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2026-08-05 — GEOPOLITICS
Conflict

Russia and Ukraine trade lethal strikes

Casualties mounted significantly as both nations exchanged waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple regions. Ukrainian and Russian military officials confirmed ongoing strikes, resulting in at least 17 deaths. The intensity of this long-range bombardment marks a period of heightened hostilities on both sides of the conflict.

Geopolitics

Oil prices dip on de-escalation optimism

Global crude prices retreated as President Donald Trump suggested potential diplomatic talks with Iran are underway. The market reaction follows reports of a cancelled military escalation, cooling fears of a wider Middle East conflict that could disrupt supply chains. Investors remain cautious as they monitor rhetoric from Tehran and Washington regarding regional stability.

Conflict

Russian missiles strike Kyiv and suburbs

A major Russian missile barrage struck Ukraine's capital and surrounding regions, killing at least 15 people. Ukrainian authorities report the strikes triggered fires and caused significant damage across residential areas. Emergency services are responding to casualties, while air defenses continue to monitor the airspace.

18 days ago  ·  34 sourceschannelnewsasia.comRussian barrage on Kyiv kills 17 as Ukraine calls for more interceptorsfrance24.com'Terrifying': deadly Russian attack on Kyiv overwhelms Ukraine's air defencetheglobeandmail.comUkraine pleads for missile defences as Russian attack on Kyiv kills 17aawsat.comRussian Barrage on Kyiv Kills 17 as Ukraine Fails to Down Single Missilenytimes.comRussia’s Deadly Missile Attack on Kyiv Exploits Ukraine’s Depleted Air Defensestheguardian.comZelenskyy rails at lack of anti-missile defences amid deadly Russian attack on Kyiv – Europe liveirishtimes.comRussian strikes around Ukraine capital Kyiv kill 15, injure dozens morecnn.comRussian attack kills 15 in Kyiv region, Ukraine emergency services sayaljazeera.comExplosions across Kyiv as Russian missiles strike Ukraine’s capitalrte.ie1 dead and 12 injured in Kyiv after Russian strikesbbc.co.ukRussian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv kills one and injures othersnpr.orgOvernight Russian barrage kills nine in Kyiv, as air defense struggle with U.S. continuesthemoscowtimes.comRussia Pounds Kyiv With Missiles, Killing At Least 10independent.co.ukUkraine-Russia war latest: Nine dead and dozens wounded as Putin pounds Kyiv with ballistic missilescbsnews.comRussian strikes on Kyiv kill 4, injure at least 15, officials saythehindu.comRussian attacks on Kyiv kill 4, wound more than a dozenaa.com.trRussia launches ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv: Mayorstraitstimes.comRussia striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles, mayor says+16 more outlets  ·  🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇦 Ukraine
Conflict

Ebola death toll exceeds 1,300 in DRC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surged, with the death toll surpassing 1,300 amid nearly 3,000 recorded cases. Health workers are currently on strike, citing dangerous conditions and a lack of pay, complicating the medical response in affected provinces like Ituri and North Kivu. International health organizations continue to struggle with resource distribution and containment efforts.

