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Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Sacked As Zelenskyy Continues Cabinet Shuffle

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Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Sacked As Zelenskyy Continues Cabinet Shuffle



President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sacked Mykhalo Fedorov as defence minister, a dramatic shakeup of his Cabinet that sent shockwaves through Ukrainian political and military circles and raised new questions about oversight of Ukraine’s stubborn defence against Russia’s all-out invasion.

Fedorov, a youngish, whiz-kid bureaucrat who has spearheaded digital transformation efforts across the government and embraced drone innovation as an important weapon in the war, confirmed he had been relieved of his post on July 15.

Fedorov’s short tenure as defence minister has coincided with Ukrainian forces battling Russian troops to a near stalemate.

Short-range tactical drones have helped Ukraine shore up its defences and prevent Russian troops from making significant advances. But Ukrainian commanders also continue to struggle with a lack of manpower and experienced units to counter Russian attempts at breaking through.

“It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as the minister of defence,” he said in a social media post. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly on the move.

Fedorov noted several achievements during his time at the ministry, including blocking Russian troops’ access to Starlink satellites, which “dramatically reduced their ability to wage an effective drone war.”

He added that he would continue to work to “defeat the enemy with asymmetry, speed of innovation, and strength of organisation.” He gave no further details.

Ukrainian media had speculated that Fedorov could be dismissed, as he was in a “systemic conflict” with other Cabinet members involved in defence spending.

Dan Rice, president of American University Kyiv and a former special adviser to the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, told RFE/RL that Fedorov could be moved to another senior role, including potentially as prime minister or Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, although he stressed that “you just don’t know” what Zelenskyy intends.

“I think he’s done a wonderful job in a very short period of time,” Rice said of Fedorov.

“I think he has a chance to help Ukraine-US relations tremendously. But we will see what President Zelenskyy wants.

On July 12, Zelenskyy announced the start of the government reshuffle, stating that the changes were necessary to implement an updated political strategy.

He said the reshuffle also is intended to renew the Cabinet of Ministers and said responsibility for key areas of foreign policy would be assigned to officials with relevant experience.

Earlier on July 15, Zelenskyy endorsed Serhiy Koretskiy, the chief executive of Naftogaz, the country’s largest state-owned oil and gas company, as the next prime minister.

Naftogaz is a major source of government revenue and a politically powerful corporation.

One of the youngest ministers in Zelenskyy’s government, Fedorov, 34, was named Ukraine’s first minister of digital transformation in 2019, a position aimed at modernising the government’s clunky government services, many dating back to the Soviet era.

Equally important was providing transparency for long-opaque bureaucratic processes, helping to root out deep-seated corrupt practices.

The reforms — described as “a state in a smartphone” — were embraced by Ukrainians, and Fedorov’s popularity and success led to a cabinet promotion to deputy prime minister, with an expanded portfolio.

Fedorov was appointed to take over the defence ministry in January.

While his lack of a military background prompted some grumbling among Ukraine’s uniformed armed forces, his promotion ushered in a surge in drone warfare and production — an area of wartime innovation that Ukraine has excelled at.

Recently Ukraine has used drones to strike multiple targets deep inside Russian territory.

The strikes against Kremlin energy assets, including oil terminals and tankers at sea, are part of a campaign Kyiv has labelled as “long-range sanctions” against Russia.

The drone attacks on Russian energy sites have led to massive shortages throughout the country, with even Moscow — which is often immune to crises in the country — feeling the pressure, with long lines at gas stations leading to furious outbursts by drivers.



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Wayne Rooney warns us about Thomas Tuchel’s fatal flaw ahead of England-Argentina

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Wayne Rooney warns us about Thomas Tuchel’s fatal flaw ahead of England-Argentina

Wayne Rooney warned us. After England defeated Mexico at the Azteca, popular opinion was that it was a tactical masterstroke, partly heroic. He proved that Thomas Tuchel had built a ‘fraternity’. England weathered a tense atmosphere, survived the high ground and regrouped after Jarel Kwansa’s red card. Jude Bellingham was brilliant, Anthony Gordon was indomitable and Dean Byrne’s forehead should be England’s next captain.

But Rooney was not convinced by Tuchel’s approach. In the 74th minute, with the score at 3-2 and down to 10 men, England effectively abandoned all attacking threat. Byrne replaced Elliott Anderson for some penalty box ballast; England reformed into a 5-3-1 formation and then spent the rest of the game defending for their lives.

