World
Russia's strikes on Ukraine's ports drive up global wheat prices
Russian attacks on Ukraine's ports and Black Sea shipping have sharply increased this year, delaying up to 2.5 million tons of wheat bound for Asia. The disruption is adding pressure to global wheat prices.
Euromaidan Press · 20 Aug, 16:04
Lebanon extradites former Assad-era general to Syria in first such transfer
Lebanon has extradited a former general who served under Bashar al-Assad's ousted government to Syria to face war crimes charges, marking the first extradition of its kind since Assad's fall. The move follows pressure from Syria's new authorities on Lebanon to act against fugitive former officials.
BBC World · 20 Aug, 16:03
German Intelligence Agency Launches Hotline for Russian Exiles Facing Threats
Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, has set up a dedicated hotline for exile groups and dissidents facing intimidation from foreign operatives, focusing chiefly on Russia alongside Iran and China. The move comes as Berlin seeks expanded powers to counter foreign hybrid threats.
The Moscow Times · 20 Aug, 16:02
8,000 people apply to join Russia's Yabloko party after its removal from Duma race
Some 8,000 people have applied to join Russia's opposition Yabloko party over the past two weeks — twice its current membership — following its exclusion from the State Duma election. A party official says the surge reflects a need for solidarity amid disappointment.
Meduza · 20 Aug, 16:01
Romanian F-16 destroys sea drone off Constanța coast
On Thursday, a Romanian Air Force F-16 destroyed an unidentified sea drone in Romania's exclusive economic zone near the Neptun Alpha platform. The defense ministry later confirmed the drone was not of Ukrainian origin.
ERR (rus) · 20 Aug, 16:00
South Korea holds annual air raid drill alongside US military exercises
Air raid sirens sounded across South Korea during a nationwide defence drill, held to coincide with joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
Al Jazeera · 20 Aug, 15:59
Drought exposes WWII-era shipwreck in Serbia's Danube
Severe drought and heatwaves across Europe have lowered river levels enough to expose the wreck of a century-old tugboat in Serbia's Danube. The vessel sank in 1945 after striking a German mine.
Euronews · 20 Aug, 15:59
Drone debris falls on non-residential site in Kyiv's Desnianskyi district, fire breaks out
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Thursday afternoon that debris from a Russian drone fell on a non-residential area in the city's Desnianskyi district, sparking a fire. Emergency services are heading to the scene.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Aug, 15:59
Evergrande founder sentenced to life in prison for fraud
Hui Ka Yan, founder of Chinese property giant Evergrande, has been jailed for life and stripped of all personal assets after pleading guilty to fraud and related crimes. More than 50 associates linked to the company also received prison sentences.
The Guardian World · 20 Aug, 15:02
Ukraine's Defense Ministry explains how Khmara was discharged from military service
Ukraine's Defense Ministry clarified that newly appointed Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara was discharged from military service under a specific legal provision, since the post must be held by a civilian. The ministry denied claims that a medical board finding was behind his discharge.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Aug, 15:00
From making sushi to flying combat drones: young Ukrainian Khrystyna's story
A Ukrainian woman named Khrystyna, who was making sushi just a year ago, now flies combat drones for Ukraine's armed forces — part of a growing number of young Ukrainians choosing drone roles under the "18–24" voluntary military contract.
Euromaidan Press · 20 Aug, 15:00
France may freeze indexation of highest pensions amid budget deficit
The French government is considering freezing or reducing indexation of the highest pensions as part of efforts to cut the budget deficit. The move could affect around 1.4 million pensioners.
ERR (rus) · 20 Aug, 14:59
How Deutsche Welle verifies claims and fights disinformation
German broadcaster Deutsche Welle has detailed its fact-checking methodology, covering topic selection, sourcing standards and its use of artificial intelligence. DW has been a member of the International Fact-Checking Network since March 2024.
Deutsche Welle · 20 Aug, 14:04
Russia strikes Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, ten wounded
Russian occupying forces attacked the Ukrainian cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk region in broad daylight, wounding at least 10 people. Strikes hit stores, a business and an infrastructure facility.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Aug, 14:03
Belgian Prince Clement's 26-Year-Old Son Gains Official Royal Recognition
Clément Vandenkerckhove, born to Belgium's Prince Clement before his marriage, has been formally recognized as a prince. He is not expected to take on royal duties.
The New York Times · 20 Aug, 14:01
Tibetans in New Delhi protest China's new ethnic unity law
Tibetan demonstrators in New Delhi rallied against a new Chinese law they say threatens their identity, some shaving their heads in protest. The gathering also honored an activist who died after self-immolating outside the UN in New York.
Euronews · 20 Aug, 13:58
ICC reportedly splits Taliban probe from US-linked Afghanistan case
The International Criminal Court has reportedly opened a standalone investigation into Taliban persecution of women, separating it from the broader Afghanistan case that also covered alleged US personnel crimes. Rights advocates warn US pressure on the court is shaping such decisions.
Euronews · 20 Aug, 13:01
Finnish company Innokas to manufacture Ukrainian drones in Finland
Finland's Innokas has agreed with Ukrainian manufacturer Airlogix to set up drone production in Finland for Ukraine's armed forces, under the Build with Ukraine initiative.
