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World News

Fresh news brought to you daily from around the world. Hot news, breaking stories as they happen.

Italian Village Fines Bare-Chested Tourists €200

A village on the shores of Italy's Lake Como has introduced fines of up to €200 (£170) for visitors who walk around shirtless or wearing swimwear, as local authorities seek to tackle the impact of growing tourism.

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The new regulations in Varenna, a popular fishing village, are intended to preserve the area's character and improve the quality of life for its approximately 650 permanent residents, who have increasingly felt the effects of rising visitor numbers.
New Rules Introduced to Curb Tourist Behaviour
Under the rules, tourists are prohibited from walking through the village with bare chests or wearing swimsuits outside designated lakeside beaches or while on boat trips. Anyone who breaks the dress code faces fines ranging from €50 to €200.
Limits on Tour Groups
The measures also place restrictions on organised tour groups, limiting them to a maximum of 25 people. Groups are expected to avoid blocking the village's narrow cobbled streets, while tour guides are no longer permitted to use loudspeakers.
Varenna's mayor, Mauro Manzoni, said the village remained proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year but stressed that tourism should not come at the expense of local residents.
He said protecting the quality of life for those who live in the village year-round was a priority alongside maintaining Varenna's appeal as a tourist destination.
Residents Welcome the Changes
The rules, which came into force several days ago, have been broadly welcomed by local residents and business owners, particularly the restrictions on inappropriate clothing.
One shop owner told Italian broadcaster Mediaset's TGCom24 that beachwear was acceptable by the lake but said visitors should dress appropriately when entering shops, restaurants, churches or public squares.
Another local business owner described the regulations as overdue, adding that effective enforcement would be essential for the measures to succeed.
Part of a Wider Trend Across Italy
Varenna joins a growing number of Italian destinations that have introduced rules to manage the effects of overtourism and encourage respectful behaviour from visitors.
In 2022, the mayor of Sorrento introduced fines for people walking around the town in swimwear or bare-chested, describing the practice as inappropriate and damaging to the town's image.
The following year, the coastal resort of Portofino created temporary "no-waiting zones" in popular locations to discourage visitors from lingering for photographs, including selfies, in an effort to ease congestion.

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8 July 2026
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Asylum Seeker Questions Fairness of ‘One In, One Out’ Scheme

An asylum seeker brought to the UK under the government's "one in, one out" migration scheme has said he believes it is unfair that his legal entry came at the cost of another person being returned to France.


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The man is among those admitted through the policy, which allows one asylum seeker to enter the UK legally in exchange for another who arrived by small boat being deported to France. Speaking anonymously to protect his identity, he said he was grateful to be in Britain but questioned the fairness of the arrangement.
First-Hand Account of Legal Entry
"I am very happy to be here, but it's not fair that another asylum seeker who may have a very similar case to mine but arrived in a small boat has been sent back to France so I can come here legally," he said.
He added that he did not support a system in which some asylum seekers are returned to France to make way for others to enter legally.
Life in the UK While Awaiting a Decision
The government introduced the scheme in July last year. Since then, more than 900 people have been allowed to travel to the UK to apply for asylum, while a similar number of migrants who arrived irregularly have been transferred to France.
The asylum seeker said travelling to Britain by plane from Paris was far safer and quicker than attempting the dangerous Channel crossing in a small boat. However, he described life in the UK as uncertain while waiting for his asylum application to be processed.
He said he was still awaiting his main asylum interview and had little to do during the waiting period.
According to the man, he applied for a university scholarship but was rejected because of his asylum status. Although he has been volunteering, he criticised restrictions that prevent asylum seekers from working or studying while their claims are being considered.
He said the lack of opportunities left many people inactive as they waited for decisions on their cases.
Journey Through the Scheme
The asylum seeker explained that he applied online before travelling to Paris, where officials collected biometric information and passports.
Applicants were then taken to a hotel and informed later the same day whether they had received temporary visas to travel to the UK. Those approved were transferred to the airport and flown to Britain.
After arriving in the UK, he said the group was taken to a Home Office building for interviews. He recalled being escorted from an underground parking area into the building and said officials handled the process professionally.
He described Home Office staff as friendly and said they managed the procedure in a diplomatic manner.
The man also said he was staying in a hotel with other people admitted through the scheme and that all those he had encountered were single men.
Charity Criticises Policy
The charity Safe Passage, which supports asylum-seeking families in France seeking legal routes to the UK, criticised the programme. It argued that the policy does not provide a genuine pathway to protection for refugees.

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8 July 2026

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Trump Repeats US Claim Over Greenland at NATO Summit

President Donald Trump renewed his call for the United States to control Greenland during the NATO summit in Turkey on Tuesday, saying the Arctic territory should be under U.S. control rather than Denmark's.


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Speaking to reporters alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said Greenland "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark", reviving a position that has strained relations between Washington and Copenhagen, both founding members of NATO.
Greenland Remarks Renew Tensions
Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should acquire or control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, citing its strategic importance.
Denmark Rejects Proposal
Hours later in Ankara, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the suggestion, saying NATO allies should respect Denmark's sovereignty and recognise that Greenland was not for sale.
She said it was well known that the United States wanted to take control of Greenland, but stressed that such a move would not happen. Frederiksen also said there were no plans for discussions at the summit on Greenland, the Arctic or the High North.


File photo

Greenland's Foreign Minister Mute Egede echoed Denmark's position, saying the island's future should be decided by its own people.
In a Facebook post, Egede said Greenland's future had always been determined by its population and that this would continue, while adding that the territory should maintain close cooperation with its allies.
Trump Cites Security Concerns
Trump argued that the disagreement over Greenland had affected U.S. relations within NATO.
He said Denmark was not doing enough to support Greenland despite its strategic location, claiming the island was surrounded by Chinese and Russian vessels. Trump also pointed to U.S. spending on European security, particularly in response to Russia, as part of his criticism.
The United States has long viewed Greenland as strategically important because of its location in the Arctic and its role in regional defence.
Diplomatic Talks Continue
Despite the public disagreement, the issue has shifted onto a diplomatic track in recent months.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in June that discussions with Denmark and Greenland were continuing on a monthly basis.

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8 July 2026
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Cargo Plane Missing Off Pakistan Coast

Pakistani authorities are searching for a cargo aircraft that disappeared off the coast of Karachi with five crew members on board.

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The Boeing 737 lost contact with air traffic controllers at 21:21 local time (16:21 GMT) on Tuesday after rapidly descending, according to Pakistan's airport authority. The aircraft had been flying from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi.
Officials said the crew had reported a problem with the aircraft's navigation system shortly before contact was lost.
Airline Confirms Crew Details
The aircraft was operated by K2 Airways, a private cargo carrier based in Karachi that was established in 2018.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline identified the five crew members aboard the flight and said it was fully cooperating with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies involved in the response.
"We continue to pray, earnestly, for the safety of our colleagues," the airline said.
Search Teams Deployed
Preliminary flight data from flight-tracking service Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft experienced significant changes in altitude before entering a steep descent.
Pakistan's airport authority said the search operation involves multiple agencies, including the navy and air force, as efforts continue to locate the missing aircraft.
Pakistan's Recent Aviation History
The disappearance is the latest serious aviation incident involving Pakistan.
The country's last major aviation accident occurred in 2020, when a Pakistan International Airlines passenger jet crashed while approaching Karachi airport. Of the 99 people on board, only two survived.

