United States
Author's article by Ihor Harbaruk: Ukraine takes off the rose-tinted glasses of democracy — what European politics hides.
Starting September 1, the state of Texas will restrict real estate ownership and leasing by foreigners from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Bill SB 17 was signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
The latest Quinnipiac University poll showed that only 37% of American voters approve of Donald Trump's job performance. This is the lowest figure during his second term, with a record negative rating of minus 18 points.
Rescue operations have been completed in Kyiv at the site of the Russian strike on a residential building in the Darnytskyi district. 23 people died, the fate of 8 remains unknown, 53 were injured.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting China for the first time in seven years, meeting with Xi Jinping and Putin. This visit is a signal to the US amid deteriorating relations over tariffs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will visit Tianjin on August 31 to participate in the SCO summit. Political scientist Taras Zahorodnii explained the leaders' goals and China's role in this event.
The US is introducing new duties on all international parcels, abolishing the de minimis exemption. This decision has caused dissatisfaction among trade partners and postal services, which are suspending shipments to America.
Oil prices fell on Friday due to expectations of lower demand in the US. However, weekly gains persist amid uncertainty regarding Russian supplies.
European leaders are considering the creation of a 40-kilometer buffer zone as part of a peace agreement, but Kyiv may not agree. The US is not participating in these discussions, and NATO countries are looking for solutions for a fragile peace.
The UN Security Council has decided to conclude the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by the end of 2026. The United States supported this decision, emphasizing the changing security situation and Lebanon's need to take on greater responsibility.
During a 2022 expedition off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands, the research vessel Nautilus discovered a dried ancient lake at the bottom of the ocean. Its bottom looks like a "yellow brick road" due to unique cracks in the volcanic rock.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that there have been noticeable changes in Russia's position regarding the war in Ukraine. Russia no longer insists on controlling the entire territory of four Ukrainian regions, but seeks to hold the front line in Zaporizhzhia and consolidate 25-30% of Donetsk region.
The US Embassy condemned the night shelling of Kyiv, during which residential buildings and the premises of the EU Delegation and the British Council were damaged, calling the strikes on civilian objects unacceptable. Diplomats also recalled Donald Trump's call to stop the killings and reach an agreed solution to end the war.
Steve Witkoff, special representative of the US President, after his visit to Moscow, misinformed Americans and Ukrainians regarding Putin's proposals. This caused confusion due to Witkoff's lack of diplomatic experience.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that Donald Trump is a Soviet or Russian agent. He claims that Trump's foreign policy is strategically beneficial to the Russian Federation.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani believes that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end by the end of the year. Italy has also appointed a new ambassador to Moscow.
Donald Trump was displeased but not surprised by the Russian strikes on Kyiv. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt explained that this is a consequence of the protracted war and Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's night attack on Kyiv is an attack on everyone who seeks peace, including Ukraine, the US, and Europe. He emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions, tariffs, and support for Ukraine to counter the aggression.
A Gallup poll showed that 67% of Americans are pessimistic about the prospects of a peace agreement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Only 31% are optimistic about this possibility.
US Special Representative Keith Kellogg expressed concern after a massive Russian attack on Kyiv with 600 drones and 31 missiles. The targets were residential areas, civilian trains, and the offices of EU and UK missions.
Peter Navarro of the White House criticized India for importing Russian oil, calling the war against Ukraine "Modi's war. " He urged the Indian prime minister to change course, as New Delhi is financing the Kremlin's "war machine."
Ukraine has a vision for the return of all temporarily occupied territories. Kyiv, together with partners, modeled military situations 10-15 years in advance.
President Zelenskyy reported strikes on a Turkish enterprise, the Embassy of Azerbaijan, the EU Delegation, and the British Council. The attack involved over 30 missiles and 600 drones, resulting in 17 deaths.
Chinese giant ByteDance plans a share buyback that will raise TikTok's valuation to over $330 billion. Employees will be offered $200.41 per share, a 5.5% increase from the previous buyback.
From autumn 2025, changes are expected in payments for Ukrainian refugees in the EU, in particular, Germany plans to reduce aid.
The Powerball jackpot reached $950 million on Saturday night, as the previous drawing did not produce a winner. This is the sixth largest jackpot in the game's history, which could exceed a billion dollars.
India will increase imports of Russian oil in September by 10-20% due to price reductions by producers. This is happening against the backdrop of reduced Russian refining capacities after drone attacks.
The Mexican government plans to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to protect national businesses and comply with US President Donald Trump's demand. This will affect imports of cars, textiles, and plastics, and may also impact other Asian countries.
Russian drones are conducting reconnaissance over military aid transportation routes to Ukraine in eastern Germany. This is happening amid a broader campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin spoke out against holding Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A matches outside Europe. He believes that European teams should play in Europe for their fans.