Breakfast News Recap: Ukraine, Pakistan and Middle East tensions dominate as markets trade mixed

Russia's latest missile and drone strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens, with regional officials reporting deaths in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv as rescue work continued. A separate UN account said weekend attacks on energy and heating facilities killed at least a dozen civilians, underlining the pressure on Ukraine's infrastructure.  🔗  🔗

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In Afghanistan, the UN mission said at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured after Pakistan launched airstrikes and sent ground troops across the border into Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces. India condemned the strikes after reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, while the UN said the toll was still being verified.  🔗  🔗  🔗

The wider regional fallout from the Iran crisis continued to unsettle diplomacy. Iran and the United States were said to be facing renewed uncertainty over planned talks in Doha after last week's exchange of strikes and a dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, while Donald Trump said a meeting would take place there even as Iranian officials denied any direct negotiations.  🔗  🔗  🔗

Maritime tension in the Gulf is also affecting shipping, with data showing more India bound vessels are switching off tracking systems as they pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid attack fears. At the same time, Trump has pressed US petrol retailers to cut gasoline prices immediately, warning of big problems if they do not comply.  🔗  🔗

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Elsewhere in the Middle East, Syria condemned a new Israeli incursion and shelling in Daraa province after troops advanced into Abdin and residents fled overnight. In a separate development, Trump backed Middle East deals were described as exposing a split approach to Israel, Lebanon and Iran, after Benjamin Netanyahu called a new agreement involving Lebanon a major win for Israel.  🔗  🔗

Asia and the Pacific saw several other security and weather stories. Queensland police charged 11 people over possessing or distributing 3D printed gun blueprints after tightening firearms laws, while Arunachal Pradesh said it would probe alleged Chinese encroachment near Taksing. Heavy monsoon rain worsened floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, cutting roads, damaging bridges and forcing fresh rescues.  🔗  🔗  🔗

Europe faced extreme weather and trade diplomacy at the same time. Italy and the Balkans were hit by a record heatwave, with red warnings in place, firefighters tackling wildfires and forecasts pointing to more severe conditions. Separately, the EU and China opened three months of formal trade consultations in Brussels and agreed to talks aimed at easing the bloc's €360bn annual trade deficit.  🔗  🔗

In the Americas, Peru's electoral authorities finalised the presidential runoff count and declared Keiko Fujimori the narrow winner over Roberto Sanchez after weeks of ballot review. In the United States, the Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump's bid to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, preserving her position while her legal challenge continues, and Trump also nominated Judge John Cronan to the US Sentencing Commission.  🔗  🔗  🔗

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Other international developments included a deadly explosion at a residential building in Monaco that wounded three people, including Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev, as investigators searched for a suspect. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned anti migrant protesters not to use intimidation or ultimatums ahead of an unofficial deadline, while Paraguay stunned Germany on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16.  🔗  🔗  🔗

On the policy front, the UK is due to publish its long delayed defence investment plan on Tuesday, with a reported £5bn focus on drones. Separately, dozens of governments backed stronger energy efficiency action at a Montreal conference, agreeing that efficiency should be a cornerstone of future energy policy.  🔗  🔗

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