Senator seeks stricter regulation of deepfakes

July 10, 2025 | 8:01 pm

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Thursday pushed for stricter regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or deepfake videos, which are being used for fraudulent money-making schemes on social media.

“Those who do this to cheat others must be punished appropriately. Let’s put an end to this practice because most of the victims are our countrymen who have worked hard to earn their money,” Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said in a statement.

Deepfakes are a form of media that uses AI and machine learning techniques to superimpose faces to an existing image or video. It has grown in popularity in recent years, often used for illicit activities.
Of all countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines experienced the biggest jump in deepfakes at 46 times, according to a report by identify verification platform Sumsub.

In March, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said that it will release guidelines that would regulate deep fakes from deceiving more people.

Mr. Aquino said that he is planning to file a bill outlawing the use of an individual’s image and likeness in deepfakes intended to deceive or defraud people.

He said that the proposed measure would prevent the spread of scams using AI-generated videos.

This followed the circulation of an AI-generated video that featured a popular female news anchor reporting on the senator’s alleged endorsement of a “national platform for inclusive financial growth.”

Mr. Aquino called on local authorities to investigate a video of him allegedly enticing Filipinos to invest in a money-making scheme on social media.

“I call on our authorities to investigate and find out those behind this AI video and hold them accountable for their actions,” he added.

“There is no truth to the AI video circulating where I endorse a program where our countrymen can earn big in exchange for investment,” Mr. Aquino added.

The video claims that potential investors may earn up to P175,000 per week from an initial investment of just P15,000.

SERIOUS RISK
Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner for Digital Pinoys, said that deepfakes pose serious risks to public safety, privacy, and democratic integrity, especially when used for scams, misinformation, or character assassination.

“A comprehensive anti-deepfake law must include key components such as Clear Definitions, wherein the bill should define what constitutes malicious use of deepfakes and AI-generated content, distinguishing parody, satire, and artistic use from harmful applications such as scams, identity theft, or election disinformation,” Mr. Gustilo said in a Viber message.

He added that AI-generated content must be properly labeled with visible and audible markers.

A proposed measure regulating deepfakes must also consider declaring the use of someone’s image, voice, or likeness to create manipulated content without their explicit consent, illegal.

Mr. Gustilo said that social media companies and content-hosting platforms should be compelled to detect, take down, and report malicious deepfakes “in a timely manner.”

“Deepfakes are already being used in online scams where victims are duped into sending money or sensitive information because they believe they are talking to a loved one, a boss, or a government official. This bill is a crucial step in shielding the public from these emerging AI-driven fraud tactics,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Pia S. Cayetano filed a bill that seeks to regulate the development and use of AI-related content.

“This bill seeks to strike a careful balance between encouraging technological innovation and ensuring that AI systems remain safe, ethical, transparent, and under meaningful human oversight,” Ms. Cayetano said in the explanatory note of a bill filed in the Senate last week.

The proposed measure penalizes persons that intentionally use AI to commit fraud, facilitate or conceal crimes, or cause harm with a fine between P2 million to P10 million, or imprisonment of six to 12 years, or both.

It also imposes fines between P1 million to P5 million, or imprisonment of three to 10 years, or both for people who use AI to create disinformation, mass opinion manipulation, or conduct surveillance activities without legal authority.

1M voter registrants expected

July 10, 2025 | 8:00 pm

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said it is expecting around a million registrants for the upcoming village and youth council polls as it opens registration from Aug. 1 to 10.

“For the eleven days, our estimate is already at one million,” Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia told reporters in Filipino, according to a voice recording from his office.

“It’s better if we stick to that target since we are conducting registration across the entire Philippines.”

The poll body expects that many Filipinos who were unable to vote in the previous election will take the opportunity to reactivate or renew their registration. It is also banking on the interest of younger Filipinos who were left out in the last polls to register for the first time.

“This is their chance to register, vote, and participate in the upcoming village and youth council elections,” he added.

The upcoming polls are scheduled for Dec. 1, but a bill pending President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s signature seeks to move this to November 2026.

The Philippines concluded its midterm elections last May 12 as Filipinos elected Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and thousands of local officials. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DoTr launches online license renewal

July 10, 2025 | 7:59 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DoTr) is further shifting to digital by integrating the driver’s license renewal system into the eGov app of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“It is now available starting today. It is a big thing, [we have been] directed to make the processes more accessible and easier,” Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said on Thursday.

