A gunman opened fire and took hostages in Kyiv, killing at least two people before being shot dead by police following a standoff, according to Ukraine's interior minister. The incident unfolded in the Ukrainian capital, prompting a rapid law enforcement response that ended in a shoot-out. No further details on the attacker's identity, motive, or the specific location within the city were provided in initial reports. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the shooter's death, signaling the immediate threat has been neutralized. The hostage situation's duration and the fate of all hostages were not specified in available reporting. With Ukraine already operating under wartime conditions, any domestic security incident in the capital draws heightened scrutiny from both local authorities and international observers monitoring stability in Kyiv. The confirmed death toll of at least two, combined with a hostage element, suggests the episode was significant enough to require direct engagement at the interior minister level. Further details on casualties and any broader security review are expected as the situation is assessed.
Qatar's foreign ministry said mediators including Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman have reached "very progressive stages" in efforts to end the US-Iran war, pushing Brent crude down more than four percent.
Qatar confirmed it is mediating between the US and Iran but said no direct talks are currently planned. The clarification follows conflicting statements from President Trump, who claimed talks are under way, and Tehran, which denied any dialogue is happening.
Saudi Aramco reported sharply higher second-quarter 2026 profits as the Iran war restricts global oil supply and pushes crude prices up. Other oil supermajors also posted outsized earnings, raising concerns about sustained fuel cost pressure for importing economies.
President Trump called current Iran negotiations the "last chance" to end five months of conflict, pushing oil prices higher. Tehran denied formal talks are taking place, raising the risk of a diplomatic breakdown with direct consequences for global energy markets.
