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Armenian church leader to go on trial in widening confrontation with government

Armenian church leader to go on trial in widening confrontation with government

By Lucy Papachristou Aug 6 (Reuters) - The head of the Apostolic Church in Armenia, widely regarded as the world's first Christian nation, and six other senior clerics will go on trial on Friday in the latest escalation of a bitter struggle with the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Russia Faces August Uncertainty Amid Ongoing Geopolitical Tensions

Russia Faces August Uncertainty Amid Ongoing Geopolitical Tensions

As August 2026 begins, Russia is experiencing a period of uncertainty, with ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. Historically, August has been a significant month for Russia, often marked by major events. This year, the conflict with Ukraine continues to dominate, with no significant changes expected in the near term. The Russian economy is experiencing near-zero growth, and the ongoing drone and missile exchanges with Ukraine have become routine. However, there is a growing sense in Moscow that change may be imminent, driven by shifts in public sentiment and international pressure.

Russia bans Human Rights Foundation chaired by Yulia Navalnaya as 'undesirable'

Russia bans Human Rights Foundation chaired by Yulia Navalnaya as 'undesirable'

LONDON, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Russia has designated the New York-based Human Rights Foundation, chaired by Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, as an "undesirable organisation".

Ukrainian attacks on Wildberries strike at heart of Russia Inc

Ukrainian attacks on Wildberries strike at heart of Russia Inc

MOSCOW, Aug 7 (Reuters) - In the space of three weeks, Vasily Klimov's online shopping pick-up point in Moscow has gone from a healthy small business to a loss-making operation he is now desperately trying to sell.

Russian Drone Wreckage Found in Moldova Raises Security Concerns

Russian Drone Wreckage Found in Moldova Raises Security Concerns

Wreckage from a Russian Geran-2 attack drone was discovered near the village of Văleni in southern Moldova, close to the Ukrainian border. Moldovan police reported the finding, which adds to a series of Russian drone incidents extending beyond Ukraine's borders. Specialists identified the drone as a Geran-2, Russia's version of the Iranian-designed Shahed long-range attack drone. The debris will undergo forensic examination to determine how it ended up on Moldovan territory. This incident follows previous discoveries of suspected Russian drones in Moldova, including one found near Tudora in March. No casualties or damage were reported in connection with the latest discovery.

Explainer-What we know about North Korean forces joining Russia's war against Ukraine

Explainer-What we know about North Korean forces joining Russia's war against Ukraine

SEOUL, Aug 6 (Reuters) - North Korea has deployed troops, weapons and now, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official, a missile unit to support Russia's war against Ukraine, marking Pyongyang's most significant involvement in a war since the 1950s.

Oil prices steady as investors cautious over Iran-Oman talks

Oil prices steady as investors cautious over Iran-Oman talks

By Anushree Mukherjee Aug 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday amid market caution over whether talks between Iran and Oman will restore flows through the Strait of Hormuz, while reports of attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden renewed supply tensions.

Oil jumps $3 as Iran reviews bill to ban US, Israeli vessels from Hormuz

Oil jumps $3 as Iran reviews bill to ban US, Israeli vessels from Hormuz

By Georgina McCartney HOUSTON, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose by more than $3 a barrel on Thursday on news that an Iranian parliament committee is reviewing a bill that would ban U.S. and Israeli vessels from the Strait of Hormuz and fine violators up to a fifth of the value of their cargo.

European Investment Bank Expands Defence Financing Amid Geopolitical Tensions

European Investment Bank Expands Defence Financing Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is on track to allocate approximately 4.5 billion euros, or five percent of its financing, to security and defence projects within the European Union this year. This marks a significant increase in the EIB's support for the sector, driven by the geopolitical situation following Russia's war against Ukraine. The EIB's financing now includes military infrastructure, services, and technology, although it excludes weapons and ammunition. EIB President Nadia Calviño highlighted the bank's readiness to further finance Europe's security and defence capabilities in the coming years.

European Shift to Wind and Solar Power Reduces Fossil Fuel Imports

European Shift to Wind and Solar Power Reduces Fossil Fuel Imports

European countries have significantly reduced their fossil fuel imports by rapidly increasing their wind and solar power capacity. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union accelerated its renewable energy plans, resulting in wind and solar power comprising 30% of electricity supply by 2025, up from 19% in 2021. This shift has led to a dramatic decrease in coal and gas power, with gas generation falling by 15% and coal by 38%. The transition has avoided €72 billion in fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025, with the largest savings seen in Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Putin names head of new Russian drone forces in military reshuffle

Putin names head of new Russian drone forces in military reshuffle

MOSCOW, Aug 5 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday named Denis Lyamin to head Russia's Unmanned Systems Forces, a newly established branch of the military that will be responsible for drone warfare.

Italian Navy Conducts Boarding of Russian-Linked Tanker in Mediterranean

Italian Navy Conducts Boarding of Russian-Linked Tanker in Mediterranean

The Italian Navy's flagship, ITS Thaon di Revel, conducted a boarding operation on the oil tanker Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean Sea. The operation, part of the European Union's EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission, aimed to verify the tanker's nationality and compliance with EU sanctions. The tanker, associated with Russia's 'shadow fleet,' was intercepted west of the Italian island of Pantelleria. Initially, the tanker's captain did not cooperate, prompting the deployment of an Italian military inspection team via helicopter. The operation, supported by Greek and Polish military assets, lasted approximately two hours and concluded without incident. The tanker's declared flag was Cameroon, and the collected information is under review.