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8 July 2026

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Manhunt Continues After Mother and Two Children Found Dead

Police are continuing a manhunt for a suspect believed to have killed a mother and her two children before leaving the UK. Officers from Bedfordshire Police forced entry to a home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday after receiving reports that the family had not been seen for several days.


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Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said investigators had identified a suspect who was known to all three victims and believed the individual had since left the country.
Murphy described the case as "a deeply distressing incident" in which a mother and her two children were believed to have been murdered.
Police identify suspect believed to have left UK
Floral tributes have been placed outside the property, with mourners gathering to pay their respects.
One woman, while laying flowers at the scene, said: "We're really sorry to lose her. She was such a gracious mother."
The driveway of the house remains cordoned off as officers continue their investigation.
Residents described their disbelief at the incident, saying violent crime was rare in the quiet village.
Community in shock
Jess Roland said she was stunned when her husband told her about the deaths.
"I actually almost wanted to fact check it to see if it was true because it just doesn't seem like something that would happen here – but obviously it could happen to anybody," she said.
Her husband, Tim Roland, said the incident was "just incredibly shocking and just really sad".
Appeal for information
Another resident, Brian Cheyne, said the deaths of the two children made the case especially distressing.
"It's absolutely shocking, especially the two young children," he said, adding that the discovery several days after the family was last seen made the incident "absolutely horrific".
Laura Watson-Smith described Great Denham as a quiet and friendly village where the news had left residents deeply shaken.
"Everyone's very shocked and it's incredibly sad and scary to hear that something like that has happened in the village," she said.
Police said there was nothing to indicate any wider threat to the public but confirmed that additional patrols would be carried out in the area to reassure residents.
Investigators have appealed for anyone with information about the deaths, or who noticed suspicious activity in Great Denham on Friday or Saturday, to contact Bedfordshire Police.

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8 July 2026

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Iran Hits US Bases After American Strikes on Military Sites

Iran says it has launched attacks on American military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for US strikes on dozens of Iranian military targets.

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The announcement came after the United States said it had carried out large-scale attacks on Iranian positions late on Tuesday.
US strikes dozens of targets
The US Central Command said its forces struck more than 80 targets across Iran, including more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to Iranian state media, areas including Bandar Abbas and Sirik were hit during the operation. Some people were reported to have been injured by shrapnel.
Escalating regional tensions
The latest exchange follows attacks earlier this week on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not directly claimed responsibility for those incidents.
The retaliation marks a further escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.
Dispute over ceasefire
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the US military action was "absolutely necessary", accusing Iran of "basically violating the ceasefire".
Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, rejected that claim, saying it was the United States that had breached the truce.



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8 July 2026
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Musk Loses Bid to Overturn Twitter Fraud Verdict

A US federal judge has rejected Elon Musk’s attempt to overturn a jury verdict that found he defrauded Twitter investors during his 2022 acquisition of the social media company, while ruling that he was not liable for one of the disputed tweets.

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Judge Upholds Jury's Decision
US District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco on Monday denied Musk’s request to dismiss the jury’s March verdict, rejected his bid to decertify the investor class, and granted the plaintiffs’ request for prejudgment interest.
Lawyers representing Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tweets at the Centre of the Case
A jury found on 20 March that Musk sought to depress Twitter’s share price in an effort to renegotiate or withdraw from his $44 billion takeover of the company in 2022.
The case centred on tweets posted by Musk on 13 and 17 May 2022, in which he questioned whether Twitter had significantly more fake and spam accounts, commonly known as bots, than the company had disclosed.
One Tweet Upheld, One Dismissed
Breyer said there was "substantial evidence of falsity" in Musk’s 13 May tweet, finding that it caused Twitter’s share price to fall sharply and supported the jury’s verdict.
However, the judge ruled that Musk was not liable for the 17 May tweet because there was no meaningful market reaction following that post.
Following the March verdict, a lawyer representing the investors estimated that potential damages could amount to about $2.5 billion.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 July 2026
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Trump Overshadows Nato as Europe Pushes Rearmament

Donald Trump cast a long shadow over the Nato summit in Ankara, where alliance leaders are attempting to project unity while accelerating efforts to strengthen Europe's defences.

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Turkey gave the US president a high-profile welcome, with a ceremonial reception led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders arrived together after Erdogan greeted Trump at the airport, while a military band played the US national anthem and Turkish fighter jets staged a flypast.
Although the summit is focused on Nato's security priorities, Trump quickly drew attention with remarks that threatened to distract from the alliance's agenda.
Trump dominates summit opening
Shortly after arriving, he repeated his view that the United States should take control of Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory that forms part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a Nato member. Trump acknowledged that his previous comments on the issue had strained relations within the alliance. Denmark has previously warned that any attempt by the US to seize Greenland by force would effectively end Nato.
Disagreements over Iran
Trump also revisited disagreements over the US military campaign against Iran earlier this year, expressing frustration that Nato allies did not join the conflict, which Washington launched without consulting the alliance.
He criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer despite Britain's decision to allow US forces to use British airbases for strikes on Iranian missile sites.
Speaking about Starmer, Trump said: "He said no we'll help after the war is over. I said I don't want that kind of help. We didn't need any help at all. In a way I was testing people, I was testing to see whether or not they'd be there because I've long said that we help them but I'm not sure that they'd be there for us."
The British delegation has sought to highlight defence cooperation with European partners during the summit. However, Starmer has arrived in Ankara facing criticism that the UK's Defence Investment Plan falls well short of the funding levels outlined in last year's Strategic Defence Review.
Europe focuses on defence
Away from the political tensions, Nato members have concentrated on expanding Europe's military capabilities and strengthening defence industrial cooperation.
The alliance announced major contracts for a new fleet of Airbus transport aircraft, while Sweden's GlobeEye aircraft will replace Nato's ageing AWACS airborne early warning fleet. Delegates have also discussed joint missile development programmes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to speed up the development of European air defence systems, warning that Russia's continued missile attacks on Ukraine highlight the need for stronger protection.
In recent days, Russian ballistic missile strikes have hit residential areas in Kyiv, killing dozens of civilians, while Ukrainian air defence units have reported critical shortages of interceptor missiles.
"Europe needs its own effective anti-ballistic system and missiles," Zelensky said.
"And this work is already under way and I urge you and all of our partners to give it the attention it deserves. And this cannot wait until 2030 or beyond, Europe needs affordable mass-produced anti-ballistic systems as soon as possible."
Preparing for future threats
Nato leaders say they want the war in Ukraine to end, but many also fear that any ceasefire could allow Russia to rebuild its military rapidly.
With the United States steadily reducing its defence commitments in Europe, alliance members are accelerating plans to strengthen their own capabilities, particularly in air defence, amid concerns that Russia could be capable of threatening Nato territory within four years.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 July 2026
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Farage Quits MP Role to Force Clacton By-Election

Nigel Farage has announced he will resign as MP for Clacton and contest the resulting by-election, saying voters should decide his future as he faces mounting scrutiny over financial support he has received.

