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Ukraine and nine European countries announced Monday the formation of a coalition to strengthen Europe's protection against ballistic missile threats, drawing on Kyiv's experience from more than four years of defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion. In a joint statement issued in Paris during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the 10 countries said their goal was to build "a shared ballistic missile defense capability for Europe." The coalition includes Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The announcement came as Zelenskyy met around two dozen European leaders to seek support for measures to counter Russia's missile attacks, which have devastated Ukraine and heightened concerns across Europe over Moscow's broader ambitions. The leaders said they recognized "the growing threat posed by ballistic missiles," noting that such weapons are more difficult to intercept than cruise missiles or drones. "We believe that protecting Europe requires a comprehensive solution, in the form of an integrated missile defense architecture, to deter and neutralize future missile threats," the statement said. "We recognize Ukraine's unique experience, gained through its defense against the war of aggression waged by Russia." The statement did not provide a timeline for establishing the defense system but said the initiative would remain open to other countries. Putin vows stronger retaliation Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled no willingness to ease military pressure, pledging a strong response to Ukraine's recent long-range attacks on Russian refineries, tankers and fuel terminals, which have contributed to fuel shortages. "Wherever they attempt to strike Russian territory, we will respond in kind, but our strikes will be several times more powerful," Putin told a meeting with pro-Kremlin activists on Monday. At the same time, European foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's defense needs and what they described as Russia's growing threat to Europe. Zelenskyy is seeking to speed up cooperation with European partners on strengthening Ukraine's air defenses before winter, when Russia has typically intensified attacks on energy infrastructure, leaving many Ukrainians without electricity, heating and water. He said Ukrainian officials were in Paris to present a proposed Anti-Ballistic Program and meet government leaders, national security advisers and defense companies that could participate in the project. US President Donald Trump's announcement last week that Ukraine would receive a license to produce Patriot air defense systems was seen as a potentially significant development. However, Ukrainian officials and experts cautioned that establishing such production would likely take years, and it remains unclear how quickly a broader European missile defense system could be developed. Ukraine seeks to pressure Russia Ukraine and its European allies hope recent Ukrainian military gains will increase pressure on Russia to enter negotiations to end the war, although Moscow has shown little sign of compromise despite peace efforts backed by the Trump administration. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Paris meeting, calling it "a coalition of warmongers." "They are driven by the profound delusion that it's possible to inflict a strategic defeat on our country, so this is a coalition of the deluded, a coalition of those who incite the war," he said. Western officials and analysts say Ukraine's advances in drone technology have recently given it an operational advantage by disrupting Russian supply lines behind the front, slowing Russia's military progress and increasing its costs. Ukraine reports strikes on Russian vessels Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, said Ukrainian forces struck 105 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov near the Crimean Peninsula between July 6 and July 13. According to Brovdi, the targets included tankers, dry cargo ships, a ferry and tugboats. He said the campaign forms part of Ukraine's broader strategy to isolate the Crimean Peninsula, which is experiencing its worst fuel shortage since Russia illegally annexed it in 2014, while disrupting Russian military logistics. Crimea remains a key rear base for Russian forces occupying parts of southern Ukraine. The claims could not be independently verified, and Russian officials did not immediately comment. European leaders reaffirm support The Paris meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, bringing together representatives from more than 30 countries and about 25 heads of state and government, underscored Europe's long-term commitment to Ukraine and sent a signal to Russia as it continues to test European resolve. Zelenskyy's visit came shortly after the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine's strongest supporters in Washington. Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko described Graham as "the closest link between Ukraine, our president and Trump." The visit also followed a major reshuffle in Ukraine's government, including the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Sunday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France would summon the Russian ambassador and impose sanctions against Russian hackers over what he described as "a vast cyber campaign aimed at sabotage and espionage" targeting about 10 European countries. Ukraine's neighbors have also continued to feel the effects of the conflict. Moldova's Foreign Ministry said a drone launched during overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine's Odesa region crashed and exploded inside Moldovan territory, describing the incident as "serious and unacceptable." Fresh drone attacks Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted 350 Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow since late Sunday, including 50 near the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the interceptions, while Moscow regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said 81 drones had been shot down overnight. He said three people were killed and three others injured in the Pionersky settlement west of Moscow. Ukraine's Air Force, meanwhile, reported that Russia launched 134 long-range attack drones and three guided missiles against Ukraine. In Ukraine's Odesa region, regional military administration chief Oleh Kiper said a Russian strike on port infrastructure set fire to a merchant vessel carrying fertilizer under the flag of Togo, killing five crew members and injuring 10 others. Russia claims to foil Ukrainian drone plot Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had prevented a Ukrainian plan to attack the Ukrainka air base in the far eastern Amur region and the Shagol air base in the Chelyabinsk region of the southern Urals. According to the FSB, small drones were allegedly smuggled into Russia's Bryansk region using balloons, while larger transport drones were moved by vehicle near the targeted air bases by Ukrainian agents, who were subsequently arrested. The announcement follows Ukraine's covert "Operation Spiderweb" a year ago, which Ukrainian officials said destroyed or damaged nearly one-third of Russia's strategic bomber fleet using drones secretly transported into Russian territory.

