Nizhnekamsk lies in the Republic of Tatarstan, a top oil producer and refining hub that helps fund Putin\u2019s war machine, and is therefore a major target for Kyiv\u2019s long-range drones<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tShorts\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\tScroll to previous short \t\t\tScroll to next short \t\t\t\t news<\/p>\n Stunning solar eclipse dazzles Europe \u2013 in pictures<\/p>\n From Aberdeen to Penzance, from Aberystwyth to Hull, skywatchers were out in force yesterday to see the best\u00a0solar eclipse\u00a0in a generation.<\/p>\n In pictures<\/p>\n The spectacle continues <\/p>\n Photographer: Ian West Photographer: Aaron Chown \nA once-in-a-lifetime experience for many\n<\/p>\n The event sparked huge interest for people across the UK as the Moon covered more than 90 per cent of the Sun.<\/p>\n It was the first time for many, with the last full eclipse occurring in August 1999. However, eclipse enthusiasts will have to wait until 23 September 2090 for the next one.<\/p>\n A scramble for eclipse glasses<\/p>\n Looking directly at the eclipse with the naked eye, or even sunglasses, can cause permanent damage, so a scramble for eclipse glasses ensued around the country.<\/p>\n Huge queues formed at shops which still had stock left, while many had already sold out and were forced to turn away customers.<\/p>\n weather<\/p>\n Temperatures to hit 38\u00b0C today as amber warning expanded<\/p>\n Sweltering temperatures of up to 38\u00b0C are set to hit the UK today.<\/p>\n The Met Office has today issued an updated amber extreme heat warning for areas across the UK lasting from 9:00 to 23:00.<\/p>\n The relentless heat means that this summer is likely to be the hottest on record.<\/p>\n A dangerous period of heat<\/p>\n The sweltering temperatures forecast today mark the peak of the UK\u2019s latest heatwave. <\/p>\n Tropical nights, where temperatures fail to drop below 20\u00b0C, are also expected as humid air spreads into western areas, which can place additional stress on the body.<\/p>\n \t Explained<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n \t 2<\/p>\n \nAn extraordinarily dry period\n<\/p>\n The lack of rain has piled pressure on farming, freight shipping and energy production, after the UK saw its driest July in 190 years.<\/p>\n Up to 27 million people find themselves under water-use restrictions and 1,017 wildfires have devastated vegetation across England and Wales so far this year, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.<\/p>\n Temperature records likely to be beaten<\/p>\n More long-standing temperature records are likely to be broken over the coming days.<\/p>\n Wednesday became the first day in August to reach 35\u00b0C or more, making it the 4th consecutive month to reach this temperature.<\/p>\n If temperatures reach 36\u00b0C or higher, 2026 will become the first year to record four separate days at or above that threshold.<\/p>\n If temperatures reach 38\u00b0C today, there is a chance that the record for the hottest August day, which currently stands at 38.5\u00b0C, could be broken. <\/p>\n Provided August temperatures remain average or above for the month, this summer will replace 2025 as the warmest on record.<\/p>\n The heatwave in pictures<\/p>\n Photographer: SWNS exclusive<\/p>\n Firefighters call for water bomb aircraft to tackle wildfires<\/p>\n Firefighters have called for \u201cwildfire-fighting aircraft\u201d to help combat spate of blazes as Britain braces for another heatwave, with temperatures set to rise above 35\u00b0C, possibly reaching 38\u00b0C.<\/p>\n education<\/p>\n Universities at risk of going bust before 2026 freshers finish their degrees<\/p>\n Some\u00a0universities\u00a0are at risk of going bust before 2026 freshers have finished their degrees, experts have warned.<\/p>\n Bankruptcies, mergers and course closures are expected to accelerate from 2030 because of a projected decline in the population of 18-year-olds.<\/p>\n \nWhy are universities struggling?\n<\/p>\n An immigration crackdown on lucrative oversea students and limits on tuition fees for British students has taken a financial toll on universities.<\/p>\n Analysts previously said at least 119 higher education providers, accounting for 43 per cent of the sector, are \u201cstruggling financially\u201d because of budget deficits.<\/p>\n Looming mergers<\/p>\n Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) think-tank, said that more mergers between institutions will \u201cdefinitely\u201d happen.<\/p>\n The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent merged in August, while King\u2019s College London and Cranfield University outlined plans to do so in May.<\/p>\n Hillman said it is predicted that over the next five years, student numbers will drop despite a record number of 18-year-olds securing their first choice this year.<\/p>\n The Russell Group of elite universities will likely snap these up and could mean that less prestigious universities lose over 25 per cent of their undergraduate student fee income, according to a report by HEPI.<\/p>\n Courses closing<\/p>\n Mergers and a decline in applications to specialist institutions could see a decline in the number of courses available.