World

Victorian Liberals' plan to split appeals court draws warnings of judicial politicisation
Victoria's opposition Liberal party has proposed splitting the state's court of appeal into criminal and civil divisions to secure tougher sentences, but legal and human rights groups warn the move would politicise the judiciary.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 07:39

Global Peace Index 2026 ranks Latvia 19th in the world
The newly released Global Peace Index 2026 places Latvia among the world's 20 most peaceful countries, ahead of both Lithuania and Estonia, even as global peace levels decline for a 12th consecutive year.
Latvijas Avīze · 23 Aug, 07:37

General Staff: Russia lost another 1,310 troops in past 24 hours
Ukraine's General Staff reports Russian forces lost 1,310 troops over the past day, bringing total Russian losses since the start of the full-scale invasion to nearly 1.48 million.
Ukrainska Pravda · 23 Aug, 07:36

Over 100 Former UK, French Ambassadors Accuse Israel of Ethnic Cleansing
More than 100 former British and French diplomats have signed an open letter urging their leaders to ban trade and arms sales to Israel in order to press for Palestinian statehood.
France 24 · 23 Aug, 06:42

Zelensky and Macron hold nearly two-hour call on weapons deliveries and diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke for almost two hours on Friday, discussing faster air defence and missile deliveries. The leaders also touched on diplomatic coordination with the US and funding for Ukraine's defence.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 23 Aug, 06:41
Canada to impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods from September 8
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will introduce retaliatory tariffs on US imports, including steel and electronics, starting September 8. The move signals a further escalation of the trade dispute between the two countries.
Al Jazeera · 23 Aug, 06:37

One Nation MP admits party's migration target barely differs from Labor's
One Nation MP David Farley conceded his party's net migration target is close to Labor's once skilled workers and seasonal labourers are counted, repeating comments he was previously counselled over by leader Pauline Hanson.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 06:37

Harry and Meghan plan return to Britain with their children
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to move from the US to Britain by the end of the month, with their children reportedly already enrolled in a British school. Buckingham Palace says the couple's royal status will not change.
Jauns.lv · 23 Aug, 06:35
Intelligence: Putin ordered secret biolab built on heavily guarded island in Tver Oblast
Ukraine's military intelligence claims Russia has built a secret biolab complex on an island in Tver Oblast, so tightly protected that fishing nearby is banned and even the site's own guards reportedly fear infection. Kyiv frames the claim as a mirror image of Russia's own long-standing accusations against Ukraine.
Euromaidan Press · 23 Aug, 05:44

Estonian activists: The system is a bigger obstacle for people with disabilities than the condition itself
Two young Estonians, one living with a chronic illness and one with a mobility disability, write that fragmented healthcare and education systems often burden them more than their actual conditions. They call for clearer, earlier explanations of major decisions and better coordination between institutions.
ERR News · 23 Aug, 05:43

US judge strikes down Trump's visa ban on 75 countries
A US federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's ban on immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries was unlawful, dealing a setback to the president's immigration crackdown. The government may appeal the decision.
France 24 · 23 Aug, 05:43

New podcast episode examines Europe's shifting attitudes toward Ukraine and "good Russians"
Journalist Iryna Romaliyska discusses in a new episode of "Damned Questions" how European perceptions of Ukraine, Russia and Ukrainians have changed since 2022, including the situation in the Czech Republic.
Ukrainska Pravda · 23 Aug, 05:35

Ukraine reports drone strike on major Russian oil refinery
Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in Russia, described as one of the country's ten largest, though the extent of any damage remains unconfirmed.
Euromaidan Press · 23 Aug, 04:42

Russia begins punishing residents for complaining about fuel shortages
As fuel shortages worsen across Russia, residents who publicly complain are being detained and fined, according to Telegram channel reports cited by National Armed Forces officer Jānis Slaidiņš.
Latvijas Avīze · 23 Aug, 04:40

Hotel mix-up during jury sequestration fuels appeal in Australia's mushroom murder case
Erin Patterson, convicted of killing three relatives with poisoned mushrooms, is appealing her conviction partly because sequestered jurors ended up sharing a hotel with prosecution staff and a key detective during deliberations. Prosecutors say safeguards worked and no actual contact occurred.
BBC World · 23 Aug, 04:39
Iran warns of retaliation against countries joining US 'economic D-Day'
Iran has warned that any country joining a planned US economic campaign against it will face reciprocal countermeasures. Tehran described the US initiative as a kind of economic 'D-Day' targeting its economy.
Al Jazeera · 23 Aug, 04:36

Fur seal death marks first mainland Australian mammal killed by spreading H5 bird flu
A long-nosed fur seal has died from H5 bird flu in South Australia, the first confirmed mammal case on the Australian mainland, as authorities warn the virus will keep spreading.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 04:36

Macron pledges faster missile interceptor deliveries to Ukraine as Russian strikes kill dozens
French President Emmanuel Macron promised to speed up delivery of interceptor missiles to Ukraine after a call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Russian attacks continue to cause mounting civilian casualties.
Guardian Ukraina · 23 Aug, 04:35

