World

Royal Navy reports 25% rise in time spent monitoring Russian vessels near UK
The Royal Navy spent 21 days in July tracking Russian warships around UK waters, a 25% increase compared with the same month last year. The Ministry of Defence points to a broader rise in Russian naval activity in the region.
The Guardian World · 8 Aug, 23:15

Britain's Jurassic Coast fossil hunt turns into a lucrative trade
Fossil hunting along England's Dorset coast has grown from a hobby into a thriving marketplace, with prized collections now selling for millions to overseas museums. Social media exposure and rising interest are also raising concerns about overcollection.
The Guardian Science · 8 Aug, 22:20

Russian strikes on Kyiv kill at least four as Ukraine hits Russian oil refinery
At least four people, including a child, died in Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas early Saturday, while Ukraine continued its near-daily campaign against Russian oil facilities with another refinery strike.
France 24 · 8 Aug, 22:20

Wildfires Intensify in British Columbia, Thousands Evacuated From Okanagan Valley
Wildfire activity has surged in British Columbia, forcing the evacuation of thousands from the Okanagan Valley, weeks after smoke from Ontario fires affected air quality on the East Coast.
The New York Times · 8 Aug, 22:20

Zelenskyy: Russia plans to station another 30,000-50,000 North Koreans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has decided to station a further 30,000 to 50,000 North Korean personnel on its territory, and called for closer South Korea-Ukraine cooperation.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 8 Aug, 22:18
Israeli troops intrude into southern Lebanese town, Lebanese soldiers injured
Israeli forces reportedly intruded into a town in southern Lebanon, injuring several Lebanese army soldiers, while Lebanese troops continue clearing unexploded ordnance in the border area.
Al Jazeera · 8 Aug, 22:16

Ranking names Europe's strongest intelligence service — not Ukraine's, and Latvia comes last
A survey by France's “L'Express” magazine ranks Britain's MI6 as Europe's strongest intelligence service, with Ukraine placing fourth and Latvia finishing last among 21 countries assessed.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 22:15

Actor Ashton Kutcher publicly calls on Putin to end the war after strike on Odesa stadium
Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin on social media, responding to intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine and a missile strike on a football stadium in Odesa. He called on Putin to surrender.
Apollo.lv · 8 Aug, 22:14

Kosovo opposition MP hurls eggs at acting PM Kurti during parliament session
An opposition MP threw at least four eggs at Kosovo's acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti during a parliamentary session on Saturday, causing chaos before other lawmakers and police intervened.
BBC World · 8 Aug, 21:21

Ukraine responds to drone explosion near Bulgarian gas pipeline station
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says its armed forces did not deliberately direct any assets at Bulgaria and pledges cooperation in the probe into an 8 August drone explosion, as Bulgarian officials say debris points to a Maya-type decoy drone widely used by Kyiv's forces.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 8 Aug, 21:19
Ukraine mourns Oleksiy Yukov, who spent two decades recovering war dead, killed by landmine
Ukraine is mourning Oleksiy Yukov, who devoted nearly 20 years to recovering the bodies of fallen soldiers, including many Russians. He died after stepping on a landmine during a recovery mission.
NPR World · 8 Aug, 21:18

Wildfire Prompts Evacuation of 18,000 Near Summerland, British Columbia
A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, has forced the evacuation of about 18,000 residents near the towns of Summerland and Peachland. The blaze has already burned more than 23,000 acres since igniting on Friday.
The New York Times · 8 Aug, 21:17
Influencers challenge media's soft treatment of far-right leader Nigel Farage
An Al Jazeera video report examines accusations that British media have given far-right leader Nigel Farage overly favourable coverage, while online content creators take a more critical stance.
Al Jazeera · 8 Aug, 21:17

Drunk tractor driver in Poland runs red signal at rail crossing, endangers 500 lives
A drunk tractor driver in Poland drove onto a railway crossing as a passenger train approached, ignoring a flashing red signal and putting roughly 500 lives at risk.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 21:16
Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye pact: New shield or strategic signal?
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye have signed an agreement that names no specific adversary, though analysts say concerns about Iran and its regional network of allies lie behind it.
Al Jazeera · 8 Aug, 20:18
Lebanon Detains Former al-Assad-Era Syrian General, Weighs Extradition to Syria
Judicial and security sources say a wanted former Syrian general who served under Bashar al-Assad has been detained in Beirut after a routine embassy visit, with Lebanese authorities now considering handing him over to Syria.
Al Jazeera · 8 Aug, 19:20

Major UK Jurassic fossil collection sold to Abu Dhabi museum
One of the most significant private collections of UK Jurassic fossils has been sold to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi after British institutions said they lacked funds to buy it. Experts have called the sale a loss for the UK's natural heritage.
The Guardian World · 8 Aug, 19:17

