Typhoon Saola strengthened overnight as it continued its path across the Pacific early Wednesday and headed for China's southern coast. The typhoon was moving northwest with sustained winds of 191 kph (118 mph) and gusts of up to 234 kph (145 mph), according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, and is now considered a strong typhoon. The typhoon’s eye won’t hit Taiwan’s mainland, but the storm's outer bands will hit the island’s southern cities.
The Ukrainian government is negotiating with partners for additional air defence systems to protect Odesa, Mykolaiv and other rear cities, which have been particularly suffered from massive Russian attacks in recent days.
At least 27 people were injured and two killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine’s southern cities, including the port city of Odesa. The attacks mark the third straight day of strikes on the south, coming after Russia announced it would suspend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a diplomatic deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports from Odesa.…