United Russia, the party backing President Vladimir Putin, swept Russia’s parliamentary elections, securing a record haul of over 350 seats in the Duma. The vote, held under wartime conditions, drew limited genuine opposition. Ukraine launched a large-scale drone assault on Russian targets, including Moscow, on the final day of polling.
Iran and the United States traded fresh threats and reported strikes, raising fears that a fragile ceasefire could collapse ahead of the UN General Assembly. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the conflict was not over and claimed control measures over the Strait of Hormuz. Houthis continued attacks on Saudi targets, with smoke reported near Riyadh airport; Yemenis kept fleeing across the Red Sea.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is due in Washington this week for talks with US President Donald Trump. Agenda items include trade, rare earths, artificial intelligence and Taiwan.
Major US television networks and outlets including CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the Trump administration over a White House press ban. Several networks suspended pool coverage in protest.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party suffered heavy losses in two state elections. The left emerged strongest in Berlin while the far-right AfD led in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Merz insisted he would keep the coalition together for the country’s democratic future.
Pakistan said airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 28 militants; Afghan officials reported civilian deaths. The UN noted conflicting casualty figures.
The UK confirmed limited defensive military support, including air-to-air refuelling, for Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks.
A powerful storm system expected to intensify into Typhoon Dujuan prompted evacuation warnings for parts of Japan.
European heatwave effects continued, with excess death figures reported in France and temperature records in Germany.
North Korea fired two ballistic missiles off its east coast within three hours.
UN leaders and diplomats prepared for the General Assembly amid ongoing wars, climate pressures and debates over artificial intelligence safeguards.
Gulf states called for a reset in relations with Iran as the wider conflict dragged on.
A UN expert suggested certain US strikes on alleged drug vessels could amount to crimes against humanity.
Lithuania’s prime minister said the country was prepared to fight back against Russian threats while maintaining evacuation plans.
