An earthquake of magnitude 6. 0 in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province has killed over 1,400 people and destroyed 5,400 homes. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the international community is providing assistance.
Aide to Russian President Putin, Yuriy Ushakov, announced the preparation of another round of consultations between the US and Russia. The dialogue will primarily concern Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is not against Ukraine's European integration, but NATO membership is unacceptable. Robert Fico confirmed his position on Ukraine's EU accession provided all criteria are met and expressed opposition to NATO membership.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin are not yet ready for a meeting. He held talks with both leaders after returning from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
China is introducing a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens with biometric foreign passports starting September 15, 2025. Russians will be able to stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa; the program will be valid for one year.
Oil prices are rising due to fears of disruptions in crude oil supplies to global markets caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian export infrastructure. Brent crude rose to $68.35 per barrel, and US WTI to $64.82.
Gazprom signed an agreement to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to China via Mongolia, planning to supply up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The company will also increase supplies via existing routes to compensate for reduced exports to Europe.
In August 2025, Ukrainians purchased 6. 8 thousand new passenger cars, which is 16% less than in August 2024. Toyota maintains its leadership, and Renault Duster became the bestseller of the month.
Tesla has received only about 600 orders in India since sales launched. This is significantly less than the company expected, raising doubts about its global growth prospects.
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un departed for Beijing to participate in a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This is the first visit of a North Korean leader to the Chinese capital since 1959.
US TNT reserves have significantly decreased due to the closure of the last plant in the 1980s and the cessation of exports from Russia and China. The Pentagon is building a new plant in Kentucky worth $435 million, which will become operational in 2028.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that the final declaration of the SCO summit does not mention Russian aggression against Ukraine, unlike other conflicts. This indicates the failure of Moscow's diplomatic efforts, according to the ministry.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 5. This will happen after his return from Beijing, where Fico will participate in a parade and meet with the leaders of China and Russia.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping stated the necessity of a multipolar world at the SCO summit on September 1, 2025, in Tianjin. He emphasized the equal participation of countries and fair global governance.
Turkish President Erdogan informed Putin about Ankara's work towards a just end to the war in Ukraine. He also emphasized the importance of negotiations in Istanbul for peace efforts.
In Afghanistan, a 6-magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of 812 people and injured 2800. Authorities are appealing for international aid, as the country is already struggling with humanitarian crises.
Mercedes-Benz urges the US and EU to conclude a trade agreement due to significant losses from tariffs. The company lost $420 million in profit, and sales fell by 9% in the second quarter of 2025.
Bitcoin fell to a two-month low due to significant sell-offs from inactive “whale” wallets and a decrease in ETF inflows. This also coincided with seasonal caution, as September historically sees a decline.
The price of gold rose to $3552 per ounce amid expectations of a Fed rate cut and demand for bullion as a safe haven. December futures jumped 1% to $3551.82 per ounce.
Brent and WTI oil prices fell by 0. 44% due to rising production and concerns about the impact of US tariffs on demand. Russian oil exports fell to a four-week low.
North Korea has unveiled new air defense missiles capable of destroying cruise missiles and attack drones. Undeclared missile bases have also been discovered, one of which is believed to contain intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The Prime Minister of India met with Putin and the Chinese leader at the SCO summit. Issues of economic, political partnership and security were discussed.
Armenia and China officially entered into a strategic partnership, agreeing to expand cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a joint statement during the SCO summit, reaffirming support for the "one China" principle.
In July 2025, the production of metallurgical products in Russia decreased by 10. 2% year-on-year. This is the worst indicator in at least the last 3.5 years, with billions in losses recorded by key enterprises.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin in China will "wriggle out" regarding negotiations. The President of Ukraine emphasized that Russia is the only one who seeks to prolong the war.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may meet in China. The meeting will take place during a parade in Beijing dedicated to the end of World War II in the Asian theater of operations.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin at a security summit. This shows how Xi is trying to turn history, diplomacy, and military might into tools for transforming the world order.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin during the SCO summit. The parties discussed strategic partnership, growing trade, and cooperation in energy and digitalization.
Brazil proposes an extraordinary BRICS summit to coordinate a common response to US trade challenges. The initiative gained urgency after the US raised tariffs on Brazilian products.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Tianjin to participate in the SCO summit. Bilateral meetings are planned, including with the leaders of China and Russia, to discuss regional security and economic cooperation.
