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On Syrian territory, Netanyahu: Golan Heights are and will remain Israel's

11 August 2026 at 19:58


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the Golan Heights belong to Israel and that the Israeli flag will continue to fly in this territory.

"The Israeli flag flies here and will continue to fly, because this is our land. Today it is ours, it has returned to be ours, and it will always be ours," he said.

The Golan Heights are a strategic territory in southwestern Syria, bordering Israel.

Israel took control of most of the Golan during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981, a move that is not recognized by most of the international community.

The territory is of great strategic importance due to its high position above the Galilee and parts of Syria, as well as for its water resources and agricultural lands. The heights extend over about 1,800 square kilometers, while the part under Israeli control is about 1,200 square kilometers.

According to Israel, control of the Golan is essential for the country's security. Syria, meanwhile, considers the territory occupied and demands its return.

In 2019, the United States, under President Donald Trump, recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. However, the United Nations and most states continue to consider the territory occupied by Syria.

Netanyahu's statement comes at a sensitive period for relations between Israel and Syria, making the Golan issue one of the main security and territorial topics in the region. /Telegraph

A new ocean anomaly strengthens alongside the super El Niño - what awaits Europe?

11 August 2026 at 18:50


While the Super El Niño phenomenon is rapidly strengthening in the Pacific Ocean, another important oceanic phenomenon has emerged in tropical areas.

It is about the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a phenomenon that causes large differences in sea surface temperatures between the eastern and western parts of the Indian Ocean.

According to seasonal forecasts, the combined influence of the positive Indian Ocean Dipole and Super El Niños may continue throughout the fall and early winter, affecting atmospheric patterns and climate conditions in several regions of the world.

This combination could affect the movement of air currents over the northern hemisphere and affect weather conditions during the winter of 2026/2027, writes Severe Weather Europe.

What is the Indian Ocean Dipole?

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate phenomenon that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the eastern and western parts of the Indian Ocean begin to differ significantly. It is because of this contrast between the two areas of different temperatures that the phenomenon is called a "dipole."

During the positive phase of the IOD, the western Indian Ocean warms more, while the eastern part cools. Air rises over the warmer waters, while air sinks over the colder areas, affecting wind direction, precipitation distribution, and the movement of large atmospheric systems.

For this reason, the IOD is not considered a purely regional phenomenon. Changes that occur over the Indian Ocean can be linked to broader atmospheric processes in the Pacific Ocean and subsequently affect weather patterns in distant parts of the globe.

According to the latest data, the positive phase of the IOD has just begun to develop, appearing at the same time as the Super El Niño is strengthening, which could create an important combination for climate developments over the coming months.

The eastern part of the observed area is cooling, while the western part is warming, causing the temperature difference between these two regions to increase even more during the fall.

Forecasts indicate that this is not expected to be a short-term phenomenon. The positive phase of the IOD could continue throughout the fall and weaken only at the beginning of winter, affecting atmospheric patterns and the distribution of precipitation in different regions of the world.

Super El Niño is rapidly strengthening

At the same time, a powerful Super El Niño is developing in the Pacific Ocean, which is appearing with unusual intensity.

The latest analyses show that sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean are 4 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than the usual average for this period.

But the greatest amount of heat is stored beneath the ocean's surface. At depths of up to 500 meters, a zone has been discovered with temperatures reaching more than 8 degrees Celsius above average, indicating extraordinary reserves of thermal energy that could influence climate developments in the coming months.

This large mass of warm water is gradually moving towards the eastern part of the tropical Pacific, where it is rising towards the surface and further strengthening the El Niño phenomenon.

Seasonal climate models predict that this episode could easily exceed the threshold used to define a Super El Niño. If these predictions are confirmed, this phenomenon could rank among the strongest El Niño events ever recorded, with the potential to influence global weather patterns over the coming months.

How do two oceans together affect the weather?

Large changes in sea temperatures directly affect the distribution of heat and energy in the atmosphere. For this reason, phenomena like El Niño are often described as “significant winter drivers,” as they can influence atmospheric patterns on a global scale.