<\/p>\n This is already being seen, with around 27,000 courses available in clearing this year, compared to 30,000 reported in previous years, according to Ucas.<\/p>\n \t 3<\/p>\n \t Exclusive<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Watch more from The i Paper<\/p>\n @theipaper<\/a> <\/p>\n Leading universities are set to drop entry grades for prestigious courses as they battle to recruit students to ease funding pressures. A record number of students are expected to get into their first choice of university this year even if they miss their grades, the head of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) said. You can read Alexa\u2019s full article on The i Paper\u2019s website.<\/p>\n \u266c original sound \u2013 The i Paper \u2013 The i Paper<\/a> <\/p>\n The \u2018dangerous\u2019 scam tricking users into authorising card payments<\/p>\n Concerns have been raised by the consumer group Which? over a \u201cdangerous\u201d scam that tricks victims into authorising card payments.<\/p>\n Familiar tactics<\/p>\n Which? warned that scammers may use similar tactics to those used in authorised push payment (APP) scams \u2013 where people are manipulated into making a bank transfer.<\/p>\n However, in this scam, victims are instead convinced to approve card payments.<\/p>\n \t Big Read<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n \t 3<\/p>\n news<\/p>\n Victims may face difficulty in getting their money back<\/p>\n While victims of unauthorised card fraud and APP fraud can generally get their money back, it may be harder for those manipulated into approving card payments.<\/p>\n Which? warned that victims may struggle to claim for payments they have authorised to a legitimate company, as the company has provided the intended services, even though it is part of a chain of fraud.<\/p>\n How to protect yourself from scams<\/p>\n File photo dated 30\/03\/20 of a woman using a laptop. Fraudsters have cashed in on the coronavirus lockdown and exploited the nation\u2019s uncertainty during the pandemic with a flood of scams, figures from Barclays show. PA Photo. Issue date: Wednesday August 19, 2020. Frauds, which could involve anything from travel, social media and investments, went up 66% in the first six months of this year, according to Barclays Bank data on reported scams from January to July 2020. See PA story MONEY Scams. Photo credit should read: Tim Goode\/PA Wire Never share sensitive information.<\/p>\n If you receive an unexpected call, ring your bank immediately.<\/p>\n \t 3<\/p>\n HEALTH<\/p>\n How stair walking could slash early death risk<\/p>\n Avoiding escalators or lifts could cut your risk of an early death as well as staving off heart attacks, heart failure and stroke, according to a study.<\/p>\n \nWhat you need to know\n<\/p>\n Stair study<\/p>\n Choosing\u00a0the\u00a0stairs is an \u201coverlooked\u201d way to get daily exercise, found researchers from the\u00a0University of East Anglia.<\/p>\n Less likely to die<\/p>\n Regular stair climbers were 24 per cent less likely to die from any cause compared with those who don\u2019t use\u00a0the\u00a0stairs\u00a0as often.<\/p>\n Heart health<\/p>\n The\u00a0findings suggest\u00a0stair\u00a0climbing may be linked to a fall in heart attacks and stroke.<\/p>\n What scientists say<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good option for people who don\u2019t have much time or easy access to exercise. Even brief bursts of physical activity have beneficial health impacts.<\/p>\n Dr Sophie Paddock of UEA\u2019s Norwich Medical School<\/p>\n Why campaigners are encouraged<\/p>\n Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of\u00a0the\u00a0Stroke Association, said a stroke was the\u00a0fourth most common cause of death in the UK. <\/p>\n Bouverie said it was \u201cencouraging that something as simple as taking the stairs could reduce\u00a0the\u00a0risk of early death and may also be linked to fewer cardiovascular health problems including strokes\u201d.<\/p>\n \t 4<\/p>\n \t 3<\/p>\n travel<\/p>\n Caught the eclipse bug? Here\u2019s where to see it next year<\/p>\n If yesterday\u2019s solar eclipse ignited your interest in astronomical phenomena, you\u2019re in luck.<\/p>\n There are more eclipses to come in 2027 and 2028.<\/p>\n What you need to know<\/p>\n On 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross Southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, with the path of totality lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds near Luxor, Egypt. In 2028, there will be a total solar eclipse on 22 July crossing Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n There will also be annular eclipses on 6 February 2027 and 26 January 2028.<\/p>\n \t 1<\/p>\n \t 5<\/p>\n \nHow often do these events occur?\n<\/p>\n These events occur somewhere on Earth around every one-to-two years and create a \u201cring of fire\u201d when the Moon is in front of the Sun, but too far away to block it entirely. <\/p>\n The 2027 annular eclipse will be visible along a path crossing South America and Africa, while the 2028 annular eclipse will cross parts of South America, the Atlantic, Europe and Africa.<\/p>\n \nWhere and how to see the 2027 total eclipse\n<\/p>\n In Spain, the zone of totality will include the province of Cadiz, part of Malaga province, the southernmost areas of the Granada and Almeria provinces and the Strait of Gibraltar.