Krasnodar region Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said drone debris hit a fuel tank, causing the fire. Emergency crews were quickly dispatched to the scene on Sunday, which was later put out. And flights at Sochi’s airport were suspended as a precaution.

Meanwhile, Russia bombed a key bridge in Ukraine’s southern city of Kherson, killing one man. The missile strike has left at least sevencivilians injured and destroyed multiple homes, according to reports from the region. 

Russian authorities said this drone strike was one of several reportedly launched by Ukraine over the past weekend, targeting various cities in southern Russia. 

They said installations were targeted in the central Russian cities of Ryazan, Penza, as well as Voronezh – not far from the border with Ukraine. The Voronezh regional governor said four people were injured in one drone strike.

Ukraine has not commented on the strikes. It has been targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure in retaliation to Russia’s sustained bombardment of Ukraine’s energy grid throughout the war.

Russia’s defence ministry said its air defences intercepted 93 Ukrainian drones overnight, 60 of which were over the Black Sea region.

The incidents follow a recent plea from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the international community to impose stronger sanctions on Russia, a call made after a separate missile attack on Kyiv that killed dozens of people. 

US President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and suggested new sanctions against Moscow were coming.

In July, Trump said Putin had 50 days to end the war, or Russia would face severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports.

On Monday, Trump set a new “10 or 12” day deadline. He later set a new deadline, which would expire on 8 August.

The escalating attacks highlight the intensifying conflict, with both sides continuing to target civilian and strategic infrastructure.

BBC

However, the offer is dependent on Israel’s agreement to a permanent halt to airstrikes and the opening of permanent aid corridors for the Palestinian people.

This conditional offer follows the strong condemnation by the family of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who slammed a recent Hamas video showing him in a weakened state as a “vile hunger campaign.” 

David, a 24-year-old was captured on October 7, 2023, along with Gal Gilboa-Dalal and 44 festival-goers seized during the Nova music festival attack, appeared noticeably thin and frail in a concrete tunnel.

His family’s public statement expressed outrage, demanding that Hamas provide immediate food and medical care. They also called on the Israeli government, the U.S. president, and the wider international community to intervene to secure his safe return.

In their statement, the David family demanded that the aid that is now getting into Gaza thanks to renewed UN convoys and foreign airdrops must also reach their son.

“We call upon the government of Israel, the people of Israel, nations of the world and the president of the United States to do everything possible to save Evyatar from death and ensure, by any means necessary, that he urgently receives food and medical care,” they said.

The timing of the video has highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli aid restrictions have been blamed for severe food shortages. 

The situation underscores the immense challenges in the region, with the welfare of both the hostages and the broader Palestinian population caught in the conflict.

REUTERS

Iran insisted that diplomatic efforts remain the best and only way to settle differences with Israel and the global community over its nuclear ambitions. Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, stressed that his country did not initiate the war and halted its “lawful military response” once the attacks against it stopped.

Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to peaceful engagement, Saeid told the Council, “Iran continues to believe that a diplomatic resolution to nuclear and sanction issues is possible.” He urged the UN to condemn what he described as unlawful attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran and its nuclear facilities protected under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He also emphasised Iran’s compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), noting that all of Tehran’s remedial actions were in accordance with these frameworks.

In contrast, Israel rejected the diplomatic route, asserting that negotiations with Iran had failed. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon defended Israel’s military operation as necessary to counter what he called a “double existential threat” posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Danon said Israel, in coordination with the United States, achieved total air dominance and struck key Iranian targets.

He accused Iran of using diplomacy as a smokescreen for its nuclear weapons ambitions, saying, “We are often told that diplomacy must be given a chance. It was given every chance. But so far it has failed. The regime in Tehran never had any intention of complying.”

The United States, while urging restraint, called on Iran to return to the negotiating table and abandon its nuclear pursuits. Acting U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Dorothea Shea, said Iran’s expanded nuclear activity had no “credible civilian justification.”

UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire but warned that the situation remained volatile. She echoed the call for renewed diplomatic efforts and urged Iran to reengage without delay, stressing that its programme had gone beyond peaceful limits.

The European Union also backed diplomacy as the only viable route. Amb. Stavros Lambrinidis said, “Ensuring that Iran does not acquire or develop a nuclear weapon remains a key security priority for the EU,” and reiterated that military action cannot provide a lasting solution.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, described the fragile ceasefire as a chance to avert wider conflict and pursue a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue. She noted that the goals of the JCPOA and the resolution backing it remained unmet.

The JCPOA, originally negotiated between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus the EU, seeks to ensure Iran’s nuclear programme is limited to peaceful purposes in exchange for sanctions relief and other incentives.

“No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,” he noted. “But access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence.”

The pope also raised alarms about AI’s potential effects on children’s development, cautioning that its unregulated use could negatively impact their intellectual and neurological growth. “Society’s well-being depends on children having the opportunity to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities,” he stressed.

His remarks were part of the second annual Rome Conference on AI — a two-day gathering of global tech executives, academics, and Vatican leaders to reflect on the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence. Attendees included representatives from major AI firms such as Google, OpenAI, Meta, Anthropic, IBM, and Palantir, alongside scholars from institutions like Harvard and Stanford.

The conference took place as the world grapples with the dual nature of AI — its vast potential to revolutionize productivity, healthcare, and research, and its darker capacity to disrupt jobs, amplify misinformation, intensify climate challenges, and fuel surveillance and military tools. While some in the tech sector advocate for responsible AI governance, others have resisted regulatory frameworks, citing fears of stifled innovation and diminished global competitiveness.

Pope Leo’s message stands as a moral appeal for the technology to remain firmly rooted in service to humanity.

CNN

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Grossi said that while there has been no detected radiation linked to Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran — which has included strikes on nuclear facilities — the situation remains deeply concerning.

He stressed that Bushehr, the region’s first civilian nuclear reactor and so far untouched in the conflict, contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material. “Countries in the region have contacted me in recent hours to express their deep concerns. Let me be absolutely clear: a direct hit on the Bushehr nuclear power plant would lead to a massive release of radioactivity,” Grossi stated.

He added that even if the plant itself is not hit, any attack on the electrical lines powering it could also result in a nuclear meltdown.

In the worst-case scenario, Grossi warned, mass evacuations and shelter-in-place orders would be required for areas hundreds of kilometers from the site — potentially affecting major population centers across the Gulf, including economically critical regions in neighboring Arab states. Populations would also face food supply disruptions and would need to take iodine as a preventive measure against radiation exposure.

The Bushehr plant, located in southern Iran, began construction in the 1970s under the pro-Western shah. Initially developed with German expertise, it has been maintained and expanded in partnership with Russia since the 1990s.

Grossi reiterated his call for a diplomatic resolution and offered to personally mediate, stressing the IAEA’s capacity to enforce strict inspections and ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful.

“The IAEA can guarantee, through a robust verification system, that nuclear weapons are not being developed in Iran,” he affirmed.

Reacting to the violence, Guterres called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible. “The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and hopes that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended,” said his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq. He added that the UN is closely monitoring the situation.

President Bola Tinubu also condemned the renewed wave of violence in the state and urged leaders and residents to prioritize peace, unity, and mutual understanding.

As part of efforts to address the deepening crisis, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue on Wednesday. During his visit, he will meet with a broad range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political and religious figures, community leaders, and youth representatives, to seek sustainable solutions to the conflict.

The president expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all others affected by the attacks.

In a statement released Tuesday night, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Nigerian embassies in Israel and Iran have been instructed to identify affected nationals and ensure their safe return.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that, following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries,” the statement said.

The ministry also urged Nigerians in the conflict zones to follow all security instructions and maintain close contact with embassy officials. It commended diplomatic staff in both nations for their swift response and ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigerian communities.

Reassuring the public of its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens abroad, the federal government called for an immediate ceasefire between the warring parties. It also reiterated its earlier condemnation of Israel’s offensive and expressed continued support for peaceful conflict resolution.

“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability,” the statement added.

The crisis intensified after Israel launched a large-scale airstrike on Friday, hitting more than 100 strategic locations in Iran, including military and nuclear sites. The strikes claimed the lives of several senior Iranian military officials, including Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Sala. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks, resulting in casualties among both civilians and military personnel in both countries.

The donation was announced during the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade by the state’s Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, who represented the governor. Aliero informed the crowd that the ₦30 million had been approved and was being delivered in cash to the event’s organising committee.

“Our Governor, His Excellency Dr. Nasir Idris, has approved a ₦30 million donation to support this gathering,” Aliero declared. “As is his tradition, the donation is here in cash.”

However, Pastor Enenche took to the stage to firmly reject the offer. Instead, he requested that the funds be directed to charitable initiatives within the state.

“If there’s an orphanage or something similar, please direct the money there. We will not receive it,” he stated.

Explaining his decision further, the pastor emphasized the importance of keeping public funds separate from church activities. “Government money should be used strictly for government purposes, and church money for church purposes,” he said. “Even the Glory Dome, from the land to the last detail, was built without a single kobo of government funding.”

Enenche encouraged the church to continue relying on God for provision and urged that, if necessary, such donations be channeled through officially recognized Christian bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) or the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

“This is about preserving the dignity of the Church and maintaining the freedom to speak truth when needed,” he added.

In response, Aliero acknowledged and respected the pastor’s position, saying, “They don’t accept it because whatever he’s doing, he’s doing for the sake of God. We thank him for his service to our state.”

In a message posted on his official X account, the pontiff urged nations to reject nuclear threats and embrace peace through dialogue and justice. “The situation in Iran and Israel has drastically worsened,” he wrote, expressing grave concern over the growing instability in the region.

The Pope emphasized that a more secure and peaceful world must be built on “mutual respect and sincere dialogue,” grounded in justice, fraternity, and the common good. “No one should ever threaten another’s existence,” he stated, underscoring the moral responsibility of every nation to pursue reconciliation and protect the dignity and security of all people.

The Vatican also confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and long-term peace.

The Pope’s message quickly gained global traction, garnering over 575,000 views within hours and sparking renewed international conversations on peace, nuclear disarmament, and the ethical obligations of global leadership.

He offered prayers for “security, justice, and peace” to be restored in the country, with a special intercession for rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he described as “relentless victims of violence.”

The deadly attack took place in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, when suspected armed herdsmen stormed the area late Friday night. According to Maurice Orwough, Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, dozens were killed, and more than 26 others were left injured and hospitalised. Orwough told Channels Television that the assailants struck around 11:30 p.m., overwhelming a small military post manned by just four soldiers.

“They initially tried to attack Daudu but were repelled by the military. Unfortunately, they regrouped and advanced toward Yelwata, where over 100 armed herdsmen opened fire on civilians,” he reported.

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also reacted to the incident. In a statement posted on X, he said: “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, highlight the worsening insecurity crisis in our nation.”

He called for a transparent investigation, a bolstered security presence, and immediate humanitarian aid, including medical and trauma support for the victims. “This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” he added.

The massacre has ignited public outrage, leading to protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths gathered at the Wurukum Food Basket Roundabout, demanding justice and criticising what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia. Among the demonstrators was activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

One protester, Solomon Amande, lamented to reporters: “Women, children, the elderly—our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”

Tensions rose further when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, tried to address the crowd but was rejected by the demonstrators, who insisted on hearing directly from Governor Alia. Security operatives eventually used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In response, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata killings and reassured citizens of the government’s resolve to restore security.

“Federal tactical units have been deployed to Benue, with more reinforcements on the way. Joint security operations are being strengthened, and we remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state,” the statement read.

This latest violence follows a series of unresolved attacks in April that claimed more than 150 lives across Benue and Plateau States, deepening the security crisis in the region.