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The Reform UK leader said the "people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions" and insisted he had done nothing wrong.
His decision comes while he is under investigation by Parliament's standards commissioner over a £5 million gift received before he entered Parliament. Opposition parties have also called for further scrutiny after reports that he failed to declare additional support allegedly provided by another political ally.
Farage seeks fresh mandate amid scrutiny
Farage accused the parliamentary standards process of being used as a political weapon and said he wanted to be judged by voters rather than the media. In a video statement released by Reform UK, he said the by-election would allow constituents to "stick two fingers up at the entire establishment".
Major parties refuse to contest vote
Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Restore Britain have all said they will not field candidates in the by-election, effectively boycotting the contest.
A Labour spokesperson said the party would not "indulge" Farage by taking part in what it described as "this circus".
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the move as a "gimmick", arguing Farage was attempting to distract attention from the allegations surrounding his finances. She said the Conservatives would instead contest any "real by-election" that might result from the standards investigation.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the government to delay Farage's resignation until the standards commissioner completed the investigation. He added that if the by-election proceeds, other parties should continue refusing to participate in what he described as Farage's "vanity project".
Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe also ruled out standing a candidate, although he said his party would contest any future by-election triggered by the outcome of the standards investigation. The Green Party said the decision on whether to stand would be made by its local Clacton branch.
Investigations and financial support
Farage's resignation will suspend the standards commissioner's investigation into the £5 million gift until he returns to Parliament, should he win the by-election.
The inquiry began in May after questions were raised over his failure to declare the donation from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency investor and one of Reform UK's largest financial backers. Harborne has donated £15 million to the party since the beginning of last year.
Farage has said the £5 million was an unconditional gift intended to help fund his personal security.
His team has also argued that non-cash support reportedly provided by longtime associate George Cottrell, including funding staff for security and social media work and access to accommodation near Buckingham Palace, did not require registration.
The allegations emerged after a Sunday Times report examined Farage's links to Cottrell, who served eight months in a US prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in 2017.
Farage said he had spent the weekend considering his future after media coverage involving his family and Cottrell.
Rules and next steps
Parliament requires newly elected MPs to declare gifts or benefits connected with their parliamentary or political activities that were received in the 12 months before their election, although purely personal gifts are exempt.
Farage insisted he had complied with the law.
If the standards investigation eventually concludes that Farage should be suspended, a recall petition could be triggered. If at least 10% of eligible voters sign the petition, another by-election would be held.
Farage won the Clacton seat at the 2024 general election with a majority of 8,405 over the Conservatives after seven previous unsuccessful attempts to enter Parliament.
His resignation will take effect only after he accepts a Crown appointment, the formal mechanism used to disqualify MPs from the House of Commons.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 July 2026
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Trump's Immigration Push Leaves Married Couples in Limbo

The Trump administration's efforts to reduce legal immigration have increasingly affected spouses of U.S. citizens, a group that has traditionally received special treatment under U.S. immigration law.

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Since President Donald Trump returned to office last year, the administration has introduced a series of immigration measures, including pausing immigrant visas for people from dozens of countries, expanding scrutiny during green-card interviews and broadening deportation enforcement. Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups say these changes have also reached people seeking permanent residency through marriage.
Broader Enforcement Reaches Families
According to advocates, some non-U.S. citizen spouses have been separated from their American partners, while others have become reluctant to continue with immigration applications because they fear detention or deportation.
Ashley DeAzevedo, executive director of American Families United, said the organisation has seen a sharp increase in requests for assistance over the past year. She said some members had chosen to leave the United States voluntarily, while others reported that their spouses had been detained during the immigration process.
Special Status Under Pressure
Immigration attorneys note that spouses of U.S. citizens have historically occupied a privileged position under immigration law. Unlike many other immigrant categories, they are not subject to annual visa caps and have generally benefited from more flexible adjustment-of-status rules.
Sharvari Dalal-Dheini of the American Immigration Lawyers Association said those legal protections remain in place, but argued that the current administration is applying immigration enforcement to spouses in much the same way as other non-citizens.
The administration rejects suggestions that the policy represents a departure from the law. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said all applicants seeking immigration benefits must undergo rigorous screening and vetting.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said filing or receiving approval of a family-based petition does not grant legal immigration status or protect someone from enforcement action. He added that individuals who entered the country unlawfully or overstayed their visas may still face deportation proceedings.
Family Immigration Remains a Major Pathway
Family sponsorship continues to account for a significant share of U.S. immigration approvals.
Homeland Security Department data from 2024 show that about 343,000 people obtained green cards through marriage, representing roughly one-quarter of all permanent residency approvals. When parents and children sponsored by immediate family members are included, family-based immigration accounts for nearly half of all green cards issued.
Average processing times have remained largely unchanged, at around 13 months for family petitions and seven months for fiancé petitions. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, authorities approved more than 167,000 immediate family petitions and over 8,600 fiancé petitions.
Delays and Uncertainty
Advocates say statistics do not fully capture the impact of recent policies on affected families.
Some spouses from countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions have experienced lengthy delays in citizenship and immigration applications. One permanent resident, identified only as E., said her pending citizenship application has disrupted her family's planned military relocation to Germany, creating uncertainty for her husband, who serves in the U.S. Army, and their two American-born children.
Lawyers also report increased scrutiny of marriage-based applications, including more interviews and additional requests for documentation. They say these changes have discouraged some families from pursuing immigration benefits.
California immigration attorney Eric Welsh said many applicants are now being asked to provide broader evidence, including proof of good moral character, while emphasising that marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically guarantee permanent residency or citizenship.
Advocates argue that the combination of stricter enforcement, longer reviews and uncertainty has made some couples hesitant to engage with the immigration system, fearing possible detention or other immigration consequences.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026
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Le Pen Conviction Upheld but Election Path Remains Open

A French appeals court has upheld the conviction of far-right leader Marine Le Pen for misusing European Union funds but ruled that she could still be eligible to stand in France's 2027 presidential election.

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The court found that €2.8 million ($3.2 million) in public funds had been misappropriated and sentenced Le Pen to three years in prison. Two years of the sentence were suspended, while the remaining year is to be served under home detention with an electronic ankle monitor.
Judges also imposed a €100,000 ($114,000) fine and reduced the period during which she is barred from holding public office. The ban was set at 45 months, with 30 months suspended, leaving an effective disqualification of 15 months.
Appeals court reduces political ban
That timetable means Le Pen could be eligible to contest France's presidential election in 2027, although campaigning while subject to electronic monitoring would present significant practical and political challenges. The first round of voting is scheduled for April, with a runoff expected in May.
Le Pen had previously said she would not seek the presidency if required to wear an electronic monitoring device, arguing that a presidential candidate must be able to travel freely. She will also have the option of requesting a sentence reduction in January 2027.
Case stems from misuse of EU funds
The case relates to allegations that Le Pen and other members of her party improperly used European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France instead of parliamentary assistants assigned to EU work.
On Tuesday, the appeals court also convicted four other members of the National Rally who had served as Members of the European Parliament. Other defendants were found guilty of either complicity or benefiting from the misused funds.
Speaking during an official visit to Syria, Emmanuel Macron declined to comment directly on the ruling, saying it was healthy for democracy that the president did not comment on court decisions.
Earlier ruling sparked political backlash
Le Pen was initially convicted by a Paris court on March 31, 2025. That ruling imposed a five-year ban from public office, which took immediate effect before any appeal could be heard.
She rejected the verdict at the time, describing it as politically motivated and saying it was intended to prevent her from competing in the 2027 presidential election.
The decision prompted strong criticism from nationalist allies in France and abroad. Among those expressing support were Viktor Orbán, Elon Musk and Donald Trump, while the Kremlin also criticised the ruling.
Uncertainty over the far right's candidate
Le Pen has been the dominant figure on the French far right since taking over the party from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, in 2011. She led efforts to broaden the party's appeal after years of controversy surrounding its founder.
She reached the second round of the French presidential election in both 2017 and 2022 but lost on each occasion to Macron. Under her leadership, National Rally has steadily increased its representation in both French and European elections, achieving its strongest parliamentary result in the 2024 snap legislative election.
The uncertainty over her legal case has also drawn attention to Jordan Bardella, who has served as National Rally's president since 2022. Widely viewed as Le Pen's political successor, Bardella has said he would stand as the party's presidential candidate if she were unable to do so.
Opinion polling has suggested both Le Pen and Bardella command stronger public support than any other leading French political figure. Le Pen has also publicly expressed confidence that Bardella could lead the party if circumstances required.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026
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Suspect in Monaco Bombing Found Dead Near Kyiv