Super El Niño and positive IOD are associated with changes in tropical wind circulation, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall distribution. When the two phenomena occur simultaneously, their impact can be even stronger, affecting the jet stream – a powerful band of air in the atmosphere that guides the movement of storms and weather systems over long distances.

The powerful ascent of warm air over the Pacific Ocean and the western Indian Ocean, along with the descent of dry air over the Indonesian region, create a broad atmospheric pattern that can extend over large parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) itself usually has a more limited impact on the atmosphere. However, when it interacts with a Super El Niño, it can form a much more powerful chain of high and low pressure areas that can spread over great distances and affect global atmospheric circulation.

When this atmospheric wave spreads towards North America, the strengthened storm tracks favor the formation of low-pressure areas over the North Atlantic.

These changes could then help strengthen the circulation of air currents from the west towards Europe, affecting the way weather systems move towards the European continent.

Not much snow

Stronger air currents from the west towards Europe would also bring more moisture from the Atlantic. For this reason, some regions of the continent could record above-average precipitation during the cold season.

However, the amount of snow will depend largely on the position and movement of specific low-pressure areas. For precipitation to turn into snow even in low-lying areas, a collision between moist air coming from the Atlantic and fairly cold air masses descending from northern or eastern Europe will be needed.

Overall, seasonal forecasts do not indicate particularly favorable conditions for heavy snowfall across most of Europe. The highest chances of snow are expected in the north and northeast of the continent, as well as in high-altitude mountainous areas, where temperatures are lower.

However, it should be noted that seasonal forecasts only present the general weather trend over several months and not the conditions for each day. This means that even if the winter turns out to be milder than average, strong episodes of cold air, snowstorms or short periods of extreme winter weather cannot be ruled out. /Telegraph/

Video of Trump's secret operation in Ankara released - see how he was transferred in a transport truck to another plane

11 August 2026 at 17:55


American media have published information that US President Donald Trump secretly left Turkey on a military flight, and now a video of this unusual security operation has emerged.

It all happened while the Turkish leader was in the Turkish capital, where he was attending a NATO summit with world leaders.

Trump arrived in Turkey on a new Boeing 747-8, which Qatar had gifted to the US. It was Trump's first international flight on the plane as president. However, during his departure, in front of television cameras, he boarded the old Air Force One, saying he wanted to fly on it "for old times' sake."

Just minutes later, Trump was secretly transferred to a smaller C-32A aircraft, a modified Boeing 757.


The operation was carried out using a food truck at the airport. The truck's container was lifted by a hydraulic system to the plane's door, on the side that was hidden from the media.

The old Air Force One then took off as a decoy plane, with reporters and some White House staff believing the 80-year-old was on the flight.

They were even told to keep the plane's window curtains closed during the flight, an unusual security measure.

Both planes eventually landed in the UK, just a few minutes apart.

Trump's true location was hidden from reporters and some White House staff. According to a US official, the reason for activating this deceptive operation was a credible threat to Trump, which was related to Iran. /Telegraph/

Hungary elects former Supreme Court chief as president

11 August 2026 at 17:18


The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday elected Andras Baká, the former president of the Supreme Court, as the country's new president.

This is a symbolic step in Prime Minister Peter Magyar's attempt to dismantle the power bases established by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Baka was elected to the largely ceremonial post with the votes of the ruling center-right TISZA party. MPs from the opposition Fidesz did not participate in the vote.

The previous president of Hungary was Tamas Sulyok. He took office on March 5, 2024, after the resignation of Katalin Novak, and remained in office until July 20 of this year, Reuters writes.

Sulyok was a lawyer and judge, as well as president of the Constitutional Court of Hungary, before becoming head of state. He was considered politically close to the Orbán system, so his departure is presented by the new government of Peter Magyar as one of the changes that mark a break from the previous era.

The new president, Baka, is the former president of the Supreme Court of Hungary and was dismissed from this position in 2011 by decision of the Orban government.

