Ukraine Leadership Change
President Zelensky has dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular figure who had been in the role for six months and was instrumental in expanding drone warfare against Russia.
1Global News Podcast
Zelensky Fires Popular Defence Minister Amid Global Shifts
Ukraine sacks defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov just six months into his tenure. The episode also covers US strikes on Iran, France's assisted dying vote, and Argentina's World Cup final run.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who served for six months and was a key figure in expanding drone warfare against Russia.
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Zelensky fires popular defence minister
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US-Iran Tensions Escalate
The US has launched additional strikes on Iranian coastal facilities. Tehran describes the conflict as an existential struggle, stating its security depends on controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
2US Political Developments
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche faced intense questioning during the start of his Senate confirmation hearing.
3France Legalises Assisted Dying
France has voted to legalise assisted dying for some adults suffering from serious or fatal illnesses.
4Global Perceptions Shift
A new international survey indicates that global perceptions of China are becoming more positive, while views of the US are deteriorating.
5Argentina Reaches World Cup Final
Argentina will face Spain in the football World Cup final after defeating England 2-1.
6Ask GenPod next
Keep the question moving.
“What other ministers have been sacked by Zelensky in the last year?”
“How does the Strait of Hormuz impact global oil prices?”
“Which countries have already legalised assisted dying?”
Questions
Questions to carry into the episode.
Why was Mykhailo Fedorov considered a key figure in the Ukrainian defence?
He was seen as a key figure in the expansion of drone warfare against Russia.
1How does Iran view its current conflict with the US?
Tehran says it is in an existential struggle with the US and that its security is dependent on controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
2What is the current status of US Attorney General Todd Blanche?
He is the acting US Attorney General and was grilled at the start of his Senate confirmation hearing.
3What did France vote to legalise regarding end-of-life care?
France voted to legalise assisted dying for some adults with serious or fatal illnesses.
4How are global perceptions of China and the US changing?
Global perceptions of China are becoming more positive, while those of the US are deteriorating.
5Experts
Voices named in the source.
Sources and disclosure
Where this guide comes from.
This guide is based on the Global News Podcast episode published on 2026-07-16.
- Publisher show notes
President Zelensky of Ukraine has sacked his popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who'd been in the job just six months and was seen as a key figure in the expansion of drone warfare against Russia.
- Publisher show notes
Also: As the US launches more strikes on Iranian coastal facilities, Tehran says it's in an existential struggle with the US and its security is dependent on controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
- Publisher show notes
The acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche is grilled at the start of his Senate confirmation hearing.
- Publisher show notes
France votes to legalise assisted dying for some adults with serious or fatal illnesses.
- Publisher show notes
A new international survey suggests that global perceptions of China are becoming more positive, while those of the US are deteriorating.
- Publisher show notes
Argentina to face Spain in the football World Cup final after a 2-1 victory over England.
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Researchers working in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo say they’ve discovered a new species of monkey.
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Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: Ukraine's sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov Credit: Reuters/Tom Nicholson
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