India
US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that the Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia's oil industry. The goal is to force Moscow to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine using economic pressure.
Finnish President Stubb stated that a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia is unlikely in the near future. He believes that Trump's patience with Putin may run out due to the protracted war and attacks on civilian targets.
Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Putin and Zelenskyy. He noted that many consider such a meeting to be fruitless.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed solidarity with India, opposing American tariffs on Indian exports. This move is a sign of warming relations between the two Asian rivals.
Ethel Caterham from Great Britain, born on August 21, 1909, celebrated her 116th birthday. She is the last living subject of King Edward VII.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tibet, calling for inter-ethnic unity. This is his second visit to the region as president.
India and Russia intend to increase trade to $100 billion in five years. This is a response to trade pressure from the United States.
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.
On August 20, 2025, India successfully launched the Agni-5 medium-range ballistic missile. The launch confirmed the reliability of all technical and operational characteristics of the system.
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."
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%.
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.
Vladimir Putin is holding numerous telephone conversations with world leaders. This is happening against the backdrop of Donald Trump's meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
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.
The visit of US negotiators to India, scheduled for August 25-29, has been canceled. This casts doubt on the autumn deadline for agreeing on a bilateral trade deal.
Over 280 people have died in India and Pakistan due to flash floods caused by torrential rains. Rescuers evacuated about 1,600 people, and dozens are considered missing.
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.
Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs of up to 300% on semiconductor imports, citing national security. This will expand his tariff policy and could affect the global economy.
Russia is facing financial difficulties due to India's reduction in oil purchases. Moscow is offering Urals oil to China at a discount, but Beijing will not be able to fully compensate for the lost volumes.
OPEC raised its forecast for global oil demand in 2026 by 100,000 barrels per day, to 1. 38 million barrels per day. At the same time, the forecast for supply growth from non-OPEC+ countries decreased, especially due to the expected reduction in US shale oil production.
President Zelenskyy discussed Russian attacks and sanctions with Indian Prime Minister Modi. India supports Ukraine's peace efforts and the position that "everything concerning Ukraine must be resolved with Ukraine's participation."
Russia and India plan to expand military-technical cooperation, as became known to Ukrainian intelligence. In September, a working subgroup meeting will be held in St. Petersburg to discuss plans for 2025-2026.
The study found that conch blowing reduces sleepiness and episodes of sleep apnea. This ancient practice may be an alternative to CPAP machines for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
Brent and WTI oil prices fell in Asian trading due to expectations of talks between the US and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. The possible lifting of sanctions on Russian oil increases pressure on the market.
India supports the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. New Delhi considers the summit a promising step towards ending the war in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy enacted the NSDC decision on synchronizing sanctions between Ukraine and key partners. Ukraine has 100% synchronized the US sanctions for 2025, which concern Russia's energy and military-industrial complex.
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.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed with Putin the latest developments regarding Ukraine and reaffirmed commitment to deepening strategic partnership. Modi expects to meet Putin in India later this year.
In a conversation with Putin, Xi Jinping supported the efforts of the US and Russia to promote a political settlement of the crisis in Ukraine. Beijing insists on peace talks and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
India is reducing purchases of Russian Urals oil due to the risk of US sanctions, which has led to a drop in the price of Urals. The country is reorienting towards American and Middle Eastern oil, increasing imports from the US.