
Latest developments covering US-South Korea drills, Middle East tensions, Ukraine conflict updates, and energy market reactions.
A compilation of international news highlights developments in US-South Korea military exercises, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, energy market shifts with Brent oil rising above $92, and various diplomatic exchanges.
AI-generated summary
Global diplomatic tensions and military positioning are shifting across multiple theaters including Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
US does not notify South Korea in advance about scaling back exercises — MFA
According to Cho Hyun, the South Korean government and US officials were not aware of the plan announced in a statement made by US President Donald Trump.
Polish deputy defense minister says country preparing for potential war
Cezary Tomczyk also mentioned that Poland is currently working to create a comprehensive SAN drone defense system as part of the Eastern Shield project, which envisages the construction of defensive lines along the borders with Russia and Belarus.
Russia’s stance against acts of Western piracy to resonate with China — senator
First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Andrey Denisov says China is interested in freedom of navigation and the absence of incidents.
Number of Ukrainian drones flying at Energodar declines significantly, says mayor
According to Maxim Pukhov, measures by the military have yielded results.
Trump, Vance 'not on same page' on Iran — WP
The daily says that keeping fuel prices low is a priority for JD Vance, which means restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia, Myanmar sign memorandum on energy cooperation — ministry
The memorandum aims to develop cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and create conditions for further expansion of practical cooperation.
US claim for Strait of Hormuz far from its real capabilities — Iranian official
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei invited all interested parties to create a new cooperation framework in the region "that will succeed the US hegemony in the Persian Gulf zone".
Turkey blasts Netanyahu’s regional policy again
Spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party Omer Celik said the activities of Israel "will bring nothing but greater chaos and mass killings to the region".
Trump threatens Oman over planned deal with Iran on Strait of Hormuz — AP
According to the agency, the US president is under growing pressure regarding the situation in Iran because of his promises to promptly win the conflict, weaken Tehran, and conclude a more favorable nuclear deal.
No contacts currently exist between Russian, US senators — Federation Council official
First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Andrey Denisov noted that the Russian lawmakers’ trip to the US in the spring could "only be welcomed".
Trump would like to meet with Kim Jong Un this autumn — WSJ
According to sources cited by the newspaper, the US president has discussed with his advisors the possibility of holding face-to-face talks with the North Korean leader during his next trip to Asia, but no official planning for the meeting is underway.
Netanyahu’s office says Syria allowed Turkish troops onto airbase near Aleppo
Israel "will not tolerate threats to its security and would welcome a return to the status quo," the statement says.
Price of Brent oil up above $92 per barrel on London’s ICE first since July 30
As of 1:50 a.m. GMT, the price was up by 1.13% at $92.05 a barrel.
US eyeing reducing its military presence in Middle East — media
The Washington Post cited sources as saying that the Defense Department "has already signaled that it might not rebuild its bases as they were before the conflict".
Russian embassy points out violations of international maritime law by Rome
According to the diplomatic mission, the European Union has continued to take unlawful action against foreign vessels as it boards and seizes them.
Disruption of Grossi's visit to Zaporozhye NPP act of terrorism — governor
Yevgeny Balitsky said the visit was meant to be a routine event as part of the rotation of the Secretariat's experts at the plant.
Greek tanker attacked by Ukrainian drone in Black Sea near port of Novorossiysk
The TV channel released a video of the attack featuring a drone carrying out a reconnaissance flight over the sea, and then striking the deck bridge of a Greek tanker.
Employees of Urenco that enriches uranium for Ukraine have voted to strike
The workers disagreed with a potential 4.1% salary rise despite record orders of 27.3 bln euros.
US has changed tactics regarding Iran, halted negotiations — CNN
According to sources cited by the TV channel, before resuming negotiations, Donald Trump wants to wait until the leaders of the Islamic Republic demonstrate their willingness to conclude the deal he is seeking.
