Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania have banned or restricted real estate purchases by Russian citizens for national security reasons. Estonia, Norway, and the state of Texas are also considering similar measures.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 182 combat engagements over the past day, 58 of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched four missile strikes and 80 air strikes, using 5132 kamikaze drones.
In the occupied Luhansk region, over 500 teenagers and young people are involved in "student labor detachments. " They are used as free labor, which is a violation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak thanked Melania Trump for her role in saving deported Ukrainian children. She raised the issue of child abduction in a letter to Putin, which Donald Trump handed over in Alaska.
Russian troops captured Popiv Yar in the Dobropillia direction and Ivano-Daryivka in Siversk. The enemy continues active offensive actions in several directions.
The meeting between the US and Russian presidents in Alaska did not yield public results regarding an end to the war in Ukraine. Details of the conversations, particularly in the limousine, remained undisclosed, raising concerns about possible agreements.
US First Lady Melania Trump addressed Vladimir Putin with a letter about the abduction of Ukrainian children. The document was handed over by Donald Trump during negotiations in Alaska.
Trump's special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is absent from the delegation at the meeting with Putin in Alaska. His presence could be "counterproductive" due to his perception as a sympathizer of Ukraine.
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.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the start of construction of a new settlement, which is intended to divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem. This step, he said, will block the creation of a Palestinian state.
The UN Secretary-General's annual report for 2024 confirms systematic sexual violence by Russians in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls for strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation.
The future of Ukrainian aviation depends on the vote for the "Defence City" bills. MPs are discussing the inclusion of the aviation industry in the initiative to ensure its development.
Former Deputy Prosecutor General, lawyer Oleksiy Baganets commented on the decision of the State Aviation Service regarding Mi-8.
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.
Zohran Mamdani leads Andrew Cuomo by 19 points in the New York City mayoral race, according to a Siena College poll. Elise Stefanik has narrowed the gap with Kathy Hochul to 14 points in a potential 2026 race.
France, Germany, and Great Britain have warned the UN about their readiness to impose sanctions against Iran. This will happen if Iran does not resume negotiations on its nuclear program by the end of August 2025.
The EU and over 24 countries are calling on Israel to urgently allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The humanitarian situation in the region has reached a critical level, with 2.4 million residents at risk of starvation.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine met with his Czech counterpart. The problem of ending the Russian-Ukrainian war was discussed at the press conference.
On August 12, the world celebrates Elephant Day, which draws attention to their conservation, and Vinyl Record Day, which highlights their growing popularity. This year, Ukraine for the first time synchronized the celebration of International Youth Day with the rest of the world.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Putin dreams of "Munich 2" and seeks to return to spheres of influence. He emphasized that Putin's ultimatums are not a readiness for negotiations, but an attempt to test the unity of allies.
Australia plans to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. This decision was made after receiving commitments from the Palestinian Authority regarding demilitarization and recognition of Israel.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Ukrainian leader informed about Russia's destructive position regarding the ceasefire in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy thanked European leaders for supporting Ukraine ahead of Trump's meeting with Putin. He emphasized that ending the war must be fair. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha added that concessions to the aggressor provoke further aggression.
European leaders issued a joint statement on Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump's planned meeting with Vladimir Putin. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and their readiness to cooperate to achieve a just peace.
Hamas called Israel's plan to seize the Gaza Strip a "full-fledged war crime" that would come at a "high price. " The organization stated that it would make efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Ukrainian army aviation successfully uses Soviet equipment, but the industry risks losing the ability to maintain it. Without state support, production potential and maintenance of military equipment are under threat.
Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. The plan includes disarming Hamas, returning hostages, and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that Russia's attack on Georgia in 2008 was the first step in changing borders and undermining stability in the region. This aggression led to the occupation of 20% of Georgian territory and the forced displacement of over 200,000 people.
A fake about financial aid from the UN is being spread on Ukrainian social networks. The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine states that this is fraud and urges not to follow suspicious links.
The UN expressed deep concern over reports of a possible expansion of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip. UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča emphasized that Gaza must remain part of a future Palestinian state.
