Russia weaponizes anti-terror laws to jail online speech

Russian courts convicted at least 1,234 people under anti-terrorism legislation in the first half of 2026, marking a sharp escalation in judicial prosecutions compared to the same period last year.

Suspected missile strike ignites fire at Samara defense hub

Emergency alerts sounded across Russia’s Samara Region overnight on August 15 following a reported missile threat. Shortly after, eyewitnesses shared photos and videos showing explosions and thick plumes of smoke rising over an industrial zone.

Wildfires threaten homes and heritage across Europe

Europe is once again engulfed in devastating wildfires, driven by extreme temperatures and prolonged drought across the continent. Emergency crews in Croatia, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, France, and the United Kingdom are fighting round the clock to protect communities.

Warsaw nears deal to exchange aging MiG-29 fighters for drones

Poland plans to send Soviet-built MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine within the coming weeks. In exchange, Warsaw will receive a batch of long-range attack drones and the manufacturing technology required to produce them, according to sources cited by Wirtualna Polska.

Severe EU drought forces early use of winter feed

A severe drought sweeping across Europe has forced livestock farmers to tap into winter feed reserves months ahead of schedule, as dried-up pastures and damaged crops severely curtail animal feed supplies.

Trump imposes tariffs up to 100% on imported drone technology

US President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation on Thursday imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and key components, targeting an industry currently dominated by China.

Berlin denounces political exploitation of communist GDR nostalgia

German officials have issued a sharp warning against growing attempts by political extremists to downplay the atrocities of the former East German communist regime.

Kyiv drones degrade air defense at Putin’s Gelendzhik estate

Ukrainian drone forces targeted Russian air defense and electronic warfare assets near Gelendzhik, stripping protective cover from a high-security Black Sea estate linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Colombia declares emergency as earthquake death toll reaches 164

The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia has risen to 164, with authorities warning the number of victims could increase sharply.

Massive Russian missile and bomb attacks kill 9 in Ukraine

A combined Russian barrage of missiles, drone strikes, and guided aerial bombs killed at least nine people and injured dozens more across Ukraine overnight on August 11.

Eastern NATO allies hardening assets against Russian hybrid risks

NATO’s northern and eastern members are fortifying power grids, gas pipelines, and hydro dams against potential Russian false-flag sabotage. Intelligence assessments indicate Moscow may stage attacks using Ukrainian-manufactured drones to test Western resolve.

State of emergency declared as lethal wildfires sweep two continents

Uncontained wildfires are raging across Southern Europe and Western Canada, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and tourists. At least one person has died in Canada, where a provincial state of emergency has been declared as blazes sweep across both continents.