Later, he won a case against Hungary at the European Court of Human Rights regarding the premature termination of his mandate.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Baka served for 17 years as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights, from 1991 to 2008. Before that, he had also been a member of the Hungarian Parliament. /Telegraph/

Jared Kushner sharply criticizes Netanyahu on Gaza

11 August 2026 at 16:39


Israeli media reports indicate that Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump and member of the Executive Board for Gaza, has reacted sharply to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his handling of the Gaza plan, as disagreements over this initiative deepen.

According to Channel 14 television, which cites sources familiar with the talks, Kushner and Netanyahu have held several tense discussions in recent days about how to proceed with the plan.

Kushner opposed Netanyahu's stance on several steps outlined in the Gaza roadmap. He argued that the initiative was designed precisely based on the Israeli prime minister's desire to find an alternative to both continued Israeli control of Gaza and Hamas rule.

"You are sabotaging the very idea you asked for," Kushner reportedly told Netanyahu, accusing him of obstructing the initiative at the very moment it was moving toward implementation, the media wrote.

Netanyahu rejected the criticism, insisting that any new agreement on governing Gaza should only be made after Hamas is disarmed and the enclave is fully demilitarized.

He also opposed provisions that would place Gaza under Palestinian law, arguing that such a step would mean the creation of a Palestinian state, Israeli television reported.

Reports of these talks come at a time when disagreements have increased over the implementation of the US-backed Gaza roadmap.

On Sunday, Netanyahu rejected a 15-point document drafted by the Board of Peace, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza before Hamas is fully disarmed.

Channel 14 reported that tensions with Kushner, along with pressure within Netanyahu's own government, contributed to the Israeli prime minister's decision to reject the document. /Telegraph

For the first time in history, the Ukrainian company produces all drone components itself

11 August 2026 at 16:39


Ukrainian company F-Drones has announced that it has become the first in the country to fully localize the production of key drone components within the company.

According to it, it now produces almost all the components needed for UAVs itself, including engines, frames, flight controllers, electronic speed controllers, communication systems, video transmitters, and ground and drone-mounted antennas.

The company announced that it had previously become the first Ukrainian manufacturer to export ready-made combat drones to the United States.

F-Drones claims to have so far delivered 2,000 F10 FPV attack drones to the Pentagon, as part of the Drone Dominance project, media reports.

The F10 model has also been included in the Blue UAS list, which lists drones approved for procurement by the US government and its defense agencies.

The company says its next goal is for its entire product line to meet the requirements of the NDAA, the US National Defense Authorization Act, as well as to further expand its activity in the US defense market. /Telegraph/

New scientific discovery paves the way for treating some forms of cancer

8 August 2026 at 15:20


A new method developed by scientists could pave the way for the creation of new treatments against several serious diseases, including certain forms of cancer that have so far been difficult to treat.

At the center of the study are so-called "molecular adhesives" - molecules that can bind certain proteins to the cell's natural system responsible for eliminating unnecessary or damaged proteins.

In a study published in the journal Science , researchers managed to use this mechanism to destroy the protein KAT2A, which plays a role in the development of several types of cancer. In laboratory tests, the method inhibited the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells.

The effects were also observed in experiments with mice, where the researchers used tumors created from cells taken from patients. The results showed that eliminating the targeted protein could affect the survival and spread of cancer cells.

The significance of the discovery goes beyond a single type of cancer. Scientists believe this technology could make it possible to target proteins that have so far been beyond the reach of traditional drugs.

However, the researchers emphasize that this is still an experimental phase. The molecule has not been tested in humans and further studies on safety, side effects and dosing, as well as clinical trials, will be needed before it can be used as a therapy.

Despite these limitations, the discovery is considered an important step in the development of a new class of drugs, which can use the cells' natural mechanisms to eliminate disease-causing proteins. /Telegraph

Zelensky in Belgrade: Ukraine has not changed its position on Kosovo

8 August 2026 at 14:45


The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has stated that Ukraine's position on Kosovo and the non-recognition of its independence remains unchanged.

