World

'Coalition of the willing' to meet on August 24, focus on Ukraine's air defence
The Élysée Palace has announced that the August 24 meeting of the 'coalition of the willing' will focus on strengthening Ukraine's air defence and advancing security guarantees, coinciding with Ukraine's 35th independence anniversary.
Ukrainska Pravda · 21 Aug, 20:59

Russia Promotes North Korea as a Tourism Destination, but Few Travelers Follow
Russian and North Korean officials are pushing tourism ties, including a new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, but only a few thousand Russians actually visit each year.
The Moscow Times · 21 Aug, 20:06

Kyiv seeks Musk's permission to use Starlink for strikes on Russia
Ukraine is trying to secure Elon Musk's approval to use the Starlink satellite network for drone strikes on Russian territory, but both Musk and US President Trump appear reluctant.
Delfi · 21 Aug, 20:05

France recalls over 250,000 potentially substandard condoms
French health and consumer protection authorities are recalling about 260,000 condoms, mostly sold online, after tests found defects including a burst risk. Roughly 40,000 had already reached buyers.
Deutsche Welle · 21 Aug, 20:05
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Turkey Preparing International Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Over Genocide Accusations
Turkey's justice minister announced the country is preparing an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of genocide. The accusation stems from Israel's interception of a Gaza aid flotilla.
Apollo.lv · 21 Aug, 20:04

NATO worried over French presidential election as some candidates favor leaving alliance
Politico reports growing concern within NATO over France's 2027 presidential election, as polls show broad support for anti-NATO candidates. A French withdrawal would be seen as a major blow to the alliance.
Ukrainska Pravda · 21 Aug, 20:04

European Council President Costa to Join Coalition of the Willing Meeting in Kyiv on 24 August
European Council President António Costa will attend a Coalition of the Willing meeting in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day, 24 August, co-chaired by the UK, France and Germany.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 21 Aug, 20:03
Zelenskyy imposes sanctions on Russian cartoon 'Masha and the Bear'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree imposing sanctions on the producers of the popular Russian animated series 'Masha and the Bear', accusing the show of spreading pro-Russian propaganda.
Al Jazeera · 21 Aug, 20:03

Russian drone strike on Kryvyi Rih shopping center kills six, injures 103
A daytime Russian drone strike on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih killed six people and injured 103, with a second wave of drones hitting emergency responders at the scene about 30 minutes later.
Euromaidan Press · 21 Aug, 20:01

Hidden pistols found near Berlin linked to alleged Russian intelligence assassination plans
German security services have discovered two concealed pistols in a forest near Berlin, believed to have been intended for Russian agents. Media reports suggest a possible link to planned assassinations.
LSM · 21 Aug, 19:58

UN Security Council weighs eight candidates to succeed Guterres
The UN Security Council held another secret straw poll on Friday among eight candidates vying to become the next UN secretary-general when Antonio Guterres's term ends on December 31, 2026. Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan led after the first round of voting.
France 24 · 21 Aug, 19:05

Texas court cuts Alex Jones's Sandy Hook damages from $50m to $1.5m
A Texas appeals court has reduced a judgment against Infowars founder Alex Jones over his false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax from $50m to $1.5m. The ruling does not affect a separate $1.4bn judgment against him in Connecticut.
The Guardian World · 21 Aug, 19:04

Man armed with sword injures several people at Swedish school
An attacker wielding a sword injured several people at Fagersta upper secondary school in central Sweden on Friday, media report.
TVNET · 21 Aug, 19:03

EU envoys meet Ukraine's anti-corruption chiefs, pledge continued support
Ambassadors from EU member states met NABU and SAPO leaders in Kyiv on Friday, reaffirming EU backing for Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts on its path to EU membership.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 21 Aug, 19:03

Six Killed, About 90 Wounded in Russian Drone Strike on Ukrainian Shopping Mall
Russian drones struck a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih on Friday, killing six people and wounding around 90. Zelensky called the strike a deliberate and cynical act of terror.
The Moscow Times · 21 Aug, 19:02

Belarus gets first recruitment website for Russian army, run under state security oversight
A website has appeared in Belarus's national internet domain openly recruiting Belarusians for Russia's military, registered under a body controlled by a Belarusian security agency. Ukrainian foreign intelligence says this shows Minsk's involvement in the war against Ukraine.
Ukrainska Pravda · 21 Aug, 19:02

Ukrainian intelligence exposes secret Russian lab complex in Tver region
Ukraine's intelligence service says Russia has built a covert biological laboratory complex on an island in the Tver region, used for military-linked experiments with dangerous viruses. The site operates under the guise of veterinary research but is heavily guarded.
Latvijas Avīze · 21 Aug, 19:01

Ukraine warns of possible Russian attacks ahead of Independence Day
Ukraine's Security Service has called for heightened vigilance ahead of 24 August, warning of possible attacks and sabotage. It also flagged attempts to collect military information.
Euromaidan Press · 21 Aug, 19:00