Retired general: new mobilization wave could backfire on Russia
Retired Major General Vladimir Gavrilov says a large-scale mobilization would create economic and political risks for Russia, since numerical superiority no longer determines success in today's drone warfare.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 19:17

Israeli troops enter Lebanese army-controlled village, build roadblock, mayor says
Israeli forces infiltrated the Lebanese army-held village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya overnight and erected an earthen barrier, according to the local mayor and state media, in what a Lebanese military source called a violation of the June framework agreement.
France 24 · 8 Aug, 19:15

Zelensky pays first official visit to Serbia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is making his first official visit to Serbia, with talks focused on ending Russia's war and boosting economic cooperation.
LSM · 8 Aug, 19:14

Sturgeon says she has cut off contact with jailed husband Peter Murrell
Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon says she will not visit or speak to her estranged husband Peter Murrell in prison, after he lied to her until the day he pleaded guilty to embezzling SNP funds.
The Guardian World · 8 Aug, 18:19

Ukraine's General Staff confirms strikes on two Russian oil refineries and Black Sea rig
Ukraine's Armed Forces General Staff has confirmed recent strikes on two Russian oil refineries and an oil rig in the Black Sea. One of the refineries belongs to Rosneft and has an annual processing capacity of 8.5 million tons.
Euromaidan Press · 8 Aug, 18:18

EU adds another €30 million to Ukraine Energy Support Fund
The European Union has transferred an additional €30 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, raising its total contribution to €279 million, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 8 Aug, 18:17

Extra radar installed at Leipzig airport after drone incident
Leipzig police have set up an additional specialized radar station following this week's incident in which a drone equipped with explosives was found at the airport.
TVNET · 8 Aug, 18:16
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Bloomberg: Ukraine pledges not to target neutral countries' tankers in Black Sea
Ukraine has committed not to attack oil tankers and infrastructure in the Black Sea that do not belong to Russia, Bloomberg reports, citing a US official.
Apollo.lv · 8 Aug, 18:15

Iran's Security Chief: Strait of Hormuz to Stay Closed Until U.S. Meets Demands
The head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States satisfies a set of conditions. The statement dims prospects for a quick resolution over the strategically vital waterway.
The New York Times · 8 Aug, 18:15

Colombia's new president Esprjelja takes office, pledges to fight narco-terrorism
Colombia's newly elected right-wing president Abelardo de la Esprjelja has been sworn in, promising to restore order and eradicate narco-terrorists. His election victory was also welcomed in the United States.
LSM · 8 Aug, 18:14

Man wounded in Russian drone strike on Sumy Oblast market dies in hospital
An 82-year-old man who was severely wounded in a Russian drone strike on a market in the Bilopillia hromada, Sumy Oblast, has died in hospital. A total of 21 people were injured across the region in Russian attacks on 7 August.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 8 Aug, 17:21

Magyar's Tisza party puts forward ex-top judge as Hungarian presidential nominee
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's Tisza party has nominated former supreme court head András Baka for the country's presidency, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for next Tuesday.
Politico Europe · 8 Aug, 17:19
Zelenskyy: US to Send Patriot Interceptors Monthly, But Not Enough to Stop Russian Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States will supply Patriot air defense interceptors to Ukraine on a monthly basis, but acknowledged the amount will not be sufficient to fully protect the country from Russian attacks.
Euromaidan Press · 8 Aug, 17:17
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Vučić: War in Ukraine unlikely to end soon
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Belgrade, said he does not believe Russia's war against Ukraine will end anytime soon.
Apollo.lv · 8 Aug, 17:17

Spain and Italy reinstate border checks as migration feud deepens
Spain and Italy have mutually reintroduced passport controls on flights and ships between the two countries amid an escalating clash between Prime Ministers Pedro Sánchez and Giorgia Meloni over migration policy. The measures are causing delays for travelers and raising questions about Schengen's resilience.
Politico Europe · 8 Aug, 16:21

Zelenskyy: US to supply Patriot missiles monthly, but volumes insufficient
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the US has agreed to deliver Patriot missiles to Ukraine on a monthly basis, though the quantities remain insufficient for the country's air defence needs. The statement came after a Russian missile attack in which none of the six missiles launched were intercepted.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 8 Aug, 15:21

Wildfire near Italy's Lake Garda forces evacuation of over 200 people
A large wildfire broke out near Lake Garda in northern Italy, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 people, including many holidaymakers.
TVNET · 8 Aug, 15:19

NYC's Mamdani rolls out pied-à-terre tax on second homes, sparking backlash and praise
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has introduced a new tax on high-value second homes, which experts largely welcome as an equitable revenue tool even as some residents and wealthy critics push back.
The Guardian World · 8 Aug, 15:17

Estonia proposal calls for single insolvency competence centre to help debtors and creditors
Estonian legal expert Signe Viimsalu argues for creating a single state insolvency processing centre to speed up help for both debtors and creditors, saying the current fragmented system serves neither well.
ERR (rus) · 8 Aug, 15:16