A Ukrainian woman wanted in connection with last week's bombing in Monaco that seriously injured a Ukraine-born businessman has been found dead near Kyiv, while Ukrainian authorities have arrested two men as part of the investigation.

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Ukrainian prosecutors said on Tuesday that 39-year-old Anastasiia Berezovska was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head. The announcement came days after Interpol issued a red notice seeking her arrest on behalf of Monaco.
Woman wanted over attack dies before extradition
The notice identified Berezovska, a Ukrainian national who speaks German, as being wanted on charges including attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent and criminal conspiracy. An Interpol red notice is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a suspect pending extradition.
Two men arrested in Ukraine
Prosecutors said two men had been detained in connection with the case, including an officer serving with Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) and a former law enforcement officer.
According to investigators, Berezovska received cryptocurrency payments from the pair, prompting authorities to treat them as individuals potentially involved in the attempted murder in Monaco.
Prosecutors said the serving intelligence officer had acted independently and had not informed his superiors about his contacts with Berezovska.
Investigators also released video footage from searches of the suspects' properties, showing what prosecutors described as a blood-stained "torture chamber" containing hammers and other equipment. The claims have not been independently verified.
Monaco attack and possible political fallout
The case could have wider implications for Ukraine, as any confirmed link between members of its intelligence services and a bombing on European soil would be politically sensitive. The developments coincided with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attendance at a NATO summit, where he was seeking continued Western support as Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities persist.


Picture courtesy of Canberra Times

Monaco's Prince Albert II previously condemned the bombing as "an odious act" and said all of the principality's security services had been mobilised.
Although authorities have not officially identified the victims, French police and judicial sources said they were Vadym Iermolaiev, a 58-year-old businessman born in Ukraine who now holds Cypriot citizenship, along with his partner and their son. Iermolaiev and his partner suffered serious injuries, while the child was only slightly hurt.
French prosecutors allege that Berezovska, who had been living in Germany, disguised herself as a man before placing an explosive device in the entrance hall of the family's apartment building in Monaco.
Businessman's background
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Iermolaiev had been living in Monaco among a group of wealthy Ukrainian business figures and politicians that independent Ukrainian media dubbed the "Monaco battalion".
Ukraine imposed sanctions on him in 2023, alleging he maintained business ties with Russian entities operating in Ukrainian territories occupied by Moscow, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Monaco's deputy prosecutor said the suspected attacker fled on foot into neighbouring France before travelling by car through several European countries, including Italy, and eventually reaching Germany.
While Ukraine has conducted numerous operations involving explosive devices against senior Russian military officers and Kremlin-backed officials inside Russia, there is no established precedent for such attacks on European territory.
The developments also follow allegations by German prosecutors last week that Ukrainian state authorities ordered the 2022 attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia and Europe.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026
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Canada Selects German Firm for Landmark Submarine Fleet

Canada has selected German defence company TKMS to build a new fleet of 12 submarines in what the government says is the largest military procurement project in the country's history.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision on Monday, saying the government would begin negotiations with TKMS on a contract that could take several months to finalise. The government has not disclosed the value of the deal.
Arctic security drives major defence investment
The announcement comes ahead of Carney's trip to a Nato summit in Turkey, where member states are expected to face renewed pressure to increase defence spending. Since taking office, Carney has raised Canada's defence spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) and has pledged to increase it to 5% by 2035.
Replacing an ageing submarine fleet
The new submarines will replace Canada's ageing Victoria-class fleet, which was purchased in 1998. According to the government, only one of the country's four existing submarines is currently seaworthy.
Canada says the conventionally powered vessels will be capable of operating beneath Arctic ice, strengthening the country's ability to protect its maritime territory. With the world's longest coastline, Canada has become increasingly concerned that climate change is making Arctic waters more accessible, creating new security challenges.
"In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada must be prepared to defend our interests, protect our citizens, build our economy, and secure our future," Carney said.
He added that the project would also expand Canada's industrial capacity rather than simply provide new military equipment.
German bid chosen over South Korean rival
TKMS, the world's largest manufacturer of non-nuclear submarines, was selected over South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean after a competitive bidding process.
Canada launched the procurement programme in July 2024, with Carney promising to select a contractor by June to accelerate the replacement of the existing fleet.
TKMS said its proposal, developed in partnership with Norway, offered Canada a low-risk, Nato-compatible solution while providing opportunities for shared maintenance, repairs, logistics, training and operational cooperation.
Defence spending and strategic partnerships
David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said the contract strengthens Carney's claim that his government is moving quickly to increase defence investment.
He said the procurement had advanced at an unusually rapid pace by Canadian standards and reflected the government's commitment to modernising the armed forces.
Perry also said Canada appeared to have prioritised building a long-term strategic partnership with a European ally as Ottawa seeks closer economic and security ties with Europe amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
He added that the expanded fleet would significantly improve Canada's naval capabilities, allowing about three submarines to be operational at the same time. That would represent a substantial improvement over recent years, when Canada has often had only one submarine available for service.
The government says the new under-ice submarines will play a vital role in protecting Canada's sovereignty and securing its extensive coastline for decades to come.

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China Sentences Ex-Nanjing Official to Death for Bribery

A court in eastern China has sentenced a former senior official to death after finding him guilty of accepting more than 2.2 billion yuan ($325 million; £243 million) in bribes over a 30-year period.

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Yang Youlin, 69, held a series of government positions in the city of Nanjing between 1993 and 2023. Alongside bribery, he was convicted of embezzlement, abuse of power and money laundering, with the value of his illegal gains ranking among the country's largest corruption cases in recent years.
Senior official convicted after decades of corruption
According to Chinese state media, Yang used his official positions to help individuals obtain engineering contracts, land transfers and financing in exchange for money and other valuables.
Part of Xi's anti-corruption campaign
Yang came under investigation during President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted officials across government, the military and the financial sector.
The Intermediate People's Court in Changzhou said Yang's crimes were "extremely serious" and had caused "exceptionally heavy losses to the interests of the state and the people". The court announced the death sentence on Monday.
Since taking office, Xi has overseen repeated anti-corruption drives that have resulted in the punishment of thousands of officials. While supporters say the campaign is aimed at tackling entrenched corruption, critics argue it has also been used to remove political opponents.
Death penalty remains uncommon
Although China retains the death penalty for certain economic crimes, executions for corruption remain relatively rare. Capital punishment is generally reserved for cases involving exceptionally large sums, often exceeding one billion yuan.
Among the most notable cases was former financial executive Lai Xiaomin, who was executed in 2021 after being convicted of taking 1.8 billion yuan in bribes over a decade.
More recently, former Inner Mongolia official Li Jianping was executed in 2024 after being found guilty of embezzlement and accepting bribes worth more than 3 billion yuan.
In many other corruption cases, courts have instead imposed lengthy prison terms or suspended death sentences, which are typically commuted to life imprisonment after a specified period.
Cooperation failed to reduce sentence
Chinese courts may reduce sentences when defendants cooperate with investigators or provide information leading to the prosecution of other offenders.
State media said Yang had assisted authorities and pleaded guilty. He also expressed remorse during his final statement before sentencing.
However, the Changzhou court ruled that the seriousness of his offences outweighed any mitigating factors. It said his cooperation was insufficient to justify a lighter sentence because of the exceptional scale and impact of his crimes.

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Macron Unharmed After Damascus Hotel Bomb Blasts

French President Emmanuel Macron was safe after two bombs exploded near the hotel where he had spent the night during a visit to Syria's capital, Damascus, on Tuesday, the French presidency said.

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The Elysee Palace said Macron had already left the hotel before the explosions occurred and would continue his visit as planned.
Explosions Near Hotel
At the time of the blasts, Macron was meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and members of their delegations at the presidential palace, according to the French presidency.
Syrian state media, citing an unnamed security official, said the explosions were caused by explosive devices. A source told AFP that one bomb had been hidden in a dumpster and another inside a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel.
Syrian state television reported that 18 people were wounded, including four police officers, although officials had not independently confirmed the casualty figures. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Macron Continues Visit
In a post on X later on Tuesday, Macron did not refer directly to the explosions but said nothing could "smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria."
"My visit continues," he added.
Images from the scene showed a large plume of smoke rising into the air, while videos shared on social media appeared to show a burning vehicle and blood-stained streets.
Security Concerns
The incident came just days after a bomb exploded at a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and injuring 20.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Islamist rebel commander, led the insurgency that overthrew longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad less than two years ago. Since taking office, Sharaa has distanced himself from his former links to al-Qaeda and pledged to build a democratic Syria while strengthening relations with the United States and European countries.
His government continues to fight remaining ISIS militants, while the United States and Israel have also carried out strikes against ISIS targets inside Syria.

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Trump Backs Potential F-35 Jet Sale to Turkey

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to support the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during his visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, according to two sources familiar with the matter, despite unresolved legal and congressional obstacles.

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NATO Meeting Could Mark Shift in Ties
If approved, the move would represent Trump's strongest gesture yet toward Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has repeatedly praised and regards as a close ally. Relations between Washington and Ankara have improved since Trump returned to office last year.
S-400 Dispute Still Unresolved
Turkey was removed from the F-35 stealth fighter programme in 2020 after purchasing the Russian S-400 air defence system the previous year. The United States also imposed sanctions on a major Turkish defence company in response.
Congress subsequently passed legislation preventing the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey while it continues to possess the S-400 system, arguing that the Russian missile platform poses a security risk to the U.S.-made fighter jet. Under current U.S. law, Turkey cannot operate or retain the S-400 if it wishes to rejoin the F-35 programme.
According to the sources, one proposal that has gained momentum in recent weeks would see Turkey transfer the Russian-made system to a third country. However, no agreement has been reached, and it remains unclear whether Russia would approve such a move because its arms export agreements include end-user restrictions.
The New York Times first reported the possible F-35 decision. The White House, the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Ankara did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump Signals Possible Concession
Asked by reporters last month whether he planned any "gifts" for Turkey, Trump replied: "I'm going to probably do something that will make them very happy."
Vice President JD Vance said the administration was reviewing whether Turkey had met the legal requirements needed to qualify for the aircraft.
"Pete and the entire team are reviewing this right now, because there are certain things that we have to certify have happened ... in order to comply with American law," Vance said, referring to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said last week that Erdogan and Trump shared a "strong political will" to remove U.S. sanctions imposed on Turkey, although he did not provide a timetable.
In December, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said the improved relationship between the two leaders had produced "the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade."
Opposition Expected
Any attempt to restore Turkey's access to the F-35 is expected to face resistance in the United States and among regional allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Fox News interview on Monday that he opposed selling advanced U.S. military equipment to Turkey.
"I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets," he said, arguing the move could "upset the power balance in the Middle East."
The reported plans follow the Trump administration's recent decision to notify Congress of its intention to sell more than $700 million worth of jet engines for Turkey's indigenous KAAN fighter programme. Although some lawmakers objected to the sale, the administration decided to proceed.

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Zelensky Seeks More Air Defences at Nato Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to urge Nato allies to provide additional air defence systems at this week's summit in Turkey, arguing that Ukraine urgently needs more protection as Russia steps up missile attacks on its cities.

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His appeal follows two major Russian strikes on Kyiv within a week that hit residential buildings and killed more than 50 civilians. Zelensky is expected to tell allies that strengthening Ukraine's air defences is essential to protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on Russia.
Ukraine Pushes for Stronger Air Defence as Russian Attacks Intensify
The summit in Ankara also offers Zelensky an opportunity to meet US President Donald Trump. He is expected to argue that Russia's recent attacks reflect growing pressure on Moscow rather than military strength, and that President Vladimir Putin should be pushed towards negotiations for what Kyiv describes as a "dignified" peace.
Missile Defence Becomes a Key Priority
The renewed appeal comes as Ukraine expands its own long-range drone campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian strikes have targeted oil refineries, fuel depots and other strategic sites, contributing to fuel shortages and power disruptions in parts of Russia.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences intercepted most of the 430 drones launched towards the capital overnight, although the full extent of any damage was not immediately known.
Despite Ukraine's success with drone operations, ballistic missiles remain one of its biggest challenges. Daily figures released by Ukraine's air force show that while many Russian drones are intercepted, ballistic missiles are far harder to stop. During Monday's attack, Ukraine failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles launched by Russia.
Patriot air defence systems remain the country's most effective defence against such missiles, but supplies are limited.
Zelensky said it was unacceptable that production of interceptor missiles had not been expanded to meet current needs. He has repeatedly called on European partners to transfer Patriot missile stockpiles, arguing that they are more valuable protecting civilians than remaining in storage.
He is also expected to promote plans for Ukraine to develop its own advanced air defence capabilities with Nato support.
Ukraine Seeks to Increase Pressure on Russia
Kyiv argues that its drone campaign is forcing Russia onto the defensive. Ukrainian strikes have targeted oil facilities near St Petersburg, a refinery in Moscow, and an oil refinery in Omsk, around 2,500 kilometres from Ukraine's border, highlighting the reach of its long-range drones.
Ukraine has also intensified attacks on military logistics, energy facilities and infrastructure in Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The strikes have contributed to power outages, fuel shortages and an official state of emergency in parts of the region.
Russia has accused Ukraine of terrorism over attacks on its energy infrastructure. Zelensky rejects that claim, describing it as part of a Russian influence campaign that he intends to discuss with Nato leaders.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Zelensky says Ukraine's strategy is to increase pressure on Moscow while strengthening its own defences, with the aim of bringing Russia into meaningful peace negotiations without accepting demands to surrender the entire Donbas region.
He hopes the Nato summit will produce concrete commitments rather than symbolic support. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states to increase assistance, saying Ukraine is helping shift the battlefield dynamic and must receive the resources needed to defend its sovereignty.
As another winter approaches, Kyiv says ending the war remains its goal through either strength or diplomacy. Zelensky's central message to allies will be that additional interceptor missiles and air defence systems are essential if Ukraine is to protect its population and sustain pressure on Russia.

