Seym River bridge attack. Ukraine Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuki/via REUTERS
Surprise: The idea that Ukraine could burst across the border in the biggest invasion of Russia since World War Two seemed unthinkable before last week. The operation raised questions about Russian surveillance as well as the caliber of its border fortifications and the forces guarding them. This is a big and interesting story that is well worth reading.
Who knew? An influential aide to Vladimir Putin said the U.S. and NATO helped Ukraine make its lightning incursion into Russia, dismissing western denials that a plan was in the works. Nikolai Patrushev’s comments imply that the foray carries a high risk of escalation.
The latest: The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control raised its risk level for the virus after health officials confirmed the first infections with a new strain of the virus outside Africa, namely in Pakistan and Sweden. Mpox causes flu-like symptoms and lesions filled with pus, and while it is usually mild, it can kill.
You are, maybe: Asset managers BlackRock and Vanguard were among the biggest buyers of stock in Donald Trump’s media company during the second quarter. Investors hammered Adani Group shares after a short seller accused the head of India’s market regulator of having links to offshore funds used by the group. Madhabi Puri Buch continued to earn revenue from a consultancy during her tenure as SEBI chief, possibly breaking the rules.
Many people in the Balkans have long mistrusted artificial cooling. Now, blistering temperatures are making good business for air-conditioner suppliers. But what about the power grid?
“Upstream” is a Chinese hit film out this summer. It tackles the hazards of working the gig economy, focusing on a programmer who is laid off because of his age and must resort to delivering food. Viewers praised its authenticity, apart from the tacked-on happy ending.
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