Bloomberg L.P.

In the first half of 2025, "Rusal" incurred a net loss of $87 million. This was due to rising costs, interest payments, and currency fluctuations.

Natural gas prices in Europe fell to May lows. This happened amid the anticipated summit of the US and Russian presidents, which could affect the energy market.

Intel shares rose 7% after reports that the Trump administration was discussing acquiring a stake in the company. This is related to plans to revive American chip manufacturing and Intel's Ohio plant.

Today, August 15, the presidents of the USA and the Russian Federation will meet at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage. The US Secret Service is providing unprecedented security for both leaders, deploying hundreds of reinforcements and special equipment.

Russian government hackers gained access to the US court records storage system, stealing confidential documents. The attackers specifically sought classified records related to espionage and other important cases.

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar accused Russia of interfering in the 2026 parliamentary elections. Russian intelligence published a statement that echoes Orbán's theses against Magyar.

The Israeli government has begun construction of 3,401 homes in the E1 area of the West Bank, which, according to the finance minister, "will bury the idea of a Palestinian state. " This move has drawn sharp criticism from the Palestinian Authority and concern from Western allies.

The European Union plans to adopt the 19th package of sanctions against Russia next month. This will continue to pressure the Kremlin over the war in Ukraine.

Donald Trump told European and Ukrainian leaders that the US is ready to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, but under certain conditions. This was discussed at a virtual meeting organized by Germany, before Trump's summit with Putin.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. The meeting will take place as Europe prepares for the outcome of Trump's talks with his Russian counterpart.

Ether shows a surge in demand, raising the total market capitalization to a record $4. 2 trillion. Bitcoin is trading above $120,600, Ether is approaching its 2021 record.

Poland signed a $3. 8 billion agreement with the US to modernize 48 F-16 fighter jets. This will enhance the aircraft's compatibility with NATO and strengthen deterrence against potential aggression.

In Jianyu, hundreds of people protested after a brutal beating of a 14-year-old girl, accusing the authorities of being too lenient towards the attackers. The incident caused outrage on social media and cast doubt on the credibility of local officials.

The Indonesian government has opened 40 airports for international flights, doubling their number. This decision aims to increase the flow of tourists to the regions of the archipelago nation.

Former First Lady of South Korea Kim Keon-hee has been arrested on charges of fraud and bribery. The arrest followed the approval of a warrant by a Seoul court, particularly in connection with the Dior bag scandal.

From October 12, the European Union is implementing a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport stamping and add biometric registration. This innovation will affect hundreds of millions of tourists and business visitors from outside the EU.

The presidents of China and Brazil, Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, discussed international politics and called for joint resistance to US "unilateralism" and "protectionism. " The leaders agreed to strengthen coordination within BRICS and the "G20," as well as deepen partnership to strengthen the unity of Global South countries.

Ukrainian and European leaders are concerned about a possible meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. They fear that Trump may be deceived a second time, and Putin will use the meeting to strengthen his position.

Lithium prices and battery manufacturers' shares surged after the shutdown of CATL's key mine in Jiangxi province. This closure, which will last at least three months, affects up to 6% of global lithium production.

Bitcoin's price rose to $122,000, approaching its all-time high of $123,205. The growth is driven by the interest of large investors and corporate treasuries.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that tariffs on imports from other countries are likely to decrease if trade imbalances improve. The main goal of applying tariffs is to restore balance to the US current account deficit, which stands at $1.18 trillion.

European leaders want to talk to Donald Trump before August 15, when he meets with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. This comes amid tense diplomatic negotiations and the convening of an urgent meeting of EU foreign ministers.

President Trump plans to appoint David Rosner, a Democrat, as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This move will place a Democrat at the head of an agency that makes key decisions regarding gas exports and power grids.

China justifies Russian oil imports, citing the right to economic and energy cooperation with all countries. This comes amid Donald Trump's statements about possible additional tariffs for China.

A potential end to the war in Ukraine could solidify the Kremlin's control over part of the occupied territories. This sets the stage for a potential meeting between Trump and Putin, while Ukraine's European allies express concern.

The new Polish President, Karol Nawrocki, proposed to update the project for building one of Europe's largest airports, rejecting the government's proposals to scale down the project. He seeks to restore high-speed rail connections to a number of smaller Polish cities.

Swiss politicians are considering canceling the order for F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp after the US introduced 39% tariffs. The deal, worth up to $9.1 billion, became controversial due to "misunderstandings" regarding the price and the tariff shock.

Ukraine's dollar bonds continued to rise after the confirmation of a meeting between Russian and US leaders. This fueled speculation about a possible truce between Moscow and Kyiv.

The US-sanctioned tanker Contract II, currently at a scrapyard in India, is being sold under unusual payment terms and with the seller's identity concealed. This indicates increasing pressure on "dark fleet" vessels amid tightening sanctions.

The US is doubling tariffs on Indian goods as punishment for purchases of Russian oil. This creates a dilemma for India, which has long-standing relations with Moscow.