18 days ago  ·  88 sourcesaa.com.trWHO chief calls for urgent scaling up of Ebola response in DR Congothehindu.comEbola kills 1,700 in eastern Congo as fastest-growing outbreak surgesfrance24.comDR Congo is set to open its largest ever Ebola treatment facilityaljazeera.comDR Congo Ebola outbreak kills more than 1,700 as WHO accelerates trialstheglobeandmail.comEbola kills 1,700 in eastern Congo in fastest-growing outbreakindependent.co.ukEbola outbreak kills over 1700 in eastern Congo as virus spreads at record speedirishtimes.comEbola outbreak in DRC the fastest growing in the history of the virusbbc.co.ukWhy Uganda seems to be winning the battle against Ebola as virus spreads in DR Congoarabnews.comWHO: Ebola epidemic in DR Congo 'intensifying at exceptional pace'aawsat.comWHO: Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo 'Intensifying'cnn.comEbola outbreak in Congo surges to second-largest on recordtheguardian.comEbola outbreak in DRC the fastest growing in the history of the virusnytimes.comEbola Outbreak Is Now the Second-Deadliest Ever, and in Record Timetheconversation.comConflicts can spread infectious diseases while making outbreaks harder to detecthindustantimes.comEbola outbreak in Congo set to become 2nd largest on record, 3,200 confirmed caseslatimes.comMore health workers strike as Ebola cases in Congo near 3,000, including over 1,300 deathsnpr.orgDR Congo Ebola Death Toll Tops 1,000 as Outbreak Accelerates : NPRforeignpolicy.comThe Race to Contain the Fastest-Ever Ebola Outbreakchannelnewsasia.comOver 1,000 deaths recorded in Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda: WHOdw.comDRC's neighbors boost preparedness as Ebola cases surgenbcnews.comAt least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreakcbc.caCanada to temporarily bar entry by foreign nationals recently in Congo due to Ebola riskrte.ieEbola spreading in DRC 'faster than any earlier outbreak'jpost.comEbola outbreak in Congo still expanding, not stabilized, WHO official sayscnbc.comEbola outbreak: Experts say USAID closure made virus harder to containforbes.com3 Million Children At Risk As Ebola Cases Top 1,000 In DRC+62 more outlets  ·  🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
Geopolitics

Spain scrambles to manage Ceuta border

Thousands of migrants remain stranded in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta following a mass crossing from Morocco. Spanish officials and intelligence sources allege that Moroccan authorities intentionally relaxed border controls, triggering the crisis. EU ministers are now under pressure to bolster frontier security as thousands of people await asylum in overcrowded temporary centers.

18 days ago  ·  83 sourcesthehindu.comSpain's Ceuta seeks transfer of unaccompanied migrant minors to mainland Spain after border rushtheconversation.comAfter Ceuta, Europe is once again mired in migration chaos of its own makingaljazeera.comHow a social media campaign triggered huge migrant surge on Ceutatheguardian.comWednesday briefing: ​How misinformation and ​a​ hardened immigration policy ​turned Ceuta ​into Europe’s ​latest ​flashpointelpais.com'See you there on August 15′: Thousands of Moroccans debate a new mass influx into Ceuta | Internationalnbcnews.comOnline rumors sparked rush by migrants to Spanish territorycbc.caCeuta grapples with child migrants as Spain approves millions to deal with crisisbbc.co.ukEU commends Spain's 'swift response' to Ceuta migrant crisisaa.com.trEU says no onward movement from Spanish enclave of Ceuta as migrants returned to Moroccofrance24.comCeuta has 're-exposed immigration's divisive nature' in the EUtheglobeandmail.comFalse social media posts about Spain's border sparked migrant crossings into Ceutajpost.comSpanish MEP appeals to Benjamin Netanyahu for support during massive Ceuta border crisisindependent.co.ukCeuta: What caused the frantic surge of migrants rushing into Spain from Morocco?arabnews.comRunaway online rumors sparked frantic rush by migrants to the Spanish enclave of Ceutairishtimes.comCeuta leader blames Morocco over 'atrocity' of mass border crossing after more than 90 die – The Irish Timeschannelnewsasia.comEU can give Morocco more border support, von der Leyen tells Spain after Ceuta spatcnn.comCeuta: The fallout from the border rush shows extreme, populist views are now mainstreamdw.comCeuta: EU calls borders a 'shared European responsibility'cbsnews.comMorocco blames Ceuta border surge on "exploitation of digital platforms," misleading infonytimes.comSpain’s Leader Is Seen as Soft on Migrants, but He Acted Fast on Ceutaaawsat.comCeuta Grapples with Aftermath of Border Surge after Most Migrants Leave the Spanish Territorytheatlantic.comThe Far Right Is Distorting Ceutalatimes.comIn Ceuta, migrants cling to hopes of reaching mainland Spainscmp.comDeath toll from migrant rush into Spain's Ceuta rises to 72 | South China Morning Poststraitstimes.comDeath toll from Spain's Ceuta migrant rush rises to 72hindustantimes.comA migrant surge tests Spain's open policiesnpr.orgAfter Ceuta, Spain's leader Sánchez faces his biggest challenge : NPRsmh.com.auSpain plans new border barrier in Ceuta as death toll revealedrte.ieSpain says migrant crossings into Ceuta stopped overnightforeignpolicy.comSpain Records Unprecedented Migrant Crossingforbes.comTrump Alleges Ceuta Migration Crisis Would Happen In U.S. Under Democrats—Here's Why That's Unlikelyabc.net.auSpain says huge surge of migrants to Ceuta enclave largely reversed, as half return to Moroccotime.comWhy Thousands of Moroccan Migrants Crossed Into the Spanish Exclave Ceutaindianexpress.comWhy thousands of migrants suddenly crossed into Spain's Ceuta enclave as 18 killed+49 more outlets  ·  🇪🇸 Spain, 🇲🇦 Morocco
Diplomacy

