World ✳
Ukrainian drones set fire to Russia's Perm oil refinery again
Ukrainian drones struck the Permnefteorgsintez oil refinery in the Russian city of Perm overnight, the second attack on the same plant in three weeks.
Archive 2026
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Daily recap — Aug 21, 2026: US, allies and China split on Iran sanctions as Russia hits NATO's edges and Ukraine
The US is asking allies and China to join tougher sanctions on Iran, but China has refused, and shipping through the Hormuz Strait, a key oil route, has dropped sharply.
World ✳
Russian drone hits Ukrainian mall twice, killing at least 14
Russian drones struck a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than 130, including 23 children.
Analysis ✳
Romania shoots down drone near Black Sea gas platform, blames Russia
Romania's air force shot down a sea drone linked to Russia as it approached an offshore gas platform, and the president blamed Moscow.
Sweden Starts Sending Migrants Back to Italy Under EU Rule, Rome Pushes Back
Sweden is joining Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Finland in sending migrants back to Italy, the country where they first entered the European Union, using an EU rule called the Dublin Regulation.
World ✳
UK Drafts Ban on Trade with Israeli Settlements After West Bank Building Plan Advances
Israel has opened bidding for more than 1,200 homes for Israeli settlers in a West Bank area called E1.
USA ✳
US Hits Iran With Tough New Sanctions; China Refuses to Help Enforce Them
The United States has announced new penalties, called sanctions, meant to cut off money and trade with Iran, calling the move an 'economic D-Day.' Iran's government called the sanctions 'economic terrorism.' Washington also asked China, which buys most of Iran's oil, to help enforce the sanctions, but China publicly refused, saying they won't solve the underlying conflict.
World ✳
Romania shoots down four Russian drones as airspace incursions surge in 2026
Romania belongs to NATO, the military alliance of the US and most of Europe.
World ✳
China builds up navy east of Taiwan as a cable break raises blockade concerns
An undersea internet cable near Taiwan was damaged, and a separate study found China has been testing a bigger navy presence on the Pacific side of the island, the route allies would use to send help in a crisis.
World ✳
US Asks Allies and China to Help Isolate Iran's Economy
The United States has asked allied countries and China to join a campaign of economic sanctions against Iran, part of President Trump's effort to raise pressure on Tehran during a stalled war.
World ✳
Canada and US near trade deal as provinces put American liquor back on shelves
Canada's trade minister Dominic LeBlanc says the country is close to a new trade agreement with the United States.
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Daily recap — Aug 20, 2026: Russian strike kills 12 in Kyiv; Trump threatens sanctions on Iran's trade partners
A Russian missile and drone attack hit Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, overnight, killing at least 12 people and wounding 33 in one of the deadliest strikes on the city this year.