Hungary Files Criminal Complaint Over $965 Million COVID Ventilator Deal
Hungary's foreign ministry has filed a criminal complaint over a $965 million ventilator purchase, citing suspected fraud and financial irregularities.
International Relations
Tanker Disabled in Strait of Hormuz as Pakistan Steps Up Mediation
An oil tanker was hit and disabled near the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's delegation concluded talks in Tehran aimed at reopening the waterway.
Russia weighs suspending grain export duty amid Black Sea disruptions
Russia may suspend its grain export duty until year-end as Ukrainian drone attacks disrupt Black Sea shipments, according to market sources.
Putin Signs Decree Allowing State Takeover of Key Facilities After Drone Strikes
Russia's new decree lets the state temporarily manage critical facilities if owners fail to protect them from Ukrainian drone strikes.
German Economy Shows Resilience as Growth and Business Morale Surge
Germany's Q2 GDP grew 0.3%, beating forecasts, while business sentiment hit a one-year high, signaling a steady recovery.
Kremlin casts doubt on US-backed free economic zone plan for Donbas
The Kremlin has questioned the feasibility of a US proposal, backed by Kyiv, to create a free economic zone in Ukraine's Donbas region.
French sugar beet harvest set to fall over 20% after drought and heat
French sugar beet harvest expected to be over 20% below the five-year average due to severe drought, heat, pests and disease.
Carney rejects US 'subsidiary' attitude as Canada braces for retaliatory tariffs
Canada will hit back with tariffs Tuesday after Carney accused Washington of treating Canada as a subsidiary in trade talks.
Fresh construction spotted on islet near Antelope Reef in Paracels
Satellite images reveal new structures on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, likely an early warning radar supporting China's military build-up in the Paracels.
Ford Hits Back at Trump With Blunt Words Amid Tariff Standoff
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called President Trump a 'loser' and dismissed threats of new tariffs, as Canada readies its response.
OpenAI Bans Russian ChatGPT Accounts Tied to Burke Institute Campaign
OpenAI banned a cluster of Russian-origin ChatGPT accounts used to promote the International Burke Institute, noting limited impact.
Kazakhstan trims 2026 oil output goal after CPC drone attacks
Kazakhstan cut its 2026 oil output target to 96 million tons from 98 million after Ukrainian drone attacks on CPC.
Berlin to Name Suspects in Leipzig Drone Attack on Cargo Planes
Germany will soon identify those responsible for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport, says Chancellor Merz, as investigators probe possible Russian involvement.
Iranian rial hits record low as US unveils new sanctions
Iran's rial fell to a record 2.02 million per dollar on Monday as the US announced fresh sanctions targeting five key sectors of Tehran's economy.
German Business Confidence Beats Forecasts as Recovery Gains Traction
German business morale rose more than expected in August, with the Ifo index hitting 88.8, as recovery signs firm up.
Japan's Debt-Servicing Bill Set to Hit Record ¥36.6 Trillion
Japan's debt-servicing costs are projected to rise 17.1% to a record ¥36.64 trillion next fiscal year, driven by higher interest rates.
Israeli Airstrike Levels Homes in Central Gaza, Killing Child
An Israeli airstrike on Bureij camp killed a child and destroyed several homes, residents say.
Seoul, Washington Reaffirm Denuclearization Goal Amid North Korea Dialogue Push
South Korea says it is working closely with the U.S. to resume North Korea-U.S. dialogue and achieve denuclearization.
A year on, no answers in Israeli strike that killed Gaza journalists
One year after a double strike on Nasser Hospital killed 22, including journalists, Israel has released no findings. A soldier's account challenges the official rationale.
Kazakhstan Refinery to Process Russian Oil, Export 30% Back to Russia
Kazakhstan's Kondensat refinery will process Russian crude and send 30% of the output back to Russia, as Moscow faces fuel shortages from Ukrainian attacks on its refineries.