Top Ukrainian commander says his forces now control 1,000 square kilometers of Russia’s Kursk region

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s top military commander says his forces now control 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of Russia’s neighboring Kursk region. His statement marked the first time a Ukrainian military official has publicly commented on the gains of the lightning incursion that has embarrassed the Kremlin. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi made the comment in a video posted Monday to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel. Russian forces are still scrambling to respond to the surprise Ukrainian attack after almost a week of fierce fighting. Zelenskyy confirmed for the first time that the Ukrainian military is operating inside the Kursk region and praised the country’s soldiers and commanders.

Hundreds of Greek firefighters battle a wildfire raging out of control

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A major forest fire is raging in the northern suburbs of Athens, triggering evacuations of several areas as swirling winds hamper efforts of hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water-dropping planes. The blaze that began Sunday afternoon is racing through pine forests left tinder-dry by repeated heat waves this summer. June and July were the hottest months ever recorded in Greece, which also recorded its warmest winter ever. Three hospitals, two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated on Monday, while evacuation orders were issued for at least 30 areas, including several Athens suburbs.

US-backed Syrian fighters say they killed 18 pro-government gunmen in rare attack

QAMISHLI, Syria (AP) — U.S.-backed Syrian fighters have carried out a rare attack in eastern Syria, striking at three posts manned by pro-government gunmen and claiming that they have killed 18. It’s a major escalation near the border with Iraq. Monday’s attack is by members of the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council that’s part of the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. It came days after clashes and shelling between the SDF and pro-government gunmen left more than a dozen people dead. The clashes in eastern Syria are the worst in nearly a year.

Man stabs a girl and her mother in a London tourism hot spot

LONDON (AP) — Authorities say a man stabbed an 11-year-old girl and her mother in London’s bustling theater district before being arrested, but that there is no indication that the attack was terrorism-related. The attack occurred shortly before noon Monday outside a tea shop in Leicester Square, a magnet for tourists with its shops and theaters. Police say workers from nearby shops leapt to help the victim, who were taken to a major trauma center. Police say the girl required treatment but her life isn’t in jeopardy. Her mother’s injuries were less serious. Police say they don’t think the 32-year-old suspect knew the victims.