The launch of the online driver’s license system will not only allow easier and seamless access but would also prevent fixers by allowing motorists to renew licenses without being physically present at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Mr. Dizon said.

The renewal process can now be accomplished completely online, including the medical examination and payment, the Transportation department said.

The eGov app developed by the DICT is the government’s one-stop shop allowing access to public services digitally. By integrating the renewal system in the eGov app, motorists can take their mandatory medical exams like eye and hearing tests, virtually.

Renewed licenses can be picked up at the LTO branch or can be delivered to the applicant’s preferred delivery address within 72 hours, the Transportation department said.

“This is just the start of our initiatives to make transacting with the government easier and more convenient. Our next is online renewal of MV (motor vehicle) registration. Later on even new license registrations,” Mr. Dizon said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

FDA sets up office in BARMM

July 10, 2025 | 7:58 pm

COTABATO CITY — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bangsamoro Health Ministry forged a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to set up an FDA service facility in the region.

The FDA, which is under the Department of Health (DoH), facilitates the regulation of drugs, health products, food supplements, processed chemicals for agricultural and household use.

Its functions and powers are not devolved to the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The MoA was signed by Paolo S. Teston, director-general of FDA, BARMM Health Minister Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. and the chief of their legal and legislative office, the Jeihan Jein M. Gulo, during a symbolic rite on Thursday morning at the Bangsamoro regional capitol in Cotabato City.

Health Undersecretary Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr. from the DoH central office, Christian Lei M. Saquilabon, DoH assistant secretary representing the department’s regulation facility development cluster, and Abdulhalik M. Kasim, regional assistant secretary in the Ministry of Health-BARMM, stood as witnesses to the crafting of the MoA.

Mr. Sinolinding, Mr. Dumama, a former regional director of DoH-12, and Mr. Teston separately told reporters that the setting up of an FDA office in BARMM will benefit the region’s Muslim, Christian and non-Moro indigenous communities.

“Potential clients do not have to go to the office of the FDA in Metro Manila anymore for their transactions,” Mr. Sinolinding said.

BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato, where its regional government operations center is located.

Mr. Dumama said the setting up of an FDA office in BARMM will boost the health programs of the Bangsamoro government, whose chief minister, Abdulrauf A. Macacua, is also a figurehead of the region’s 80-seat regional parliament. — John Felix M. Unson

Probe into unpaid hospital claims sought

July 10, 2025 | 7:58 pm

hospital-1802679_1920 — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Silas Camargo Silão from Pixabay

A RESOLUTION seeking a congressional probe into the millions worth of alleged unpaid claims to private hospitals by the government was filed at the House of Representatives on Thursday.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima said she filed House Resolution No. 46 after reports that private hospitals in Batangas have stopped accepting guarantee letters under a state-run medical assistance program for indigent patients due to alleged unsettled payments.

“This has been a perennial issue that should urgently be addressed once and for all,” she said in a statement. “It burdens patients and their families with additional fear if they could get assistance from the government in medical expenses.”

The government should provide “clear mechanisms” that would allow private hospitals to quickly settle inexpensive medical procedures to ease their financial burden, she said.

“These unpaid debts affect hospitals’ financial stability and operating expenses, including salaries for healthcare professionals and staff,” said Ms. De Lima. “This is alarming because it impacts their operations and services.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

TNT, San Miguel brace for tough Game 1 of Philippine Cup finals

July 10, 2025 | 6:41 pm

Game on Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 p.m. – TNT vs San Miguel (Finals Game 1)

San Miguel Beermen (SMB) is out to re-establish its old kingdom while TNT is bent on finally joining the elite PBA grand slam club.

With this as a major driving force, the Beermen and the Tropang 5G get set for an incendiary dispute for the coveted crown in the Season 49-ending Philippine Cup beginning on Sunday.

“First thing, we’re not up here just to stop their (TNT’s grand slam) quest but we’re here to win another championship,” SMB coach Leo Austria said after earning the right to face reigning Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup king TNT with a 100-93 Game 7 win over Barangay Ginebra.

Mr. Austria, who returned to the San Miguel helm in the Commissioner’s Cup after yielding the floor to Jorge Gallent, said they want to preserve their winning tradition in the league’s centerpiece tournament.

With him at the helm, the Beermen posted a historic All-Filipino five-peat in the 2014-15 season through 2019 then annexed a sixth title in 2022. The squad fell short in last season’s Philippine Cup finale versus Meralco, but under Mr. Gallent.

