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Residents across Crimea are facing growing hardship after repeated Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure disrupted electricity and fuel supplies across the peninsula. Long power outages have forced many families to rely on community kitchens for hot meals as daily life becomes increasingly difficult. Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, has experienced months of pressure on its energy network following Ukrainian strikes targeting power plants and other strategic facilities. Ukrainian officials say the campaign is aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities and bringing the effects of the war closer to Russian controlled territory. The attacks come as Ukraine continues to endure regular missile and drone strikes on its own cities since Russia launched its full scale invasion in 2022. In the town of Massandra, local authorities have organised public meal services for residents who are unable to cook because of prolonged electricity cuts. Large pots of buckwheat and reheated canned beef are prepared each day and distributed to around 200 people. Officials say many households depend entirely on electric stoves, leaving them without a way to prepare food when the power goes out. Massandra town administration head Oksana Madyud said the community kitchens were set up to support families facing ongoing disruptions. She explained that many residents have no alternative cooking methods and need access to hot meals until electricity supplies become more stable. Local workers continue preparing food every day to help elderly residents and vulnerable families cope with the difficult conditions. The prolonged outages have created serious challenges for many people, particularly those living in high rise apartment buildings. Marina, a local resident, said she was forced to search for a gas stove and fuel cylinders after losing electricity in her apartment. She explained that climbing down from her tenth floor flat has become painful because of a leg injury, yet she had little choice because her home has only an electric cooker that cannot be used during blackouts. Another resident, Alexandra, said she had spent ten days without electricity before power was finally restored. She joined the queue for a hot meal after being drawn by the smell of freshly prepared food. Although electricity had returned that afternoon, she remained uncertain whether the supply would continue once she reached home, reflecting the uncertainty many families now face. Fuel shortages have added to the difficulties across towns and cities in Crimea, making transport and everyday activities more challenging. The continuing disruption has increased pressure on local authorities to provide emergency support while residents adjust to frequent interruptions in essential services. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, civilians on both sides are increasingly feeling the consequences. While Ukraine says its strikes are intended to weaken Russia’s military infrastructure, residents in Crimea are left dealing with power shortages, limited fuel supplies and an uncertain daily routine as the war continues to affect civilian life far from the front lines.

Sri Lankan authorities have stepped up security measures at prisons across the country after a violent riot at Mahara Prison left one person dead and six others injured. The latest unrest has once again highlighted the serious overcrowding and growing pressure within the country’s prison system. The violence broke out on Saturday at Mahara Prison, located about 15 kilometres from the capital Colombo. According to police sources, the disturbance began during family visiting hours when a group of inmates climbed onto rooftops, set fire to a building inside the prison compound and damaged several facilities. The unrest also resulted in the destruction of documents kept in administrative offices, while parts of the prison hospital, training centre and kitchen suffered extensive damage. Law enforcement agencies, supported by the military and other security personnel, were deployed to regain control of the situation. Officials said the operation successfully ended the riot and prevented further violence from spreading within the prison. The Sri Lankan Air Force also assisted by deploying helicopters and drones to monitor the prison complex during the emergency. The incident has renewed concerns about the country’s overcrowded prisons. Mahara Prison currently holds around 4,100 inmates despite having space for only about one quarter of that number. Similar conditions exist throughout Sri Lanka’s prison network, where more than 41,000 convicted prisoners are housed in 22 facilities built to accommodate only around 11,000 inmates. In addition to convicted prisoners, thousands of remand prisoners awaiting trial are also being held in these facilities, adding to the strain on available space and resources. The latest violence comes only weeks after another deadly prison clash in the coastal town of Negombo. In early July, fighting between rival inmate groups resulted in the deaths of 10 prison officials and 20 prisoners over two days. Authorities described that incident as the country’s worst prison violence since 2012, prompting the deployment of police special forces, the military and navy to restore order. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatta said security has now been increased at major prisons across the country, particularly those located near Colombo, including Negombo Prison. He said officials have transferred inmates back to their cells and are ensuring they receive food and water as normal while security operations continue. According to Medawatta, the combined efforts of police, military and prison authorities were crucial in bringing the Mahara situation under control. Outside the prison, dozens of worried relatives gathered on Saturday evening seeking information about family members inside. Police established security cordons to prevent crowds from approaching the prison during the operation. To maintain public order, authorities also imposed a temporary curfew in three nearby villages. The restrictions remained in place overnight before being lifted by midday on Sunday after officials confirmed the situation had stabilised. The repeated outbreaks of violence have intensified calls for reforms within Sri Lanka’s prison system. Human rights groups and legal experts have long warned that severe overcrowding, ageing infrastructure and limited resources have created dangerous conditions that increase the risk of unrest. The latest incident has added further pressure on the government to address these long standing challenges while ensuring the safety of both prison staff and inmates.

