The Russian government has initiated a campaign to nationalize the assets of Konstantin Strukov, a billionaire and owner of Russia’s largest gold mining company, marking an escalation in the Kremlin’s efforts to seize wealth from its elite. Strukov, despite his history of loyalty and political ties, had his private jet grounded and passport seized, with the FSB involved in preventing his departure from the country. This action is part of a broader pattern of reclaiming private wealth to support the war economy, particularly in sectors like gold and oil, amidst shrinking revenues and growing budget deficits. This case, along with others, indicates a shift in the Putin-era social contract, where loyalty no longer guarantees protection from asset seizure as the Kremlin seeks new funding sources.
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Russian authorities reported the death of Roman Starovoyt, former transport minister, by apparent suicide, shortly after his dismissal by President Vladimir Putin. Starovoyt was found with a gunshot wound in his car outside Moscow on July 7th. His dismissal came amid scrutiny of his role in preparing border defenses in the Kursk region, which saw incursion from Ukraine, and the transportation industry’s struggles due to Western sanctions and Ukrainian attacks. The Kremlin did not give a reason for his firing, and the Moscow Times reported his deputy is implicated in a corruption scandal.
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A concerning rise in early-onset cancers is being observed in Australians in their 30s and 40s, with some types increasing dramatically since 2000. The rise is not limited to Australia and is raising questions about the causes, with scientists investigating factors such as environmental exposures. Research indicates that changes in the environment, including exposure to plastics and chemicals, coupled with lifestyle factors like obesity and altered gut bacteria, may be contributing to the increased incidence of cancer in younger generations. The ongoing ORIGINS project is aiming to study today’s children to understand the impact of their exposome, hoping to shed light on the causal pathways of these cancers.
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The far-right AfD party in Germany, now the largest opposition group, faces growing calls for a ban due to its classification as an extremist entity by the country’s domestic intelligence agency, citing racist and anti-Muslim sentiments. This classification has reignited attempts to outlaw the party, despite its significant electoral success. The legal process to ban the AfD is lengthy and unprecedented, requiring proof of actively working against the free democratic order and posing a tangible threat to democracy. However, the CDU, a major political party, has expressed caution about the ban, fearing it could backfire and further radicalize the AfD’s supporters, while the party has also enjoyed vocal support from the Trump administration.
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As part of a significant effort to stimulate domestic spending amidst global economic instability, the South Korean government will begin distributing cash handouts to all citizens from July 21. This initiative, backed by a 31.8 trillion-won supplementary budget, will provide a one-time payment of 150,000 won (approximately USD 110) to all South Korean residents as of June 18, aiming to boost local economies through an eight-week distribution period ending September 12. In addition to the universal payment, targeted assistance will be given to vulnerable groups and those living outside of the Seoul metropolitan area. A second round of payments for the bottom 90 percent of income earners is scheduled from September 22 to October 31.
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As a deadline set by the Iranian government approached, millions of Afghan migrants and refugees in Iran were facing potential arrest and deportation, raising concerns about the destabilization of Afghanistan. Humanitarian organizations warned of the humanitarian consequences, as the government began expelling Afghans who lacked the right to remain, citing national security concerns. The deportations, which increased significantly during the recent conflict with Israel, have already resulted in hundreds of thousands of Afghans leaving Iran, with many reporting family separation and displacement. Furthermore, Afghans are being blamed for economic hardships and other social issues, and have even been accused of spying, fueling anti-Afghan sentiment.
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Israel has confirmed launching strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting three ports and a power plant, including the Galaxy Leader ship previously hijacked by the rebels. Following the attacks, which were part of “Operation Black Flag,” two missiles were launched from Yemen into Israel, prompting sirens in several areas. The Houthis responded by claiming their air defenses engaged with Israeli strikes using surface-to-air missiles. Israel stated these strikes were in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis and that the targeted ports were being used to transfer weapons from Iran to carry out terror plans.
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During the night of July 6, Russian forces targeted rescue workers in Kharkiv and Kherson while they were responding to emergencies. In Kharkiv, after an initial drone strike caused a fire, a second strike targeted firefighters, damaging a fire truck. Similarly, in Kherson, a second attack was deliberately launched on rescuers battling a fire at a gas station, also damaging a fire truck. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) reported that personnel were able to take cover and that no firefighters were injured. Russia also launched a significant air attack across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv, resulting in injuries and damage to buildings.
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A senior Hamas security officer has revealed that the group has lost approximately 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip due to relentless Israeli strikes. According to the officer, the command and control system has been decimated, leading to a near-total collapse of security and the emergence of armed clans filling the power vacuum. The officer described the security situation as “zero,” with widespread looting and a lack of leadership, communication, and delayed salaries. This has paved the way for powerful local clans, such as the one led by Yasser Abu Shabab, to gain influence, potentially challenging Hamas’s remaining authority.
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Ward Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian woman, was recently released from ICE detention after being detained in February. Sakeik recounted facing mistreatment during her detention, detailing harsh conditions and alleging criminalization for her stateless status. DHS officials, however, dismissed her account as a “sob story” and stated that she was not complying with immigration policies. Sakeik’s attorney has since pushed back against these claims, advocating for the rights of other detained individuals and highlighting the inhumane treatment they face.
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John Q. Hosedrinker