Responding to the question of whether Serbia can still count on Ukraine's stance on non-recognition of Kosovo's declared independence, he said that Ukraine respects the territorial integrity of its partners and international law.

"Therefore, our position regarding what you mentioned – the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo – remains unchanged," the Ukrainian leader declared.

He stressed that Ukraine is grateful to partners who respect its territorial integrity and sovereignty, including the position that Crimea belongs to Ukraine.

"We are also grateful to our partners who respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including, of course, the fact that Crimea belongs to Ukraine," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president also referred to Serbia's position on the issue of Ukraine's territorial integrity, emphasizing that Belgrade has not changed its position either.

"Serbia's position on this issue also remains unchanged," the Ukrainian president concluded. /Telegraph/

Pentagon fires general who coordinated military aid to Ukraine

8 August 2026 at 14:44


The Pentagon has removed from duty a senior US general, Charles Costanza, who had a key role in coordinating US military aid to Ukraine.

Costanza was also responsible for US military operations in Europe, holding a key position in the US military command structure and managing US military activities on the continent.

The decision to remove him from office was made before the end of his term. At the time of his dismissal, Costanza still had about two months left in his position.

So far, US authorities have not announced the official reason for this decision. ABC News , which reported on the general's departure, did not provide details on the motives that led to his dismissal.

Costanza's departure comes at a time when the US military's top leadership is undergoing a major shake-up. The changes include some of the most senior positions in the US defense structure.

Costanza's role was particularly important because of his involvement in coordinating US military support for Ukraine, which during the war with Russia has been one of the top priorities of Washington's defense policy.

The United States has been among Ukraine's main military backers since the beginning of the Russian invasion. American aid has included air defense systems, ammunition, armored vehicles, long-range weapons and other military equipment.

For this reason, the departure of one of the senior officials involved in coordinating US operations in Europe and aid to Ukraine is expected to attract attention, especially at a time when the US administration is reviewing its defense and foreign policy priorities.

However, without an official explanation from the Pentagon, it is not clear whether Costanza's dismissal is directly related to US policy towards Ukraine or to the broader reorganization of military leadership.

Changes at the top levels of the US military are expected to continue as Washington reshapes its strategies for military operations in Europe and for US involvement in international conflicts and crises. /Telegraph/

Some interesting data from the German newspaper "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" on the visit of the Ukrainian president to Serbia

8 August 2026 at 13:48


According to diplomatic sources, there is a lobby in Kiev that in principle opposes Zelensky's visit to the pro-Russian Balkan state.

A visit by Zelensky to Serbia was expected to take place in mid-May, but Kiev postponed it at the last minute. The visit was rescheduled and scheduled for the first week of August, when on July 15 Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić attended the fifth Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in Kiev.

Although there is no official confirmation, the German newspaper emphasizes that it is likely that Ukraine and Serbia will have cooperation not only in the economic field, but also in the field of defense, including the possibility of joint production of drones. Such cooperation could be realized through a tripartite agreement: Serbia as a country of production, Ukraine as a leading country in the use of drones, and the United Arab Emirates as a financier.

The visit is also politically sensitive because, according to polls, the population's sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin in no other European country is more pronounced than in Serbia. Serbia is one of the few European countries that has not imposed sanctions against Russia. According to data, Ukrainians have long been interested in the production of weapons and ammunition in Serbia.

An important role in the connection between Kiev and Belgrade was played by American diplomat Chris Hill. "At the beginning of my term in Belgrade, the Ukrainian ambassador came to me with a list of military equipment that Ukraine urgently needed on the battlefield. My embassy team verified whether the Serbs had the capabilities to meet these requirements - and they did," Hill recalls in a telephone conversation with the German newspaper and explains the next steps: "The United States began to support the purchase of significant quantities of Serbian ammunition, which we knew was urgently needed in Ukraine."

