At least 15 injured in Russian attack targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine
The latest bombardment in Russia's escalating aerial campaign against civilian areas came ahead of a Sept. 2 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for the Kremlin to reach a peace deal in the three-year war, under the threat of possible severe Washington sanctions if it doesn't.
No date has yet been publicly set for a possible third round of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine. Two previous rounds delivered no progress apart from prisoner swaps.
Russia launched 400 Shahed and decoy drones, as well as one ballistic missile, during the night, the Ukrainian air force said. The strikes targeted northeastern Kharkiv, which is Ukraine's second-largest city, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine, Vinnytsia in the west and Odesa in the south.
'Russia does not change its strategy,' Zelenskyy said. 'To effectively counter this terror, we need a systemic strengthening of defense: more air defense, more interceptors, and more resolve so that Russia feels our response.'
Trump on Monday pledged to deliver more weapons to Ukraine, including vital Patriot air defense systems, and threatened to slap additional sanctions on Russia. It was Trump's toughest stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin since he returned to the White House nearly six months ago.
But some U.S. lawmakers and European government officials expressed misgivings that the 50-day deadline handed Putin the opportunity to capture more Ukrainian territory before any settlement to end the fighting.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
13 minutes ago
- First Post
Ghislaine Maxwell asked 'everything' about Epstein case in second day of DOJ questioning
Maxwell's lawyer, David Markus, say there were 'no offers' of clemency made to Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence on sex trafficking charges read more The US Justice Department's deputy chief conducted a second day of questioning Friday with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned accomplice of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose infamous case has dragged President Donald Trump into a political firestorm. Todd Blanche, who is also Trump's former personal attorney, has so far declined to say what he discussed with Maxwell in the highly unusual meetings between a convicted felon and a top DOJ lawyer, David Markus, said Friday afternoon that she was asked about 'everything' and 'answered every single question' during the second day of questioning at a courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. 'They asked about every single, every possible thing you could imagine,' Markus told reporters outside the courtroom, without elaborating. But he did say there were 'no offers' of clemency made to Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence on sex trafficking charges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump is looking to move past the Epstein scandal, which has seen him on rare unsure footing over claims his administration mishandled a review of the notorious case. On Friday, Trump again sought to put distance between himself and Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. 'I have nothing to do with the guy,' Trump, whose past friendship with Epstein has received much media attention this week, told reporters ahead of a visit to Scotland. 'Never briefed' Trump urged journalists to 'focus' instead on Democratic Party figures like former president Bill Clinton and his treasury secretary, former Harvard president Larry Summers, whom the Republican claimed were 'really close friends' of Epstein. Asked whether he was considering a pardon or commutation of Maxwell's 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, Trump said it was something 'I haven't thought about' – but stressed he had the power to do so. He also denied multiple US media reports that he was briefed in the spring by Attorney General Pam Bondi that his name appeared multiple times in the so-called 'Epstein Files.' 'No, I was never – never briefed, no,' Trump said. Multi-millionaire Epstein was accused of procuring underage girls for sex with his circle of wealthy, high-profile associates when he died by suicide in a New York jail cell. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His death fueled conspiracy theories that he was murdered to stop him testifying against prominent accomplices. Trump, who had promised his supporters revelations about the case, infuriated some after his administration announced in early July that it had not discovered any new elements warranting the release of additional documents. The Department of Justice and the FBI said there was no proof that there was a 'list' of Epstein's clients, while affirming he died by suicide. 'Scapegoat'? Ahead of the second round of questioning, Markus told reporters 'Ghislaine has been treated unfairly for over five years now' and described her as a 'scapegoat.' 'Everything she says can be corroborated and she's telling the truth. She's got no reason to lie at this point and she's going to keep telling the truth,' he added. Maxwell, the only former Epstein associate who has been convicted, was jailed in 2022 for grooming underage girls between 1994 and 2004 so that Epstein could sexually exploit them. Her lawyer said she still intended to appeal her conviction in the Supreme Court. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Trump's name was among hundreds found during a DOJ review of Epstein's case files, though there has not been evidence of wrongdoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump filed a $10 billion defamation suit against the Journal last week after it reported that he had penned a sexually suggestive letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson cut short the legislative session this week, sending lawmakers home on summer recess a day early to avoid potentially combustible debate – particularly among Trump's Republicans – on the release of files.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
