The United States will send singer Brandon Howard, known as B. Howard, to the Russian "Intervision" contest in September. The contest, revived by Putin, is positioned as a Soviet alternative to "Eurovision."
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 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.
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.
Kazakh company KazMunayGas delivered 85,000 tons of oil to Hungary for the first time by sea via the Croatian port of Omišalj. The oil is intended for the Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta, which expands Kazakhstan's exports and diversifies Hungary's imports.
On the territory of the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation, on August 2, 2025, explosions disabled the main gas pipeline "Central Asia - Center". Gas transportation has been stopped indefinitely, which affects the facilities of the Russian military-industrial complex.
US President Donald Trump has maintained a basic tariff rate of 10% for countries with a positive trade balance. For 40 countries with a trade deficit with the US, a minimum tariff of 15% has been set, and for Canada, the tariff has increased to 35%.
Documents have been found in the archives of the German Foreign Ministry confirming Putin's territorial claims to Crimea, eastern Ukraine, and Kazakhstan as early as 1994. The former German Consul General in St. Petersburg reported that Putin stated these territories belonged to Russia.
In Kazakhstan, a military helicopter EC-145 with three crew members on board disappeared from radar. Search and rescue operations have begun, fragments of the aircraft have been found.
The largest Martian meteorite found on Earth, weighing 24. 5 kg, was sold for US$4.3 million. The stone was discovered in Niger in November 2023.
Kazakhstan increased oil production by 11. 6% in the first half of 2025, reaching 49.9 million tons, exceeding OPEC+ quotas. The country does not plan to withdraw from OPEC+, despite difficulties in adhering to quotas due to the expansion of the Tengiz field.
Fugitive businessman Serhiy Kurchenko and a number of high-ranking Russian officials have been served with a notice of suspicion for appropriating Ukrainian enterprises in the occupied territories. From 2017 to 2021, they exported products worth over 55 billion hryvnias to Russia and other countries.
Russia's revenues from oil and petroleum product sales in June decreased by almost 14% compared to last year, amounting to $13. 57 billion. This happened amid a decline in global oil prices and almost unchanged oil production in Russia.
Gold prices stabilized after rising due to Trump's tariff threats, which stimulated demand for safe-haven assets. A stronger dollar limited further gains in metal prices.
US President Donald Trump informed the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and South Africa about the introduction of new import duties. The size of the duties ranges from 25% to 40%, and companies can avoid them by moving production to the US.
OPEC+ countries plan to approve a significant increase in oil production in September, completing the phased unwinding of voluntary cuts. The United Arab Emirates will also receive a larger production quota.
BRICS countries reacted to Donald Trump's threats to impose 10% tariffs on countries that join "anti-American policies. " South Africa and China deny anti-American sentiments, and Malaysia joins BRICS, emphasizing an independent foreign policy.
OPEC+ countries decided to accelerate the increase in oil production in August by 548 thousand barrels per day. Eight participating countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, confirmed their commitment to compensation and compliance with the Declaration of Cooperation.
Kazakhstan pursues a multi-vector policy, deepening ties with China and Russia, but maintaining partnership with the EU. Despite this, Europe lost a nuclear contract to Russia and China, which may weaken its position in the region.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Vladimir Putin seeks to conquer all of Ukraine, as well as the Baltic states, Moldova, and Kazakhstan. Ukraine is making new decisions for defense, as Russia has no intention of stopping.
The operation of Soviet technology in aviation is a forced step for many countries. Expert Bohdan Dolintse notes that every dollar invested in the aviation industry can yield another five dollars for the economy.
The Chinese leader called on the parties to de-escalate and expressed China's readiness to help restore peace in the Middle East. China has begun evacuating its citizens from Israel and Iran.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Astana to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit. The summit is expected to put the six countries on the path to a closer community.
Glowing objects were spotted in the sky over several cities in Kazakhstan. The ministry said it could be a meteor shower or fragments of a spacecraft.
From Soviet legacy to NATO standards: Ukraine is looking for solutions to service equipment from all over the world.
OPEC+ decided to increase oil production in July by 411,000 barrels per day. Brent and WTI oil prices rose after falling last week.
The Parliament of Kazakhstan has approved amendments to the code introducing penalties for forced marriage and persecution. A fine of up to 15 thousand dollars or up to 10 years in prison.
Law enforcement officers conducted a large-scale special operation against influential representatives of the criminal world. The criminals organized a branched network that was engaged in shadow finance, forgery of documents, illegal smuggling of people abroad and maintaining the "common fund".
Russia has forgiven the countries participating in the parade a total of $50 billion in debt and provided preferential loans worth $20 billion. The Kremlin is trying to create an illusion of geopolitical greatness.
Pyongyang will not send its troops to participate in the victory parade in Moscow. According to the aide to the President of the Russian Federation, North Korea will be represented at the level of ambassador.