Serbia still insists today that it has never sold a single cartridge to Ukraine, which is formally true. The shipments went to intermediaries, for example in Poland or the Czech Republic. From there they were sent to Ukraine without Serbia's involvement.

Hill describes the meeting between Vučić and Zelensky in Athens in August 2023 as a key moment, where the two presidents agreed to closer cooperation and then put it into practice. According to Hill, it was also about Serbia being “on the right side of history,” “even though it has been criticized for not joining sanctions against Russia.”

Anyone who follows the international activities of the Ukrainian arms industry inevitably comes across the name of Oleksandr Kamyshin, former director of Ukrainian Railways and later Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine. From 2024 he will have a new role: as Zelensky's advisor on strategic issues, he must connect the Ukrainian defense industry with European partners.

In Serbia, too, Kamishin has played a behind-the-scenes role as a mediator and coordinator. He is said to have visited the Balkan country several times in recent years and, together with his team, to have examined potential locations for a joint drone production. According to informed sources, the production of artillery ammunition has also been a topic of discussion.

"Both the Serbian and Ukrainian economies have an interest in such an agreement," confirms Marko Čadež, president of the Serbian Chamber of Foreign Trade, who has done much, both publicly and behind the scenes, for economic rapprochement between the two countries.

Chadez sees great growth potential for both countries, especially in the information technology sector. "The resilience of the Ukrainian IT industry is impressive. Even in wartime conditions, it managed to maintain its export capacity and during the war reach a record value of $7.3 billion in exports.

"It has maintained Ukraine's reputation as one of the leading European countries for IT services." The Serbian IT sector, meanwhile, is one of the fastest growing in Europe. There are opportunities for joint growth here, emphasizes the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." /Telegrafi/

Poland becomes EU's sixth-largest economy, aims to overtake Switzerland

8 August 2026 at 13:19


Poland has significantly strengthened its economic position in Europe, becoming the sixth largest economy in the European Union. Rapid economic growth has led the country to climb the rankings and leave behind several well-known European economies.

Poland's Gross Domestic Product is now approaching the 1 trillion euro mark, as the country's economy continues to expand at a rapid pace.

In the new ranking of EU economies, Poland has surpassed Belgium, Sweden, Ireland and Austria, positioning itself in sixth place.

The five largest economies in the European Union remain unchanged. Germany is at the top, followed by France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, the media report.

Poland's economic growth has been supported by investment, industrial expansion, increased domestic consumption, and the country's further integration into the European economy.

Recent forecasts suggest that this trend could continue in the coming years. According to projections, Poland could surpass Switzerland in nominal GDP by 2028.

If this prediction comes true, Poland will also enter the top 20 largest economies in the world, marking another important step in the country's economic transformation.

Poland's rise is gradually changing the economic balance in Europe. From an economy that for decades was significantly smaller than the continent's major powers, Poland is now approaching the group of the most powerful European economies.

Its economic development is expected to be important not only for Poland, but also for the European Union, as the country is becoming one of the main industrial, commercial and investment centers of Central and Eastern Europe. /Telegraph/

Trump's former personal lawyer confirmed as US Attorney General

8 August 2026 at 13:19


The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as US Attorney General early Saturday by a vote of 50 to 49, following a contentious and uncertain process in Washington.

Blanche, a former personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, previously led the Justice Department in an acting capacity. With the Senate confirmation, he receives a full mandate to continue implementing the administration's agenda.

The vote showed the deep divisions in the Senate, as all Democratic senators voted against Blanche, as well as two Republican senators – Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

His candidacy faced opposition even within the Republican Party due to a settlement related to Trump's lawsuit against the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), media reports.

Under pressure from senators, Blanche promised in writing that she would withdraw from the proposed $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies, including people who participated in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

He also vowed to limit the part of the deal that would shield Trump and his family members from tax audits.

"This is not a referendum on President Trump. This is a decision for Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances," said Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, whose support was crucial.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin warned that confirming Blanche would be "a serious mistake."