“In our last six (Philippine Cup) championships, we never lost in the championship (series). And I think that’s the legacy we want to keep and it’s enough motivation for us because we’re up against TNT,” he said.

“TNT is playing well since the first conference and they won in the last two conferences so they’re well motivated. That’s why we have to work really hard to match their energy and determination,” he added.

The Tropang 5G advanced to the finals last Sunday, thanks to their 97-89 Game 6 closeout of Rain or Shine, and had the luxury of extra days of rest and prep time.

Coach Chot Reyes and his entire team watched the broadcast of the SMB-Ginebra semis rubbermatch together during a meeting with PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and team governor and PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas.

The TNT franchise had previously come close to achieving a treble in the 2010-11 season. It won the All-Filipino and annexed the Commissioner’s Cup but was denied the Governors’ Cup jewel by San Miguel (then known as Petron).

Now this is the chance for Mr. Reyes and Company to get the triple-crown business done.

Notes: As LA Tenorio strolled out of the Big Dome following Barangay Ginebra’ painful ouster, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over him. “Honestly, I don’t know what’s going happen to me for the next few weeks, few months,” he shared with mediamen. Asked whether he’s considering retirement, the seasoned playmaker who turned 41 that day replied: “We’ll see. You will hear it from me definitely in the next few weeks, if this is really my last game.” Mr. Tenorio saw action for only two minutes Game 7 after turning back the hands of time in an 11-point barrage capped by the game-winning triple that lifted Ginebra to an 88-87 win that forced the 3-3 deadlock in the race-to-four. — Olmin Leyba

IM Concio dominates first Bangkok summer international chessfest

July 10, 2025 | 6:40 pm

FILIPINO International Master (IM) Michael Concio, Jr. swept all his nine games to run away with the premier standard title in the 1^st Bangkok Summer International Chess Open in Thailand on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old from Dasmariñas, Cavite playing like a juggernaut in beating all his nine foes including two Grandmasters in countryman Daniel Quizon in the fourth round and Indian Sayantan Das in the seventh.

Mr. Concio’s other wins came at the expense of Hong Kong’s Paul Aston Nguyen, the Philippines’ Davin Sean Romualdez, Myanmar’s Nay Lin Tun, Babu Nithin, the United States’ Alan Morris-Suzuki and Latvia’s Arsens Batashevs.

So dominant was Mr. Concio that he finished two points ahead of India’s Babu Nithin and Das, who wound up second and third, respectively.

Mr. Quizon finished fourth with 6.5 points after edging Russian FIDE Master Alexander Chernyavsky on tiebreaks.

Mr. Concio’s magnificence completed the country’s sweep of the inaugural staging of the weeklong meet after Mr. Quizon reigned supreme in the rapid and blitz sections several days before. — Joey Villar

Djokovic sets up Sinner showdown; Swiatek secures first Wimbledon semifinal

July 10, 2025 | 6:38 pm

LONDON — Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of yet more career milestones continued unabated as he reached a record 14^th Wimbledon semifinal and a showdown with world number one Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old Serb recovered from a set down to beat Flavio Cobolli 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 and is now only two victories away from an unprecedented 25^th Grand Slam title.

Blocking his path next is a rather more formidable Italian in the form of Sinner who eased any worries about an elbow injury to beat American powerhouse Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4.

In the women’s quarterfinals, Poland’s claycourt specialist Iga Swiatek broke new ground by reaching her first Wimbledon semifinal, beating Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 7-5.

The eighth seed will face Switzerland’s unseeded Belinda Bencic who edged out Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to also reach her first semifinal at the grasscourt slam.

By reaching a record-extending 52^nd Grand Slam semi, Djokovic also kept alive his hopes of equalling Roger Federer’s men’s record eight Wimbledon singles titles.

It remains a tall order even for a player widely regarded as the greatest of all time, especially with top seed Sinner and Spain’s holder Carlos Alcaraz, the two new powers in men’s tennis, most people’s bet to contest the final on July 13.

But no one should be writing off Djokovic who has won 44 of his last 46 matches at the All England Club and seems to know every single blade of grass on the historic Centre Court.

“It means the world to me that at 38 I am able to play in the final stages of Wimbledon,” Djokovic, who suffered a nasty slip on match point but appeared unscathed, said.

