Polish PM Donald Tusk cautioned against a political conflict with Ukraine, calling it a strategic mistake. This follows Poland revoking Zelenskyy's top honor after he supported renaming a unit after nationalists who massacred Poles in WWII. Meanwhile, Ukraine's attacks on Russian fuel supplies in Crimea have led to civilian gas sales suspension.
Colombia's presidential election second round concluded peacefully on Sunday. Far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella voted in Barranquilla, urging to "defeat tyranny," while Senator Ivan Cepeda of the ruling left-wing Historic Pact party voted in Bogota, calling for a vote "for life" against a "violent past."
Green Party leader Zack Polanski linked anti-Muslim rhetoric from politicians and Elon Musk to recent attacks in Edinburgh that injured five Muslim men. A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, with counter-terrorism officers investigating the incidents as potential hate crimes.
Taiwan's government faces opposition from politicians and farmers over agricultural trade policies, accused of prioritizing ideology over livelihoods and applying double standards regarding export markets.
Germany is debating the repeal of Section 188 of its Criminal Code, a law that offers special protection to politicians against insults. The law, which can lead to fines or imprisonment, has faced criticism for potentially infringing on free speech, especially after several high-profile cases involving social media comments.
Hong Kong election authorities have ceased compiling and releasing voter turnout data broken down by age and sex, a practice maintained since at least 2008. This decision, attributed to a lack of operational need, has drawn criticism from analysts and politicians who view the data as crucial for understanding voter demographics and informing policy, and for improving governance.
Colombia's presidential runoff winner inherits a nation shaped by paramilitary violence. Candidates Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella have intertwined histories with these criminal forces, advocating opposing strategies for crime and peace.
A leak from the website of Peter Thiel's secretive Dialog retreats has revealed a guest list including top US politicians, foreign officials, tech titans, and media figures. The invitation-only events, compared to the Bilderberg Group, aim to foster non-ideological conversation but raise concerns about elite opinion shaping.
Illustrator Stanley Chow discusses the creation and viral spread of his iconic drawing of Andy Burnham. Initially created during the pandemic, the image was adopted by Burnham, then widely memed, including by Reform UK, leading Chow to take legal action against them.
Tasmania's minority Rockliff government faces criticism on its first anniversary for failing to deliver on promises of cooperation and transparency. Two ex-ministers resigned amid costly scandals, and the premier was censured. Critics point to a "toxic" parliamentary environment and unfulfilled recommendations for improving standards.
Tasmanians are disillusioned with the Rockliff government's first year, marked by broken promises of cooperation, political games, and costly scandals involving ex-ministers. Despite pledges for transparency, key issues remain unaddressed, leading to public frustration and a potential shift towards alternative political parties.
Once a source of political concern, ties between conservative politicians and billionaires like Gina Rinehart appear to be less of an issue, with Pauline Hanson's One Nation openly embracing such associations, including receiving a private plane.
Andy Burnham, Labour politician and Mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a significant byelection in Makerfield, boosting his chances of becoming the UK's next Prime Minister. His victory signals a potential shift in British politics, challenging current leader Keir Starmer.
British elections feature a tradition of joke candidates, like Count Binface and a fox mascot, who stand in elections to protest or make political points. These candidates, often seen at televised results, highlight the manual counting process and the unique British electoral culture.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims EU bureaucrats are deceiving Ukrainians about their chances of joining the EU, stating Ukraine has "zero chance" due to economic collapse, corruption, and conflict. The SVR also cited fears of strengthening right-wing radicals.
A Portuguese neo-Nazi group, Lusitanian Armillary Movement (MAL), compiled a list of over 100 'undesirables,' including European Council President António Costa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, to plan 'future actions.' Six members were arrested in June 2025.
Ukraine hopes Brazilian President Lula da Silva can mediate talks with Russia, according to UOL, citing Brazilian government sources. Kiev believes Lula's trust-based relationship with Putin makes him a suitable mediator. A meeting between the leaders is not currently planned, but they might hold bilateral talks at the BRICS summit in September.
Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection, a seat Reform was expected to win, is seen as a crucial lifeline for the Labour party. The win positions Burnham as the likely successor to Keir Starmer, offering a vision for progressive government.
News Corp commentators praised Pauline Hanson's National Press Club speech, calling it a "tour de force" and comparing her to Margaret Thatcher. However, some journalists, like Greg Jericho, criticized the media's handling of questions. Meanwhile, issues arose regarding press gallery passes, Qantas advertising by a newspaper editor, and a controversial appointment in New Zealand media.
The Barack Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago with musical fanfare and speeches emphasizing democratic principles. Michelle and Barack Obama implicitly criticized Donald Trump's authoritarian approach, highlighting American values and contrasting them with his rhetoric and actions.
A shift in US Republican attitudes towards Iran is emerging following President Trump's agreement to a ceasefire memorandum. While some Republicans now acknowledge Iran's right to self-defense, pro-Israel groups are mobilizing against the deal, setting up potential conflict with the White House.
The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (Arc) summit in London will host politicians, advisors, and figures from across the populist right, including Reform UK MPs, a crypto billionaire, and Eton College masters. The event, dubbed an "anti-woke Davos," will feature discussions on climate skepticism, Christian evangelical thinking, and US culture-war politics.
Reform UK politicians, including Nigel Farage, and a British crypto billionaire are set to attend the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (Arc) summit in London. The event, dubbed an "anti-woke Davos," will host 4,000 attendees from over 85 countries, featuring speakers like US Undersecretary of State Sarah B Rogers and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov stated that European claims of the battlefield situation shifting in favor of Ukraine are "categorically incorrect." He also commented on Donald Trump's independent views and upcoming visits by US negotiators.