<\/p>\n In North Africa, the eclipse will last up to six minutes and 23 seconds in Luxor, Egypt. Also in the path of totality are parts of Algeria, Gibraltar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.\u00a0<\/p>\n HEALTH<\/p>\n Concern raised over vape fluid chemical \u2013 what we know<\/p>\n Pregnant women should be warned of a \u201cpotential harm\u201d linked to a common chemical used to flavour\u00a0vapes, scientists have said.<\/p>\n \nWhat you need to know\n<\/p>\n Vanillin study<\/p>\n Research has found that vanillin, a flavouring\u00a0in e-cigarettes, could \u201ccompromise core processes of early human development\u201d.<\/p>\n Pregnancy warning<\/p>\n Mothers-to-be should be alerted to the findings, said study lead Prof Prue Talbot from University of California Riverside.<\/p>\n Vape packaging<\/p>\n The researchers called on regulators to consider mandatory ingredient disclosure on\u00a0vape\u00a0packaging.<\/p>\n \nA closer look at the science\n<\/p>\n What the US study found<\/p>\n The US scientists exposed embryonic stem cells to vanillin in a series of lab tests.<\/p>\n They found that even low doses, known as nanomolar concentrations, led to the early-stage cells losing the ability to develop.<\/p>\n \u201cOur data predict that nanomolar concentrations of vanillin may reach the embryo in pregnant women who\u00a0vape,\u201d Prof Talbot said.<\/p>\n What UK experts say<\/p>\n Marian Knight, professor of maternal and child population health at the University of Oxford, said the study was \u201cwell designed\u201d.<\/p>\n However, she noted that the way in which cells were exposed to the vanillin is \u201cvery different from how the cells of a developing embryo might come in contact with vanillin\u201d.<\/p>\n \t 4<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Barely an hour\u2019s drive north of the city lies a sprawling, high-security zone that is vital for another reason: its role in the production of suicide drones.<\/p>\n In 2022, Russia teamed up with Iran to establish a factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Yelabuga, producing the notorious Shahed-131 and Shahed-136. Situated relatively close to the Caspian Sea<\/a>, the zone is ideally located for Iran to send vital components and advisers, while rail links allow China to transport dual-use technology straight to the factory.<\/p>\n Today, the factory produces Geran drones \u2013 Moscow\u2019s low-cost Shaheds upgraded with anti-electronic warfare technology \u2013 and Gerbera decoys. It reportedly produces 170 to 190 every day<\/a>, which Russia rains on Ukrainian cities near-nightly, killing and injuring scores of civilians. \u201cIf left operational, the Tatarstan drone factory will churn out thousands of drones that will further saturate Ukrainian air defences,\u201d said Luke Coffey and Can Kasapo\u011flu, senior fellows at the Hudson Institute<\/a> in Washington, DC.<\/p>\n Satellite imagery revealed rapid expansion at the drone factory early this year, a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies<\/a> (CSIS) think-tank in Washington, DC found. Analysis points to \u201ca sustained and deliberate expansion of infrastructure and supporting facilities consistent with the rapid scaling up of UAV [uncrewed aerial vehicles] and UCAV [uncrewed combat aerial vehicles] production\u201d, the CSIS said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is reasonable to assert that Yelabuga has evolved into one of Russia\u2019s leading centres for tactical and potentially operational-level UAV development and production.\u201d New construction of facilities was documented in the south of the zone only last month, according to a Ukrainian open-source intelligence group<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since 2021, the drone factory complex expanded from two buildings to around 116, plus 67 housing units for 20,000 workers, including forced labour and children studying at a nearby technical college. Timur Nailevich Shagivaleev, Alabuga\u2019s director general, has been sanctioned by the US<\/a> for exploiting underage students to assemble drones. Ukraine claimed last year<\/a> that North Korea, which has sent soldiers and ballistic missiles to support Russia\u2019s war, planned to send 12,000 workers to assemble drones in Yelabuga.<\/p>\n The threat posed by this factory makes it a key target for Kyiv. While early in the war, Yelabuga was too far to hit, Kyiv\u2019s rapid advances in weapons technology have brought it into range. Ukraine targeted the factory in 2024<\/a> and 2025, a major feat considering the distances.<\/p>\n However, those strikes inflicted only limited damage, for several reasons, Coffey told The i Paper. \u201cFirst, the area is well defended because the Russians know it is a high-priority Ukrainian target. Second, many of the newer facilities constructed since 2022 are hardened and were built with the possibility of airstrikes in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n While Kyiv has extended the range of its drones and missiles, Coffey said: \u201cAt present, it is unlikely that Ukraine possesses the necessary weapons in sufficient numbers to cause significant and sustained damage directly to the factories.