Ukraine prepares to buy large quantities of US weapons; Russia stands firm on Venezuela

Ukraine prepares to buy large quantities of lethal weapons from the US

Ukrainian military forces. Photo: AP

Former Ukrainian Ambassador to Washington Valeriy Chaly said on July 29 that Kiev will buy a large number of lethal weapons from the US in 2019. However, the former ambassador did not specify the types of weapons that Kiev will buy. He only emphasized that Ukraine is currently a strategic partner with the US in the field of defense and security.

Former Ambassador Chaly also commented that in the upcoming meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will thoroughly discuss military and energy cooperation between the two countries.

Russia's steadfast stance on Venezuela

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on July 29 that Moscow will not give up its stance on the Venezuela issue, even though the US imposes new sanctions against Russia's support for the constitutional government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Deputy Minister Ryabkov affirmed that Russia is fully aware of the US approaches, expressing hope that Washington has also listened and understood Moscow. The Russian diplomat also accused the US of constantly threatening to impose new restrictions.

Britain rejects Iran's proposal to swap seized ships

British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero near the Strait of Hormuz on July 21, 2019. Photo: THX/TTXVN

Britain on July 29 called on Iran to release the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which it seized more than a week ago in the Gulf, and rejected Tehran's proposal to swap ships. Speaking to reporters, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Iran needs to respect the "rules-based system" of the international community. He also stressed that Tehran cannot illegally seize foreign ships.

Foreign Secretary Raab also rejected the proposal to release the Iranian tanker in exchange for the Stena Impero, which was seized by Tehran on July 19. Mr. Raab made it clear that this was not a "barter" but a matter of international law and the principles of the international legal system being maintained. He affirmed that the UK would maintain this position.

Syrian Government Forces Retake Control of Northwestern Syria

People evacuate from the war zone in Hama and Idlib provinces, Syria on May 1, 2019. Photo: AFP/VNA

Syrian government forces have regained control of the two villages of al-Jabin and Tel Melah in the northwest of the country from rebel fighters who withdrew after heavy airstrikes and shelling, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on July 29.

A rebel leader in the area also confirmed that opposition fighters had withdrawn from al-Jabin after heavy bombardment.

Since late April, Syrian government forces with Russian support have launched a general offensive in the northwestern region of the country, including Idlib province and some neighboring areas of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces, to hunt down terrorists.

Shooting at food festival in the US

Rescue workers transport an injured victim at the scene of a shooting at the annual Garlic Festival in Northern California, the US, on July 29, 2019. Photo: Twitter/TTXVN

A bloody shooting occurred on July 28 (local time), or the morning of July 29 (Hanoi time), at the annual Garlic Festival in Northern California, USA. According to CBS, at least 4 people were killed, including the suspect, and 12 others were injured in the attack.

Witness Julissa Contreras said the suspect was a white man in his 30s who was carrying a rifle and opened fire on the crowd. Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee said the suspect died in a shootout with police. Police are searching for a second suspect.