Dangerous temperatures forecast for parts of Europe as heatwave moves east
A severe heatwave is sweeping across Central, Eastern and Southern Europe, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in some places and red alerts issued in Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Balkans.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors during the hottest hours, while the extreme heat has caused fires, storms, power outages and casualties in several places.
According to scientists, this is the most severe and widespread heat wave to hit Europe, driven by the climate crisis.
Zelensky mocks Russian military attack, says Putin keeps pushing back targets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mocked Vladimir Putin, saying that the Kremlin has postponed the deadlines for the complete occupation of the Donbas region 15 times during the four years of war and that it will be forced to postpone them again if the conflict continues.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks in Ukraine killed at least 10 people and injured dozens more, while Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are causing fuel shortages in some areas.
In Russia, a court sentenced three employees of a bar to prison in the first criminal case for participation in what authorities call the "international LGBT movement", declared an "extremist" organization in 2023.
Iran prepares largest state funeral in history for slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran is organizing the largest state funeral ceremony in the history of the Islamic Republic for Ali Khamenei, with six days of tributes in five cities in Iran and Iraq, nearly four months after his death in US-Israeli attacks.
Authorities expect tens of millions of people to attend and have imposed strict security measures, as the ceremonies take place at a time when talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program and sanctions remain fragile.
The funeral is expected to serve as a demonstration of the regime's strength and unity, while attention also remains on the possible absence of the new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Twin earthquakes in Venezuela: Death toll rises above 1,700
At least 1,700 people have died, over 5,000 have been injured and up to 68,000 are missing after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, while search and rescue operations continue.
The hardest-hit area is the state of La Guaira, where authorities have declared a state of disaster and imposed military control, as hopes of finding survivors fade.
Meanwhile, the US and international organizations have sent aid for rescue and reconstruction operations, while the government faces criticism for its response to the disaster.