Iran has warned that it will respond firmly to any future military action by the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivering the message during separate conversations with senior officials from Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic outreach comes as tensions in the region remain high amid growing speculation about possible American military action against Iran. According to statements released through Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi held separate telephone discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir. During the conversations, he stressed that Iran would react decisively to what he described as any new act of aggression by the United States or its allies. He said Tehran would respond proportionately to any attack targeting the country’s territory or critical infrastructure. In his discussion with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, both sides reviewed the latest developments in regional diplomacy and ongoing negotiations related to the current crisis. Fidan later confirmed the conversation on social media, saying the two officials exchanged views on recent diplomatic efforts and the evolving regional situation. Araghchi also used his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to repeat Iran’s warning that any military action by the United States, Israel or other regional actors would receive a strong and direct response. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that the country’s defence policy is based on responding to attacks with equal force rather than initiating conflict. Last week, Araghchi reinforced this position through a social media post, describing Iran’s defence strategy as an “eye for an eye” approach. He said any strike against Iranian infrastructure would be met with a comparable response, signalling that Tehran remains prepared to retaliate if its security is threatened. The latest statements come as reports continue to circulate about possible military planning in Washington. Michael Doran, a former senior official on Middle East affairs at the US National Security Council, said President Donald Trump is reportedly close to deciding whether to authorise a large scale military operation against Iran. Citing an Israeli official quoted by Israel’s Kan 12 television channel, Doran said the US military has reached its highest state of readiness, although no final decision has been made. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the reports. However, the speculation has added to concerns that the already fragile security situation in the Middle East could worsen if diplomatic efforts fail. Regional governments have been closely monitoring developments, with many countries urging restraint and encouraging dialogue to prevent a wider conflict. Analysts say continued communication between Iran and neighbouring states reflects growing efforts to avoid further escalation while preparing for the possibility of increased military tensions. Iran has repeatedly said it prefers diplomacy but insists it will defend its territory and national interests if attacked. As uncertainty continues over Washington’s next move, the exchange of warnings and diplomatic contacts highlights the delicate balance facing the region, where any military confrontation could have far reaching consequences beyond Iran and the United States. Focused keyword:

US President Donald Trump has publicly rejected the findings of his own Justice Department after federal prosecutors concluded that construction problems, rather than vandalism, were responsible for damage to the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said he strongly disagreed with US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and insisted that vandals were responsible for the damage. He argued that although there may have been issues with the construction work, the main cause of the deterioration was deliberate vandalism. The disagreement follows a court filing submitted on Friday by Jeanine Pirro and Assistant US Attorney Michael Spence, who asked a judge to dismiss the government’s case against David Hearn, a 67 year old former Olympian. Hearn had been accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool, an allegation that became part of a wider debate over the Trump administration’s renovation project in the nation’s capital. According to the filing, newly received documents from the Department of the Interior showed that the problems were linked to a rushed and defective installation process. Prosecutors said the pool’s lining experienced repeated failures during construction and that extensive peeling occurred across the surface because of installation defects rather than intentional damage. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a renovation costing around 14.7 million dollars. Soon after the project was completed, the site experienced several problems, including algae growth that turned the water green and sections of the blue lining peeling away. The issues attracted public criticism and raised questions about the quality of the renovation work. Throughout the controversy, Trump repeatedly claimed that vandals had deliberately damaged the pool. Following the Justice Department’s decision to withdraw the case, he continued to defend that position. In another social media post, the president shared previously released video footage from the US Park Police that he said supported his claim. He argued that the footage showed people damaging the Reflecting Pool while maintenance workers were cleaning algae from the water. However, the video does not clearly show acts of vandalism. It remains unclear whether the individuals seen in the footage were intentionally damaging the lining or simply handling material that had already begun peeling because of the reported construction flaws. The Justice Department has not publicly responded to Trump’s criticism. Jeanine Pirro’s office also did not immediately comment on the president’s remarks. The dispute highlights a rare public disagreement between President Trump and his own administration’s legal team. While federal prosecutors have concluded that faulty construction caused the damage, the president continues to argue that criminal vandalism was primarily responsible, keeping the controversy surrounding the renovation project in the public spotlight.