"If there was ever a moment in history when we need an untainted attorney general who is clearly committed to ending corruption, even at the highest levels of our government, that moment is right now," Durbin said.

Blanche had previously served as a federal prosecutor in New York, and became known to the general public as one of Trump's main lawyers in his criminal cases.

Democrats accuse him of putting loyalty to Trump over the independence of the Justice Department. His supporters, however, argue that precisely because of his experience and relationship with the president, Blanche could be more effective in setting limits on the White House's demands. /Telegraph/

Two major Russian oil refineries on fire, one hit at least three times

8 August 2026 at 11:56


Two major oil refineries in Russia have been engulfed in flames following attacks, while images from the affected regions show thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.

The oil refinery in Syzran, in the Samara region, has been engulfed in flames after a series of strikes. According to reports, the facility was hit at least three times during the day by Ukrainian drones.

Black smoke billowing from the refinery has been seen from a great distance, including from the area along the Volga River. The Syzran refinery has previously been the target of Ukrainian drone attacks.

Meanwhile, another refinery, Ilsky, in the Krasnodar region, was also engulfed in fire after an overnight attack. Full details of the damage to both facilities have not yet been released.

Attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have intensified, as Ukraine aims to strike Russia's fuel processing and supply capacities.

Previous reports have also raised concerns about fuel shortages in parts of Russia. According to reports, damage to refining capacity is creating difficulties in supplying the domestic market.

Instead of increasing its refined oil exports, Russia is facing the need to secure fuel and other energy products from neighboring countries. Among the countries being sought for supplies is Belarus, a close ally of Moscow.

Attacks on refineries have become part of a Ukrainian strategy to hit Russian energy infrastructure and limit Moscow's ability to supply its forces and the domestic market with fuel. /Telegraph/

Israel faces record exodus of professionals and high-income citizens

8 August 2026 at 11:25


Israel is facing a record wave of departures of highly educated and well-paid citizens, with the number of emigrations almost doubling over the past five years. The largest increase was recorded during 2023 and 2024.

According to data from the Planning and Economics Department of the Israel Tax Administration, professionals in the technology and healthcare sectors are disproportionately represented among those leaving the country, further deepening the problem of the departure of qualified labor.

The analysis shows that until 2019, citizens leaving Israel paid an average of about 500 million shekels ($166 million) a year in income tax before emigration. In the past two years, this amount has increased to about 1.2 billion shekels ($398.4 million) a year, media reports.

At the same time, the average income of immigrants, which was previously close to the national average, is now about 50 percent higher. The average annual income of citizens leaving the country has increased from 125,000 shekels ($41,500) in the period 2015-2019, to about 200,000 shekels in 2024.

"Based on all indicators related to Israelis who have recently left the country, it is clear that the pace of emigration has increased significantly among the most powerful and wealthiest segments of society, while among citizens with lower incomes the rate of departures has remained almost unchanged," said the study's authors, Ariel Greizaz and Nili Ben-Tovim.

They warn that if this trend continues, Israel could lose about 3.5 billion shekels ($1.16 billion) in tax revenue each year over the next five years. This poses a serious challenge to the budget, as the richest 20 percent of citizens provide up to 92 percent of total income tax revenue, writes timesofisrael .

Of particular concern is the fact that more and more workers in their 40s and 50s, the most productive part of the workforce, are leaving the country. With the technology sector accounting for a fifth of Israel's Gross Domestic Product and more than half of its total exports, experts warn that the exodus of skilled professionals directly threatens the foundations of the national economy.

A parallel study by Tel Aviv University shows that around 50,000 Israeli citizens have left the country each year for three consecutive years, until 2025. Prolonged military conflicts and political instability are cited as the main reasons.

Economist Dan Ben-David has warned that the continued drain of key human capital could create a vicious cycle from which the country will find it difficult to recover. /Telegraph/

Typhoon with winds of up to 216 km/h hits Japan, China closes seaports

8 August 2026 at 11:07


Typhoon Delfin has battered the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, injuring six people and leaving more than 50,000 properties without power. Meanwhile, China has closed ports and suspended ferry services in anticipation of the storm's arrival on its east coast.

