United States
South Korea is reviewing Trump's comments about scaling back joint exercises, hoping for substantive negotiations. Pyongyang has not yet responded, while experts warn of possible high costs.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that the largest sanctions list since the beginning of the war is being prepared. If adopted, the number of sanctioned individuals and companies will increase by one-third.
The trial of Duane Davis, accused of orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996, has begun in Las Vegas. Davis has pleaded not guilty and faces life imprisonment.
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.
Thirty U. S. states have filed a lawsuit against Meta, seeking more than $1 trillion in compensation for violating child protection laws. The company may be forced to remove like counters and limit notifications for minors.
The price of Brent crude rose by 0. 5% amid new Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the possible tightening of US sanctions against Iran. Traders are assessing the risks ahead of the end of the ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs to help businesses after a magnitude 7. 4 earthquake claimed the lives of 289 people. The United States allocated $26.5 million in aid to rebuild the affected regions.
The ministers of eight Muslim countries condemned Israel’s rejection of the U. S. plan for Gaza. Netanyahu demands the complete disarmament of Hamas before the withdrawal of troops.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are outraged by the lack of a U. S. strategy toward Iran and Trump's inconsistency. Some states question the advisability of hosting U.S. military bases.
Soon, offenders in the United States may be detained using electroshock gloves. Human rights advocates fear that the technology could make it easier to use force without being noticed and create additional risks of abuse.
VEB Chief Economist Andrey Klepach said that Russia is losing the technological and economic competition, including to Ukraine. He predicts a social crisis in the Russian Federation due to rising costs and a declining economy.
Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened only on its command and advised Trump to accept the reality of defeat. Due to restrictions on vessel traffic, oil shipments have sharply declined; in particular, only two vessels passed through on August 14.
Poland has signed an agreement with Boeing to create one of Europe’s largest service centers for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The country has purchased 96 of these aircraft for $10 billion, with the first ones to arrive in 2028.
The United States and Colombia may conduct joint military operations against armed groups, including the ELN and remnants of the FARC. Washington plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia’s new government.
The US is considering new measures to economically isolate Iran, including pressure on China and the shadow fleet. This could exacerbate relations with Beijing and cause oil prices to rise.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the possible re-export of American weapons from Turkey to Ukraine, including ATACMS missiles. Russia requested explanations from Washington and Ankara.
U. S. President Donald Trump said that Washington is capable of completely destroying Iran but does not want to do so. Instead, the United States is strengthening economic sanctions against Tehran.
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier has departed Asia for the Middle East. This happened due to problems with supplies and the psychological state of the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 240 days.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia’s federal budget deficit reached 6. 46 trillion rubles, while oil and gas revenues fell by 17%. The authorities are preparing a new tax increase due to the depletion of the National Wealth Fund’s liquid resources.
The Trump administration has asked the U. S. Supreme Court for permission to build a $400 million ballroom. An appeals court previously blocked the project due to the lack of congressional approval.
At the "Krakivets–Korczowa" border crossing, a 20-year-old woman from Lviv chose the "green corridor," but customs officers found 8 Cartier and Rolex watches in the trunk. The estimated value of the goods is UAH 4.1 million; a report on a customs rules violation was drawn up.
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.
The United States is warning dozens of countries that they must choose between the US-led AI coalition and Beijing’s program. The Pax Silica initiative aims to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and minerals.
The Trump–Putin summit in August 2025 did not lead to a ceasefire or a peace agreement. A year later, the fighting continues, and Ukraine is once again submitting proposals to the United States.
Lee Jae-myung called for talks with North Korea, proposing to replace the armistice with a peace regime. He also emphasized the need to prevent conflict and limit Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the country had not made a decision on resuming talks with the US. He noted that exchanging messages through intermediaries does not constitute negotiations.
US President Donald Trump said that after the defeat of Iran is complete, he will "very soon" announce that the Strait of Hormuz is US territory. He stressed that the US has established a blockade, and that "no ship will pass without permission."
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.
The U. S. ambassador to Tokyo stated that the United States recognizes Japan’s sovereignty over the Northern Territories following Putin’s visit. Japan summoned Russia’s ambassador over the visit.
U. S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that the main priority is lowering fuel prices, not Iran's nuclear program. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that new economic measures against Tehran are inevitable.