Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Fedorov and on July 16 appointed the acting head of the Security Service, Humala, as acting defence minister.
- The appointment prompted public demonstrations and protests by some active‑duty servicemembers who say the leadership move was a mistake and could hurt troop morale.
- Japan is managing separate operational shocks after a cyberattack and system outage at frozen‑food maker Nichirei delayed shipments to retailers and restaurants while the bankruptcy of payment processor Zentōshin left about 20,000 restaurants unable to accept card payments.
- Venezuela updated its official earthquake death toll to 5,069 and the government said roughly 25,000 homes will be needed, announcing plans to speed up reconstruction for nearly 18,000 people left homeless.
- Global attention is focused on the impending World Cup final with the trophy shown in New York and Argentina captain Lionel Messi saying he will 'give everything,' while South Korea's ruling party faces an intensifying internal leadership fight that could affect President Lee's standing.