“Competing with youngsters makes me feel young, like Cobolli today. I enjoy running and sliding around the court. Speaking of the young guys, I will have Sinner in the next round so I look forward to that. That is going to be a great match-up.”

SINNER INJURY
Sinner may well have been back home in Italy had Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov not damaged his right pectoral muscle and retired with a two-set lead in the fourth round on Monday.

The three-times Grand Slam champion also sustained an elbow injury early on in that match and there was some doubt about his physical state ahead of his clash with 10^th seed Shelton.

But he produced a clinical performance, reeling off seven successive points to win the first-set tiebreak and then pouncing in the 10^th game of the next two sets to match his run to the semifinal two years ago when he lost to Djokovic.

Sinner, bidding to become the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title, wore a protective sleeve on his right arm but was rock solid against the big-serving Shelton.

“I had quite good feelings in the warm-up today,” Sinner, who dropped only six points on his first serve, said.

“I put into my mind that I’m going to play today. So the concerns were not that big if I would play or not.

“It was just a matter of what my percentage is. Today was very high, so I’m happy.”

Swiatek appears to have finally overcome her grass court demons and the four-times French Open champion could not hide her delight at reaching the semifinal at the sixth attempt.

Former Olympic champion Bencic became the first Swiss woman to reach the semis since Martina Hingis in 1998 after stunning 18-year-old seventh seed Andreeva on Centre Court.

“It’s crazy, it’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true,” the 28-year-old mother said. “I’m just speechless.”

Bencic will face Swiatek on Thursday after top seed Aryna Sabalenka takes on 13^th-seeded American Amanda Anisimova.

The first silverware of this year’s tournament will also be decided on Thursday when Dutchman Sem Verbeek and Czech Katerina Siniakova face Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani in the mixed doubles final on Centre Court. — Reuters

WNBA’s future

July 10, 2025 | 6:38 pm

When Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier were named captains for the 2025 All-Star Game, it was a veritable statement of where the league stands and where it is headed. One side has the record-smashing sophomore from the Fever. The other heralds Collier, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year awardee from the Lynx. And while they may have taken two very different paths to the same stage, they are jointly determining where women’s basketball is headed.

Needless to say, Clark’s rise in the pro ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. As the league’s most popular player by far, her All-Star Game captaincy was inevitable — and validated by a precedent-setting 1.3 million votes. She has drawn capacity crowds and sparked conversations — both good and bad — far beyond the box scores. And even as she has been at the center of just about every WNBA storyline this season, she has handled the pressure — and opportunity — of superstardom with aplomb.

Meanwhile, Collier has built her legacy through quiet excellence. An Olympic gold medalist, perennial All-Star, union executive, and entrepreneur headlining Unrivaled in the offseason, she represents the WNBA’s growing professionalism and player empowerment. Certainly, her selection as skipper transcends her sterling showing on the court and highlights the respect she has earned off it. She is the voice of a generation that has pushed for bigger salaries and better benefits, not to mention a more pronounced platform.

Significantly, the differences of the leading vote getters showed up in the All-Star draft. Clark used her first pick on Fever teammate Aliyah Boston, emphasizing chemistry and loyalty. Her roster — rounded out by such notables as A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally, Kelsey Mitchell, and Gabby Williams — is young, dynamic, and built for speed and shooting. It’s a team that mirrors her style: fast-paced, flashy, and exciting.

Collier’s draft preferences told a different story. She leaned heavily on familiarity, choosing fellow Huskies alumnae Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers and Owls teammates Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, and Skylar Diggins. She likewise valued experience, taking veterans Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Plum. All told, her team reflects a commitment to continuity, culture, and leadership.

Then came the moment that made headlines: the coach swap. Evidently, Clark and Collier agreed beforehand to get Lynx tactician Cheryl Reeve and Liberty mentor Sandy Brondello to switch sides. Whether it was a subtle message or borne of playful gamesmanship, the move captured everything the All-Star Game is about — player control, public narrative, and power dynamics.

Beyond the draft board and coach drama (manufactured or otherwise), however, the All-Star Game is simply an affirmation of the WNBA’s momentum. Clark represents a new wave of attention, particularly from fans and casual observers watching the league for the first time. Meanwhile, Collier reflects its steady, if relatively quiet, growth over the last half decade. One exemplifies the spark, the other the structure.

