Putin shrugs off fuel shortages in Russia as he ramps up attacks on Ukraine

Despite severe fuel shortages across Russia, President Vladimir Putin appears unbothered by Ukraine’s increasing attacks on his country’s oil refineries. He has shrugged off the setback for one of the world’s leading oil-producing nations as “not critical,” dismissed ceasefire proposals and insisted the war will continue until his goals are met.

Erdogan's warm ties with Trump offer Turkey an edge ahead of NATO summit

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has berated and belittled many of his European counterparts expected to attend next week’s NATO summit in Turkey. But host Recep Tayyip Erdogan has drawn on his close ties with the U.S. leader to secure his presence at the Ankara event – an appearance that may even come with a significant gift related to Turkish defense.

Deaths surged 29% in France during week of record heat

PARIS (AP) – Deaths surged by nearly a third in France during the hottest week of a record heat wave last month, the country’s public health authority said Friday, reporting at least 2,000 more deaths than in the previous week when temperatures were already climbing and filling emergency wards with heat victims.

Editorials from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran with iron fist, will be buried

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dramatically remolded Iran during more than three decades as supreme leader, turning it into a regional powerhouse and bringing it increasingly into confrontation with Israel and the United States.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday condemned senators who blocked changes to a world-first social media ban for children, saying tech giants would use the delay to destroy incriminating documents that could be used as evidence against them.

Canada and Philippines Deepen Ties as Ottawa Looks Beyond US Trade

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged Thursday to strengthen trade, energy and security ties as Canada works to diversify its economy beyond the United States and deepen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

Venezuela's acting leader defends quake response

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – As public criticism mounted over the pace and efficiency of Venezuela’s earthquake response, the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez issued its first public defense of the operation with her 180-day mandate as interim leader expiring on Friday.

Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief gifted Trump lavish ring

BRUSSELS (AP) – Dozens of diamonds spell out two giant letter “T” next to the Stars and Stripes and “1776” and “2026.” Dozens more frame the numbers 45 and 47 in the shape of Superman’s logo. A diamond-winged eagle carries a ruby shield and clutches an olive branch of emeralds, below a radiant “250” and atop the phrase “250 YEARS USA” etched in 18-karat gold.