Washington (AFP) – The US accuses Russia of moving ahead with plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory. “Russia is laying the groundwork to annex Ukrainian territory that it controls in direct violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty,” spokesman John Kirby says.
Paris (AFP) – Stunned by the heatwave, people experiencing homelessness find refuge at the Agora, the Emmaus Solidarity reception center in Paris. During the day, between 200 and 300 people enjoy a shower, access to a water fountain and to social workers.
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcome Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska to the White House.
Karbala (Iraq) (AFP) – At the entrance to central Iraq’s al-Hajarah desert thousands of young date palms form lines extending to the horizon. In a country once synonymous with the plant, these trees are central to efforts to preserve a threatened national icon.
Tokyo (AFP) – Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe train with their Paris Saint-Germain teammates at Tokyo’s Chichibunomiya rugby ground. PSG will play three local teams during their 10-day visit to Japan, starting with Wednesday’s game against J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
London (AFP) – As Britain faces its hottest ever day, all trains are cancelled from London’s Kings Cross station, leaving travellers stranded.
Brugelette (Belgium) (AFP) – Belgium’s Pairi Daiza Zoo is putting special measures in place to protect animals from the sweltering heat — including frozen snacks and extra showers.
London (AFP) – SOUNDBITE The UK Conservative Party’s “1922 Committee” announces the results from the latest round of voting in the party leadership contest. Rishi Sunak, former Finance Minister, is still in the lead with 118 votes. The fight for second place is tightening between former defence minister Penny Mordaunt (second place with 92 votes) and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (third place with 86 votes). Longshot candidate Kemi Badenoch trailed on 59 votes and was therefore eliminated from the contest.
Brasília (AFP) – President Jair Bolsonaro once again questions the Brazilian electoral system, less than three months before the presidential election that all polls predict he will lose.
Tábara (Spain) (AFP) – In Spain, firefighters are battling deadly blazes in the northwestern province of Zamora. Residents are evacuating to temporary shelters as swathes of Europe wilt under scorching heat which is stretching emergency services.