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Trump Shares Doctored Image of Obamas on Air Force One

President Donald Trump has posted a manipulated image on his Truth Social platform showing former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama appearing to board an Air Force One aircraft covered in graffiti, marking the latest in a series of altered images targeting his predecessor.

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The image depicts the Obamas smiling and waving while standing at the top of the aircraft stairs beside a light blue and white presidential plane that has been digitally altered with graffiti. The markings include the slogans "Yes We Can," "Obama," and "BLM," referring to Black Lives Matter. Another inscription, written in Arabic, reads "alhamdulillah," meaning "praise be to God" or "thank God."
Latest in a Series of Posts
The post comes several months after Trump shared another altered image portraying the Obamas as primates in a jungle. That post, published during the first week of Black History Month, was deleted following widespread criticism from civil rights groups and members of both major political parties.
Although the post was later blamed on a staff member, Trump declined to apologize for it.

Donald Trump posts about the Obamas on Truth Social. / Truth Social

Trump has long directed personal criticism at Obama, including promoting the false claim that the former president was not born in the United States. He has also drawn criticism over remarks and social media posts that opponents have described as racially inflammatory.
The use of graffiti in the latest image has also attracted attention, with critics arguing it evokes stereotypes linking Black communities with crime and urban decay.
Air Force One in the Spotlight
The manipulated image was shared days after Trump flew for the first time aboard a newly retrofitted Boeing 747-800 that is serving as Air Force One. The aircraft, valued at about $400 million and gifted by Qatar, features a redesigned exterior that replaces the traditional light blue paint scheme with Trump's preferred navy-blue underside and red and gold stripes.
Trump had no public events on Sunday after delivering a speech in Washington the previous evening to mark Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He spent the day at his golf club in Virginia before preparing to travel to Turkey on Monday for a NATO summit.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and a spokesperson for the Obamas also declined to comment.
More Doctored Images Shared
Sunday's post followed another manipulated image Trump shared last month depicting Obama's presidential library in Chicago with what appeared to be a large bag of rubbish on its roof and a surrounding wasteland. Trump claimed the library would become a "Mecca" for people who hate America and posted the altered image twice on Truth Social.
Among Sunday's other posts was an old photograph that appeared to show Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni smiling at Trump beneath the caption "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED."
The post comes after Trump claimed Meloni repeatedly asked to have her photograph taken with him during the recent G7 summit. Meloni rejected the account as "completely fabricated," saying neither she nor Italy had begged for a photo. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani subsequently cancelled a planned visit to Washington.

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Kirk Family Speaks as Accused Killer's Hearing Begins

The family of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk attended court on Monday as prosecutors began presenting evidence against the man accused of killing him during a preliminary hearing in Utah.

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Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on 10 September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting sparked a two-day manhunt before authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 23.
Family attends preliminary court proceedings
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea, and prosecutors in Utah County are seeking the death penalty.
The hearing is expected to continue through Friday.
Family asks for privacy
Ahead of the proceedings, Kirk's family released a statement describing the continuing impact of his death.
"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," said the statement from his widow, Erika, his parents, Robert and Kathryn, and his sister, Mary.
The family said every court appearance was "a painful reminder" of their loss and thanked supporters for their prayers and kindness since the shooting.
"Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time," the statement said. "We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief."
Kirk's widow and parents arrived at the courthouse separately on Monday.
Prosecutors outline evidence
Robinson, dressed in a light-coloured suit, sat between his lawyers during the hearing. Prosecutors said four law enforcement officers were expected to testify on the opening day.


Tyler Robinson, 23. Picture courtesy of Rick Egan/Pool via Reuters/File Photo

Before the hearing, defence lawyers had unsuccessfully sought to exclude some evidence, prevent cameras from covering the proceedings and remove the death penalty as a possible sentence.
Prosecutors revisited the events of 10 September, when Kirk was speaking under a tent as part of his American Comeback college campus tour, during which he invited audience members to debate him.
According to testimony, a gunshot was heard at about 12:20 p.m. while Kirk was discussing gun violence, causing him to collapse.
Investigator describes crime scene
One of the first witnesses, investigator Bagley, testified that he had been positioned on a nearby building and believed from the sound that the shot had been fired from a rifle rather than a handgun.
He described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with people shouting and fleeing, and said he was initially informed that law enforcement had detained a suspect.
However, Bagley testified that evidence found later raised questions for him about whether the person first taken into custody was responsible.
He told the court he discovered a screwdriver and marks in gravel on a rooftop that he believed were consistent with a sniper's firing position. He also said security camera footage showed an individual dropping from the roof and leaving the area.
Bagley testified that the marks appeared to show where someone had been lying in a prone position with "markings of elbows, knees and feet" aligned with the line of sight toward the tent where Kirk had been speaking.
Defence attorney Kathryn Nestor raised several objections during Bagley's testimony and is expected to question him, along with other witnesses, as the preliminary hearing continues.


Charlie Kirk. Picture courtesy of Reuters

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Microsoft Cuts 4,800 Jobs in Major Xbox Restructure

Microsoft has announced 4,800 job cuts, representing about 2.1% of its global workforce, with Xbox accounting for a significant share of the reductions as part of what the company describes as a major restructuring.

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Company-wide layoffs announced
In a memo to employees, executive vice president Amy Coleman said the technology company must focus on areas that best serve customers as it adapts to a rapidly changing industry. She said businesses cannot control changes within their sectors but can choose how they respond.
More than 1,600 Xbox positions will be eliminated immediately, with a further 1,600 roles expected to be cut over the next year.
Xbox begins major overhaul
In a separate message to staff, Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma described the changes as "the most significant restructure in Xbox history."
She said the overhaul was intended to strengthen Xbox's long-term future rather than reduce its ambitions.
"These changes are about a bigger future for Xbox, not a smaller one," Sharma wrote, adding that companies should not assume long-term success is guaranteed without adapting.
As part of the restructuring, four Xbox game development studios — Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory and Undead Lab — will be spun off from the company.
Sharma also acknowledged the impact on employees, saying the cuts were painful but arguing that Xbox required a broad reset across its content portfolio, platform and operations.
Industry pressures continue
Coleman said the eliminated positions would not be directly replaced by artificial intelligence, although she noted that AI is changing how work is performed across the business.
The announcement comes as the video game industry continues to face significant challenges following several years of widespread layoffs. In 2024, Xbox cut more than 2,000 jobs and closed four studios it had acquired before Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty.
More recently, Microsoft announced plans to cut up to 9,000 jobs while continuing to increase its multibillion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence.
Rising hardware costs have also led Microsoft and other technology companies to increase prices for gaming consoles and consumer devices, with growing demand for AI data centres contributing to supply pressures.
Studios move to independent ownership
Under the new structure, Minecraft developer Mojang and Candy Crush developer King will report directly to Sharma.
Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst, said the changes represented a "major reset" for Xbox, adding that the company's challenge now is to define its identity as gaming increasingly spans consoles, PCs, cloud services and subscription platforms.
Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis said the restructuring reflects Microsoft's intention to concentrate on its largest gaming franchises and audiences. He said the company had previously expanded its studio network to strengthen its Game Pass subscription service but had concluded that some development teams would be better positioned outside the Xbox organisation.
He added that allowing the studios to become independent, rather than shutting them down, was a positive outcome despite the difficult circumstances.
Double Fine and Compulsion Games will both return to independent ownership, taking their intellectual property with them. Double Fine, acquired by Microsoft in 2019, thanked Xbox for seven years of support and said the agreement preserved its history and culture while restoring ownership of its games. Compulsion said its immediate focus would be supporting employees through the transition and expressed confidence about its future.

