ISTANBUL

Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday, including the latest in the Russia-Ukraine war, an ongoing lawsuit against BioNTech, and Chinese jets spotted over Taiwan.

TOP STORIES

• Ukraine claims recapture of villages in Donetsk region

Ukraine on Sunday claimed that its forces have retaken control of two villages in the eastern Donetsk region and captured Russian soldiers during the operation.

Russian authorities have not yet confirmed the claim, announced the brigade.

Earlier in the day, Russia and Ukraine swapped a total of nearly 200 prisoners. However, the Kremlin said there was "no foundation" for possible dialogue with Kyiv in order to achieve a diplomatic solution to the war, now in its 16th month.

• BioNTech faces legal action in Germany over vaccine side effects

The first hearing of a lawsuit filed by a healthcare worker in Germany against BioNTech for alleged side effects of its COVID-19 vaccine will be held on Monday.

The worker demanded €150,000 ($161,000) in compensation for bodily harm allegedly caused by the vaccine and claims she suffered upper-body pain, swelling in the arms and legs, fatigue, and sleep disorder.

Rogert & Ulbric, a law firm, announced that it filed about 250 lawsuits seeking compensation for alleged side effects.

• Taiwan scrambles forces after 'spotting' Chinese jets

Taiwan swung into action after it spotted 10 Chinese warplanes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the country's Defense Ministry said in a brief statement.

This prompted Taipei to send up its own fighters and deployed ships and land-based missile systems to "keep watch."

This is the second time in less than a week that Taiwan has reported such military activity from Beijing. On Thursday, some 37 Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan's air defense zone.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was released by police without charges after an earlier arrest in connection with an investigation into the Scottish National Party's (SNP) finances.

• A comprehensive cooperation package with Tunisia was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, including €900 million (over $967 million) in macro financial assistance and €150 million in budget support.

• The PKK/YPG terror group in northern Syria fired five rockets that landed across the border in southern Türkiye, security sources said. No casualties were reported.

• A man suspected of stabbing four children and two adults in a playground in the French town of Annecy has been shifted to a special cell in a bid to prevent him from committing suicide, local media reported.

• The Europe Now party, led by Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic, declared victory in snap elections Sunday to choose members of the Balkan nation's next legislative assembly, winning 23 seats in 81-seat parliament.

• More than one in five children are engaged in child labor in the world's poorest countries, as Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as the region with highest incidence of child labors with 26%, according to data compiled by Anadolu.

SPORTS

• Djokovic beats Ruud to clinch French Open men's singles title

Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in straight-sets to win the French Open men's singles tennis title, his record 23rd Grand Slam.

The Serbian star won the final with sets of 7-6, 6-3, and 7-5 against Norwegian world No. 4 in three hours and 13 minutes at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

• Fenerbahce win Turkish Cup after beating Medipol Basaksehir

Fenerbahce won the Ziraat Turkish Cup on Sunday after beating Medipol Basaksehir 2-0.

Michy Batshuayi scored twice in the first and 29th minutes at Gursel Aksel stadium, guiding Fenerbahce to collect their seventh Turkish Cup. The Yellow Canaries ended the club's long Turkish Cup drought in front of over 12,000 spectators.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

• Saudi Arabia to benefit from China's renewable energy

Riyadh seeks to benefit from China's advanced capabilities in renewable energy, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the 10th Arab-China Business Conference.

Last week, Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, announced a voluntary reduction in its oil production in July by 1 million barrels per day.

• First shipment of discounted crude oil from Russia arrives in Pakistan

The first shipment of discounted crude oil from Russia arranged under a new deal between Islamabad and Moscow arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, said the South Asian nation's Ministry of Ports and Shipping.

The cargo vessel Pure Point was carrying over 45,000 metric tons of crude oil.

Currently, the South Asian nuclear country meets 80% of its oil needs through traditional Gulf and Arab suppliers.