Sword attack at Swedish school leaves several injured
An attacker armed with a sword injured several people at a school in the Swedish municipality of Fagersta; police detained the assailant at the scene. Two minors were hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
ERR (rus) · 21 Aug, 18:59

Labour MPs warn party has grown too soft on the climate crisis
After a summer of record heat, drought and wildfires in Britain, some Labour MPs warn the government isn't making a strong enough case for climate action, even as public concern over the crisis remains high.
The Guardian World · 21 Aug, 18:06

Moroccan families still searching for missing loved ones after mass Ceuta border crossing
More than two weeks after over 70,000 migrants crossed into Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco, many Moroccan families remain without news of missing relatives. The official death toll stands at 91, though a rights group estimates it could be at least 141.
France 24 · 21 Aug, 18:04

Corruption charges dropped against employee of South Africa's police intelligence boss
South African prosecutors have withdrawn corruption charges linked to the appointment of Crime Intelligence employee Dineo Mokwele. Gen Khumalo said outside a Pretoria court that he was relieved the truth had finally come out.
BBC World · 21 Aug, 18:03

Russia has received over 8,500 troops from North Korea, including drone operators — Ukrainian intelligence
Ukraine's military intelligence says Russia has deployed roughly 8,500 North Korean troops, including 400 drone operators, in the Kursk region. About 25,000 North Koreans have already served with or passed through Russia's armed forces.
Ukrainska Pravda · 21 Aug, 18:02

World's oldest person celebrates 117th birthday
Ethel Caterham of Britain, born nine years before the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, is celebrating her 117th birthday today. She became the world's oldest living person last April.
Jauns.lv · 21 Aug, 18:00

Sword-wielding attacker injures several people at Swedish school
An attacker armed with a sword injured several people at a secondary school in Fagersta, central Sweden, on Friday; police shot and wounded him in the leg.
Delfi · 21 Aug, 17:59

Chinese Analysts Say Beijing Has Leverage to Resist Trump's Economic Threats Over Iran
Chinese analysts believe Beijing can withstand economic threats from the Trump administration linked to China's ties with Iran. They point to China's control over critical mineral supplies and its ample oil resources as key sources of resilience.
The New York Times · 21 Aug, 17:03

New footage shows deadly landslide burying gold miners in Central African Republic
Newly released video captures the moment the ground collapsed at the Zamboye gold mine in the Central African Republic, burying people nearby. Officials now put the death toll at 49, with search efforts still underway.
Euronews · 21 Aug, 17:02

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo accelerates sharply — half of 2,500 deaths occurred in last 20 days
More than 2,500 people have died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo over three months, with half of those deaths occurring in just the last 20 days. The UN warns the virus is now spreading exponentially and aid services are overwhelmed.
Jauns.lv · 21 Aug, 17:00
US allies in Asia uneasy over Washington's ability to deter China
US allies across Asia are voicing concern about Washington's capacity to deter China as President Donald Trump redirects military assets amid a potential conflict involving Iran. The unease persists even though the bulk of US forces remain stationed in the region.
Al Jazeera · 21 Aug, 16:05

Iran's president urges end to war 'from position of power' as US escalates sanctions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for ending the months-long war with the US, saying Tehran holds the upper hand, while Washington prepares to intensify sanctions.
Euronews · 21 Aug, 16:05

Ukraine's military says it struck Russian strike-drone depot and ground relay stations
Ukraine's General Staff reported strikes on the night of August 20-21 against a Russian strike-drone storage site, a supply depot, two command posts and six ground relay stations in occupied Crimea.
Ukrainska Pravda · 21 Aug, 16:01
In occupied Crimea, residents endure one of the war's toughest summers
Residents of occupied Crimea describe chronic power, water and fuel shortages along with rising prices and frequent drone strikes, yet most say they have no plans to leave. Conditions vary by town, but daily life has grown noticeably harder across the peninsula.
Meduza · 21 Aug, 16:01

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo growing 'exponentially', death toll tops 2,500
The UN's senior Ebola coordinator says the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding exponentially, with more than 2,500 deaths recorded and half occurring in just the last 20 days.
France 24 · 21 Aug, 15:59

Fuel shortages deepen in Russia even as patriotism stays strong
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have triggered lengthening petrol queues in Moscow and beyond, while the Kremlin insists there are no critical consequences. Polling suggests public anxiety is rising nonetheless.
BBC World · 21 Aug, 15:05

UN warns Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is growing 'exponentially' as deaths pass 2,500
The UN's senior Ebola coordinator says the outbreak ravaging the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expanding exponentially, with over 2,500 deaths in the past three months — half of them in just the last 20 days. It is already the largest and fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak in the country's history.
Euronews · 21 Aug, 15:03

Retired FSB Major General Found Dead in Moscow, Possible Suicide
Retired FSB Major General Igor Laptev has been found dead in his Moscow apartment, with Russian media reporting a possible suicide. Official confirmation of the circumstances has not yet been released.
Ukrainska Pravda · 21 Aug, 15:03