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Farage Denies Wrongdoing Over Undeclared Benefits

Nigel Farage has insisted he "has done no wrongdoing" after reports that he failed to declare benefits allegedly provided by a long-time ally before entering Parliament.

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The Reform UK leader said he had "followed the rules" and accused the political establishment of mounting a campaign against him, adding that he was considering legal action against The Sunday Times, which published the claims.
Farage rejects allegations
The newspaper reported that George Cottrell funded security and social media staff who worked on Farage's online content in the year before he was elected as MP for Clacton. It also alleged that Farage used a property near Buckingham Palace rented by Cottrell.
Calls for investigation
The allegations have prompted Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde to ask the parliamentary standards commissioner to investigate whether Farage complied with parliamentary disclosure rules.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Babarinde said Farage should be "straight with the British people" about who supports him financially.
Under House of Commons rules, newly elected MPs must declare financial interests and registrable benefits received during the 12 months before their election. However, the guidance states that purely personal gifts or benefits do not have to be registered.
Farage is already the subject of a separate parliamentary investigation over an unregistered £5 million gift from a billionaire Reform UK donor. He has argued that the gift did not require declaration because it was received before he entered Parliament and was not political in nature. His team has made a similar argument regarding the alleged non-cash support from Cottrell.
Previous declarations and response
Cottrell, 32, is a cryptocurrency entrepreneur and a long-standing Farage ally who volunteered for UKIP ahead of the Brexit referendum. In 2017, he pleaded guilty in the United States to a wire fraud offence and was jailed for eight months after admitting he attempted to defraud criminals on the dark web while posing as a money launderer.
Farage has previously declared two benefits from Cottrell: a £9,253 trip to Belgium in April 2024 and a £15,276 donation covering a domestic flight in the United States later that year. No other support from Cottrell appears in the Register of Members' Financial Interests.
Lawyers acting for Cottrell said he "categorically disputes" the allegations and assertions made by The Sunday Times and is reviewing the matter with his legal representatives.
Standards concerns and political impact
Labour peer Baroness Harman, a former chair of the House of Commons Committee on Standards, defended the parliamentary disclosure system, saying it is designed to maintain public confidence in Parliament.
She said Farage should focus on demonstrating compliance with the rules and cooperating with the investigation, rather than portraying it as an "establishment hit job". Harman added that if the commissioner concluded Farage had breached the rules, his conduct while under investigation could be considered when determining any penalty.
Farage returned as Reform UK leader in June 2024 after previously stepping down in 2021, and was elected MP for Clacton the following month.
Sophie Stowers, of polling company More in Common, said the allegations could resonate with undecided voters considering backing Reform UK because the party's appeal is based partly on presenting itself as an outsider challenging the political establishment. However, she added that many of the party's core supporters are more likely to view the reports as evidence that the establishment is targeting Farage.


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Hamas Offers Gaza Governance to US-Backed Body

Hamas has announced that it is prepared to hand over governing authority in Gaza after nearly two decades in power, inviting a US-backed interim administration to assume responsibility for running the Palestinian territory.

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The move, announced on Monday, could mark a significant political shift, although it remains unclear whether it will strengthen the fragile ceasefire in Gaza or improve conditions in the territory, where a humanitarian crisis continues.
Hamas Signals Political Transition
While Hamas said it was ready to transfer security responsibilities as part of a broader transition, it did not commit to disarming, a key demand made by Israel and the United States.
The group has instead maintained that it will not surrender its weapons while Israel retains military control over large parts of Gaza and continues military operations inside the territory.
Interim Authority Faces Obstacles
The proposed successor, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), was established in January under a US-brokered ceasefire arrangement. However, Israel has prevented the committee from entering Gaza since its creation, raising doubts about when any transfer of power could take place.
Mohammed al-Farra, who heads Hamas's administration in Gaza, announced his resignation from his government roles, saying preparations had been completed for the handover. He indicated that Hamas would immediately step aside from directing Gaza's political administration, while civil servants would continue performing their duties until the NCAG could assume control.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the organisation had decided to relinquish governance to remove what it described as Israeli justifications for continuing military operations in Gaza.
Ali Shaath, the NCAG's chair, said the committee was ready to take on its responsibilities once the necessary conditions and resources were available.
Disarmament Remains Sticking Point
The Board of Peace, established by US President Donald Trump as part of a ceasefire framework and responsible for overseeing the NCAG, responded cautiously, saying it had "taken note" of Hamas's announcement.
The board said it would judge the proposal by actions rather than statements and reiterated that all weapons should ultimately come under the control of the interim administration, reflecting its principle of "one authority, one law and one weapon."
In a report to the UN Security Council in May, Trump's envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, blamed Hamas for the stalled peace process. Hamas, however, argues that it cannot disarm while Israel controls more than 60% of Gaza, continues military strikes and supports Palestinian armed groups inside the territory.
Analysts See Symbolic Move
Analysts described Hamas's announcement as largely symbolic but potentially aimed at reviving a stalled political process that has delayed reconstruction and humanitarian assistance for Gaza's estimated 2.1 million residents.
They also suggested the move was intended to challenge Israeli-backed plans to concentrate aid, reconstruction and governance within a limited area of Gaza under Israeli military control. The proposal has received support from the Trump administration under names including "humanitarian city", "alternative safe communities" and "New Rafah", although critics have strongly opposed the concept.
Max Rodenbeck of the International Crisis Group said Hamas appeared willing to surrender political authority while stopping short of disarmament, arguing that the group was attempting to break the diplomatic deadlock and shift pressure onto international mediators.
Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations said Hamas was trying to prevent the NCAG from becoming associated only with the proposed New Rafah project, warning that such an arrangement could undermine its legitimacy.
Diplomats expect limited progress on Gaza's political future in the coming months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on maintaining his governing coalition ahead of elections expected by late October.

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UEFA Condemns FIFA Over Balogun Red Card Reprieve

UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA's decision to lift the automatic suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, accusing world football's governing body of undermining the integrity of the game ahead of the USA's World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.