\u201d<\/p>\n Marc De Vore, senior lecturer at the University of St Andrews\u2019s school of international relations and associate fellow at Chatham House, said that drones at Yelabuga are produced using low-tech \u201cindividual fibreglass moulds, which is very person-intensive but it means that there are not any really big machine tools to hit\u201d.<\/p>\n Hitting the sprawling, well-defended site with a drone would \u201cput a hole in the ceiling and knock out a bit of the facility, but there is no key bottleneck piece of industrial machinery that you can hit that would take it out\u201d, De Vore said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t present any great opportunities to achieve a really large amount of disruption with a few hits. To really disrupt production you would have to hit it quite regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n Such a campaign would require a powerful warhead, Coffey added, but Kyiv could target nearby energy and electrical infrastructure used by the factories. \u201cAny disruption to this regional energy network could impact factory operations. Additionally, labourers may not report to work if the facility were to face a significant threat,\u201d Coffey and Kasapo\u011flu said. \u201cWhile destruction of the facility is not possible, even a partial disruption would represent a symbolic victory for Ukraine and a practical blow to Russia\u2019s drone capabilities. It would also warn Tehran not to support Russian land attacks against Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n De Vore granted that \u201cif you could hit it multiple times a week, eventually [Russia] would probably give up production there \u2026 But given the nature of the production, they could simply set up a factory that is even further away.\u201d<\/p>\n He said an alternative option might be targeting supply chains via direct rail links from China that bring goods for drone production including microchips, metal alloys and engines to the SEZ. \u201cIf there were any capacity for Western diplomacy or economic pressure, it could be exercised against China to police what they\u2019re allowing to be exported and heading towards Yelabuga,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Even if a kinetic strike cannot halt operations at the factory, it could offer Ukraine an opportunity to undermine Putin\u2019s rule. <\/p>\n \u201cTatarstan is the most significant oblast that does not have a majority-ethnic Russian population,\u201d said De Vore. A Turkic and Muslim-majority region that declared its independence from Russia in the 1990s, it has become an important source of manpower for the war. Any major disruption to the delicate situation here could prompt a threat to Putin\u2019s iron grip on Russia.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the minds of Russian leaders Tatarstan is both economically independent but also presents something of a secession risk,\u201d he said. \u201cBoth the wealth generated in Yelabuga and the potential disruption to that could have an impact on Russian domestic politics because of the particular economic and regionalist dynamics in Tatarstan.\u201d<\/p>\n Amid increasing evidence that Putin is failing to shield his discontented population<\/a> from the reality of his war, even a small spark of rebellion is one he cannot afford.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t
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Caption: PALENCIA, SPAIN \u2013 AUGUST 12: A total solar eclipse is seen on August 12, 2026 in Palencia, Spain. It was the first time a total solar eclipse, when the sun is blocked by the moon\u2019s orbit, could be viewed from Spain since 1905. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Leon Neal
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"CADIZ,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308171975.jpg\")
Caption: CADIZ, SPAIN \u2013 AUGUST 12: The Moon crosses in front of the Sun during a solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 in Cadiz, Spain. It was the first time a total solar eclipse, when the sun is blocked by the moon\u2019s orbit, could be viewed from Spain since 1905. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Pablo Cuadra
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Pablo Cuadra<\/p>\n![\"TOPSHOT](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308171600.jpg\")
Caption: TOPSHOT \u2013 The Sun\u2019s corona glows as the Moon completely blocks the Sun during the totality phase of the total solar eclipse as seen from Arenal beach in Llucmajor, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, on August 12, 2026. Millions of Europeans contemplated the sky in awe today during a rare total solar eclipse that will plunge a swathe of Spain into an eerie daytime darkness. The shadow cast when the Moon covers the Sun began in Russia\u2019s remote Arctic north at around 1700 GMT and continued in an arc through Greenland and Iceland. Spain is where most people viewed the total eclipse, which crossed the country diagonally from the northern Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea, where it vanished at around 1830 GMT. (Photo by Jaime REINA \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JAIME REINA
