Experts at the Brookings Institution warned Wednesday that the expansion of US missile defences risks fueling an arms race with China and may not reduce nuclear vulnerability.
The US Golden Dome missile defense project includes offensive capabilities alongside defensive ones, deploying space-based interceptors and tracking systems, Russian UN envoy Gennady Gatilov said in Geneva.
A massive Russian missile and drone barrage across Ukraine killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens, striking Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv while prompting NATO neighbors Romania and Poland to raise security alerts.
Russian police are arresting citizens complaining of fuel shortages as Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries spark rationing, long queues, and fighting at petrol stations across at least 12 regions.
Russian ministries oppose denouncing agreements with NATO, the EU, the WTO, and the IMF, viewing them as ongoing communication instruments for dialogue with the West.
At least 13 people were killed and 40 injured in Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Kyiv, amid severe shortages of air defence interceptors.
In a Western Ukrainian prison camp, captured soldiers including Ukrainian citizens who fought for Russia reflect on their motivations, blurred national identities, and their low priority in prisoner exchanges.
At least six people were killed and 33 wounded in Kyiv after a heavy overnight Russian missile and drone barrage damaged residential buildings and public facilities across multiple districts.
Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 726 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. Attacks triggered air raid alerts in 21 regions, injured civilians, and caused power restrictions in Crimea.
Kim Yo Jong, department director of the Workers' Party of Korea, stated the DPRK's full support for Russia's actions to protect its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, citing the Ukrainian crisis' roots in Western threats to Russia and dismissing rumors of North Korean troop deployments to Ukraine.
Vatican Secretary for International Affairs Paul Richard Gallagher is scheduled to visit Moscow from August 25 to 28, according to Bishop Nikolay Dubinin. The visit follows previous diplomatic engagements between the Vatican and Russian officials.
Russian forces have captured the village of Vodyanskoye in the Donetsk region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The ministry also reported 1,420 Ukrainian casualties and the destruction of significant military equipment across multiple frontline sectors.
Russians withdrew approximately €24.4 billion from banks in the first seven months of 2026, driven by fears of state asset seizures and economic instability caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and infrastructure attacks.
Russian diamond exports to India fell by nearly 50% to 1.2 million carats in the first half of 2026. Monetary value dropped 38% to $106.5 million, despite an 8% increase in the average price per carat for gem-quality diamonds.
Russian state corporation Rosatom and Egypt's NPPA have rejected a Politico report alleging safety violations and construction defects at the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, labeling the claims as biased, inaccurate, and part of a broader political agenda.
Unitree Robotics saw a 484% stock rally in its Shanghai IPO. Meanwhile, President Trump paused planned 50% tariffs on Canadian imports following a deal, and Russia dismissed a top economist who warned of the long-term economic risks of the war in Ukraine.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, marking a significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Simultaneously, anti-corruption agencies are investigating high-level officials, while drone attacks continue in both Ukraine and Russia.
Japan is considering diplomatic and economic responses after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Northern Territories. Analysts warn that Tokyo's reliance on Russian gas and existing sanctions limit its available leverage against Moscow.
China initiates its first regular Northern Sea Route (NSR) service via the Arctic, reducing travel time from Ningbo to the UK to 20 days, amidst the Iran war's impact on the Red Sea trade route.
Russia's agricultural exports to China increased by 44% year-over-year to $4.9 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by strong demand for Russian products in the Chinese market.
Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing discuss strengthening bilateral trade, economic, and investment ties, focusing on industry, energy, transport, agriculture, and high-tech cooperation during Aung Hlaing's official visit to Russia.
China's Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, states that the use of national currencies in settlements between China and Russia is steadily increasing, alongside expanding cooperation in strategic projects and emerging technologies.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) will not discuss the reinstatement of Russian athletes at its September Congress in Berchtesgaden, Germany. The Russian Biathlon Union confirmed the exclusion despite recent IOC recommendations regarding neutral participation.
Ukraine’s 'Magyar’s Birds' drone unit, led by Robert Brovdi, produces viral 'yoblyk' videos showing Russian soldiers being killed by FPV drones. The unit uses this footage as a psychological weapon to demoralize Russian forces and document the war's reality.