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In a sharply worded statement, UEFA described the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable", arguing that FIFA had crossed "a red line" by suspending the enforcement of Balogun's mandatory one-match ban.
UEFA says FIFA undermined tournament integrity
The decision means Balogun is eligible to face Belgium on Monday despite being sent off during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has appealed against Balogun's availability, although it remains unclear when FIFA's appeals process will conclude or whether the governing body will publicly explain its decision.
Belgium launches appeal
UEFA said the automatic one-match suspension for a red card is a fundamental rule that does not require interpretation or approval by a disciplinary body.
It argued that allowing an exception during an ongoing tournament risks damaging confidence in the competition, particularly after other players have already served suspensions under the same regulations.
The RBFA also expressed its surprise at the ruling, with Belgium manager Rudi Garcia comparing the decision to an April Fools' Day joke.
Questions over FIFA's decision
According to sources cited by The Guardian, U.S. President Donald Trump personally lobbied FIFA to overturn Balogun's suspension, making three phone calls to the organisation after the striker's dismissal.
Belgium's federation said it had not received a detailed explanation for FIFA's decision before submitting its appeal. The governing body has so far referred only to Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows its judicial committee to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.
Under FIFA regulations, the appeal will be heard by a member of its appeals committee who is not affiliated with either UEFA or Concacaf to avoid any conflict of interest.
The RBFA has also indicated it is considering legal action, alleging FIFA breached its own statutes.
USA welcomes ruling
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA's decision and maintained that Balogun's dismissal by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic had been excessively harsh.
Pochettino said the United States had already paid a significant price by playing with 10 men for around 30 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that he believed almost everyone considered the red card to have been unfair.

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Wildfires Sweep Southern Europe as Heat Fuels Evacuations

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires continue to burn across southern Europe, with firefighters battling major blazes in France, Spain, Portugal and Greece after weeks of extreme heat.

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More than 20,000 hectares of land have been scorched across the region, while officials have warned that rising temperatures and strong winds could worsen conditions in the coming days. Emergency crews remain on high alert as new fires continue to break out.
France battles growing Pyrenees blaze
One of the largest fires is burning in the foothills of the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, where around 700 firefighters are working to contain a blaze that has consumed about 5,000 hectares. More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from nearby communities.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said wildfire conditions had deteriorated again on Monday, adding that fires were now burning in five departments and that twice as much land had burned in France this year compared with the same period in 2025.
Residents described the speed of the advancing flames as alarming. One villager said the fire came within 300 metres of homes and spread so rapidly that it caused panic.
The wildfire also disrupted the Tour de France, with authorities banning spectators from attending the finish area of Monday's third stage through the Pyrenees. Officials said only riders and essential race vehicles would be allowed on the route.
Spain and Portugal face difficult conditions
Across the border in Spain, a wildfire has burned about 2,200 hectares, most of it within the protected Les Gavarres natural area in Catalonia. Fire officials said the blaze had been stabilised, although rising temperatures and numerous hotspots continued to pose challenges. They hope to extinguish the fire later this week.
Further south, more than 500 residents were evacuated after another wildfire spread into the Sierra de Espadán National Park in Castellón province.
In Portugal, more than 1,200 firefighters, supported by hundreds of vehicles and 15 aircraft, have been battling a major fire in the Vouzela area. The blaze has burned roughly 13,000 hectares since it began last week.
Firefighting assistance has arrived from Spain and Italy, and Portuguese emergency officials said about 80% of the fire was under control by Monday despite ongoing dangerous hotspots. Interior Minister Luís Neves described current wildfire conditions as a "powder keg."
Greece and Balkans also affected
Wildfires have also spread elsewhere in southern Europe.
In Greece, a forest fire near the northern city of Thessaloniki spread into two factories, including a recycling plant that produced toxic smoke. Authorities issued evacuation alerts for three suburbs and advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors with windows and doors closed.
Another wildfire west of Athens prompted the deployment of 210 firefighters, supported by volunteers, specialist teams and 29 aircraft, to combat flames moving through pine forests near Mandra.
Elsewhere, fires damaged forests, vineyards and scrubland on Croatia's island of Hvar and in the Albanian town of Tale.
Heatwave raises wildfire risk
The fires follow unusually early and intense heatwaves in May and June that shattered temperature records across western Europe and left vegetation exceptionally dry.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group said the extreme temperatures recorded in June would have been "virtually impossible" without human-driven climate change. Temperatures are expected to climb again this week, with some areas forecast to reach 40C.
Fire officials in France warned that the wildfire season was only beginning and urged the public to remain vigilant as emergency services prepare for a prolonged summer of heightened fire risk.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026
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Trump Faces NATO Allies at High-Stakes Summit

President Donald Trump is set to travel to Ankara, Turkey, for this week's NATO summit as the alliance faces renewed pressure over defence spending, the war in Ukraine and security in the Middle East.

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The two-day summit, beginning on Tuesday at the Beştepe Presidential Compound, will be chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump is scheduled to return to the United States on Wednesday after holding a news conference and taking part in several bilateral meetings, including talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Defence Spending in Focus
Ahead of the gathering, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said the summit would assess how member states are progressing towards a target of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defence. He said Poland, the Nordic nations, the Baltic states and Germany were making significant progress, while other allies continued to fall behind.
Whitaker also said the United States would review how European allies were expanding NATO's capabilities as Washington sought to shift more responsibility for continental defence to Europe.
Trump Renews Criticism of NATO
The summit comes as Trump continues to question NATO's value and criticise European allies for what he says is an unequal sharing of defence responsibilities.
In recent months, Trump has suggested the United States could reconsider its role in the alliance and has accused allies of failing to support Washington during its military campaign against Iran. Last week, he again argued that the United States spends disproportionately on European security without receiving equivalent benefits in return.
While Trump has described NATO members as spending money "on NATO," alliance guidelines require countries to invest a percentage of their GDP in their own national defence budgets rather than contributing directly to NATO itself. Although the United States has the alliance's largest defence budget, several allies, including Poland and the Baltic states, spend a higher share of GDP on defence.
Middle East and European Security
U.S. officials said discussions are expected to include security in the Strait of Hormuz following the recent conflict involving Iran. Although several NATO countries have expressed willingness to contribute to maritime security operations, officials acknowledged that many lack the naval capabilities needed for a significant role.
Senior administration officials also confirmed that the Pentagon is conducting a review of U.S. military deployments in Europe, with possible force adjustments aimed at encouraging European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defence. Officials said any decisions would be based on strategic considerations rather than political factors.
Ukraine and Turkey on the Agenda
Ukraine is expected to remain a central issue at the summit. Trump is due to meet Zelenskyy on Wednesday, with U.S. officials saying the talks will focus on efforts to end the war with Russia.
Officials said the front line has changed little in recent months despite limited advances by both Ukrainian and Russian forces. They expressed hope that Trump's meetings with Zelenskyy, followed by further contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, could help move negotiations forward.
Trump's visit also reflects his close relationship with Erdogan. Before the summit, he suggested he could announce a significant initiative benefiting Turkey, potentially including progress on Ankara's long-standing interest in acquiring F-35 fighter jets. Turkey's participation in the programme remains restricted because of its purchase of Russian-made air defence systems.
Meanwhile, Rutte has described the summit as the beginning of a new phase for NATO, with European allies taking greater responsibility for defence while maintaining strong U.S. involvement. He said member states are expected to begin implementing defence investment commitments made last year and announced plans for substantial new defence industry contracts.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026
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