European country Tesla CEO Elon Musk 'name checked' during earnings call for 171% jump in sales, announces 'surprise tax hike'
Tesla is facing tough time in Europe. Ever since Elon Musk decided to join Donald Trump's government, his political decisions have hurt the Electronic VEhicle (EV) maker almost across Europe. Elon Musk's souring ties with President Trump's administration too has not helped. The only bright spot in Europe for Tesla has been Turkey. In Europe, Turkey has been one of Tesla's fastest-growing markets. However, Tesla's efforts to mitigate slumping European sales with gains in Turkey may be at risk after a surprise tax hike in the country. Turkey has raised the lowest tier of its special consumption tax for electric vehicles — which includes Tesla's top-selling Model Y — to 25% from 10%, according to a presidential decree published in the country's Official Gazette. Tesla sales jump 171% in Turkey Turkey has emerged as an increasingly significant market for Tesla, helping alleviate falling demand elsewhere in Europe. In fact, CEO Elon Musk name-checked the country during the company's quarterly earnings call recently. Tesla sales in the country soared 171% in June to 7,235 units, with the Model Y taking the top spot among EVs. In same month, Tesla registrations across Europe dropped 23% to 34,781 vehicles, according to data published Thursday by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo What helped Tesla grow in Turkey Tesla's success in Turkey, driven by a locally tailored Model Y qualifying for a 10% tax rate, faces challenges as a new levy could raise prices by about $6,000, potentially dampening demand. Previously priced at 1.87 million liras ($46,100), the Model Y may lose its edge, while many combustion-engine competitors' tax brackets remain unchanged. This tax hike compounds issues for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has flagged tough quarters ahead due to fading US EV subsidies and delays in autonomous vehicle progress. The policy shift also threatens competitors like BYD Co., which plans local production in Turkey and offers models like the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal in the same low-tax bracket. Other manufacturers, including Volkswagen AG, Hyundai Motor Co., and Stellantis NV, with affordable EVs in Turkey, may also feel the impact. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
43 minutes ago
- Mint
How to watch ‘South Park' Season 27 online — stream the Donald Trump premiere episode everyone's talking about
The iconic animated series is back — and it's already sparking major backlash. South Park's explosive Season 27 premiere features a surreal, highly satirical portrayal of Donald Trump, leading to strong condemnation from the White House. Here's how to stream the episode that's making global headlines. South Park returned for its 27th season on Wednesday night with a jaw-dropping episode that wasted no time diving into political controversy — taking aim at US President Donald Trump in a way only South Park can. In the premiere episode, titled 'Sermon on the 'Mount,' the residents of South Park stage a protest against the president. One of the most provocative scenes shows a cartoon version of Trump climbing into bed with Satan — a satirical moment reminiscent of the show's depiction of Saddam Hussein in the 1999 film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. When Satan rebuffs him, Trump pleads, 'Come on, Satan, I've been working hard all day,' before revealing his exaggeratedly tiny genitals — drawing audible gasps from audiences online. The episode also marks the return of Jesus Christ to the fictional town, offering biting meta-commentary on corporate media. 'I had to come back because of a lawsuit and an agreement with Paramount,' Jesus explains — likely referencing the reported $16 million settlement between Trump and the studio. He also jokes about the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which is owned by the same parent company as South Park, and warns the characters not to step out of line: '(Trump) can do whatever he wants now that someone backed down. You guys saw what happened to CBS? Well, guess who owns CBS? Paramount! You really want to end up like Colbert? ... Just shut up, or we're going to get cancelled, you idiots!' Following the episode, South Park launched a promotional website featuring a satirical deepfake public service announcement (PSA). The clip features a digital Trump wandering naked through a desert as the narrator proclaims: 'When things heat up, who will deliver us from temptation? Donald J. Trump. No matter how hot it gets, he's not afraid to fight for America.' The surreal PSA has gone viral, further amplifying reactions across social media platforms. The Biden administration issued a swift and pointed response. In a statement to Variety, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers accused South Park and its supporters of blatant double standards: 'The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end – for years they have come after South Park for what they labelled as 'offensive' content, but suddenly they are praising the show.' 'Just like the creators of South Park, the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows.' Where Is 'South Park' Season 27 Streaming? South Park Season 27 is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+. New episodes are released weekly on Thursdays, one day after they air on Comedy Central in the United States. The Donald Trump-focused premiere episode, 'Sermon on the 'Mount,' is currently streaming on Paramount+. To access the episode, you'll need a Paramount+ subscription. Two plans are currently available: Essential Plan (with limited adverts): $7.99/month Paramount+ with Showtime (ad-free): $12.99/month Yes — new users can take advantage of Paramount+'s seven-day free trial, allowing you to stream the Season 27 premiere at no cost during the trial window. New episodes of South Park Season 27 are broadcast every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Comedy Central. They are then added to Paramount+ every Thursday.