They did so brilliantly, and Rooney credited the players for that. “They showed attitude, drive, desire – everything you want an England team to show, they showed tonight,” the former England captain said on BBC Sport. “We were the better team until the red card and then we showed a lesson in taking the ball out of the box and stopping shots – absolutely brilliant.”

But with overtime, it was effectively half an hour of wall-to-wall, anywhere-at-will defence. England stopped passing the ball, stopped attacking Mexico’s goal. And for all their stubborn resistance, it was Mexico’s failure to read the situation that froze the scoreline. Mexico dragged crosses into the box instead of pulling England’s defenders out of position to create pockets of space, as if they hadn’t seen the 6ft 7in Geordie now towering over Raul Jimenez.

The full-time whistle blew after England beat Mexico in the round of 16 (Getty)

“I thought it was a bit early to admit, ‘We’re not going to have the ball at all,'” explained Rooney. “We defended the box brilliantly, but I think Mexico played into our hands by putting balls in the box and letting us go out, Pickford coming in and punching out and taking the pressure off his teammates. I think if Mexico had played more around the box and tried to get us to the ball, it would have been more difficult.

Tuchel repeated the tactic in the 72nd minute of England’s semi-final against Argentina.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and Tuchel repeated the tactic in the 72nd minute of England’s semi-final against Argentina. The game-changing replacement this time around was Ezri for Anthony Gordon. There was no red card, no scene that required a panic button. But England dropped back to a deep 5-4-1 and once again abandoned all notions of scoring, all pretence of attacking football. For reasons Tuchel himself could not clearly explain, England emptied the attacking half of the pitch.

That made Argentina’s task fairly straightforward. Like Mexico, they no longer have to worry about defending. It also happened against Norway, in the quarter-finals, when Bern had about 12 minutes left to play. And while Norway and Mexico failed to force England out of their defensive cocoon, Argentina succeeded.

Argentina celebrate a late equalizer against England
Argentina celebrate a late equalizer against England (Getty)

Lionel Messi realised where the space was: on the left flank of England’s newly narrow midfield. From there, he wreaked havoc, and where Mexico and Norway put balls into the box, Messi lifted delicate balls over the heads of teammates and laid in simple passes after sucking off defenders. Enzo Fernandez thus had the chance to score Argentina’s equaliser.

Then he was tearing down the right side of the box towards the byline, England’s defence split and spread, and Lautaro Martinez’s headed cross was sublime, leaving the substitute with a goal he couldn’t miss.

There were other problems when England were under pressure in this tournament. Tuchel’s reluctance to replace Harry Kane and Bellingham meant that when he was defending Leeds, in situations where Ollie Watkins or Marcus Rashford were needed, he had virtually no counter-attack.

And this trend is not a new phenomenon. England have been resting their feet on winning scorelines since records began. At Euro 2000, England dominated Portugal for 20 minutes, went 2-0 up, and then retreated to the edge of their own box, inviting Luis Figo and his teammates to take pot shots, a strategy that was little less than giving the greatest player of all time the chance to unlock a stationary defence for half an hour.

Thomas Tuchel's tactics and changes have come under fire after England's defeat to Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and changes have come under fire after England’s defeat to Argentina. (Reuters)

Tuchel was hired to end the cycle.

Instead, the England players will now be number four, jet off to North America and spend the summer being told by friends, family, agents and clubmates that the manager cost them the World Cup.

Perhaps the statement is a small understatement; perhaps it is an approach guided by the benefit of hindsight, by the end result. But the same could be said of Mexico’s reaction to the game: England received waves of praise for their defensive bravery, while Mexico failed to score. Meanwhile, Ronnie unravels the finer details of the game, sounds the alarm, and no one listens to him.



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The Iran deal must put Iranians at the centre.

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The Iran deal must put Iranians at the centre.

As tensions between the US and Iran intensify, with renewed military strikes and growing arguments around the Strait of Hormuz, global attention has focused on regional security, commercial shipping, and the risk of wider escalation.

But Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, a former senior US diplomat who is currently the Bradford M. Freeman managing director of global policy at the George W. Bush Institute, argues that the most important story is unfolding inside Iran itself.

The US says its recent strikes targeted Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping. What is Washington trying to achieve with these operations?

I think what we’re seeing right now is an ongoing effort by both the US and Iran to gain control over the Strait of Hormuz. But I think the more important issue — and where we should really centre this conversation — is what’s happening inside Iran and what the Iranian people are experiencing.

