Zelensky faces backlash after replacing defence minister

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, is facing mounting criticism after abruptly replacing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, triggering protests in Kyiv and several other cities. Demonstrators, many of them young Ukrainians, accused the president of undermining the country’s war effort, carrying banners reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory.”

 

Zelensky nominated Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), to serve as acting defence minister, saying his experience in advanced military operations made him the right person for the role. The move followed months of reported tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

 

Speaking after his dismissal, Fedorov disclosed that he had advised Zelensky to replace both Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, arguing that his reform proposals were repeatedly blocked. Zelensky acknowledged that relations between the defence ministry and military leadership had become “systemic” and said he had personally mediated between the two sides.

 

The political fallout comes as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces and seeks to maintain domestic unity.

 

Iran threatens wider trade disruption as US intensifies strikes

Iran has threatened to shut additional regional trade routes as the United States launched another wave of military strikes targeting coastal defence systems, missile sites and other military infrastructure.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington halted what it described as acts of aggression, warning that other oil and gas export routes in the Gulf could also be targeted. The threat has heightened concerns over global energy supplies, as nearly a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes through the strategic waterway.

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said its latest strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and protecting international maritime traffic. The renewed hostilities have sharply reduced tanker movements through the Strait, driving oil prices higher and raising fears of a broader regional conflict after President Donald Trump warned Tehran of further military action if it refuses to return to negotiations.

 

Wildfire smoke from Canada blankets US cities

 

Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada has spread deep into the United States, prompting widespread air quality alerts and health warnings across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region and northeastern states.

Canadian authorities said more than 850 wildfires are currently active, with the vast majority burning out of control. Thick smoke has engulfed cities including Toronto, while hazardous air quality has been reported in parts of Michigan, Minnesota and neighbouring states. Residents have been urged to remain indoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities a,nd wear protective masks where necessary.

In northern Ontario, several Indigenous communities have been forced to evacuate as flames continue to spread. Officials warned that smoke could linger for several more days, with weather forecasts showing little immediate relief.

White House employee investigated over Trump speech betting allegations

A White House teleprompter operator is under investigation after allegedly using privileged information to place bets on words President Donald Trump would use during major speeches.

 

The employee, identified as Gabriel Perez, is accused of placing wagers through prediction market platform Kalshi on whether Trump would mention specific countries, economic issues and campaign slogans during public addresses, including the State of the Union speech. Kalshi said its internal monitoring detected unusual trading patterns and froze more than $90,000 in suspected winnings before they could be withdrawn.

 

The platform has referred the matter to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which regulates prediction markets. Authorities are investigating whether confidential government information was improperly used for financial gain.

 

Netflix shares tumble after weaker-than-expected forecast

Netflix shares fell nearly 8 percent in after-hours trading after the streaming company issued third-quarter revenue and earnings guidance that fell short of Wall Street expectations.

The company forecast revenue of $12.86 billion and earnings per share of 82 cents, both below analysts’ estimates. Netflix also said it would reduce the amount of information it releases about viewing hours as it focuses on new business strategies and long-term growth.

Analysts said the disappointing outlook reflects a slowing growth trajectory rather than a sudden decline in demand, but investors remain concerned about intensifying competition in the global streaming market.

AFRICA

Scientists discover new monkey species in Congo rainforest

Scientists have identified a previously unknown monkey species in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking only the fifth new monkey species discovered in Africa over the past 75 years.

The species, named Colobus congoensis and locally known as “Likweli”, is distinguished by its black fur, striking orange-cream markings around the mouth and nose, and a unique vocal pattern. Researchers say the discovery highlights how much of Central Africa’s biodiversity remains undocumented.

Conservationists warned that the newly identified primate could already be endangered because of its limited habitat and small population. They have called on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to grant the species protected status.

Uganda begins countdown to Ebola-free status

Uganda has discharged its final Ebola patient, marking a major milestone in its response to the outbreak and beginning the mandatory 42-day countdown before the country can be officially declared Ebola-free.

Health authorities confirmed that the last patient, a Congolese national, had fully recovered. Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases since mid-May and has not reported a new infection since June 22.

The situation contrasts sharply with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, where the outbreak continues to worsen. Congolese authorities have reported more than 2,000 confirmed infections, although the World Health Organization believes the true figure could be significantly higher.

ICC clears Libyan prison chief for war crimes trial

The International Criminal Court has confirmed charges against Libyan suspect Khaled Mohamed Ali Al Hishri, paving the way for his trial on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors accuse Al Hishri of overseeing widespread torture, rape, murder, enslavement and unlawful detention at the notorious Mitiga detention centre between 2014 and 2020. Defence lawyers challenged the court’s jurisdiction, but ICC judges rejected the argument, allowing proceedings to continue.

The trial will be the ICC’s first focused on alleged atrocities committed during Libya’s prolonged conflict.

Cameroon expects mining to overtake oil as top revenue source

Cameroon expects mining revenue to surpass oil earnings in the near future as several large-scale projects enter production, marking a major shift in the country’s economy.

Mines Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry said annual revenue from mining could exceed one trillion CFA francs ($1.75 billion), driven by new iron ore, bauxite, gold and marble developments. Additional projects are expected to come online next year as the government seeks to diversify away from oil and attract greater foreign investment into the mining sector.

Fire at Algeria orphanage kills 11
A fire at an orphanage in the Mohammadia district of Algiers has killed 11 people, including children, while 19 others were injured, authorities said.

Emergency services rescued several residents, including people with disabilities, after the blaze broke out early Thursday. Many of the injured suffered burns and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while government officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support for survivors.