Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Ukraine, Europe Launch Freyja Missile Shield to Strengthen Air Defense Against Russia 
Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Most Americans Expect U.S.-Iran War to Be Prolonged 
Ann Widdecombe Murder: Police Arrest Second Suspect, Rule Out Terrorism Motive 
EU Weighs New Trade Restrictions on Israeli West Bank Settlements 
Israeli Strikes Kill Six in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Continue in Cairo 
UK Sanctions 24 Russian-Linked Targets Over Cyberattacks and Election Interference 
EU to Propose New Rules Limiting Children's Access to Social Media 
HHS Watchdog Reports $5.56 Billion in Healthcare Fraud Recoveries as Enforcement Actions Decline 
UN Says Hamas Disrupted Gaza Aid Distribution, Group Denies Allegations 
Trump Tells Congress Iran Hostilities Restarted, Citing New 60-Day War Powers Window 
Iranian Missile Strike on UAE Oil Tankers Kills Indian Crew Member in Strait of Hormuz 
Western Allies Push for More Air Defenses for Ukraine at Paris Summit 
Iran's Supreme Leader Vows Revenge as Trump Threatens Massive U.S. Military Response 
Zelenskiy Plans Ukraine Government Shake-Up as Prime Minister Svyrydenko Set to Step Down 
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71, Leaving South Carolina Senate Seat Vacant 
Trump Administration Hands Over Key Evidence in Minnesota Immigration Shooting Investigations 
Russia continues to wage its war in Ukraine as the invasion is moving towards its fifth month. There are no signs of stopping as Moscow recently pledged to ramp up its supposed military operations in Ukraine.
Over the weekend, Moscow said that it intends to ramp up its military operations in Ukraine in “all operational areas” amidst its continued bombardment of cities in Ukraine. Authorities in Kyiv have reported that Russia’s strikes have killed dozens in recent days as rockets continue to hit civilians.
Russian defense minister Sergei Shogu ordered the military units to ramp up operations to prevent Ukrainian strikes on its eastern territory and other areas that Russian forces are occupying.
Regional governor Oleh Synebuhov said Saturday that Russian rockets hit the northeastern Ukrainian town of Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region that is partially occupied by Russian forces. Three people were killed in the blasts, and three others were wounded.
In the southern area of Ukraine, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko said over 50 Russian Grad rockets hit the city of Nikopol on the Dnipro river. Two people were killed in the attack.
Despite Russia claiming that it was only hitting military targets, Ukraine said at least 40 civilians were killed in such attacks by Russian forces in urban areas in a span of three days.
Shogu’s remarks appear to be his response to the series of gains Kyiv has made in terms of counter-offensives. Ukrainian forces successfully hit 30 Russian logistics and ammunition posts with multiple rocket launch systems provided by the West.
Ukraine’s defense ministry spokesperson said Friday last week that its strikes were derailing Russia’s supply lines and reducing Russia’s defensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued executive orders that marked another change in personnel as the orders called to dismiss the head of the State Security Service and the country’s Prosecutor-General.
Zelenskyy issued executive orders late Sunday for State Security Service head Ivan Bakanov, who is also the Ukrainian leader’s childhood friend. Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova was also dismissed according to the orders issued on the official website. No reasons were given for the firings.