I don’t want to speculate about the conflict. There will be many people debating what may happen next, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and we see impacts on oil prices or fertiliser markets. But the people of Iran are really where we should be centering our conversation

Beyond the military operation itself, how important is the diplomatic effort to reassure allies, shipping companies, and global markets that this critical waterway remains secure?

The Strait of Hormuz is an incredibly important waterway, not only for shipments of oil but also for sulphur, urea, and finished fertiliser. It’s equally critical for our Gulf allies and countries around the world.

As this conflict continues, it is essential to return to diplomatic channels and find a way to keep these waterways open. Open waterways are vital for the global economy and essential for regional and global security.

Beyond the military headlines, what concerns you most about the impact this conflict is having on ordinary Iranian families?

When the latest cycle of protests began, international attention focused on the extraordinary courage of Iranians who took to the streets, demanding not only economic relief but political change.

We’ve seen repeated waves of protests — the Women, Life, Freedom movement; the fuel price protests; and others. As the conflict continues, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, its regional activities, and its support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iraqi militias understandably dominate international headlines.

But it’s essential to keep the experiences of ordinary Iranians at the centre of the discussion. That means talking not only about economic hardship but also Internet shutdowns, political repression, and human rights abuses. While we discuss national-security priorities, we must remember what the regime is doing to its people every day.

Given your experience, how can the US communicate directly with the Iranian people while making clear that its differences are with the government, not the population?

The Iranian regime subjected its people to an unprecedented 88-day near-total Internet blackout. It was eased on May 26, but “lifted” isn’t really the right word because the government still blocks much of the Internet through what it calls “whitelisting”, allowing access only to selected websites.

Information is a lifeline. Independent reporting helps Iranians understand the US position. It helps them understand military activity, shortages, and threats to their safety. It’s also economically important.

Internet shutdowns increase impunity for the regime. When a government cuts communications — in Iran or anywhere else — abuses become much harder to document. Families can’t locate one another, and evidence of those abuses cannot reach the outside world.

Independent Persian-language media breaks that state monopoly. Radio Farda [a part of RFE/RL], BBC Persian, VOA Persian, and others report news that tightly controlled state media simply cannot cover freely.

As military operations continue, when does strategic communication become just as important as military strategy in preventing further escalation? I consider strategic communication another domain of warfare.

First, truth is sunlight. We have to expose abuses that happen in the dark. If the media cannot report accurate and trusted information, people become vulnerable to manipulation.

Because the regime has clamped down so heavily on what Iranians can know about this conflict, it’s effortless for official narratives to be distorted. Trusted information and credible sources are therefore essential so that Iranians understand both the conflict and the actions of their government.

Outside Iran, it’s equally important for governments to provide accurate, timely, and credible information about their foreign policy and international positions.

Washington says it is defending freedom of navigation, while Tehran portrays its actions as self-defence. How important is winning that international narrative?

I think it’s more than simply a communications battle. In 2026, more than ever, truth matters. Facts matter.

For the US — or any country — ensuring there is journalistic freedom and liberty for reporters to present accurate facts and hold governments accountable is absolutely vital. And that’s not just true for Iran; it’s true everywhere.

So I’d say it’s less about shaping public opinion and more about allowing citizens to make informed decisions when they have access to trusted sources of news.

Looking inside Iran, how do you assess the regime’s treatment of its people today? Has the leadership become more willing to escalate repression at home?


Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau

At this stage, it’s important to remember that the regime is deeply embedded in everyday life in Iran. It’s part of the economy, the military, politics, religion, and local governance.

While there are openings for negotiations and Iran has returned to the table, the situation remains fragile. The degree of control the regime exercises over daily life is impossible to overstate — not only over information, but over nearly every aspect of society.

I don’t want to speculate about where negotiations may lead. But returning to the table and addressing the security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, our Gulf allies, and, importantly, the conditions facing the Iranian people is where attention needs to be focused.

Finally, if diplomacy moves forward, how can negotiators ensure the talks aren’t limited to nuclear and security issues but also improve the daily lives and future prospects of ordinary Iranians?

Trudeau: Negotiators have to address those issues.

Diplomacy is best thought of as a dance. You have to be clear about what you’re going to discuss. That means making sure the conditions facing the Iranian people, freedom of information, the right to protest, and human rights are all part of the negotiations.

Negotiations aren’t easy. They’re painstaking and slow. That’s why you need experts involved.