When the game tips off in one and a half weeks at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it will, no doubt, be a celebration of talent. At the same time, it will underscore the league’s evolving identity. The spotlight may shine brightest on Clark, but stalwarts like Collier are the reason it burns in the first place. And, together, they’re not just All-Stars; they’re architects of the WNBA’s future.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Netanyahu and Trump prioritize hostages as war rages in Gaza

July 10, 2025 | 6:08 pm

USA-ISRAEL — ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU — REUTERS/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN

WASHINGTON/GAZA/CAIRO — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday his meeting with US President Donald J. Trump had focused on freeing hostages held in Gaza, as Israel continued to pound the Palestinian territory amid efforts to reach a ceasefire.

Mr. Netanyahu said on X that the leaders also discussed the consequences and possibilities of “the great victory we achieved over Iran,” following an aerial war last month in which the United States joined Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sites.

Mr. Netanyahu is making his third US visit since Mr. Trump took office on Jan. 20 and had earlier told reporters that while he did not think Israel’s campaign in the Palestinian enclave was done, negotiators are “certainly working” on a ceasefire.

Mr. Trump met Mr. Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation in Gaza, with the president’s Middle East envoy indicating that Israel and Hamas were nearing an agreement on a ceasefire deal after 21 months of war.

Hamas official Taher al-Nono told Reuters they were engaged in a “difficult round” of negotiations.

A source familiar with Hamas’ thinking said four days of talks in Doha did not produce any breakthroughs on three main sticking points.

These are the free flow of aid into Gaza, withdrawal lines for Israeli forces and guarantees that negotiations would pave the way to a permanent ceasefire.

The source said Israel has demanded it retain control of about one-third of the enclave including the Morag Axis, a corridor between the Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.

On aid, Israel has insisted on sticking with the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s system, the source added. The United Nations and humanitarian groups have criticized this as unsafe and leading to at least 613 deaths.

While the Hamas source saw three major unresolved obstacles, Steve Witkoff, Mr. Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, said the number had decreased from four to one, expressing optimism for a temporary ceasefire deal by the end of the week.

Mr. Witkoff told reporters at a Cabinet meeting that the anticipated agreement would involve a 60-day ceasefire, with the release of 10 living and nine deceased hostages.

AIRSTRIKES
In recent weeks Israel’s military has continued to hammer Gaza, where a teddy bear lay in the rubble on Wednesday at the site of one overnight airstrike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis.

Umm Mohammed Shaaban, a Palestinian grandmother mourning the deaths of three of her grandchildren in the attack, questioned the timing of a proposed ceasefire.

“After they finished us, they say they’ll make a truce?” she asked.

In Gaza City, people removed debris after another overnight airstrike, searching through a three-story house for survivors to no avail.

One resident, Ahmed al-Nahhal, said there was no fuel for trucks to help in rescue efforts. “From midnight till now, we have been looking for the children,” he said.

Nearby men carried bodies in shrouds while women wept. Some kissed bodies placed in the back of a vehicle.

The Gaza conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

Israel’s retaliatory war has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health ministry says, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble.

Hamas has long demanded an end to the war before it would free the remaining hostages. Israel has insisted it would not agree to stop fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas dismantled.

The United Nations estimates that most of Gaza’s population of more than 2 million has been displaced, with experts saying in May that nearly half a million people faced the risk of starvation.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said a missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted after air raid sirens sounded in several areas across the country.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have been firing at Israel and attacking shipping lanes.

Houthis have repeatedly said that their attacks are an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel’s military assault since late 2023 has killed more than 57,000 people, Gaza authorities say.

Most of the dozens of missiles and drones they have launched have been intercepted or fallen short. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes. — Reuters

Russia’s attack on Kyiv kills two as US delivers arms to Ukraine

July 10, 2025 | 6:07 pm

UKRAINE-CRISIS-ATTACK-KYIV — FIREFIGHTERS work on the roof of an apartment building damaged during Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 10. — REUTERS/VALENTYN OGIRENKO

KYIV — Russian drones and missiles bore down on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early on Thursday, with officials reporting two deaths, 13 injured and fires in apartment and non-residential buildings as Washington resumed weapons delivery to the war-torn country.

It was also the latest in Russia’s escalating attacks with hundreds of drones and missiles straining Ukrainian air defenses at a perilous moment in the war and forcing thousands of people to frequently seek bomb shelters overnight.

“Residential buildings, vehicles, warehouse facilities, office and non-residential buildings are on fire,” head of Kyiv’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said on the Telegram messaging app.