UN Security Council to meet Monday on Russia's war against Ukraine
The UN Security Council will convene on August 24 to discuss Russia's ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine, at the request of five European member states including Latvia.
Ukrainska Pravda · 23 Aug, 04:35

Ukrainian drones strike warehouse belonging to Russian retailer Ozon for the first time
Ukrainian drones have hit a warehouse belonging to major Russian online retailer Ozon for the first time, prompting the company to halt operations at the affected hub. Ozon is now rerouting deliveries and orders through other facilities.
Euromaidan Press · 23 Aug, 03:42

Spain grapples with forest fire and floods at the same time
A large forest fire near Valencia forced the evacuation of about 1,000 people, while just 150 kilometers away on the Costa Dorada coast, flash floods trapped people in cars and brought down walls. The two events highlight the extreme weather hitting Mediterranean regions this summer.
Deutsche Welle · 23 Aug, 03:41

Putin calls Ukraine's peace proposals "exotic" and unacceptable
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that some peace proposals received from Kyiv are "exotic" and unacceptable to Russia. He also claimed Ukraine's strikes on civilian targets triggered a proportionate Russian response.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 23 Aug, 03:41

Military expert: Ukraine's offensive in Zaporizhzhia region exposes flaws in Russian command
NBS Major Jānis Slaidiņš says Ukraine's recent offensive on the southern front shows both growing combat experience and serious problems in Russian military command, though Russian resistance was fierce and costly for Ukraine.
Latvijas Avīze · 23 Aug, 03:40

Syria condemns Israeli strike near Damascus as breach of international law
An Israeli strike hit a civilian vehicle in the village of Beit Jinn near Damascus, injuring several people. Syria called it the second such attack in a week and a violation of its sovereignty and international law.
BBC World · 23 Aug, 03:37
Iran warns neighbouring states against joining US economic pressure
An Iranian official has said any state that joins the United States' economic pressure campaign against Iran will be treated as an enemy, with Tehran vowing to retaliate against that country's interests.
Al Jazeera · 23 Aug, 03:36

Bird flu claims first mainland mammal victim in Australia
A long-nosed fur seal has died from H5 bird flu in South Australia, the first confirmed mammal death from the virus on the Australian mainland. It follows mass bird die-offs reported earlier in the week.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 03:35

Kazakhstan's parliamentary election seen as consolidating presidential power
Kazakhstan holds parliamentary elections on August 23 under a new constitution that replaces the two-chamber legislature with a single-chamber assembly, a move experts say strengthens President Tokayev's grip on power. Meanwhile, the country continues balancing ties between Russia, China and the EU.
Deutsche Welle · 23 Aug, 02:42

Over 100 Former French and UK Diplomats Urge Action on West Bank Situation
102 former senior French and UK diplomats have called on their governments to work together to uphold international law in the Palestinian territories, accusing Israel of trying to eliminate any chance of a viable Palestinian state.
France 24 · 23 Aug, 02:41

Ukraine's military confirms strike on Ozon logistics hub in Russia's Samara Oblast
Ukraine's Defence Ministry says its forces destroyed a logistics hub belonging to online retailer Ozon in Russia's Samara Oblast, following earlier strikes on 15 Wildberries facilities.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 23 Aug, 02:41

Nancy Kassebaum Baker, trailblazing former US senator from Kansas, dies at 94
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, the first woman elected to the US Senate without a spouse's prior tenure, has died aged 94. She represented Kansas for 18 years.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 02:39

Macron tells Zelenskyy France will supply interceptor missiles
French President Emmanuel Macron told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call that France will boost support for Ukraine, including sending interceptor missiles, ahead of Monday's Coalition of the Willing meeting.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 23 Aug, 01:41
Ukraine builds drone and robot autonomy so one operator can run multiple units
Facing a manpower shortage, Ukraine is developing autonomy for drones and ground robots that lets a single operator control several units at once. A unit known as Lasar's Group has demonstrated an approach where one pilot oversees an entire strike involving multiple bomber drones.
Euromaidan Press · 23 Aug, 01:39

Tropical Storm Moke set to hit Hawaii days after Hurricane Lala's damage
Tropical Storm Moke is expected to strike southern Hawaii on Saturday evening with heavy rain and strong winds, just days after Hurricane Lala caused significant damage. Forecasters warn of flooding and mudslide risks in areas already saturated by the earlier storm.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 01:36
Tropical Storm Moke advances toward Hawaii, bringing heavy rain and strong winds
Hawaii's Big Island faces its second storm threat in as many weeks as Tropical Storm Moke intensifies. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the island.
Al Jazeera · 23 Aug, 01:35

Nearly 200 clashes at the front, Kostiantynivka direction the hottest – General Staff
Ukraine's General Staff reported 197 combat clashes along the front over the past day, with the heaviest fighting — 22 assaults — in the Kostiantynivka direction. Russian forces also launched 17 attacks in the Southern Slobozhanske direction.
Ukrainska Pravda · 23 Aug, 00:41
Russian forces close in on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, infiltration possible by year's end
Ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day, Russian troops have advanced to within 12–13 kilometers of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, with analysts warning the fortress-belt cities could see infiltration by late 2026.
Euromaidan Press · 23 Aug, 00:38