ERR (rus) · 20 Aug, 13:00
Putin Reportedly Reinstates Official Who Led Wartime Asset Seizures After Dismissal
Sergei Bochkarev, who oversaw the nationalization of private assets in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, has been quietly reinstated after being dismissed last month, Fontanka reports. President Putin reportedly intervened personally to overturn the prosecutor general's order.
The Moscow Times · 20 Aug, 13:00
Ukrainian forces strike oil refinery in Tatarstan and oil terminal in Krasnodar region
Ukraine's Defense Forces carried out strikes on the night of August 19–20 against an oil refinery in Russia's Tatarstan and an oil terminal in Krasnodar region, sparking fires at both sites. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Aug, 12:59
Israeli defence minister warns Erdogan over Syria involvement
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is dragging his country into dangerous ventures in Syria. The statement was posted on X on Thursday.
LSM · 20 Aug, 12:58
Ships in Strait of Hormuz hide identities, showing more caution toward Iran than the US
Observations of vessel behavior in the Strait of Hormuz show most ships try to mask their identities while crossing, and appear more wary of Iran than of the United States.
Al Jazeera · 20 Aug, 12:04
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Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Tatarstan
Ukrainian drones attacked the Nizhnekamsk oil refinery in Russia's Tatarstan region overnight into Thursday, according to local authorities and Ukrainian Telegram channels.
Apollo.lv · 20 Aug, 12:03
Russia kills 14 in massive overnight missile and drone barrage on Kyiv
Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv using ballistic and cruise missiles alongside 168 drones, killing 14 people. Homes, a hospital, a school and rail infrastructure were damaged.
Euromaidan Press · 20 Aug, 12:01
Russia and Ukraine push deep raids far behind enemy lines, blurring the front
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are increasingly deploying small assault groups that infiltrate over 10 kilometers behind enemy lines, destabilizing control in several sectors. The trend is especially visible around Kramatorsk, at the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia border area, and in Kharkiv region.
Meduza · 20 Aug, 12:01
Belgium prepares drone cooperation deal to tap Ukraine's battle-tested expertise
Belgium, which has already pledged 30 F-16 jets and over €1 billion in annual aid to Ukraine, is now working on a new deal to cooperate on drones and access Ukraine's war-tested know-how.
Euromaidan Press · 20 Aug, 11:04
Chinese court sentences Evergrande founder to life in prison
A Chinese court has sentenced Hui Ka Yan, founder of property developer Evergrande, to life in prison. The ruling marks a significant milestone in the company's collapse, which left more than $300 billion in liabilities.
NPR World · 20 Aug, 11:03
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Tusk criticizes Morawiecki's call for referendum on Schengen zone
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has criticized an initiative by former PM Mateusz Morawiecki's party to hold a referendum on suspending Poland's Schengen membership.
TVNET · 20 Aug, 11:03
Ukrainian suspected in Nord Stream bombing reportedly detained in Croatia while working on film about the attack
German outlet LTO reports that Volodymyr Zhuravlev, a suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline bombing, was arrested in Croatia while working on a film about the sabotage — the second suspect in the case whose detention has become known.
Meduza · 20 Aug, 11:01
At least 12 killed as Russia launches massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv
A large-scale overnight Russian attack combining ballistic and cruise missiles with drones killed at least 12 people and injured 40 in Kyiv and its region. Kyiv's mayor declared Friday a day of mourning in the city.
Guardian Ukraina · 20 Aug, 11:01
Prince Harry and family to return to Britain after six years in the US
Prince Harry and Meghan are planning to return to live in Britain after more than six years in the United States, settling near London. King Charles III was reportedly informed of the decision recently.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Aug, 11:00
Bangladesh Holds First Contested Presidential Election in 35 Years
Bangladesh is holding a presidential election featuring competing candidates for the first time in 35 years. BNP's Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is running against former army officer Oli Ahmed, nominated by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance.
Al Jazeera · 20 Aug, 10:03
Russian forces shell market in Kherson, five people injured
On the morning of August 20, Russian forces struck a market in Kherson's Korabelnyi district, wounding five people. The attack came a day after drone strikes on the city killed two people.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Aug, 09:58
On this day: Battle of Yarmouk marked start of Islamic expansion in North Africa
On August 20, 636, the six-day Battle of Yarmouk ended with Arab forces defeating the Byzantine army, opening the way for Islamic expansion across North Africa and the Middle East.
LSM · 20 Aug, 09:58
Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and surrounding region kill at least eight
Russia carried out a massive overnight missile strike on Kyiv and the wider region, killing at least eight people and injuring 33, with a children's hospital and school also damaged. Romania and Poland reported airspace incidents linked to the attack.
BBC World · 20 Aug, 09:04
Russian missile strikes on Kyiv leave at least nine dead
Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Kyiv and its surrounding region overnight, killing at least nine people and wounding dozens, while the assault also triggered security responses in NATO members Poland and Romania.
France 24 · 20 Aug, 09:02