July 18th, 2023

*) Russia ‘downs’ dozens of Ukraine drowns after grain deal ends Russian air defences and countermeasure systems have downed 28 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, according to the RIA news agency. The drone attacks caused no casualties or damages, RIA cited the Russian defence ministry as saying. Meanwhile, a Russian overnight strike damaged port infrastructure facilities in Ukraine's Odessa, Kiev's military said. This comes hours after Moscow refused to extend a deal to allow Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, sparking international outrage. *) ​​Türkiye, Saudi Arabia ink investment, defence, energy, communications deals Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have signed a series of deals encompassing investment, the defence industry, energy and communications. The agreements were signed after delegation meetings led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi city of Jeddah. The Turkish president arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday as part of a three-day Gulf tour to strengthen ties. *) US deploys Navy destroyer, more warplanes to Middle East amid Iran tensions The US is sending a guided missile destroyer and additional warplanes to the Middle East, the Pentagon has said amid rising tensions with Iran. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin authorised the deployment of the USS Thomas Hudner, F-35 and F-16 fighter jets "to defend US interests". This is according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. Singh cited a July 5 incident in which she said the Iranian navy attempted to seize two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as part of the motivation behind the decision. *) Israel's president will meet with Biden as concerns over illegal settlements, judicial overhaul continue President Joe Biden is set to host Israel's figurehead president Isaac Herzog at the White House. The meeting comes as Israel pushes ahead with plans to overhaul its judicial system and continues illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. During his visit, Herzog will bec