International
Russia moves to block WhatsApp in messaging app crackdown
Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor said earlier this week it was further curbing access to messaging app Telegram as well, citing a lack of security.
Russia / Getty image
Russia has “attempted to fully block” WhatsApp in the country, the company said, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on messaging apps while the the regulator is pushing for a state-developed app as an alternative to WhatsApp.
BBC reports that Meta-owned WhatsApp said the move aimed to push more than 100 million of its app users in Russia to a “state-owned surveillance app”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Meta could resume operations if it “complies with [the law] and enters into dialogue”, but stood “no chance” if it refused.
Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor said earlier this week it was further curbing access to messaging app Telegram as well, citing a lack of security.
Telegram is highly popular in Russia and widely used by its forces in Ukraine.
Pro-war bloggers have complained that the move was hampering communications on the ground.Russia has argued that both WhatsApp and Telegram have refused to store Russian users’ data in the country as required by law.
WhatsApp said it was doing everything it could to keep people connected.
“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” it said in a statement.
International
Trump threatens Iran bridges, power plant in latest Hormuz attacks
Trump told reporters that he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion.
US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to bomb Iranian bridge or power plant each time Theran attack ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest round of escalation began on July 18.
Trump told reporters that he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion.
Fighting over the strait led to the collapse of a preliminary deal between the United States and Iran, and Tehran has reimposed its blockade on the strategic conduit for oil and gas shipments, firing on vessels that seek to transit.
The blockade has rattled markets and sent oil prices climbing, adding to the pressure on Trump to find an off-ramp to a conflict that has hit Americans’ pocketbooks heading into closely-fought midterm elections.
International
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top army commander after days of protests
Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened general.
•Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country’s army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
It comes just days after the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov – a move that triggered street protests across the country.Initial rumours that the end of Fedorov’s tenure was related to a conflict between him and Syrskyi were soon confirmed.
Fedorov, 35, has been widely praised for energising the ministry and transforming the armed forces, as well as leading a drive against corruption.
Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many in Ukraine as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army.
Syrskyi defended his record in a farewell address, writing on Telegram: “An army that was fighting a difficult defensive campaign two years ago is now on the offensive.””I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the line but is advancing… I sincerely hope this offensive will continue.”
Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened general.
” I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” Drapatyi said on Facebook
BBC
International
Burnham becomes PM, vows 10-year plan to stabilise UK
The 56-year-old is the sixth prime minister to enter Downing Street in the last 10 years.
•Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham poses with Britain’s King Charles III on July 20, 2026 (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP).
Andy Burnham became British prime minister Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and was set to set out his vision for the country after taking over from Keir Starmer.
In his first speech, Burnham vowed to put forward a 10-year plan for Britain, saying the country needed to make politics work.
“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again,” Burnham said just after being appointed by King Charles III to take over from Keir Starmer.
He pledged to “issue my first instruction to end rough sleeping in our country” once he starts work.
Starmer departed Downing Street on Monday morning, insisting in a farewell speech his two years in office had made Britain a better place.
The monarch met Starmer to accept his resignation and Burnham arrived next for the formal procedure in which the king asked him to form the next government and he accepted.
The 56-year-old is the sixth prime minister to enter Downing Street in the last 10 years.
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