US, Iran signal potential Hormuz deal

U.S. and Iranian officials are reportedly nearing an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following productive discussions mediated by Oman. President Trump has indicated that a formal announcement regarding the transit route could be made as early as Wednesday. The potential breakthrough has already impacted global markets, leading to a notable decline in oil prices as investors react to the prospect of normalized shipping.

Diplomacy

Trump demands Iran deal or surrender

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Tehran, labeling potential negotiations a 'last chance' to reach a deal and avoid further escalation. The declaration follows reports of a deepening diplomatic rift, as Iranian officials have explicitly denied that any bilateral talks with the U.S. are currently taking place. The exchange marks a significant hardening of rhetoric between Washington and the Islamic Republic.

Economy

US, Japan intervene to boost yen

The United States and Japan have launched a rare joint market intervention to stabilize the Japanese yen. This collaborative move, the first of its kind since 1998, aims to bolster the currency's value amid significant global volatility. Financial authorities signaled that additional actions could follow to address current exchange rate imbalances.

Geopolitics

Ousted Bangladesh leader faces return uncertainty

Deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is preparing a public address, fueling speculation about her potential return to Bangladesh despite facing a possible death penalty. Her activities from exile have intensified diplomatic frictions between Dhaka and New Delhi, which hosts her. Interim authorities in Bangladesh are currently navigating political instability and calls for institutional reform following her abrupt departure.

Conflict

Trump demands Iran reopen Hormuz Strait

President Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening a severe military response if the regime does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump suggested that a deal to restore passage could be finalized as early as Wednesday, Iranian officials and state media have denied that any negotiations with the United States are currently underway. The dispute remains marked by conflicting claims regarding diplomatic progress.

Conflict

US forces strike Iranian targets

The U.S. military conducted fresh air strikes on Qeshm Island in Iran, reportedly killing three people. The action follows a foiled missile attack against American forces in the region. This escalation marks an expansion of regional conflict involving Iranian-aligned groups.