OPEC+ is widely expected to approve another increase in oil production when its members meet virtually on Sunday, as the alliance continues to adjust supply while global energy markets remain affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions. According to market analysts, Saudi Arabia, Russia and several other key members of the alliance are likely to raise their combined production target by around 188,000 barrels per day for September. If approved, the increase would continue a series of monthly production hikes introduced this year and is expected to mark the final step in the group’s current plan to gradually restore previously reduced output. OPEC+, which includes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers, introduced major production cuts between late 2022 and 2023 after concerns that falling oil prices could weaken global energy markets. Those reductions removed nearly six million barrels of oil per day from the market in three separate phases. As demand gradually recovered, the group shifted its strategy by slowly increasing production, beginning in 2025, to balance supply while supporting market stability. A September increase would complete the reversal of the second package of production cuts introduced during that period. However, analysts note that higher production targets do not necessarily mean actual oil output will increase by the same amount. Several member countries are currently unable to reach their assigned quotas because of declining production capacity, ageing infrastructure or operational challenges. Energy analyst Giovanni Staunovo of UBS said many producers are already pumping below their official targets, making further quota increases less significant in practical terms. He noted that production capacity has declined in several member states, limiting their ability to take full advantage of higher output allowances. Regional tensions have also affected oil exports. Gulf producers continue to face challenges because shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted during the conflict involving Iran. Although maritime traffic briefly improved after a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was signed in June, transport through one of the world’s busiest oil routes remains uncertain. Russia is also dealing with production difficulties as repeated Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted parts of its energy infrastructure. Current Russian oil production remains close to nine million barrels per day, well below its official production target of 9.8 million barrels per day, highlighting the gap between quotas and actual output. Some OPEC+ members, including Iraq, have indicated they want to increase production significantly once conditions allow. At the same time, the alliance is reviewing the maximum sustainable production capacity of each member to help determine future output allocations. These discussions are expected to play an important role in setting production quotas for 2027 and beyond. Analysts believe negotiations over future production targets could become more challenging after the September meeting. While they say the alliance remains united for now, the departure of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC+ earlier this year has raised questions about the group’s long term cohesion. The UAE said its decision to leave was based on national interests and long term strategic goals, pointing to major investments aimed at expanding its oil production capacity beyond the limits previously set by the alliance. Despite these challenges, OPEC+ is expected to continue coordinating production policies in an effort to maintain stability in the global oil market as economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continue to influence energy demand and supply.

