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The four contested islands, seized by Russia during World War II, have gained importance since the end of the conflict, providing strategic military bases to the Kremlin, coupled with their rich mineral deposits and fishing grounds.
The number of civilians killed in Ukraine in July jumped to its highest level since the first months of the Russian invasion, the UN said Thursday. At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured across Ukraine in July, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, as Russia intensified its long-range missile strikes. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Japan’s foreign minister on Thursday summoned the Russian ambassador in Tokyo to lodge a “strong protest” against President Vladimir Putin’s surprise visit to the Kuril islands. Tokyo maintains its claim to the disputed islands near Japan's northernmost Hokkaido island since they were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.
The beaches of Ras Madrakah on mainland Oman, around 200 kilometres north of Qabiliyah Island, have also been contaminated, according to Oman's Environment Authority, which has been keeping an eye on the leak.
Oman’s Environment Authority said Wednesday that oil leaking from a tanker grounded off the country’s coast had reached mainland beaches. The spill threatened marine habitats and a nearby protected area as strong winds and monsoon currents spread the oil, raising fears it could reach other islands.