The UK government has announced that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be designated a threat to national security under new state-threat powers aimed at tackling foreign-backed hostile activities. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new powers will make it a criminal offence to support the IRGC in any way, including expressing approval or providing assistance. Offenders could face up to 14 years in prison. Two other groups- the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and the volunteer corps of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency- will also be designated. US, Iran to establish direct IRGC channel in Doha as tensions over Hormuz persist If Parliament approves the measures later this week, those carrying out sabotage, including arson, on behalf of the groups could face life imprisonment. The new law will also give police and intelligence agencies greater powers to combat espionage, foreign interference, sabotage and physical attacks. The government said the IRGC is believed to have directed seven attacks on UK sites linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, including the antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on March 23, which the IMCR claimed responsibility for. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain would not allow hostile states to spread fear, division and violence. He said the new powers would make it easier to prosecute those acting on behalf of foreign governments. Mahmood accused Iran and Russia of using proxy groups to carry out attacks in Britain and said those involved would be identified and jailed. According to MI5, at least 20 potentially deadly Iranian-backed plots targeting people in the UK were identified over the past year. The government said the IRGC plays a central role in Iran's security apparatus and overseas operations, particularly targeting Jewish communities and Iranian dissidents. Home Office minister Angela Eagle said the IRGC operates beyond a conventional military force, carrying out intelligence activities, using proxy groups and advancing Iran's state objectives. With inputs from BBC News

Hundreds of firefighters, supported by helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, continued efforts on Saturday to contain one of Spain's deadliest wildfires, which has claimed at least 12 lives and scorched a vast area of southern Andalusia. The wildfire, which broke out late Thursday near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains in Almería province, has burned around 66 square kilometres of forest and farmland, regional authorities said. Emergency officials said improved weather conditions, including light winds and higher humidity, have aided firefighting operations, although the scale of the blaze remains a major challenge. Fire crews also carried out controlled burns overnight to prevent the flames from spreading further. Authorities expect favorable weather conditions to continue into Sunday, which could help contain the fire. Most of the victims, believed to be foreign nationals, reportedly died after ignoring official shelter-in-place orders. Seven people lost their lives after abandoning their vehicles and attempting to flee on foot. Regional officials said four of the victims are believed to be British nationals, based on the right-hand-drive vehicle in which they were found. Authorities have completed autopsies and collected DNA samples to confirm the identities of the victims. Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has been in contact with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada and the Netherlands, as Almería is home to a large foreign community. Nearly all homes along the fire's perimeter have remained intact, Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said. The wildfire comes as Western Europe experiences its third heatwave in six weeks, with Spain and neighboring France facing extreme temperatures. Climate experts have warned that Europe, the world's fastest-warming continent, is increasingly vulnerable to prolonged heatwaves and destructive wildfires. Authorities have evacuated 1,448 residents from 11 affected areas as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced her resignation on Sunday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed plans for a broad government reshuffle aimed at reshaping the country's political strategy. In a statement posted on social media, Svyrydenko said she was proud to have led the government during one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine's modern history. She said she had discussed her future role with Zelenskyy and remained ready to continue serving the country in any capacity that would help strengthen Ukraine, protect its national interests and advance efforts toward a just peace. Svyrydenko, 39, took office as prime minister in July 2025 after serving as economy minister. She played a key role in negotiating a minerals agreement with the United States, which was widely viewed as an important step in reinforcing U.S. support for Ukraine's security. Announcing the changes, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was revising its political strategy and that Svyrydenko had been offered responsibility for "a new, important area" of relations with one of the country's key international partners. The president said each major area of Ukraine's foreign policy would be assigned to experienced officials capable of implementing agreements reached at the leadership level and meeting public expectations. Zelenskyy also indicated that the reshuffle would include changes in the senior leadership of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies.

Nominations opened on Thursday for the UK Labour Party leadership election to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expected to emerge as the sole candidate. Burnham began collecting nominations from Labour lawmakers and requires the backing of at least 80 MPs to qualify. Political observers expect him to comfortably surpass the threshold. "It's all starting to feel very real," Burnham said in a video posted on social media after formally nominating himself. The nomination period will remain open until July 16. If no other candidates enter the race, Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader on July 17 and formally appointed prime minister after meeting King Charles III on July 20. Potential challengers have ruled out contesting the leadership. Former Defence Minister Al Carns, who had been considering a bid, announced late Wednesday that he would not stand against Burnham. "I'd hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate," Carns said in a statement. "But months of internal Labour politics isn't what the country needs right now. We've got to get on with the job. Andy Burnham's earned this and he's got my full backing." Starmer announced last month that he would step down once Labour selected a successor. He came to power with a landslide election victory in July 2024 but decided to resign after two years in office marked by political setbacks and declining public support. Burnham returned to Parliament after winning a by-election last month, following nearly a decade as mayor of Greater Manchester. He has pledged to revive Britain's economy through a strategy he calls "Manchesterism," aimed at boosting growth by combining public and private investment in transport, housing and infrastructure after years of sluggish economic performance. If confirmed as prime minister, Burnham will inherit major challenges, including weak economic growth, strained public services and continued cost-of-living pressures. On foreign policy, Burnham has pledged continuity, reaffirming Britain's commitment to NATO, its nuclear deterrent, its alliance with the United States and continued support for Ukraine.

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces a pivotal moment in her political career as a Paris appeals court is set to rule Tuesday on her conviction and whether she can contest the 2027 presidential election. The court's decision, expected from 1:30 pm local time, could significantly reshape the race to succeed President Emmanuel Macron, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Le Pen, 57, is appealing a March 2025 conviction that found her and several members of her National Rally party guilty of misusing European Parliament funds by paying party staff with money allocated for parliamentary assistants between 2004 and 2016. The lower court sentenced her to a prison term, suspended pending appeal, and imposed a five-year ban from holding elected office. Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing. If the appeals court upholds the five-year ban, it would almost certainly prevent her from making a fourth bid for the French presidency and could mark a major setback for the anti-immigration, Eurosceptic National Rally. However, the court could also reduce the ban to two years or less—or remove it entirely. A shorter ban would expire before the first round of the 2027 presidential election, scheduled for April that year. Even if allowed to run, Le Pen has said additional judicial restrictions, such as electronic monitoring or other conditions linked to a prison sentence, could affect her ability to campaign. Prosecutors have asked the appeals court to sentence Le Pen to four years in prison, with three years suspended, along with a five-year ban from holding elected office. They accused her of leading a scheme that diverted European Union funds to benefit her party. If Le Pen is barred from running, National Rally president Jordan Bardella, 30, is widely expected to become the party's presidential candidate. Le Pen could still appeal to France's highest court, the Court of Cassation, although it remains uncertain whether any sentence would be suspended during the appeal process. The court has previously indicated it would seek to issue a final ruling before the 2027 presidential election if asked to review the case.

Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine early Monday, killing at least 22 people and highlighting growing concerns over the country's air defence capabilities more than four years into Moscow's full-scale invasion. The capital, Kyiv, bore the brunt of the assault, with at least 15 people killed and 56 others injured, according to city authorities. Ukraine's emergency service said another seven people were killed and 29 injured elsewhere in the Kyiv region. Emergency crews continued search-and-rescue operations at the sites of damaged residential buildings, where ballistic missiles directly struck apartment blocks. Ukrainian officials said all of the ballistic missiles launched by Russia reached their intended targets, underscoring the country's urgent need for additional US-made Patriot air defence interceptors. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to raise the issue during this week's NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, as Kyiv seeks greater military support from its allies. Russia's Defence Ministry said the intensified attacks were in retaliation for recent long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory, which Moscow claims have disrupted fuel supplies and increased pressure on the Kremlin. The latest barrage came just days after another Russian strike on Kyiv killed 31 people, marking the deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year. While Ukraine has gained momentum in recent months through expanded use of long-range drones targeting Russian supply routes and logistics, analysts say Moscow is increasingly exploiting weaknesses in Ukraine's air defence network. Ukraine remains heavily dependent on Patriot missile systems to intercept Russian ballistic missiles, but supplies of the interceptors have come under pressure due to growing global demand, including from conflicts in the Middle East, raising concerns over Kyiv's ability to defend against future large-scale attacks.

The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week has climbed to 2,954, while 16,592 people have been injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. In a message posted on his Telegram channel, Rodriguez said rescue teams have so far saved 6,462 people from areas affected by the disaster, including the central states of Aragua, Miranda and La Guaira, and the western states of Carabobo, Yaracuy and Falcon. Death toll nears 2,000 as questions mount over Venezuela's quake response He said 16,209 people have been left homeless. The earthquakes also damaged 856 buildings, while 190 structures collapsed. Authorities have established 80 temporary camps to provide shelter and support for displaced and affected residents. According to the latest update, 29,567 rescue workers, including 3,281 personnel from overseas, remain engaged in search-and-rescue operations. The statement added that Venezuela has recorded 942 aftershocks since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck the country on June 24.

