According to a Kyiv Post source in Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), Russia and India are planning to deepen their military-technical cooperation. The two countries are scheduled to meet in St. Petersburg from September 15-18 to finalize military cooperation plans for 2025-2026. The agenda includes discussions on defense cooperation, military training, and joint exercises, with Ukrainian intelligence obtaining a detailed schedule. This development comes as India continues to purchase Russian oil and Prime Minister Modi signals positive progress in relations with Russia, suggesting a commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
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According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intelligence reports indicate Russia is not preparing for a post-war scenario. Instead, the Kremlin is focused on presenting the meeting with the US as a personal victory while continuing to exert pressure on Ukraine. Contrary to any preparation for a ceasefire, Russian forces are being redeployed in a manner that suggests preparations for renewed offensive operations. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is actively keeping its allies informed about the realities of the conflict, including Russian strategies.
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The BBC has learned that thousands of North Koreans are being sent to Russia to work in slave-like conditions, filling a labor shortage exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. These workers face abysmal working conditions, including long hours with little rest, minimal safety equipment, and constant surveillance by North Korean authorities. Many are confined to construction sites and subjected to punishing schedules, with a majority of their earnings sent directly to the North Korean state. Despite UN sanctions banning the use of North Korean labor, Moscow is increasingly relying on these workers.
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In the war-torn city of Sloviansk, Ukraine, amidst the backdrop of shelling and ongoing conflict, residents express deep concerns over potential land deals proposed by the Kremlin. The possibility of a ceasefire in exchange for Ukrainian territory has sparked both panic and defiance among locals, who fear losing their homes. Despite the high stakes of U.S.-Russia diplomacy, many are skeptical of the negotiations and the potential impact on their lives. The article concludes with the loss of life and the desire for an end to the war.
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The EU has received a third tranche of 1.6 billion euros from windfall profits generated by frozen Russian central bank assets. Of this, 95%—over 1.5 billion euros—will be allocated to support Ukraine through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, helping repay the EU’s macro-financial assistance loan. This is part of the Group of Seven’s (G7) Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, which aims to use profits from frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with $50 billion in loans. The EU’s contribution to the ERA initiative is significant, totaling 18.1 billion euros, with the United States contributing a comparable amount.
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has authorized the allocation of $2 million from the presidential reserve fund to the Energy Ministry for the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The funds will be used to procure and deliver Azerbaijani-made electrical equipment, a response to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Azerbaijani-linked facilities. Following these attacks, including strikes on a SOCAR depot and a gas distribution station, President Zelensky and Aliyev discussed energy cooperation. While maintaining a policy of not supplying lethal aid, Azerbaijan has previously offered substantial humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
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According to sources cited by Caliber.Az, Azerbaijan may consider lifting its ban on supplying weapons to Ukraine due to recent Russian attacks targeting Azerbaijani-linked energy infrastructure in Ukraine. These attacks include strikes on a SOCAR oil depot and a gas distribution station, with recent attacks prompting discussion between Presidents Zelensky and Aliyev. Previously, Azerbaijan had refrained from supplying arms to Ukraine but had provided humanitarian aid, however the situation appears to be evolving. The potential policy shift follows a history of close energy and trade ties between the two countries, suggesting a significant change in Azerbaijan’s stance on the conflict.
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European leaders are urging Donald Trump to include Ukraine in a planned summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Concerns have been raised, particularly from Germany, about any potential deals that exclude Ukraine and its interests. While the US is aiming for a summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy, European officials have emphasized the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement and a potential ceasefire. Several leaders across Europe have stated that decisions regarding Ukraine’s future must include Ukraine, and any negotiations should consider its sovereignty and security.
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President Zelensky has stated that Russia intends to deceive the United States during upcoming peace negotiations, vowing that Ukraine will prevent this. The statement came before an August 15th meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Alaska, where a Russian peace proposal involving territorial concessions from Ukraine is expected to be discussed. Zelensky emphasized ongoing communication with U.S. partners to secure peace and highlighted Russia’s lack of genuine interest in peace, citing recent attacks as evidence of its destructive goals. Allies have made it clear that any decisions regarding Ukraine must include its participation, and there is a possibility of trilateral talks with Zelensky, Trump, and Putin after the initial meeting.
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Unverified reports suggest that drones targeted the city of Ukhta in Russia’s Komi Republic on August 10th, marking the first such incident in the region and impacting the Ukhta oil refinery. Local sources reported explosions, leading to disruptions in electricity and mobile internet, as well as the temporary evacuation of a shopping center. Though unconfirmed by officials, video footage appears to show drones over the city prior to the blasts. This marks a significant expansion of the conflict, as the Komi Republic is located over 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
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John Q. Hosedrinker