Last week saw the war enter its sixth month, with Ukraine claiming to have reached a "turning point" in the battle to retake the Russian-occupied region of Kherson. On Tuesday night, Ukrainian forces struck a key bridge into the region that is reportedly a vital supply route for Russian troops.Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Ukraine's presidential advisor said the operation to re-take Kherson "has already begun."This comes as Russia indicated for the first time last week its intention to remove Zelenskyy from power, with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov saying that Moscow aims to help Ukrainians "liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime."Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists reported that at least 40 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed and 130 injured in the Donetsk region after Ukrainian shelling hit a prison in the town of Olenivka. The Ukrainian military has denied the claims, blaming Russia. On Saturday night, Zelenskyy urged a mandatory civilian evacuation from combat zones in the eastern Donetsk region.Elsewhere, Britain's MI6 said Russia is "running out of steam" and referendums may begin in occupied areas of Ukraine.

North Korea said it's "ready to mobilize" its nuclear deterrent,15 were killed in protests over UN troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo,and two Palestinians were killed in a West Bank gun battle.

The UK's Tory leadership battle saw Truss pull ahead of Sunak,Thailand's PM Prayuth survived his fourth confidence vote,former Sri Lankan Pres. Rajapaksa was said to be likely to return after fleeing,and Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as India's president.Meanwhile, Tunisia's new constitution passed with a low voter turnout,Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov wrapped up his Africa tour in Ethiopia,French Pres. Macron visited West Africa,and Biden spoke with China's Xi as tension grows over Taiwan, with planning reportedly underway for Pelosi's potential visit to the island.In other news, Iran arrested Israel-linked cell members for alleged sabotage,Iraqi Protesters stormed Parliament (twice),the US and the Taliban reportedly exchanged proposals on the release of Afghan funds,and a senior Republican claimed that China is seeking to infiltrate the US Fed.

Democrat Alex Lasry withdrew from the Wisconsin Senate Primary,Sen. Chuck Grassley alleged that the Dept. of Justice and the FBI are part of a scheme to bury Hunter Biden stories,and whistleblowers reportedly claimed that the FBI exaggerates domestic terrorism data.Meanwhile, a video released by the Jan. 6 Committee suggested that Trump was hesitant to condemn the violence at the Capitol,Rep. Liz Cheney said the Jan. 6 Committee could subpoena Ginni Thomas,the Dept. of Justice is investigating Trump's inner circle,and the Biden admin. announced plans to close some gaps in the US-Mexico border wall.

Democrats introduced a bill to allow foreign aid for abortions,while Indiana legislators called a special session to discuss abortion laws.Elsewhere, four democracy activists were executed in Myanmar,and, according to a report, an ex-child bride was among a group of women who were executed in Iran.

The US Senate passed a bipartisan bill to boost microchip production,UK commuters faced disruption amid rail union action,and Spirit Airlines accepted JetBlue's $3.8B offer.

Infowars founder Alex Jones' Sandy Hook damages trial began,a NYC 'Central Park Five' co-defendant was exonerated after three decades,and Griner testified as the Biden admin. reportedly offered a prisoner swap.In other news, Japan executed the Akihabara mass murderer,a Hawaii couple were investigated for identity theft and espionage,and Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous communities during his trip to Canada.

Biden ended his COVID isolation after two negative tests, but then tested positive again,the European Commission approved a monkeypox vaccineas the WHO declared it a global health emergency,and UK experts identified the likely cause of the child hepatitis outbreak.Meanwhile, the Veteran's Healthcare Act was stalled by a Senate procedural vote,and a UN report suggested that COVID and conflicts halted progress in fighting AIDS.

The US economy shrank for a second consecutive quarter, prompting recession fearsas the US FED raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.75,US Democrats reportedly plan to propose a congressional stock trading ban,Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer announced the Inflation Reduction Act,and Europe agreed on emergency gas cuts as Russia tightens supplies.

A 7-magnitude earthquake killed at least five in the Philippines,a California oak fire destroyed 55 structures and threatened another 2.4k,and historic floods devastated Kentucky, killing at least 16 people.

Russia announced plans to leave the ISS in 2024.

A troop of monkeys attacked residents in Japan..