As this process moves forward, national security issues — the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear programme, the ballistic missile programme, and the drone program — are all vital. But sustainable change in Iran starts with the people.



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The Juiciest Grilled Chicken Starts With These 4 Tips

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The Juiciest Grilled Chicken Starts With These 4 Tips

If you love food with the kind of passion that drives you to spend all morning at the farmers’ market to spend all afternoon cooking a three-course dinner, then you probably don’t love a boneless, skinless chicken breast.

It’s a reality to accept, and perhaps even appreciate, the virtue of lean protein, a pre-Reformation indulgence that serves as penance for the dinner sins of pork belly and bone marrow.

I used to feel that way. But the dish, this smoky beauty of a recipe – with its juicy swirl of lemon and olive oil and its fragrant charred garlic and parsley – is mouthwatering in the primal way of fried drumsticks and saucy wings. The leanness of the breast, compared with the richness of increasingly popular thighs, gives the marinated meat a crystalline brightness, like a blue summer sky after a thunderstorm.

Culinary professionals often dismiss that pure flavour as boring, though. (Have you seen the chef Tom Colicchio’s chicken breast rants on “Top Chef”?)

But Dennis Mao prefers it. He’s the founder and owner of Jidori Chicken, which sells bespoke birds to fine-dining restaurants.

“I thoroughly enjoy the breast,” he said. “If it’s cooked properly, it’s really good. It has a light chicken flavour and is very clean.

This is true of the ones he raises because they’re small, in the four- to eight-ounce range. Commercially available breasts are much larger, which can make that meat bland. It isn’t only the lack of fat but also the monotony of texture, with an inch or more of uniform thready strands that are prone to cottony dryness since the meat takes so long to cook through.

But it’s not just size that matters. Mr Mao explained that no one factor determines a bird’s quality, such as “heritage breed” or “free-range”, but rather a combination of how the chicken is fed, raised, handled, processed and shipped. For regular supermarket shoppers, he advises looking for the freshest meat, since there’s “a huge taste difference with that subtle shift.”

The ideal option is “something slaughtered recently,” but labels don’t reveal that detail. So look for the latest “use before” and “sell by” dates if they’re listed, as well as the terms “fresh” or “keep refrigerated,” which indicate that the chicken hasn’t been frozen, since freezing deteriorates its quality.

If you can find and afford high-end A-cup breasts, choose them. For the rest of us, here’s how to make supermarket chicken breasts the star of summer:

1. Flatten the meat into thinner planks

Often, butterflying the breast by slicing it in half leaves you with a thick slab of uniform meat striations that get boring after the second bite. Instead, cut the breast to a third of its original height by slicing two shutters: Start with a deep slit from the centre of the fat rounded top down to the pointy end without cutting all the way through.

Then, position the knife at the halfway point of one cut side and slice to open up that side without piercing through. Repeat on the other side and you end up with two shutters that open out from the centre.

Credit…The New York Times Cooking

Once unfurled, the thinner breast can be smacked into an even layer. (I use my bare palm, but a meat mallet or skillet works too.)

The breast won’t end up like a heart-shaped cutlet or even symmetrical like a Rorschach splotch, but that’s why it’ll be as irresistible as steak.

The fibres are now not only shortened, but they also run in different directions, so each bite offers some variety in chew.

2. Marinate quickly

Marinades bolster flavour, but mainly on the meat’s surface; that’s another reason this chicken breast benefits from being so svelte. Plus, it needs only 15 to 30 minutes in the marinade — the time it takes to heat a grill.

Olive oil does a lot of work here, carrying the aromas of the garlic, lemon zest and pepper and ensuring that the meat tastes rich and browns well. The herbs, which char nicely, bring freshness; and the salt, along with the acid in the lemon juice, keeps the chicken tender and moist.

3. Get your grill hotter than usual

Many summers ago, the chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten told me that most home cooks don’t get their grills hot enough to develop deep smokiness.

A blazing fire will leave a whole breast burnt on the outside and raw on the inside, but it will give these extra-thin cutlets a rich char that encases their juicy centres.

The heat is right when you can hold your hand five inches above the grate for three to five seconds. On a gas grill, that tends to be on the higher side of medium-high, and with charcoal, the lumps or briquettes should be ashed over and glowing red-bright beneath the grey-white surface. Be sure to cover a gas grill while cooking to maintain that intensity of heat too.