A Paris appeals court is set to deliver a key ruling on Tuesday in Marine Le Pen's embezzlement case, with the decision likely to determine whether the French far-right leader can contest the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen, 57, is appealing a March 2025 conviction that found her and several members of her National Rally party guilty of misusing European Parliament funds. Prosecutors said money meant to pay parliamentary assistants was instead used to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016. The lower court handed Le Pen a prison sentence, which has been suspended while her appeal is heard, and banned her from holding elected office for five years. She denies any wrongdoing and hopes to make her fourth run for the French presidency. If the ban remains in place, National Rally president Jordan Bardella, 30, is expected to become the party's candidate, potentially changing the race to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. Acquittal would clear the way The best outcome for Le Pen would be a full acquittal, allowing her to run without legal obstacles. During the five-week appeal hearing earlier this year, Le Pen admitted there had been "a mistake" but insisted she believed it was legal for some parliamentary assistants to also work for her party, then known as the National Front. She said there was never any attempt to hide the arrangement and argued that European Parliament officials had never warned the party that its hiring practices might violate the rules. Her lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, urged the judges to allow Le Pen to rebuild her political career. Even if she is cleared, prosecutors could still challenge the verdict before France's highest court, the Court of Cassation. A shorter ban could keep her in the race The appeals court could also uphold Le Pen's conviction but reduce her ban from public office to two years or less, or remove it altogether. Because the original ban took effect immediately in March last year, a shorter ban would end before the first round of the presidential election, scheduled for April 2027. However, Le Pen has said that even if she is legally allowed to run, any prison sentence, electronic monitoring or other court restrictions could make it impossible to campaign across the country. "If I'm allowed to be a candidate but cannot campaign freely, then it wouldn't be possible," she told French broadcaster LCI this week. She said she could not run a national campaign if she needed a judge's permission to travel or attend campaign events. Court could impose a tougher punishment Prosecutors have asked the appeals court to sentence Le Pen to four years in prison, with three years suspended, and to keep the five-year ban on holding elected office. They accuse her of leading a system that diverted European Union funds for the benefit of her party. Although prosecutors did not request it, the appeals court could again decide that any ban should take immediate effect. Le Pen would still be able to appeal to the Court of Cassation, although it remains unclear whether such an appeal would suspend the sentence. France's highest court has previously said it would try to issue a final ruling before the 2027 presidential election if it accepts the case. Le Pen says she cannot wait until the last minute Le Pen has said she will not delay deciding whether to run because a presidential campaign requires months of preparation. She warned that lengthy legal proceedings could effectively prevent her from entering the race, even if she is later cleared. France's presidential campaign is expected to begin gathering momentum in September before intensifying early next year. Presidential candidates must also secure the endorsements of 500 elected officials to qualify for the ballot, making it difficult for parties to replace a candidate late in the campaign. "If I'm prevented from running but the Court of Cassation rules in my favor three or four months later, it will already be too late to mount a proper presidential campaign," Le Pen said in an earlier interview with RTL radio.

A fast-moving wildfire broke out near the outskirts of Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki, on Saturday evening, forcing the evacuation of several communities and a care facility for people with special needs, authorities said. The blaze erupted around 8:30 pm in a mountainous ravine north of the city before rapidly spreading across nearby plains, fueled by strong winds, according to the Hellenic Fire Service. Residents of the settlements of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini were ordered to evacuate via emergency text alerts as thick smoke blanketed several western suburbs of Thessaloniki. Although homes were largely spared, a number of businesses sustained damage. Authorities also evacuated a facility housing 157 people with special needs. Around 120 residents who were able to walk were moved to a local gymnasium, while the remaining residents were transferred to a psychiatric hospital. Police arrested a 76-year-old man overnight on suspicion of starting the fire. The fire service said the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. More than 115 firefighters, supported by 38 fire engines and volunteers, were deployed to contain the blaze. Firefighting aircraft joined the operation briefly before being grounded after nightfall. Officials said there was no immediate threat of the fire reaching Thessaloniki, but firefighters remained on high alert as strong winds continued to hamper containment efforts. Additional firefighting personnel were expected to reinforce operations. Several other wildfires were also reported on Saturday, including in the popular tourist destination of the Halkidiki Peninsula and near the northern city of Kilkis. The latest wildfire comes days after a major blaze in central Greece killed a man and his 12-year-old son and forced evacuations. While much of Europe has been affected by extreme heat in recent weeks, Greece has so far avoided the worst of the heatwave.