US Navy sailor Jinchao Wei was found guilty of espionage for selling military secrets to a Chinese agent for $12,000. He transmitted photos, videos, and information about ships using encrypted applications.
India and Russia intend to increase trade to $100 billion in five years. This is a response to trade pressure from the United States.
North Korea has built a secret military base, Sinpung-dong, 27 km from the Chinese border. It is likely to house 6-9 intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The Kremlin is trying to impose its terms within the framework of a peaceful settlement, demanding a veto right on security guarantees for Ukraine. This could limit Ukraine's cooperation with partners and its ability to resist future threats.
Germany calls on China to participate more actively in the peace process regarding the war in Ukraine, as negotiations with Russia may intensify. Berlin notes Beijing's significant influence on Russia, but China has not yet shown interest.
Russia insists on a veto right regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, which, according to the Financial Times, will give Moscow effective influence over Kyiv's defense. Ukraine rejects such an idea, which would negate the efforts of the US and allies towards a peace agreement.
Indian state-owned oil refineries have resumed purchases of Russian Urals oil after a short break. This comes despite criticism from American officials and threats of sanctions.
Russia expects to retain India as a stable oil client, offering discounts of about 5% off the market price. The US is increasing pressure on India over its purchases of Russian oil, imposing duties and accusing it of supporting "Putin's war."
China will hold a large-scale military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The latest types of weapons will be presented, including hypersonic systems and high-precision missiles.
European leaders are skeptical of Donald Trump's peace initiatives, but do not reject them, viewing them as a tool to demonstrate the Kremlin's true intentions. They plan to support American peace efforts so that Trump himself can be convinced of Moscow's unwillingness to make concessions.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has discovered a new Russian UAV with LTE communication and remote control capability. It can be a reconnaissance, strike, or decoy target.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of profiting from Russian oil purchases during the war in Ukraine. He noted that the share of Russian oil in India's imports increased from less than 1% to 42%.
The Royal Navy of Great Britain successfully tested the remote control system of the underwater vehicle "Excalibur" during the "Talisman Sabre" exercises. The 40-foot drone was controlled from Australia, while the apparatus itself was located in the waters of Great Britain.
Pop Mart's revenue grew by 204% to 13. 88 billion yuan, net profit increased by 396% to 4.7 billion yuan. The Labubu toy brought the company almost 35% of its revenue, and sales in Western markets grew significantly.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China supports dialogue and negotiations as the only ways to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. This was in response to statements by Zelenskyy and Trump regarding meetings with Putin.
Chinese refineries increased purchases of Russian Urals oil, taking advantage of India's refusal of preferential batches due to Washington's increased trade tariffs. Urals exports to China almost doubled in August, while they significantly decreased to India.
Chinese scientists have transformed human stem cells into dopamine neurons, which reduce depressive behavior in mice. This discovery could form the basis for cell therapy for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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.
Oil prices were little changed after falling earlier in trading. The US did not put further pressure on Russia to limit oil exports after the leaders' meeting.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham believes that the next step in American diplomacy regarding the war in Ukraine should be economic pressure on Moscow. He proposes imposing tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy resources and calls on China to influence Putin.
Donald Trump proposed holding a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia summit on August 22. Putin is making demands for territorial concessions from Ukraine and recognition of Russia's sovereignty over captured Ukrainian territories.
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.
Donald Trump said he is not considering immediate tariffs on China for buying Russian oil, but may do so "in two or three weeks. " He threatened sanctions against countries buying Russian oil if the war in Ukraine is not stopped.
About 3,000 foreigners from 86 countries are fighting for the Russian Federation, despite the expiration of their contracts. The vast majority of mercenaries come from Central Asia.
On August 16, the world celebrates a number of holidays, including Homeless Animals Day, International Geocaching Day, World Kite Day, and Men's Beauty Day. Also on this day, the Third Savior, or Nut Savior, is celebrated.
The United States is considering imposing sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil to force Russia to end the war in Ukraine. These measures are aimed at cutting the Kremlin's energy revenues if negotiations fail.
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.
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.
China has banned foreign companies from hoarding rare earth elements used in electric motors. Beijing controls exports to prevent stockpiling abroad, maintaining influence in the sector.
The Chinese MG4 with a semi-solid-state battery went on sale. Prices and specifications will be announced in September, with deliveries expected by the end of 2025.