4. Pull the meat off the grill earlier

If the chicken breast isn’t cooked through, you can always put it back on the grate, but you can’t fix a dry, overcooked one.

These slender planks are done in about five minutes and should be just opaque throughout with the faintest hint of pink, like a blush that fades after your crush walks away.

To check one, move it to a plate, stick a paring knife in the centre and pull the blade back so you can see the meat from top to bottom.

If the breast needs a little more time, put it back on the grill and peek again in under a minute.

Hot off the grill or even cold over the coming days, this dish bursts with the richness and zing that makes even chicken breast doubters believe.

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I25 Ultra 5G Unlocked Cell Phones,

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I25 Ultra 5G Unlocked Cell Phones,
I25 Ultra 5G Unlocked Cell Phones,

I25 Ultra 5G Unlocked Cell Phones, Built-in Pen, 256GB+8GB Unlocked Phone, 6.99″ FHD+ Large Display with 7000mAh, 108MP Camera, 5G Dual SIM Android 14 Mobile Phone – Purple

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Price: $139.99
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analysed reviews to verify their trustworthiness. Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon

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Echoamo I25 Ultra 5G Unlocked Cell Phones, Built-in Pen, 256GB+8GB Unlocked Phone, 6.99″ FHD+ Large Display with 7000mAh, 108MP Camera, 5G Dual SIM Android 14 Mobile Phone – Purple


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Kuicur Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Adults and Kids,

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Kuicur Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Adults and Kids,
Kuicur Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Adults and Kids,

Kuicur Sonic Electric Toothbrush for Adults and Kids, Comes with 10 Brush Heads & Travel Case, 5 Modes with 2 Minutes Built-in Smart Timer, One Charge for 90 Days, 42,000 VPM Motor (Black)

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Price: $14.99 - ($0.67 / count)
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As a trusted brand with over 20 years of dental innovation, we’ve engineered this toothbrush to deliver an exceptional clean with unparalleled convenience for travel.

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Senate Unveils Revised Russia Sanctions Bill As Lawmakers Push To Cement Graham’s Legacy

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Senate Unveils Revised Russia Sanctions Bill As Lawmakers Push To Cement Graham’s Legacy



WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of US senators on July 14 introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, unveiling a revised package of sanctions and tariffs aimed at squeezing Moscow’s war finances while seeking to overcome concerns that had stalled earlier versions of the legislation.

The bill, which has gathered more than 26 bipartisan co-sponsors, with supporters expecting that number to quickly grow, has taken on added political significance following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of its chief architects, over the weekend.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called for an immediate floor vote, saying the legislation should be passed “in honour of Lindsey,” while Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said he was “hopeful we can make that happen.”

The legislation represents the culmination of more than a year of bipartisan negotiations, with Graham announcing just one day before his death that lawmakers had reached agreement with the White House on key provisions after months of discussions.

According to colleagues, Graham had returned from Ukraine shortly before his death and had spoken with US President Donald Trump about the sanctions package, expressing optimism that the administration was finally on board.

“He was absolutely ecstatic,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Graham’s chief Democratic partner on the bill, said of their final conversation. “I’ve never heard him quite as exuberant.”

Blumenthal said he supports naming the legislation after Graham, calling it “part of his legacy.”

Bill Shifts Focus To Major Buyers Of Russian Energy

The revised legislation significantly reshapes an earlier proposal that had drawn criticism from lawmakers and US allies over the breadth of its tariff provisions.

Rather than imposing a blanket 500 per cent tariff on countries buying Russian energy, the new version authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent targeting the top five purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, a group that sponsors say includes China and India.

The legislation also creates exemptions for countries importing less than 15 per cent of Russia’s annual natural gas exports, provided they are taking “significant steps” to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.

Supporters said the changes aimed to reduce unintended economic consequences for US allies while maintaining pressure on the Kremlin’s most important source of revenue.

“The vast majority of Russia’s income, particularly used toward its war of aggression in Ukraine, is made up from its exports of Russian oil and gas,” a Senate aide said, describing the legislation as narrowly tailored to target that sector.

Beyond tariffs, the bill mandates sanctions within 30 days of enactment against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military leaders, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, energy projects, oligarchs, and foreign companies that support Russia’s defence industrial base.

It also broadens sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of ageing, reflagged oil tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions on Russian energy exports.

Compared with previous versions, the new legislation also removes language making sanctions contingent on Russia’s participation in peace negotiations, making many of the penalties mandatory instead.

