Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that “war” is coming to Russia after three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow. “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia — to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky said on a visit to the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk.
Vatican City (AFP) – Pope Francis calls on the Russian authorities to return to the agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea despite the war, remembering the millions of people suffering from hunger.
Ribaute (France) (AFP) – The effects of climate change are pushing winegrowers in the Corbieres mountains in southern France to test different grape varieties that are better able to withstand extreme sunshine and drought. Their aim is to continue producing quality wine that retains its acidity and stays at a reasonable alcohol level. At Embres-et-Castelmaure, a vineyard “conservatory” has been set up and one of its plots is being used to select the best version of an ancient grape variety: Carignan. At Chateau de Ciceron in Ribaute, meanwhile, the winemaker has chosen to import grape varieties from Spain and Portugal.
Dhaka (AFP) – Bangladesh police fire rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse stone-throwing crowds blockading major roads in the capital Dhaka in the latest protest demanding the prime minister’s resignation. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have staged a series of protests since last year demanding Sheikh Hasina step down and allow a caretaker government to oversee elections due next January.
ukraine (Ukraine) (AFP) – Images show a blast coming from the river Oskil, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, after a team of de-miners/divers from the “Interregional Center for Humanitarian De-mining and Rapid Response” denotated an aircraft bomb to prevent any future explosion. “The divers worked under the constant threat of enemy shelling. Fortunately, everything is over and this aircraft bomb will not cause any harm to anyone”, wrote the Ukrainian State Emergency Service on social media.
Near Bakhmut (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits Ukraine special forces positions near the hotspot of Bakhmut as Kyiv ramps up its counter-offensive. “We know the situation is not easy, but you are powerful people and I wish you strength, health and victory”, he says. Ukraine last month began its highly anticipated fightback after stockpiling Western weapons and building up its offensive forces. Kyiv has however admitted to fighting difficult battles and called on the United States and other allies to provide long-range weapons and artillery.
Brussels (AFP) – Praised for their ecological virtues, night trains are once again increasingly plying the rails between European cities, but after decades of underinvestment, the adventure can turn into an obstacle course. “It’s cosy,” says Belgian traveller Arthur, adding “it’s better for the environment so it gives a good feeling when you don’t like flying and wasting the environment.”
San Francisco (AFP) – The new Twitter logo “X”, which replaces the world-recognized blue bird, is installed on the rooftop of the company’s headquarters in San Francisco. IMAGES
Creel (Mexico) (AFP) – Mexico’s “El Chepe” train takes adventure-seeking travelers on a spectacular journey through the Copper Canyon.
Readington (United States) (AFP) – Hot air balloons fly in the sky during the 40th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning at Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey. The festival, held from July 28-30, features mass ascensions of up to one hundred balloons twice a day, in addition to music, entertainment, and a drone light show.
