In the largest government shakeup since Russia’s invasion three years ago, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed a new prime minister and other key figures.
Denys Shmyhal, who has been in charge since 2020, was succeeded by Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, who received her confirmation on Thursday by the Ukrainian parliament.
Prior to becoming first deputy prime minister and minister of economic development and trade, Svyrydenko had a close relationship with Donald Trump’s administration. She was credited with negotiating a crucial mineral deal between Trump and Kyiv earlier this year, which helped to deglaze a shaky relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump.
Svyrydenko stated on social media that she intends to concentrate on strengthening Ukraine’s economy, expanding domestic production, and strengthening its armed forces.
She said, “Our government plots its course toward a Ukraine that is strong on its own foundations, including military, economic, and social.” Every Ukrainian will experience positive outcomes in daily life, which is what my main objective is. There is no room for delay in a war. She urged us to take a swift and decisive course of action.
I am honored to serve as the leader of the Ukrainian government today.
Our country’s government plots a Ukrainian nation that is strong on its own foundations, military, economic, and social. Every Ukrainian will experience positive outcomes in daily life, which is what my main objective is.
War… image https://twitter.com/oytWMCp1S3
As defense minister, 49-year-old Shmyhal will succeed him, taking over a ministry that has struggled with a number of corruption scandals.
Andrii Sybiha, a 50-year-old foreign minister, will remain in office, but Zelenskyy has chosen ailing justice minister Olga Stefanishyna, 39, as his new ambassador to the US pending US approval. Stefanie worked with the European Union, NATO, and the Trump administration’s most recent mineral deal, among other things.
Stefanishyna will succeed Oksana Markarova, the outgoing envoy who earned Trump’s respect for her cooperative relationship with former US President Joe Biden’s administration.
Rustem Umerov, the president’s defense minister, was rumored to be Zelenskyy’s next US envoy, but he was allegedly not approved by Washington, according to opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, according to reports last week.
In addition to the reshuffles, deputy prime minister for European integration and deputy minister of economy, environment, and agriculture will be replaced by Oleksiy Sobolev and Taras Kachka.
Judy Loe, her mother, passed away on July 15 at the age of 78 after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in July of last year, according to Kate Beckinsale.
Kate Beckinsale shared the news of her mother’s passing on Instagram(Image: Kate Beckinsale/Instagram)
British actress Kate Beckinsale has announced the sad passing of her mother, Judy Loe, following a year-long cancer battle.
The star of Serendipity shared a heart-wrenching tribute on Instagram on Thursday, July 17 and confirmed her mum died on July 15 at the age of 78. Just a year ago, in July 2024, her mum was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Kate and her mother had a very close relationship, with her father passing away when she was just a child. Just days after posting a video of herself singing to her mother in a hospital, the 51-year-old actress shared a collection of photos of her dearly beloved mother, who is also an actress, along with a lengthy caption.
READ MORE: Donald Trump makes bombshell U-turn by ordering release of ALL Epstein files
Actress Judy Loe with her daughter Katie Beckinsale. 5th October 1979(Image: Mirrorpix)
Judy was known for her role as Dr. Helen Sanders in the final two series of the drama General Hospital, Princess May in the ATV drama series Edward the Seventh, and had several guest starring roles throughout her television career, reports the Mirror US.
I don’t want to post this, the sad post states. Because I had to register my mother’s death certificate and it will soon be made public record, I only posted this. After unbearable suffering, she passed away in my arms on July 15th night. Because I can’t wait to go through my camera roll, I haven’t picked the best photos or videos.
I sincerely apologize to any of her friends who are learning this through the media, but I am unable to use her phone. I’m paralyzed. My life’s compass, my life’s love, and my closest friend were all centered on Jude. Many people who are deeply in love with this tiny woman have been touched by her vastness and heart. She has shown courage in so many ways, accepting of people’s greatest gifts, and believing in the goodness of all people.
Continue reading the article.
“The world is so dim without her that it is nearly impossible to bear.Mama, I love you so much. This has been my greatest fear since finding my father dead at five, and I am here. Oh my Mama.. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I am so sorry.”
Anybody who has a spare prayer, miracle, sunbeam, or other symbol for my mother, my most extraordinary, warrior, generous, humble, loving, unique, irreplaceable Mama, please send it to me, please.
LEGO sells more than just building sets, with its back to school range featuring practical items perfect for children and adults
Phoebe Barton Lifestyle & Shopping Affiliates Writer and Joshua Boyles
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
LEGO’s back to school range includes a desk organiser and water bottle(Image: LEGO)
September may seem like a lifetime away with the school summer holidays yet to begin, but parents can never be too prepared when it comes to getting children ready for the next academic year. There’s a lot to equip a kid with these days, from lunch boxes to pens, but it’s possible to get stylish versions of all the above from an unlikely seller – LEGO.