White House Flexibility Remains Central Compromise

A key element of negotiations with the Trump administration was preserving presidential flexibility.

The revised bill grants the president authority to waive sanctions under certain circumstances, reflecting White House concerns that the executive branch retains room to act when doing so serves US national interests.

At the same time, Democratic negotiators secured tighter oversight provisions requiring the administration to notify Congress and justify any sanctions waivers.

The compromise followed months of negotiations involving Graham, Blumenthal, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and senior administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Trump on July 14 said the legislation had “a good chance” of passing, although he suggested adding sanctions targeting Iran and Hezbollah. Blumenthal opposed reopening negotiations, saying the bill already had White House approval and should move forward without further adjustments.

Supporters See Pressure On Kremlin’s War Machine

Backers argue the legislation directly targets the financial foundation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by attacking revenues from oil and gas exports.

“If the Kremlin is able to fund its war machine through the sale of oil and gas, it’s going to be able to keep going,” Shaheen said. “It’s going to stop those purchases. It’s going to make clear those purchases come with real costs.”

Blumenthal described the proposal as imposing “sledgehammer sanctions” on Russia and its supporters, while Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama said Graham believed the measure would become “the most consequential thing” he accomplished during his Senate career.

Senators who travelled with Graham to Ukraine last week said he viewed the legislation as a pivotal moment that could strengthen Kyiv’s position both on the battlefield and in any future peace negotiations.

Daniel Fried, a former US assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia who served under seven administrations, said the revised legislation’s greatest strength lies in its sharper focus on Russian energy exports.

“The strongest provision is Section 113 directed against Russian oil and gas exports,” Fried told RFE/RL.

“That section is more practical than the original version but may prove a challenge to implement. Still, its passage could do good at the right time: putting pressure on Russia to end the war.”

House Opposition Highlights First Legislative Hurdle

Despite broad Senate momentum, the proposal faces criticism in the House of Representatives.

Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top House Democrat on foreign policy, argued the legislation grants Trump excessive tariff authority rather than mandating automatic sanctions against Moscow.

“This is not so much a sanctions bill as it is a massive backdoor authority for President Trump to impose more tariffs, including on our European allies,” Meeks said.

He warned that the sanctions ultimately remain subject to presidential discretion and urged lawmakers instead to pursue bipartisan legislation built around the Ukraine Support Act passed by the House earlier this year.

The criticism underscores that while Senate supporters believe they are close to securing sufficient votes, the legislation could still face significant debate before reaching Trump’s desk.

Blumenthal, however, expressed confidence the bill is nearing passage.

“This bill has been negotiated over almost two years, painstakingly, sometimes painfully,” he said. “I think we have the votes.”



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At least 12 people have died in World Cup-related violence in Bangladesh.

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At least 12 people have died in World Cup-related violence in Bangladesh.

A man was among at least 12 people killed after a brawl over Lionel Messi’s missed penalty shot during the soccer World Cup in Bangladesh.

Millions of people from Bangladesh have supported Argentina and Brazil since the start of this year’s FIFA World Cup.

showcasing a passion for football that transcends national borders.

The country’s love for the two Latin American nations, hundreds of kilometres apart, often turns friends into rivals and can lead to violence on match days.

Mohamed Shariful Islam, 38, was involved in a fight between football supporters in Kamila last week during Argentina’s match against Egypt after Messi’s penalty was saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mustafa Shubeir.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina prepares to take a penalty kick during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty)

According to local reports, the rickshaw driver was watching the match at a tea stall with locals when he was attacked by “Argentine supporters” for mocking the Argentine great’s missed penalty.

Islam was a Brazil fan and was the sole breadwinner in his family, driving a battery-operated rickshaw. His wife Beauty Begum asked how people could beat someone at a football match.

“I have two daughters. Now who will they call a father? Both my daughters have become orphans. I want the harshest punishment for those who killed my husband.”

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina is tossed in the air by teammates after Argentina's 3-2 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina is tossed in the air by teammates after Argentina’s 3-2 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt (Getty)

Several people have died in separate incidents across the country, including fatal attacks, alleged stabbings, electrocutions and road accidents.

At least 10 people, including an assistant proctor, were injured, and several academic buildings were vandalised in clashes between rival student groups at Maulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology in Tangail.

According to reports, Fayyaz Tajerian died in a motorcycle accident in Chittogram on July 8 when he was on his way to watch a match between Argentina and Egypt.