Russia does not back calls for overthrowing constitutional order in Azerbaijan — diplomat
Russian-Azerbaijani ties should develop on the basis of the existing bilateral legal framework, primarily on the Declaration of allied relations signed at the supreme level in Moscow on February 22, 2022, Maria Zakharova said.
DPRK warns of retaliatory measures in response to US-South Korea military drill
The Korean Central News Agency stated that the drill posed "the most immediate and open threat to the DPRK and the regional security".
Chisinau now trying to do away with Gagauz autonomy, Transnistria up next — MP
Gagauzia’s parliament, based on a court ruling and the law on the autonomy’s special legal status, previously decided that Evghenia Gutsul could no longer perform her duties and declared her position as head of the autonomy vacant.
Myanmar president's visit provides for further development of ties — Putin
The Russian president added that Min Aung Hlaing will pay a visit to the Republic of Tuva, which is one of the centers of Russian Buddhism.
Chancellor Merz still least liked national politician for Germans — poll
According to Forsa, as many as 85% of respondents said they are dissatisfied with Merz’s work.
Moscow to host Russia-Myanmar business forum on August 19
The forum will focus on the investment potential of Russia-Myanmar relations and doing business in Myanmar, prospects for developing the country's tourism industry.
Geran UAV has yet to realize full combat potential — expert
The Geran Seeker series represents the continued development of technologies based on the platform, with the Geran serving as a universal carrier.
Roscosmos says distribution of ISS deorbiting responsibilities being discussed with NASA
Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov says the sides have about a year and a half in reserve for negotiations.
UK moves toward nuclear war by allowing Ukraine to launch British-made UAVs against Russia
According to the media reports, British drones are now used for deep strikes inside Russian territory.
Seoul, Washington to conclude drills ahead of schedule on Aug. 21 — Joint Chiefs of Staff
According to the statement, the decision was made at the proposal of the US side.
A Just Russia leader says London's provision of drones to Kiev spells participation in war
Sergey Mironov said that Ukraine uses these means to attack oil refineries in Russia.
IN BRIEF: What we know about summoning of Japan’s ambassador to Russian Foreign Ministry
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin expressed a strong protest to Akira Muto regarding the anti-Russian statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
More pressure on Iran unlikely to produce concessions outside deal with US — speaker
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are "way out of their league".
Russia entitled to view UK as party to Ukrainian conflict — Lavrov
The Russian foreign minister said he feels sorry for the UK if it stays with Ukraine until the very end.
Two more Greek vessels attacked in Black Sea, with one of them burning down
It is yet unknown whether the ship is sinking or is still on the surface.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Seoul and Washington to conclude military drills ahead of schedule on Aug. 21
Very likely · Within days

Министр иностранных дел Германии Йоханн Вадефуль в ходе визита на Украину объявил о выделении 50 миллионов евро гуманитарной помощи и 10 миллионов евро в фонд НАТО для поддержки Киева.

В результате ночных ударов ВС России в Одесской области получили значительные повреждения несколько энергообъектов компании ДТЭК. В Одессе наблюдаются перебои с электроснабжением и работой электротранспорта.

В ночь на 22 августа Воздушные силы ВСУ заявили, что не смогли перехватить ни одной российской баллистической ракеты. Удары пришлись по Киевской и Одесской областям, зафиксировано 41 попадание с применением ракет «Искандер-М», С-400 и БПЛА.

A drone attack on an Ozon logistics center in Russia's Samara Region left four people injured, one critically. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed the strike occurred during a large-scale overnight drone assault on the area.

В результате российского удара дронами по торговому центру в Кривом Роге погибли 16 человек, 130 получили ранения. Атака была нанесена в две волны, вторая из которых пришлась на спасателей. Президент Зеленский назвал действия РФ целенаправленными.
Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have deserted while undergoing military training in Germany, according to Die Zeit. The report highlights a shift from motivated volunteers to forced recruits, with hundreds of desertions recorded across Europe amid the ongoing conflict.