ long-term military partnership with Kyiv. France grants Ukraine missile production licences French President Emmanuel Macron announced the roadmap after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a gathering of Ukraine’s allies in Paris on Monday, July 13. Macron said the plan would implement defence commitments agreed in principle between the two countries in November. Under the arrangement, Ukraine will receive licences to produce SCALP long-range cruise missiles, Aster air defence interceptor missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided air-to-ground bombs. It marks the first time France has authorised the production of these weapons inside Ukraine. Local production could help Ukraine rebuild weapons stocks more quickly and reduce its reliance on deliveries from foreign factories. However, the agreement’s impact will depend on financing, industrial capacity, component supplies and the security of Ukrainian manufacturing sites. Rafale jets and SAMP-T systems strengthen air power Macron confirmed that Ukraine had ordered 16 Rafale fighter jets, with the aircraft expected to become operational between 2028 and 2029. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel is expected to begin before the jets enter service. The Rafale acquisition will support Ukraine’s longer-term effort to modernise its air force alongside existing Western aircraft. The delivery schedule means the jets are primarily intended to strengthen Ukraine’s future defence structure rather than provide an immediate battlefield solution. Kyiv has also ordered next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems. France plans to complete deliveries of the current version before supplying the upgraded systems and additional Aster interceptor missiles. France to transfer radars and air defence technology The defence roadmap includes the transfer of radar systems designed to improve Ukraine’s ability to detect incoming aircraft, drones and missiles. These systems will complement the SAMP-T network and other air defence platforms already used by Ukrainian forces. The new arrangement shifts French support beyond direct weapons deliveries toward licensed production, technical cooperation and domestic defence manufacturing. Ukraine could gain greater control over maintenance and replenishment, while French companies deepen their role in rebuilding the country’s military industry. Allies plan exercises near Ukraine Macron also said Ukraine’s allies would begin military exercises in neighbouring countries. The drills are intended to prepare forces that could support a proposed multinational security mission after a ceasefire with Russia takes effect. At the Paris meeting, Ukraine and nine European countries also announced a coalition aimed at developing stronger protection against ballistic missiles. The initiative seeks to combine Ukraine’s battlefield experience with European defence technology and industrial resources. The latest commitments show France moving from short-term military assistance toward a broader strategy involving production licences, aircraft, missile defence and future force development. Their success will depend on whether the roadmap produces weapons and operational capability quickly enough to meet Ukraine’s evolving security needs.

Ukraine drones have pushed the war far beyond the front lines after striking Russia’s largest oil refinery in Omsk. The deep Siberia attack highlights growing pressure on Russian air defence, strategic energy infrastructure and Vladimir Putin’s military planning. Ukraine drones reach the Omsk refinery Ukrainian drones struck the Omsk oil refinery in western Siberia on July 6, marking the first known attack

Ukraine’s demand for stronger air defence is set to dominate President Volodymyr Zelensky’s message at the NATO summit in Ankara. His appeal comes after another wave of Russian missile and drone attacks hit Kyiv, causing civilian deaths and renewed concern over gaps in Ukraine’s protection system. Kyiv says the country urgently needs more Patriot missile systems, additional interceptor missiles and faster military assistance from Western allies.

Rutte’s Trump strategy faces new NATO test NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s careful management of President Donald Trump is facing a fresh test ahead of the alliance’s Ankara summit, where defence spending, US commitment and European security are expected to dominate discussions. During a recent Washington visit, Rutte presented Trump with charts highlighting

Conflict reaches historic casualty levels A new analysis by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that combined military casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war have surpassed 2 million since the conflict began in February 2022. The study describes the war as the most intense military confrontation in Europe since the Second World War, with R