A dispute over football turned deadly in Narail, where Mustafa Qazi was strangled to death.

FILE A worker from Bangladesh poses with an Argentine flag in front of a picture of Argentina forward Lionel Messi at a hairdresser's shop in Doha on December 6, 2022.
FILE A worker from Bangladesh poses with an Argentine flag in front of a picture of Argentina forward Lionel Messi at a hairdresser’s shop in Doha on December 6, 2022. (AFP/Getty)

In separate incidents, Maheedul Islam was killed when a goalpost collapsed during a celebration in Chittagong, while Khokan Karmakar collapsed before a friendly match organised by supporters in Barguna.

Earlier in June, clashes between Brazil and Argentina supporters after a local football match in Hebiganj injured dozens of people.

Bangladesh’s love for football was recognised by FIFA and Argentina’s players in 2022, who were overwhelmed by the support they received from a nation nearly 17,000 kilometres away from home.

The game of football was introduced in the 19th century by its British colonisers in the then capital of undivided India, Calcutta.

A study has reported that clashes between rival fan groups killed 23 people during the last World Cup in 2022.

In 2014, at least three died while hanging flags from power lines, Time reported. In 2018, a 12-year-old boy was electrocuted while holding a Brazilian flag, while a man and his son were seriously injured in clashes between rival fan processions.

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Top 10 Product Development Trends From the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show

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Top 10 Product Development Trends From the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show



The 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show reinforced a clear message for food and beverage product developers: Consumers are seeking products that do more, taste bolder and feel more intentional. Those three directives remain rather broad, so we’ve refined them further to 10 ingredient and consumer-based trends. Here they are in no particular order of importance.

1. Protein Shows Up Everywhere

Protein continued its expansion beyond bars, shakes and powders, moving into ice cream, jams, teas, popcorn, pasta, pancake mixes and snacks. The opportunity for developers is no longer simply to add protein, but to maintain taste, texture and label appeal in categories where protein can create formulation challenges.

2. Functional Beverages Get More Specific

Functional drinks remained highly visible, but brands are moving beyond broad wellness claims. Products are increasingly built around specific benefits, such as collagen, antioxidants, adaptogens and naturally functional ingredients.

3. SenseMaxxing Drives Sensory Innovation

The Speciality Food Association named SenseMaxxing its 2026 Trend of the Year, describing it as an emphasis on sensory intensity across flavour, colour, aroma and texture. For developers, the award points to more intentional work around mouthfeel, visual impact and flavour layering.

4. Clean Label Moves Toward Transparency

‘Clean label’ is evolving from shorter ingredient lists to clearer explanations of processing, sourcing and ingredient purpose. Brands are using transparency to build trust and differentiate products in crowded categories.

5. Global Flavors Become More Regional

Global flavour innovation is becoming more specific, with brands highlighting provenance, regional identity and culinary authenticity. Japanese, Korean, Italian, Peruvian and other regional cues appeared across product formats.

6. Nutrient Density Gains Momentum

Show coverage pointed to growing interest in products that deliver more nutritional value per serving. This aligns with consumer demand for snacks, beverages and convenience foods that support satiety, energy and wellness goals.

7. Natural Sweeteners Remain in Focus

Natural sweeteners were among the themes highlighted ahead of and during the show, reflecting continued interest in sweetness systems that support better-for-you positioning without sacrificing indulgence.

8. Shelf-Stable Products Get a Premium Upgrade

Shelf stability is becoming part of the premium speciality food proposition, especially as brands combine convenience with elevated ingredients, global flavours and better packaging.

9. Startup Discovery Remains Central

The show continues to serve as a discovery platform for emerging brands, with activations such as Debut District and Fancy Bodega designed to help buyers find new-to-market products and first-time exhibitors.

10. Innovation Looks More Commercially Grounded

A key takeaway from industry coverage was that many products were not chasing novelty for its own sake. Instead, brands focused on improving familiar categories through added nutrition, stronger storytelling, functional benefits or more distinctive flavours.

The Summer Fancy Food Show remains an energetic forum for product developers to gather, share ideas and spread messages about their work. The mixture of domestic and international attendees instills a sense of togetherness, as bright, inspired minds from all over the world reach out in a collective effort to develop and market exceptional food and beverage products.



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Nobby Styles: Death of ex-Man Utd midfielder.

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Nobby Styles: Death of ex-Man Utd midfielder.

England’s 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Styles died of mental illness caused by repeatedly headbutting a football, a coroner has ruled.