The full scale of the attack was not immediately clear. There was no comment from Moscow about the attack that came a day after Russia launched a single-night record number of drones targeting its smaller neighbor.

After US President Donald J. Trump pledged earlier this week to send more defensive weapons to Kyiv, Washington was already delivering artillery shells and mobile rocket artillery missiles to Ukraine, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a “substantive” meeting on Wednesday with Mr. Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Rome ahead of a Ukrainian recovery conference.

Mr. Trump has been growing increasingly frustrated with President Vladimir Putin, saying that the Russian leader was throwing a lot of “bullshit” at the US efforts to end the war that Moscow launched against Ukraine in February 2022.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, the US State department and Russia’s foreign ministry said.

Russia’s attack on Kyiv on Thursday rattled the city with explosions, Reuters’ witnesses said. Videos showed windows blown out, devastated facades, and cars burned down. Kyiv’s officials said that damage was reported in six of the city’s 10 districts.

Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district, known for elegant restaurants, art galleries and vibrant student bars, suffered significant damage to residential buildings, the district’s head said on Telegram.

A thick smoke covered parts of Kyiv, darkening the red hues of a sunrise over the city of three million, Reuters’ witnesses reported. Air raids in the capital lasted more than four hours, according to Ukraine’s air force data.

“After returning home from shelters, keep your windows closed — there is a lot of smoke,” Mr. Tkachenko said.

Closer to the battle zone, a Russian air strike killed three people and injured one late on Wednesday in the front-line town of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s east, the national emergency services said. — Reuters

South Korea ex-leader Yoon returns to jail as court grants warrant

July 10, 2025 | 6:07 pm

SOUTHKOREA-POLITICS-YOON — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea on July 9. — REUTERS/KIM HONG-JI/POOL

SEOUL — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to a solitary jail cell on Thursday after a court approved a warrant sought by prosecutors investigating his attempt to impose martial law last year.

The Seoul Central District Court’s decision bolstered the special counsel’s investigation into allegations that Mr. Yoon’s move in December represented obstruction of justice and abuse of power.

The court said in a statement it granted the request because of concerns Mr. Yoon could seek to destroy evidence, returning him to confinement at the Seoul Detention Center where he spent 52 days earlier in the year before being released four months ago on technical grounds.

He moved back with his wife and his 11 dogs and cats to their 164 square meter (1,765 square feet) apartment in an upscale district of Seoul. The couple’s net worth is estimated at 7.5 billion won ($5.47 million), according to a government filing.

But Mr. Yoon will now be housed in a 10 square-meter solitary cell and sleeping on a foldable mattress on the floor without an air conditioner, an official at the detention center and media reports said.

With a heat wave gripping the country, Mr. Yoon will have to rely on a small electric fan that switches off at night, Park Jie-won, an opposition lawmaker who had been incarcerated there, said on a YouTube talk show.

The detention facility served breakfast of steamed potatoes and mini cheese bread for inmates on Thursday, another official said.

The conservative politician faces criminal charges of insurrection over his martial law decree, which could carry a sentence of life in prison or death.

YOON SKIPS COURT HEARING
Hours after he ended up in jail, the court held a hearing on Thursday morning for his insurrection trial, but Mr. Yoon did not attend.

His lawyers told the court that he was unable to go to the hearing due to health issues, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Constitutional Court ousted Mr. Yoon as president in April, upholding parliament’s impeachment for the martial law bid, which shocked South Koreans and triggered months of political turmoil.

The special prosecution team launched its investigation after new leader Lee Jae Myung was elected in June, and it has been looking into additional charges against Mr. Yoon.

The special counsel team is now expected to speed up its probe into allegations, including whether Mr. Yoon hurt South Korea’s interests by intentionally inflaming tensions with North Korea.

The team plans to question Mr. Yoon on Friday, informing his wife and lawyers about his detention via letters, Park Ji-young, a deputy to the special counsel, told reporters on Thursday.

Mr. Yoon attended the court hearing on Wednesday on the detention warrant, wearing a dark navy suit and a red tie, but did not answer questions from reporters.

His lawyers have denied the allegations against him and called the detention request an unreasonable move in a hasty investigation.

More than 1,000 supporters rallied near the court on Wednesday, local media reported, waving flags and signs and chanting Mr. Yoon’s name in searing 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) heat.

In their warrant request, prosecutors said Mr. Yoon poses a flight risk, local media reported. — Reuters