July 21, 2022

*) Russia announces expanded Ukraine goals as toll mounts amid fierce battles Ukrainian armed forces say they have killed over one hundred Russian soldiers in the south and east in 24 hours as fierce battles rage in the country. This comes after Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that his country’s military "tasks" in Ukraine now go beyond the eastern Donbass region. Lavrov said Moscow's objectives will expand further if the West keeps supplying Kiev with advanced weapons. *) Italy's Draghi resigns after government implodes Italian Premier Mario Draghi has resigned after key coalition allies boycotted a confidence vote, signalling a renewed period of uncertainty for Italy. President Sergio Mattarella asked Draghi to remain in office in a caretaker capacity, the head of state's office said. The statement did not say whether Mattarella would dissolve parliament or call early elections. Draghi’s government imploded on Thursday after members of his uneasy coalition of right, left and populists rebuffed his appeal to band back together to finish the legislature’s natural term. *) Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as Sri Lanka president amid crisis Sri Lanka’s six-time prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been sworn in as the new president of the country. He was elected by lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday after weeks of political turmoil and protests triggered by a dire economic crisis. Wickremesinghe has vowed to take tough action against anyone resorting to violent protests. *) ​​Race to become UK PM down to final two Britain’s Conservative Party has chosen former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss as the two finalists in a party election to replace outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Wednesday's result came just after Johnson, who has plunged his party into turmoil, ended his final appearance in Parliament as prime minister. Sunak and Truss came first and second respectively in a secret vote by Conservative lawmakers. Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt came