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.
Mara Whitlock
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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 ✳
Trump administration trims South Korea drills, stirring doubts on US security promises
The Trump administration has cut back joint military exercises with South Korea, a training program that has underpinned their alliance for decades, and experts say South Korea sees it as a sign, not just a scheduling change.
World ✳
US Treasury Sanctions ICC President Tomoko Akane in Sharpest Strike Yet on the Court
The US Treasury has sanctioned International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and a senior court lawyer, the deepest blow yet in an American campaign against the court, which the administration has vowed to dismantle "brick by brick."
Analysis ✳
Germany, Italy, Australia, India and Iran All Say They're Under Hybrid Attack
This week, officials in Germany, Italy, Australia, India and Iran each said their country was already under attack, calling it 'hybrid war' rather than war — a mix of drone incursions, cut undersea cables and cyberattacks that stops short of open warfare.
World ✳
Ukraine Launches One of War's Biggest Drone Attacks, Hits Russia's Satellite Relay Sites
Ukraine sent 600 to 800 drones into Russia overnight in one of the war's biggest such attacks, killing at least six people, Russian officials said.
World ✳
NATO Jet Shoots Down Russian Drone Over Romania During Record Attacks
A NATO fighter jet shot down a Russian drone after it crossed into Romanian airspace, marking a direct military engagement on NATO territory.
Analysis ✳
Military Buildup Is Now Limited by Factories, Not Money or Plans
Four defense stories this week point to the same problem: governments have money and plans, but not enough factory capacity to build weapons fast enough.
World ✳
Taiwan Says AI-Powered Hacking Campaign Hit Its Government Systems
Taiwan says a hacking campaign linked to a foreign government hit its computer systems last month, and that the attackers used artificial intelligence tools to carry it out.
Trump says he approved switching planes after Iran threat at NATO summit
President Donald Trump confirmed he personally approved a Secret Service request to switch the aircraft he was flying during this month's NATO summit in Turkey, after a threat linked to Iran targeted Air Force One, the plane presidents normally use.
World ✳
Colombia earthquake kills at least 180 people, rescuers dig for survivors
An earthquake in Colombia has killed at least 180 people, and rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings for survivors still trapped in the rubble.
Analysis ✳
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Sign Defense Pact, Part of Wider Trend Away From US
On August 7, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a pact in Mecca promising to defend each other if attacked, similar to NATO's rule that an attack on one member is an attack on all.