In Okinawa, five elderly people were injured, three of whom fell due to strong winds. Another person was injured in Kagoshima Prefecture. Authorities said the injuries were not life-threatening.

About 39,000 properties in Kagoshima were left without power, while more than 12,000 were affected in Okinawa. Japanese airlines ANA and Japan Airlines canceled flights to and from Okinawa.

The typhoon has brought winds of up to 162 km/h, while wind gusts have reached 216 km/h. Okinawa and Amami Island are expected to be the hardest hit areas in Japan.

In China, the typhoon is expected to make landfall between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Authorities have given the storm an orange alert, the second highest level, and raised the emergency response level due to the risk of flooding and landslides.

According to the China National Meteorological Center, the typhoon is expected to hit between Zhoushan city in Zhejiang province and Fuding city in Fujian province. Near the center of the storm, winds could reach speeds of 38 to 45 meters per second.

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit eastern China until August 12, including Shanghai and surrounding provinces. Some areas in Zhejiang are expected to receive more than 600 millimeters of rain.

Zhejiang province has raised its coastal typhoon warning to its highest level, suspended port operations and cut 162 ferry services. Fujian has also suspended some ferry services.

Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Zhejiang has announced the suspension of operations and flight cancellations, while Yangshan Port in Shanghai has been emptied of ships. Several railway lines in the Yangtze River Delta are also expected to be suspended.

Taiwan has also been hit by the typhoon, with 78 international flights cancelled. Authorities are expecting heavy rain in northern parts of the island over the weekend.

Meanwhile, China has ordered ships passing through the Taiwan Strait to comply with its guidelines for controlling maritime traffic. Taipei has opposed the move, saying Beijing has no right to restrict traffic in international waters. /Telegraph/

Russia attacked Kiev all night - three dead, including a child

8 August 2026 at 09:48


Three people, including a child, have been killed in overnight Russian strikes on Kiev and the surrounding region. The attacks were carried out with drones and ballistic missiles.

The head of the Kiev city administration, Timur Tkachenko, confirmed that three people were killed in the attacks in the Brovary district. Three more people were injured, including a child. The attacks damaged a residential building, vehicles and auxiliary facilities.

Tkachenko also said that a non-residential building was engulfed in fire, while emergency teams remain on the scene. "Russia continues to terrorize the civilian population," he declared.

The latest attack on Brovary, east of Kiev, came as the area was still recovering from a massive Russian attack that killed eight people on a railway platform. It was one of the heaviest attacks on Brovary since the start of the war.

Meanwhile, several fires broke out in Kiev itself. The State Emergency Service reported fires in two garages and a business building in the Holosiivskyi district. Another fire was extinguished on the territory of an enterprise in the Obolonskyi district.

The Ukrainian Air Force began warning residents of waves of drones approaching Kiev shortly after midnight. The first explosions in the city were heard at around 00:45 local time. Less than 15 minutes later, more explosions followed. At around 3:00 am, ballistic missile attacks on the capital were reported.

The Air Force also warned that Russian drones and guided aerial bombs were also aimed at other parts of Ukraine, while explosions were also reported in Dnipro. The attacks continued and the full extent of the damage and the final death toll are still unknown.

Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities have intensified during 2026. Russia is increasingly using ballistic missiles against Kiev and other cities, hitting residential buildings, energy facilities, and civilian infrastructure.

According to data from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, in July Ukraine managed to intercept only 29 of the 195 ballistic missiles launched by Russia. In the massive attack on the night of August 5, 17 people were killed and about 30 others were injured. /Telegraph/

US Senate approves Russia sanctions bill

8 August 2026 at 08:53


The Republican-led US Senate has approved a bipartisan bill to impose sanctions on Russia, an initiative led by South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham before his sudden death last month at the age of 71.