Styles, a former Manchester United midfielder, died nearly six years ago at the age of 78 with severe dementia and had headed the football almost 140,000 times during his career, Stoke-on-Trent Coroner’s Court heard at an inquest into his death.

An expert analysis of his brain revealed that his severe dementia was not the result of Alzheimer’s disease but rather the condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is related to head trauma from heading a ball.

Neuropathologist Dr Daniel du Plessis told the court: “I’m pretty convinced that his football heading many times caused his CTE.”

Alison Mitch, senior coroner for South Manchester, asked Dr Du Plessis, “You’re saying the repeated heading of the ball is the cause of his CTE?”

“Yes,” replied Dr du Plessis.

Norbert ‘Nobby’ Stiles, born in Caleyhurst, Manchester, in 1942, was a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who was capped 28 times for England and played almost 400 times for Manchester United.

Stiles, who lived in Stratford, South Manchester, died in a care home on 30 October 2020, bedridden due to his severe dementia.

In January 2024, his family raised the possibility of CTE as a contributing factor in his death, and Dr Du Plessis examined brain tissue samples to reach his medical conclusions.

Styles’ family are campaigning for football authorities to help the former player deal with injuries they claim he suffered during his playing days.

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Styles is believed to have headed the ball around 140,000 times during his career

Stiles’ son John has previously said that football “killed” his father.

Mr Styles told the hearing:

“My dad was very humble; he had just achieved so much.

“He never really changed it. If you went to his house, you’d never know he was a footballer.

“He was very much a family man; football was left at the door. Family was always the first priority.”

Coroner Miss Mitch told Mr Styles it was “quite strange that we’re having this conversation on a day like today” but the witness said his father “never talked; he never bragged” about being a World Cup winner.

He added: “He was proud of him but we were always more proud of the father he was than the footballer.”

Mr Styles told the court his father loved Manchester United and the Busby Babes, joining the club as an apprentice in 1957 aged 15.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 25: European Cup winners Manchester United line up for a team photo with the trophy at Old Trafford on July 25, 1968 in Manchester, England. Back row (left to right): Bill Foulkes, John Easton, Jimmy Reimer, Alex Stepney, Alan Gowling and David Hurd. Middle row: David Sadler, Tony Dunn, Shay Brennan, Pat Crand, George Best, Francis Burns and Jack Crompton (trainer). Front row: Jimmy Ryan, Nobby Styles, Denis Law, Sir Matt Busby (manager), Bobby Charlton, Brian Kidd and John Fitzpatrick. (Photo via W&H Talbot Archive/Popper Photo via Getty Images)
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Styles won the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968.

He said he watched his father during his training and playing days and estimated he headed the ball about 40 times a day, five days a week, during a career spanning 17 years in the game, calculating a “conservative” estimate of 136,000 headers in total.

And he said his dad weighed about 16 ounces when he played but got heavier when he got wet.

He told the court that, while modern balls no longer absorb water, studies have shown that even heading a modern ball is equivalent to 80 per cent of the impact of a boxer’s punch.

Mr Stiles said that when his father was in his late 50s and early 60s, his family noticed that he began to forget things and repeat himself.

In 2010 he sold his winning medals to pay for his care as his mental struggles worsened, leaving him with increasing anxiety and a sense of doom.

“To be honest with you, he was scared,” Mr Styles said of his father.

John Stiles heads the Football Families for Justice (FFJ) group, which is calling on football authorities to do more for former players.

He is among dozens of former footballers and their families who have sued the Football Association, the Football Association of Wales and the English Football League for “neglect and breach of duty of care” towards former players.

Lawyers for former players and their families have previously said that football bodies knew or should have known that repeated headers during training and matches could cause brain injuries and that the risks had been known for decades.

In March this year, FA lawyers told the High Court that it was “not established by science” that heading the ball or “occasional” concussions could cause permanent brain damage.

In January, an inquest into the death of former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds defender Gordon McQueen at the age of 70 found that head trauma from heading the ball was “probably” a cause of death.

McQueen was also diagnosed with CTE.

McQueen’s TV presenter Betty Hayley McQueen said the neurodegenerative disease had now “pretty much wiped out” England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team.

A 2019 study by the FA in conjunction with the Professional Footballers’ Association found that footballers were three and a half times more likely to die from neurological disease than age-matched members of the general population.

The FA is ending all head injuries in youth football for under-11s by 2026.



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