Russia

North Korea has acknowledged deploying troops to Russia’s Kursk region to clear land mines, with leader Kim Jong Un praising an engineering regiment for “mass heroism” during a ceremony in Pyongyang, according to state media. The remarks, carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), mark a rare public admission by Pyongyang about the dangerous frontline duties assigned to its soldiers in Russia as the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year. KCNA said Kim hailed the unit’s return and awarded state honors to fallen soldiers…

For the sixth time this year, U.S. President Donald Trump sent his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow — this time accompanied by Jared Kushner — and once again returned with cordial meetings but no breakthrough on a cease-fire or an enduring peace settlement for Ukraine. The repeat mission underscores a familiar pattern: U.S. interlocutors sit down with senior Russian officials, describe the talks as constructive, and leave with little to show except the prospect of more discussions. “Compromises have not been found…

BRUSSELS — European Union leaders reached an overnight agreement to ban imports of Russian gas by autumn 2027, a landmark step aimed at severing a major revenue stream for Moscow and marking, in the words of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, "the dawn of a new era" of energy independence from Russia. The compromise, struck between EU capitals and the European Parliament, sets a staggered timetable: long-term pipeline contracts will be prohibited from Sept. 30, 2027 — provided EU gas storage levels are…

Russian forces attacked Ukraine's capital Kyiv early Wednesday, striking multiple residential buildings, triggering fires and killing two people, city officials said. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv military administration, said in a Telegram post that the strikes began after 1 a.m. local time (11 p.m. Irish time). He said two people were killed and six were injured, and that air-defence units were engaged as both drones and missiles were used in the assault. Emergency services published images showing firefighters on…

Putin’s nuclear drills, a postponed summit and the widening war of attrition For two leaders who flirted with the idea of a quick, high-stakes meeting, the choreography of power this week looked less like summit diplomacy than a careful mutual stand-off. Moscow staged a large-scale training exercise that it said included intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States, and Washington announced a pause in plans for a second Vladimir Putin–Donald Trump summit as diplomacy over Ukraine staggered back…

U.S. hints at fresh sanctions as Russia steps up strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure WASHINGTON / KYIV — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday his administration "might" impose additional sanctions on Russia, as Kyiv reported a fresh wave of Russian attacks this week targeting energy and rail networks that Ukrainian leaders say are intended to sow "chaos." "I might," Mr. Trump replied to a reporter at the White House when asked whether more measures were coming. Standing alongside Finland’s president, he added that…

Kenya police rescue 22 people allegedly being trafficked to Russia to fight in Ukraine NAIROBI — Kenyan police on Wednesday freed 22 people they say were awaiting processing to travel to Russia under promises of legitimate jobs — a recruitment drive investigators allege was a front to send recruits to fight in Ukraine. Raid in Athi River uncovers recruitment materials and travel documents Officers carried out an intelligence-led operation at an apartment complex on the outskirts of Nairobi, in the industrial town of Athi…

Trump’s abrupt pivot: backs full Ukrainian recovery, urges NATO to shoot down Russian aircraft NEW YORK — In a striking reversal that could reshape Western diplomacy toward Moscow, former U.S. president Donald Trump said Wednesday that Ukraine could “fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” and he urged NATO members to shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace. The comments came after a private meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.…

Estonia says Russian jets briefly crossed its airspace, raising NATO fears of spillover Estonia accused three Russian MiG‑31 fighters of violating its airspace near the tiny island of Vaindloo on Thursday, an incursion that lasted roughly 12 minutes and deepened Western worries that Moscow’s war in Ukraine could accidentally — or deliberately — spill beyond the battlefield. Moscow denied the claim, saying the aircraft remained over neutral waters. Quick scramble, sharp words Italian F‑35s operating under NATO’s Baltic Air…

Trump’s Hint at Recognizing North Western State of Somalia Could Reshape U.S. Policy in Africa Mogadishu (AX) — In what could be a significant shift in American foreign policy in the Horn of Africa, U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that his administration might consider recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. This potential move, hinted at during an Oval Office event on August 8, could have far-reaching implications for U.S. engagement in the region, possibly challenging the stakes of…