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308099710.jpg\")
Caption: The moon partially covers the sun during a solar eclipse over the Prague Castle, as seen from Prague, Czech Republic, August 12, 2026. REUTERS\/Eva Korinkova
Photographer: Eva Korinkova
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308091909.jpg\")
Caption: The Moon partially covers the Sun during the solar eclipse as seen from the sidelines of the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on August 12, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: PAUL ELLIS
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308094147.jpg\")
Caption: The sun over Canary Wharf, London during the solar eclipse, the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe since 1999. Picture date: Wednesday August 12, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ian West\/PA Wire<\/p>\n
Provider: Ian West\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308091637.jpg\")
Caption: The Moon passes in between the Earth and the Sun 7.04pm, during the solar eclipse as seen from King\u2019s Stairs Gardens in Bermondsey, south London, the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe since 1999. Picture date: Wednesday August 12, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown\/PA Wire<\/p>\n
Provider: Aaron Chown\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n![\"Molly](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308093525.jpg\")
Molly the dog is held with eclipse glasses over her eyes during the solar eclipse at King\u2019s Stairs Gardens in Bermondsey, south London (Photo: Aaron Chown\/PA)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308171663.jpg\")
Caption: The diamond ring effect is seen just before totality of the total solar eclipse as seen from Lodoso, Burgos province, on August 12, 2026. Millions of Europeans contemplated the sky in awe today during a rare total solar eclipse that will plunge a swathe of Spain into an eerie daytime darkness. The shadow cast when the Moon covers the Sun began in Russia\u2019s remote Arctic north at around 1700 GMT and continued in an arc through Greenland and Iceland. Spain is where most people viewed the total eclipse, which crossed the country diagonally from the northern Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea, where it vanished at around 1830 GMT. (Photo by Cesar MANSO \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: CESAR MANSO
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"WEYMOUTH,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308051642.jpg\")
People queue around the block from 6am in Weymouth, Dorset to buy eclipse glasses amid high demand (Photo: Finnbarr Webster\/Getty)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_307798822.jpg\")
A person walking through brown grass at Primrose Hill, north London. Continued dry conditions could mean dangers for wildlife and river health too, experts say (Photo: Ben Whitley\/PA)<\/p>\n
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Caption: This aerial image shows All Saints Church surrounded by the scorched grass on Blackheath in south east London backdropped in the distance by the business district of Canary Wharf, on July 29, 2026. Just over half of England has been declared in drought after \u201crecord-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures\u201d, the UK government said on July 29. (Photo by Justin TALLIS \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JUSTIN TALLIS
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"BONHILL,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308166681.jpg\")
Caption: BONHILL, SCOTLAND \u2013 APRIL 30: Fire fighters bring a wildfire under control on April 30, 2026 in Bonhill, Scotland. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service??(SFRS) and the Scottish Wildlife Forum (SWF) have issued warnings for wildfires across Scotland from Thursday and into the weekend in some regions. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Jeff J Mitchell
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786629851_923_SEI_308166687.jpg\")
Caption: This aerial image shows All Saints Church surrounded by the scorched grass on Blackheath in south east London backdropped in the distance by the business district of Canary Wharf, on July 29, 2026. Just over half of England has been declared in drought after \u201crecord-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures\u201d, the UK government said on July 29. (Photo by Justin TALLIS \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JUSTIN TALLIS
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_307905108.jpg\")
Caption: The fire near Llangynidr Reservoir, Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, Wales. \/\/ The blaze near Llangynidr Reservoir, Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent started on Saturday, and a huge crew have been tackling it since \u2013 including a helicopter. It is now deemed a \u2018major incident.\u2019 On Sunday morning, the fire had reportedly covered 300 hectares. A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: \u201cThe wind direction this morning has changed and communities towards Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Pontypool and Newport are affected by the smoke.