The Danish manufacturer doesn’t only make plastic building block sets for children and adults, as it also has a vast selection of practical products ideal for equipping kids in their return to the classroom. LEGO has brought its iconic brick design to life in various forms, with there being something for everybody.
The retailer isn’t alone in already launching its back to school range, with Marks and Spencer kicking off the countdown with a 20% discount on its Back to School range in stores across the country. M&S also has a variety of online-exclusives, including a pack of two Boys’ Non-Iron School Shirts priced at £9 to £15.
READ MORE: Dog food monthly subscription creates ‘tailored menu’ to meet each pups needs
READ MORE: Lego’s ultimate portable toy for school summer holidays drops to £2 with deal
Argos is another retailer with a vast selection of uniform items and school accessories at budget-friendly prices. Shoppers can snap up a 2 Pack Unisex Polo Shirts for as little as £3.
Back to LEGO – we’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite products perfect for kids heading back to school, as first reported by the Manchester Evening News. There are some items that grownups may also find useful to take to the office, days out or for use at home.
LEGO Locking Notebook with Gel Pen
£22.99
Buy here
LEGO 4-Stud Desk Drawer – £14.99
LEGO’s 4-Stud Desk Drawer(Image: LEGO)
It can be difficult to get into the right headspace to study when one’s desk is full of clutter. Desk organisers can be the perfect solution, and this one that comes in a variety of colours is shaped to look exactly like the iconic 4×4 LEGO brick.
Featuring a pull-out drawer, it’s ideal for hiding away things like pens, pencils and bits of paper when not in use, yet easily accessible for when they’re needed. Just like normal-sized LEGO blocks, these drawers can be stacked on top of one another for the perfect space-saving organisation system that’s perfect for any kid who’s into LEGO.
Get the 4-Stud Desk Drawer here for £14.99.
Hydration Bottle – £15.99
LEGO’s Hydration Bottle(Image: LEGO)
Keeping hydrated while studying is crucial for children’s concentration. One way to ensure they drink enough water is by equipping them with a stylish water bottle that they’ll be eager to use.
This chic design from LEGO is subtly cool, resembling the shape of most traditional bottles, however upon closer inspection, LEGO enthusiasts will notice that the lid is actually shaped like a blue LEGO stud. This stud-shaped cap can be removed to reveal a drinking hole, and there’s also a handy clip attached to the lid to prevent it from getting lost during the hustle and bustle of a school day.
The LEGO Hydration Bottle is available here for £15.99.
LEGO Brick Lunch Bag – £22.99
LEGO Brick Lunch Bag(Image: LEGO)
Every child needs a trendy lunchbox to carry their food to school. This one is designed to resemble the iconic LEGO stud and will keep food secure in its robust square package that’s lined with insulating material to keep its contents fresh.
A sturdy carry handle ensures the lunchbox is easy to transport, and it comes in seven different colours, allowing kids to pick their favourite shade. There’s also a hidden zipped compartment in the central stud, perfect for stashing a snack or two for break time.
Shop the LEGO Brick Lunch Bag here for £22.99
LEGO Pop Quiz Lunch Box Little Herschel – £42.99
LEGO Pop Quiz Lunch Box Little Herschel (Image: LEGO)
For a lunch bag that’s a little more subtle in its LEGO references, this Pop Quiz lunch box cross over with Little Herschel is ideal. At first glance, the design looks like an array of gorgeous flowers – but look closer and you’ll spot that they’re actually made of LEGO.
Much like the LEGO Brick lunch box, this bag is lined with an insulating material to keep any food inside cool and fresh all day. There’s an additional zipped pocket on the front for sliding in additional food items that you’d like to keep separate.
Get the LEGO Pop Quiz Lunch Box Little Herschel here for £42.99.
LEGO Locking Notebook with Gel Pen – £22.99
LEGO Locking Notebook with Gel Pen(Image: LEGO)
Every good student needs a notebook to take notes in, and shoppers can find a fantastic LEGO-themed option in the back to school collection. With 384 pages of lined paper inside, this notebook features an embossed LEGO stud design on the front to show off its owners love for the plastic bricks.
It’s also got a set of bricks that can be used to lock the notebook closed, keeping all the pages crease-free while stuffed inside a school bag. Even better, it comes equipped with a gel pen that attaches to the notebook itself, preventing it from getting lost.
The LEGO Locking Notebook with Gel Pen is available here for £22.99.
LEGO Space Walk Lunch Bag – £17.99
LEGO Space Walk Lunch Bag(Image: LEGO)
Another lunch bag here for the LEGO City fans out there. This one is a slightly taller design to fit larger lunches, with the design of a LEGO spaceman performing a space walk on the front.
Like most other lunch boxes, it boasts the essential insulated lining to keep food fresh all day, even if lunch is a bit delayed. It’s also a touch more affordable than LEGO’s other two options, priced at £17.99.