The bill, approved on Friday by 86 votes to 11, aims to hit the Russian economy and end the war that began in 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has since caused thousands of civilian casualties, writes npr .

The plan calls for sanctions on senior Russian officials and tougher measures against countries that buy Russian oil and natural gas. The bill gives US President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs on these importing countries, up to 100 percent for major buyers of Russian energy, such as China and India. In addition, the bill extends sanctions on Iran.

Shortly before his death, Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and announced that he had reached an agreement with the White House to support the bill. After his death, Graham's colleagues in the Senate said they would name the legislation in his honor.

The bill still needs to be approved by the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the president for signature. Trump has signaled his support for the bill, as has House Speaker Mike Johnson.

However, the Louisiana Republican won't have many votes to lose, as some House Democrats have expressed opposition to the bill. They are particularly concerned that the initiative gives Trump new powers to impose tariffs. /Telegraph

US general against expanding war with Iran

8 August 2026 at 08:53


The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, General Dan Caine, has stated in private conversations in recent weeks that the United States should distance itself from war with Iran, CNN reports, citing well-informed sources.

According to reports, General Caine has expressed serious concern about the current strategy, believing that the military options being considered could have the opposite effect.

According to him, it is unlikely that the US administration will achieve its objectives by relying solely on air strikes.

American media reporting indicates that Caine is not alone in this stance and that he is not the only administration official who believes that the US is currently at a critical juncture regarding the war.

Due to concerns about the further development of the situation, the general has already discussed the possibility of withdrawing or changing the approach with senior officials and key advisors to the US president.

According to CNN, he held these conversations with US Vice President JD Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

These data suggest that serious debates are taking place within the highest levels of the US administration and a review is being made of how policy and military operations towards Iran should be continued, so that the United States is not drawn into an even deeper conflict without a clear exit strategy. /Telegraph

Ukrainian naval drones strike Yalta port in Crimea

7 August 2026 at 14:40


Ukrainian naval drones have attacked the port area of the city of Yalta, in Russian-occupied Crimea, according to media reports and monitoring sources.

The attack was carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles at sea, which Ukraine has used during the war to strike Russian military and infrastructure targets in the Black Sea.

There is no official information yet on the damage caused or possible casualties. Russian authorities did not immediately provide details about the incident.

Yalta, a popular tourist destination on the southern coast of Crimea, is located in territory annexed by Russia in 2014, but Ukraine and most of the international community consider it part of Ukrainian territory.

Naval drone attacks have become one of Ukraine's main tactics to strike Russian targets in the Black Sea, including naval bases and logistical infrastructure.

Otherwise, Russia began its invasion of the Ukrainian state on February 24, 2022. /Telegraph/

Colombian cartels seek drone warfare expertise from Ukraine

7 August 2026 at 12:46


Drug cartels and rebel groups in Colombia are trying to gain advanced knowledge about using drones in warfare, while authorities warn that experience gained by some fighters in Ukraine could change the way armed groups in the country operate.

According to security officials, several Colombian nationals who participated in the fighting in Ukraine are suspected of returning home with new knowledge on the military use of drones, including aerial surveillance tactics, drone strikes and the use of cheap technologies for combat operations.

Colombian authorities worry that these capabilities could be passed on to criminal organizations and illegal armed groups, making them more capable of striking security forces, monitoring army movements, and evading operations against them.

The widespread use of drones in the war in Ukraine has shown that these devices can be used as powerful military tools at relatively low cost. Experts say the technology has lowered the barriers for non-state groups seeking capabilities similar to those of regular armies.

For decades, the Colombian military has relied on air superiority and specialized reconnaissance to support its operations against rebels and drug cartels. Officials warn that the spread of drone warfare could challenge that advantage.

Colombia has long faced armed groups, including organizations linked to drug trafficking and rebel structures that have continued to operate even after the peace agreement with the FARC in 2016.

Security experts estimate that the spread of drone technology poses one of the new challenges for security forces around the world, as equipment that was once mainly available to advanced armies can now be adapted by small armed groups. /Telegraph/

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