South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since weather records began more than 100 years ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country and authorities urge people to avoid outdoor activities. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon, setting a new national temperature record. Yangsan has remained at the centre of the prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days. Other major cities, including Daegu and Busan, have also experienced temperatures climbing into the upper 30s. The extreme weather has forced many people to seek shelter in air conditioned shopping centres, cafes and other indoor spaces. In Seoul, residents gathered in public places with cooling facilities to escape the dangerous heat. Office worker Ju Dong Yeol said staying outdoors had become almost impossible and that spending time in air conditioned buildings was the only practical way to cope with the soaring temperatures. Authorities have issued emergency heatwave alerts in more than 20 areas across the country. The warning system, introduced this year, is activated when the expected heat index reaches 38 degrees Celsius or when actual temperatures are forecast to climb to at least 39 degrees Celsius. Weather officials advised residents to stop all outdoor activities immediately, remain in cool locations and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of heat related illnesses. The Korea Meteorological Administration also warned that indoor spaces without air conditioning could become dangerous during the ongoing heatwave. Officials encouraged people, particularly children, older adults and those with health conditions, to use designated cooling centres whenever possible. Weather data show that South Korea has experienced a sharp increase in the number of extremely hot days over recent decades. During the past five years, the country has recorded an average of 19 heatwave days each year, compared with only eight days annually during the 1970s. A heatwave day is officially defined as one in which temperatures reach at least 33 degrees Celsius. The severe weather has also disrupted sporting events. South Korea’s professional baseball league cancelled a second consecutive game in the city of Changwon after temperatures climbed to 39.5 degrees Celsius. The Korea Baseball Organisation said the decision was made to protect the health and safety of players, officials and spectators while the heatwave warning remained in effect. Scientists have repeatedly warned that human induced climate change is making extreme weather events such as heatwaves more frequent and more intense around the world. Experts also point to the return of the El Nino climate pattern this year, which increases sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and can contribute to unusually hot weather in many regions. South Korea is not alone in facing extreme heat. Several European countries have also experienced prolonged heatwaves this summer, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of southern and central Europe. Governments across the region have issued health warnings, battled wildfires and advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Italy has also placed many of its major cities under the highest level of heat alert as temperatures continue to rise.

The death toll from flash floods and landslides in China’s northwestern Gansu Province has risen to 25 as rescue teams continue recovery efforts while heavy rainfall threatens more areas across the country. According to Chinese state media, the disaster struck Weiyuan County in Dingxi City after torrential rain triggered floods and landslides on July 26. Earlier reports had confirmed 10 deaths, but updated figures released on Sunday showed that at least 25 people have now lost their lives while another 23 were injured. Rescue workers remain active in the affected areas as authorities assess the full extent of the damage. China’s National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief has instructed Gansu provincial authorities to carry out detailed investigations and damage assessments following the deadly disaster. Officials are also working to identify areas at risk of further landslides as persistent rainfall continues during the country’s annual flood season. Local authorities in Gansu have warned residents to remain alert because unstable hillsides and saturated ground could trigger additional landslides, particularly around Dingxi and nearby districts. Emergency services have been placed on standby to respond quickly if weather conditions worsen. The severe weather has not been limited to Gansu. China’s national weather agency issued fresh warnings on Sunday for several regions, including Beijing and Inner Mongolia, where heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected. Forecasters said a broad stretch of the country from the southwest to the northeast could experience dangerous weather over the coming days. Sichuan Province has also been hit hard by continuous rainfall. State broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 64,000 people have been evacuated from high risk areas, while over 881,000 residents have been relocated since the beginning of this year’s flood season. Local governments are continuing emergency operations to protect communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Weather officials have also warned of another potential threat developing in the western Pacific. Super Typhoon Dolphin is moving towards East Asia and is expected to begin affecting China’s southeastern coastal regions from Wednesday. Authorities are closely monitoring its path and preparing emergency response measures in case the storm brings strong winds and heavy rainfall to coastal provinces. China experiences frequent flooding during the summer monsoon season, with mountainous regions particularly vulnerable to landslides caused by prolonged rainfall. In recent years, extreme weather events have become more common, prompting authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve emergency response systems to reduce the impact on local communities. As rescue and recovery efforts continue in Gansu, officials are urging residents in vulnerable areas to follow weather updates and evacuation orders to minimise the risk of further casualties as heavy rain continues across large parts of the country.