Ukraine's air force claims to have shot down three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in the Kherson region, as announced by the Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk and confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The downing of the aircraft is significant as it marks the first time since March of the previous year that Russia has lost more than one Su-34 on the same day. The Su-34 is a sophisticated twin-seat fighter-bomber, which has been used by Russia in Syria and Ukraine. The losses are notable amidst the ongoing conflict, and the Dutch government has also announced plans to donate 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to aid in their air combat capabilities.

The article is part of a series focusing on Balkan Leaders, with this installment highlighting Milorad Dodik, a prominent Bosnian Serb politician. Dodik is characterized by his ethnonationalist views, his use of crude language, and his well-known connections with the leadership of Russia. The piece seems to delve into Dodik's political stance and influence within the Balkans, as well as his reputation on the international stage.

Ukraine's air force claimed to have shot down three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in the Kherson region, as announced by Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk and confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The downing of these advanced jets is significant as it marks the first time since March of the previous year that Russia has lost more than one Su-34 on the same day. The Russian military blog Fighterbomber suggested the involvement of the US-supplied Patriot anti-aircraft system in these combat losses. The Su-34 is a key asset in Russia's military aviation, but its use in low-altitude bombing has made it vulnerable to air defenses. The article also mentions a past incident where a Su-34 crashed into a residential building in Yeysk, Russia. Additionally, the Dutch government has announced plans to donate 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, potentially altering the balance of air power in the region.

The article opens a new season of the series 'Calling' by focusing on the political landscape of Kosovo, Europe's youngest state. The piece features an explainer that transitions from discussing Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, to inviting journalist Una Hajdari to provide insights into the power dynamics in Kosovo. The article aims to shed light on the current political figures and the governing structure in the country.

The article discusses the pervasive issue of plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment. It highlights the findings of studies from the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Rhode Island, which show the presence of microplastics in human organs and their potential to cause health issues such as inflammation, immune response, and even behavioral changes. Rosalie Mann, founder and president of No More Plastic, is interviewed about society's dependency on plastic, the dangers it poses, and the need for systemic change rather than consumer-focused solutions. Mann criticizes the current recycling practices as ineffective and calls for a shift towards alternative materials and stricter regulations to reduce plastic production and use. The article emphasizes the urgency of addressing the plastic crisis for the health of both humans and wildlife.

Montenegro, aspiring to be the first 'ecological state', continues to face unchecked environmental destruction, particularly from the practice of dynamite fishing. The article recounts the story of Milo, who as a child helped his grandfather fish with explosives, a method that is still plaguing the country's marine life and ecosystems.

Marko Milošević has recently made a public appearance in Moscow at the unveiling of a monument for his father, Slobodan Milošević. This event has sparked speculations about the family's intentions and potential political activities.

The article by Aleksandar Brezar discusses the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam destruction in Ukraine, which has led to significant flooding and the evacuation of over 6,000 people. The dam's collapse has exacerbated the suffering in the region, which has been under constant attack since Russia's invasion. Euronews interviewed Vsevolod Prokofiev from Save the Children, who provided insights into the on-ground situation, the resilience of the local population, and the efforts of humanitarian aid organizations. The flooding has caused houses to be submerged, and there are concerns about water shortages, the spread of diseases, and the danger of mines and unexploded ordnance. The article also touches on the international response, with EU officials condemning the dam's destruction as a war crime, while Moscow blames Kyiv.

The article discusses the absence of a Pride march in Bosnia, making it an outlier in the Western Balkans region. It highlights the planned first Bosnian Pride march on September 8 in Sarajevo and the significance of this event for a country grappling with its past. The article recounts the violence faced by the LGBT community in Bosnia, including attacks on public gatherings and pervasive homophobia. It also touches on the fear of professional repercussions for openly LGBT individuals. The author criticizes the ethnonationalist politicians for promoting traditional values to maintain power and the reluctance of liberal political actors to support LGBT rights. The article concludes with the hope that the upcoming Pride march will challenge the status quo and promote social progress.

Video journalist Arman Soldin, working for Agence France-Presse (AFP), was killed by a Grad rocket attack in eastern Ukraine near Chasiv Yar. The incident occurred on a day when Soldin and his colleagues were accompanying Ukrainian military personnel. Soldin, a French national, had been with AFP since 2015 and was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to journalism. His death brings the number of media employees killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion to at least 11, as reported by RSF and CPJ. AFP CEO Fabrice Fries and other colleagues have expressed their devastation and paid tribute to Soldin's courage and energy.