Europe
Russia is spreading an alternative version of the history of the Scythian gold. The collection was lawfully returned to Ukraine in November 2023.
Zelenskyy signed several sanctions packages targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, collaborators, and former Ukrainian officials. The work will continue.
Stefan Thumann said that German intelligence services had warned him about a possible Russian operation. Because of the threat, he is changing his places of residence.
A container ship from Busan will travel to Europe via the Arctic, with stops in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. The journey will take 40–45 days.
The defense and foreign ministers outlined their priorities: strengthening the military, developing the defense industry, and pursuing diplomacy for the sake of a just peace.
Intense heatwaves and drought have led to catastrophic vegetable and grain harvests in Europe. Corn production in France will fall by 35%, while losses in Italy exceed €3 billion.
Russia has reportedly deployed the missile frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" in the Baltic Sea following the destroyer "Admiral Levchenko". Putin threatens "mirror measures" in response to sanctions against the "shadow fleet".
On August 17, Blueberry Pie Day and Homeless Animals Day are celebrated. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Martyr Myron is commemorated.
Hungarian authorities are sinking barges near the Paks nuclear power plant to raise the water level in the Danube for cooling the reactors. Due to the low water level, the plant has already reduced production, and there is a risk of a complete shutdown.
France, Germany and Britain are coordinating efforts to ensure Europe’s participation in future negotiations. They are concerned about possible exclusion from the dialogue by the Trump administration.
A forest fire in Croatia has engulfed the coast, claiming one life and injuring around 40 people. More than 1,200 people have been evacuated, and 10 are in intensive care.
Polish intelligence services detained a Russian national who, on orders from the Russian Federation, was planning the murder of Ukrainian rapper Albert Vasilyev in Warsaw. The FSB accuses him of controlling the logistics of drones for attacks on Moscow.
On August 10, the forced filling of the Katlabukh Reservoir in Odesa Oblast began due to a critical drop in the water level of the Danube. This is necessary to stabilize the water level, reduce environmental risks, and meet the needs of the population and the agricultural sector.
Strong winds caused a forest fire in the Croatian town of Omiš, which engulfed homes and forced around 1,000 people to evacuate. 36 people received medical attention, 14 were hospitalized, and seven are in serious condition.
Global electric vehicle sales rose by 9% to 1. 85 million in July, while demand in Europe increased by 33%. In China and North America, sales fell by 5% and 27%, respectively.
Due to the drought affecting 38% of the EU's territory, farmers are forced to use their winter feed stocks early. This is leading to a reduction in livestock numbers and lower milk production in France.
U. S. intelligence warned European allies about a possible Russian hybrid attack on the Baltic states and Poland. The attacks could include infrastructure sabotage or false-flag provocations.
The driver and his assistant were killed as a result of a Russian drone strike on a train in Odesa region. The President emphasized the need to strengthen air defense and increase pressure on Russia.
India plans to increase coal production to 1. 15 billion tonnes in 2025–2026, despite a global reduction in demand. This is happening against the backdrop of an increase in proposals for new mines in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha.
Millions of people in Britain and Europe saw a rare solar eclipse, which became the largest for Britain since 1999. A total eclipse could be observed in Spain, Greenland and Iceland, and it lasted less than two minutes.
A partial eclipse could be seen in the western and some central regions of Ukraine.
The SBU dismantled an international drug smuggling channel, arresting 10 participants. The value of the seized cocaine and psychotropic substances is approximately UAH 70 million.
US Vice President J. D. Vance asked Ukraine to stop striking tankers using a Russian port.
The European Commission confirmed that there are no short-term risks to electricity supplies in Europe. Solar generation and coordination among countries are helping to maintain the balance, but the situation remains tense.
Ahead of the total solar eclipse on August 12, hotel prices in Reykjavik rose by 140%, while in A Coruña they more than doubled. A tourism boom has swept Iceland and Spain, where additional tourist spending of €342 million is expected.
President Zelenskyy said that Russia had received additional ballistic missiles from North Korea and planned to deploy additional troops. He emphasized that this creates threats not only for Ukraine, but also for Japan and Korea.
June and July were the hottest in Western Europe since records began, with an average temperature of 21. 62 degrees. The world's oceans also warmed to record levels, while heat and drought are intensifying each other.
The average sea-surface temperature outside the polar regions in July 2026 broke the 2023 record. Western Europe experienced its hottest June–July period, which caused forest fires.
A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, visible in the Arctic and parts of Europe. In Ukraine, the partial phase will be visible in the western regions, with the best conditions in Uzhhorod.
Germany's gas storage level is exceptionally low, threatening supply shortages in November. Berlin refuses to abandon its free-market doctrine despite the risks.