18 days ago  ·  67 sourcesarabnews.comIran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikeshindustantimes.comIran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes as Hormuz talks continue: Reportstraitstimes.comIran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikesjpost.comUS CENTCOM may have dropped 900kg bomb on civilian house in Qeshm, southern Iranaljazeera.comIran warns against ‘flames of war’ amid US strike threats on energy sitesaa.com.trCENTCOM chief proposes 2-week air campaign against Iran following killing of service members: Reportnpr.orgU.S. resumes strikes on Iran in retaliation for attack on American troopsnbcnews.comIran vows to 'punish the aggressor today' after U.S. unleashes 'heavy wave' of strikesfrance24.comUS military launches 'powerful' retaliatory strikes on Iranscmp.comUS launches more strikes on Iran as conflict spreads across regionaawsat.comUS Launches Strikes on Iranian Targets a Day after It Foiled Missile Attack on American Forcesthehindu.comU.S. launches strikes on Iranian targets day after it foiled missile attack on American forceselpais.comUS launches 'heavy' wave of strikes in response to Iran's attack on bases in Jordan | U.S.indianexpress.comWest Asia War Live Updates: US strikes Qeshm, Bandar Abbas in Iran to avenge Jordan base attackrte.ie'Heavy wave' of strikes against Iran completedabc.net.auUS strikes 'dozens of targets' in Iran as conflict threatens to expand across Middle Eastchannelnewsasia.comUS military launches 'powerful' retaliatory strikes on Iranhaaretz.comU.S. Strikes Iranian Targets After Trump Vows to Hit Iran 'Very Hard'bbc.co.ukUS launches 'powerful' strikes on Iran after attempted attack on American troopsdw.comUS strikes on southern Iran infrastructure widen warindependent.co.ukTrump's latest strikes on Iran unlikely to have any impact with war stuck in limbo, says US intelligencenytimes.comU.S. Strikes Leave Iranians Isolated and Scaredcnbc.comU.S. military says it completed latest round of strikes against Iransmh.com.auUS airstrikes targeting key facilities across Irancbc.caStrikes on infrastructure by Iran and U.S. raise fears of escalation in war+42 more outlets  ·  🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇷 Iran
Conflict

Houthi Red Sea blockade threatens global trade

Houthi militants have escalated their maritime campaign by announcing a naval blockade in the Red Sea, forcing commercial vessels to divert from the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The move threatens critical global oil and shipping corridors, prompting Saudi officials to condemn the blockade while the U.S. military faces potential new challenges in the region. Analysts are weighing the feasibility of using the Suez Canal as a viable alternative for Asian consumers.

18 days ago  ·  46 sourcesthehindu.comYemen's Houthis say attacked two Saudi oil tankersnytimes.comHouthis Threaten to Expand Red Sea Attacks, and Claim Strike on Saudi Tankerjpost.comHouthis threaten six Saudi tankers in Gulf of Adenaa.com.trSaudi oil port sees busiest day since Houthi blockade: Reporttheguardian.comAsia ‘scraping the bottom of the barrel’ as Red Sea oil blockade worsens energy crisishindustantimes.comGeopolitical implications of the Houthi threatabc.net.auHouthis claim missile strike on Saudi Arabia after announcing Red Sea blockadescmp.comHouthi blockade of Saudi trade threatens wider Middle East conflictchannelnewsasia.comCNA Explains: With the Houthis' Red Sea threat, is the world running out of detours?aljazeera.comAs oil soars, experts watch Red Sea tankers for clarity on Houthi blockadearabnews.comHouthi 'blockade' claims fabricated and ship attacks are 'piracy,' Saudis tell UN Security Councilfrance24.comMiddle East war's economic impact 'could get worse' if Houthis join inindependent.co.ukHouthi threat to Red Sea risks dragging US into new conflict, experts warnbbc.co.ukTankers make sharp U-turns after Houthi shipping threatforbes.comShips Turn Around in Red Sea After Houthi Threats of Bab al-Mandeb Blockadeaawsat.comHow Yemen's Govt Exposed the Houthis' Misleading 'Blockade' Narrativeforeignpolicy.comHouthis Declare a Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabiasmh.com.auHouthi naval blockade: Yemen-based group threatens Saudi oil exports and global trade as regional conflict intensifieshaaretz.comYemen's Houthis Announce Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabiatheglobeandmail.comHow a Houthi blockade in the Red Sea threatens global energy suppliesnikkei.comYemen's Houthis declare naval blockade on Saudi Arabianbcnews.comYemen's Houthis declare naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, widening threat to global oil supplies+24 more outlets  ·  🇾🇪 Yemen, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia