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North Korea test-fires two new air defence missiles
The timing of the launch was also notable, taking place on the same day South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, before travelling to Washington.
Bosnia’s Republika Srpska votes for referendum, escalating standoff with central authorities
MPs reject Central Election Commission’s decision to revoke Milorad Dodik as president of Bosnia’s Serb entity.
Turkey to re-try contested sale to US embassy of Ataturk Forest Farm land plot
In a complaint, the Ankara Chamber of Architects argued that the sale breached the legal testament of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founding father of modern Turkey.
Kenya asks China’s approval to convert dollar-denominated $5bn railway loan into yuan
Apart from lobbying Beijing to convert the loan into yuan, Kenya hopes to generate $4bn by securitising a levy on imports to finance a planned extension of the China-built standard gauge railway (SGR).
Russia deliberately destroys a US factory based in Ukraine
Russia launched a record number of drones and missiles on August 21 and specifically targeted US company Flex's factory in Ukraine.
Ukraine hits Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline again with drones
Ukraine has carried out another strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline, hitting the Unecha oil pumping station in the latest of a series of incidents targeting the Soviet-era pipeline.
South Korea’s parliament passes disputed broadcasting bill amid opposition boycott
Lawmakers approved one of three broadcasting reform measures designed to curb government control over state broadcasters.
Thailand caps online transfers at $1,500 a day to tackle rising scams
Bank of Thailand announces new rule as part of wider efforts to combat the multi-billion-dollar scam industry that has spread rapidly across Southeast Asia.
Serbia in talks with Russia on long-term gas deal
Energy Minister Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic says Serbia is in advanced negotiations with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
As a potato crisis sweeps CIS countries, Russia halts potato imports from Georgia
Russia ceased importing potatoes from Georgia in July, ending nine consecutive months of uninterrupted shipments.
Panama exposed as hub for Venezuelan corruption and money laundering
Panama’s financial and property sectors have once again come under scrutiny, as anti-corruption watchdogs revealed the extent to which Venezuelan corruption schemes have penetrated the country.
Czech ANO party ejects candidate who schemed to kill ex-husband’s dog
For dog-loving Czechs, the scandal is the biggest setback so far for populist ANO, which is a heavy favourite to win the October parliamentary elections.
Iran-Switzerland talks spark speculation over US message on nuclear negotiations
Discussion between secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Swiss Assistant State Secretary Gabriel Lochinger potentially signal new nuclear talks.
Peru’s gold exports to China surge amid fears of illegal mining links
Peru has emerged as a growing supplier of gold to China, with exports to the Asian giant accelerating sharply in 2025, raising concerns about the origins of the mineral and the role of informal and illegal mining in fuelling the trade.
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries drive up petrol prices, shortages looming
Russian wholesale gasoline prices are soaring to record levels following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on critical refinery infrastructure. Analysts warn that Russia is facing fuel shortages in the coming weeks, Meduza reported on August 21.
US will play minimum role in Ukraine’s security guarantees – Politico
The Pentagon’s top policy official Elbridge Colby says the US will play a minimal role in any Ukraine security guarantees, Politico reported on August 21.
Poll shows Moldova’s pro-EU PAS leads but lacks majority ahead of September elections
Party of Action and Solidarity to remain largest party in new parliament but without majority, with Renato Usatii’s Our Party likely to play kingmaker.
Singapore’s interfaith body expands digital outreach to counter extremism
Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organisation is stepping up its online presence to promote tolerance and counter youth radicalisation through a new initiative, We The People of Singapore.
Indonesian parliament faces backlash over $3,000 housing allowance
Indonesia’s parliament has come under heavy criticism for approving a $3,067 monthly housing allowance for each member as observers argue that the figure highlights a stark disconnect from the financial struggles experienced by ordinary Indonesians
Pheu Thai rejects rumours of Prayut’s political return
Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong dismissed the claims as groundless and unrelated to the party.