Photo released 10\/08\/2026<\/p>\n
Provider: SWFRS \/ SWNS
Source: SWFRS \/ SWNS<\/p>\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308053185.jpg\")
Caption: This aerial photograph shows the parched bed of Brenets Lake (Lac des Brenets), part of the Doubs River, a natural border between eastern France and western Switzerland, as central Europe is hit by a new heatwave, in Les Brenets on August 11, 2026. The river has dried up due to a combination of factors, including geological fissures that drain water underground, below-average rainfall and repeated heatwaves. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: FABRICE COFFRINI
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"LIVERPOOL,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308167936.jpg\")
Caption: LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND \u2013 SEPTEMBER 07: Firefighters from Merseyside Fire Brigade look on as an RAF Chinook helicopter lands rescue crews during the UK\u2019s biggest ever rescue exercise on September 7, 2010 in Liverpool, England. The National Urban Search & Rescue Exercise simulated an earthquake and involved brigades across the UK. Part of the simulation included vehicles and people trapped in the Mersey Tunnel. (Photo by Christopher Furlong\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Christopher Furlong
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2010 Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308159620.jpg\")
Caption: A rear view of a university graduate in a graduation gown holding a diploma in his hand outside the academic building
Photographer: Olga Dobrovolska
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308159574.jpg\")
Photographer: Connect Images\/Frank and Helena
Provider: Getty Images\/Connect Images
Source: Connect Images<\/p>\n
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Caption: A businessman is buying online using his mobile phone and credit card
Photographer: Karl Tapales
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308066998.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308075415.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308163139.jpg\")
Caption: Young upset female at table in light apartment with laptop aside looking at credit card and touching forehead realizing internet crime
Photographer: Juan Algar
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n![\"Embargoed](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PRI_161618327.jpg\")
Caption: Embargoed to 0730 Wednesday August 19<\/p>\n
Photographer: Tim Goode
Provider: PA
Source: PA<\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_261703698_05cd43.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1445179860.jpg\")
Couple climbing up the stairs while carrying a boxes into their new apartment \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Unrecognizable](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1438727617.jpg\")
Unrecognizable university students walking up the stairs to enter university \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Walking-up-stairs-shutterstock.jpg\")
Over time, walking a short additional distance each day could make a big difference<\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_226664711.jpg\")
A caregiver helps an older woman walk downstairs at home. (Photo: DMP\/E+Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_282740175.jpg\")
Something as simple s using the stairs helps with fitness (Photo: ljubaphoto\/Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_279240657.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_306989994.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Solar](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_305964613.jpg\")
Caption: Solar eclipse 2025
Provider: marketing@spacecentre.co.uk
Copyright: National Space Centre, Leicester<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_120854423.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308091980.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_308056398.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Solar](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_306771683.jpg\")
Caption: Solar Eclipse on black sky background
Photographer: Artmim
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n![\"(FILES)](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_307389303.jpg\")
Caption: (FILES) People watch a partial solar eclipse??at New Brighton, a coastal suburb of Christchurch, on September 22, 2025. Day will briefly turn into night across a swathe of northern Spain on August 12, when the Moon will completely cover the Sun during a rare total solar eclipse. Here is what you need to know about the total eclipse, which is the first visible in mainland Europe since 2006. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: SANKA VIDANAGAMA
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n![\"young](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_262641332.jpg\")
Caption: young girl smokes a vape close-up on a dark background, women smoke electronic cigarette in street
Photographer: Sergii Kolesnikov
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n![\"LONDON,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_247756285.jpg\")
Research shows vaping is falling among the young \u2013 but nicotine pouches are proving popular, with concerns over their health effects (Photo: John Keeble\/Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Close-ip](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-2222780228.jpg\")
Close-ip of a cute pregnant belly in natural light, gently held by mother\u2019s hands \u2013 stock photo (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"LONDON,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_189207142.jpg\")
Rishi Sunak announced a ban on disposable vapes in the UK as part of government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children\u2019s health (Photo: Leon Neal\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_187513855.jpg\")
Teenagers are taking up vaping in record numbers (Photo: Yana Iskayeva\/Moment RF\/Getty)<\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_289705493.jpg\")
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"Yelabuga](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_284685053.jpg\")
The Yelabuga drone factory has been rapidly scaled up in recent years (Photo: Screengrab from Zvezda TV)<\/p>\n![\"Yelabuga](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ukraine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_284684886.jpg\")
The threat posed by the factory makes it a key target for Kyiv (Screengrab: Zvezda TV)<\/p>\n