Shop the LEGO Space Walk Lunch Bag here for £17.99.
LEGO Gel Pens (10 Pack) – £25.99
LEGO Gel Pens (10 Pack)(Image: LEGO)
Finally, we have what could be the most crucial tool for any student – pens. This pack of ten gel pens covers all the colours a pupil might need for writing, annotating or even a spot of doodling during break time.
The LEGO design extends beyond aesthetics, with a cuboid shape and studs at the top allowing them to stick together. Not only does this look nifty from a LEGO fan’s perspective, but it also helps keep things tidy.
Get the LEGO Gel Pens here for £25.99.
There are currently no customer reviews for any of the above items, however over on Trustpilot, a LEGO fan is full of praise for the retailer. They shared: “Always a great experience. Highly user-friendly and interesting website, fast shipping and delivery, keeps you informed about the progress of your transaction, and customer support is always quick to reply.”
Article continues below
Sadly on buyer was less impressed, noting: “Online order returned. Promised a refund within three working days two weeks ago. Now no replies.”
On Friday, July 18, 2018, this is how things are going.
Fighting
Three Ukrainian settlements, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, have been taken by Dehtiarne in the northeastern Kharkiv region, Kamianske in the southeast, and Popiv Yar in the Donetsk region.
A Kremlin aide claims that Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement during the second round of peace talks in Istanbul in June that includes the exchange of more bodies of their war dead. In exchange for 19 Russian soldiers’ bodies, 1, 000 of Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies were exchanged for.
military assistance
According to NATO’s top military commander, Alexus Grynkewich, preparations are being made to quickly transfer additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
According to Ales Vytecka, director of the Czech Defence Ministry’s AMOS international cooperation agency, the number of coordinated artillery shipments to Ukraine has increased this year. Total 850, 000 shells have been shipped this year, including 320, 000 NATO 155mm projectiles.
According to Kyiv’s state-backed arms investment and procurement group Brave1, foreign arms companies will be able to test out their most recent weapons against Russia.
Zelenskyy told the Ukrainian parliament that within the next six months, he anticipates an increase in the amount of domestically produced weapons on the battlefield of Ukraine from 40% to 50%.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for greater clarity regarding how the US might replace any weapons Europe might send to Ukraine. During a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he made the statement.
diplomacy and politics
According to Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, President Trump’s decision to increase arms shipments to Ukraine sends a message to Kyiv to abandon efforts to bring peace.
Dmitry Medvedev, the ex-russ president, claimed that Russia lacked any plans to attack NATO or Europe but that it did consider using preemptive strikes if it thought the West was beginning a full-fledged conflict with Russia.
Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, was chosen as the country’s first new prime minister in five years as part of a major cabinet overhaul designed to revitalize the nation’s reputation for waging war in a region with bleak prospects for peace with Russia. Denys Shmyhal, the former prime minister of Ukraine, has been appointed defense minister.
Andrii Sybiha will continue as Ukraine’s foreign minister, according to the parliament’s vote, and Olha Stefanishyna will become its new ambassador to the US.
A bill that would outlaw browsing or viewing content considered to be “extremist” in nature, such as songs that glorify Ukraine and music by the feminist rock band Pussy Riot, has been proposed by Russian lawmakers.
Andreas Hutapea assumed he would not have much trouble finding a stable career after graduating from college with a law degree two years ago.
Hutapea actually encountered several rejections.
In his attempt to work as a trainee prosecutor, Hutapea first failed to pass Indonesia’s notoriously difficult civil service exams, which only about 3% of applicants received.
Hutapea had a dream about joining the army before going to law school, but he was unable to meet the height requirement.
Hutapea eventually moved back in with his parents, who operate a simple store selling oil, eggs, rice, and other groceries after his money ran out and left the student housing he was renting.
Since then, Hutapea has been employed at his parents’ store in a small town in Medan, North Sumatra’s capital.
Hutapea, who graduated from high school in 2020, told Al Jazeera, “I open the shop for them in the morning, sit there all day serving customers, and then help close the store at night.”
I can’t blame my parents for not paying me a wage for my labor, she said. I’m getting free lodging and food. ”
In his search for stable, well-paying employment, Hutapea is not the only one.
One of Asia’s highest rates of youth unemployment is in Indonesia.
According to government statistics, about one-third of Indonesia’s more than 44 million teenagers between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed, which is more than twice the rate of youth unemployment in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.
Young Indonesians expressed far more pessimistic attitudes toward the government and the economy than their peers in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam according to a survey conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore in January.
Compared to the survey’s survey, which found that 58 percent of Indonesian youth said they were optimistic about the government’s economic plans, compared to an average of 75% in the six nations.
Near the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 20, 2025, students march against the recent budget-efficiency policies in the anti-government protest known as ‘Indonesia Gelap’ (Dark Indonesia).
When university students organized the Indonesia Gelap, or Dark Indonesia, movement to protest government plans to reduce public spending, some of this angst started to spread to the streets in February.
The high rate of jobless youth in Southeast Asia’s largest economy is attributed to a number of factors, including labor-heavy labor laws that make it difficult to hire, and low wages that fail to entice competent workers.
According to Adinova Fauri, an economist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia, many people choose to work outside the labor market rather than to earn salaries below expectations, according to Al Jazeera.
People turn to the informal sector, which has lower productivity and protection, because good jobs are not readily available. ”
More than 280 million people live in Indonesia, which has long struggled with youth unemployment.
While the rate is still high in comparison to the rest of the country, governments have made some progress over the years in assisting more young people in finding employment. As recently as a decade ago, it was estimated that one-quarter of young Indonesians were without a job.
President of Indonesia, former president of Indonesia and former prime minister of the army, Prabowo Subianto, has acknowledged the need to create more jobs by forming task forces to combat unemployment and negotiate trade agreements with US President Donald Trump.
After Trump announced a reduction of tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32 to 19 percent, Prabowo hailed the start of “a new era of mutual benefit” for Indonesia and the US on Wednesday.
On July 16, 2025, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto makes a wave to the media at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, Indonesia [Achmad Ibrahim/AP]
Although older people are less likely to be unemployed, Indonesia has a jobless rate of about 80%. 5 percent: The majority of the work is inert and poorly compensated.
According to the Bureau of Statistics’ 2024 figures, 56% of Indonesia’s workforce works in the informal sector, leaving millions of people without social security protections and in unsafe conditions.
According to Deniey Adi Purwanto, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at IPB University in Bogor, the decline in the open unemployment rate does not necessarily reflect strong employment results.
Both informal employment and the quality of employment are still significant issues. ”
However, for young people, there is a particularly severe disconnect between job seekers and job seekers.
There is a high level of informality among graduates of secondary and tertiary education, according to Purwanto, who also contends that the needs of the labor market are not always met.
The pressure on the labor market is much higher because Indonesia has a sizable population of young people.
Additionally, he continued, “We have rapidly increasing secondary and higher education levels.”
Many young college graduates choose to wait for suitable jobs, which leads to unemployment, rather than avoiding informal or low-paid jobs. ”
In comparison to neighbours like Vietnam or Malaysia, Purwanto claimed that Indonesia also lacked effective vocational training and apprenticeship programs.
He cited more industry-university linkage schemes and graduate employability programs as examples of Malaysians.
On October 8, 2024, job seekers will attend a job fair in Jakarta, Indonesia [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters].
The problem is made worse by the startling regional disparities that Indonesia, which consists of about 17,000 islands, have. Young people in remote and rural areas find it particularly challenging to get good jobs.
This is especially true in areas that are farther away from Java, where Jakarta is the country’s capital and where more than half the population lives.
When Hutapea moved back with his parents, who reside about two hours away from Medan, he first saw this.
Hutapea, who has a law degree, has been struggling for employment since moving out of his parents’ shop.
Hutapea recently had her interview for a job replenishing banknotes in ATMs. She also has a side job setting up sound systems for weddings and parties.
But despite his best efforts, he never heard back from the recruiter.
It is difficult to believe that Hutapea’s efforts were in vain because he took some of his law school coursework during the summer holidays so he could graduate a year early.
Hutapea said, “I didn’t want to burden my parents, who were already paying my entire university costs.”
Following an April 26th fatality in Indian-administered Kashmir, the United States has labeled the organization The Resistance Front (TRF) a “foreign terrorist organization.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed in a statement on Thursday that TRF is a branch of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) and that it was responsible for the attack in Pahalgam and other attacks on Indian security forces.
Rubio cited President Donald Trump’s consistent policy toward foreign matters in his remarks.
The Department of State’s actions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism, promoting justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, and supporting President Trump’s call for justice, according to a statement from the State Department.
TRF initially denied involvement in the bloody attack in Pahalgam, but it changed its mind a few days later and reversed its course.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationalist government quickly took advantage of the attack, accusing neighboring Pakistan of supporting militant organizations that carry out attacks on Indian security forces and civilians.
In Mumbai in 2008, several LeT members carried out a multiday attack that left hundreds of people dead and injured. The Pahalgam attack, which militants targeted a well-known tourist destination in Kashmir, was described as “the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT,” according to Rubio in a statement.
Pakistan is widely believed to have supported these organizations in an effort to undermine India, but the latter’s harsh military rule and history of human rights violations in Kashmir have long been the source of unrest and occasionally violent resistance in the area.
Hindu nationalists want more control over Kashmir, the only province with a Muslim majority under Indian rule.
