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U.S., Indian fuel exporters profiting from supply uncertainty during wars

U.S., Indian fuel exporters profiting from supply uncertainty during wars

By Mohi Narayan and Shariq Khan NEW DELHI/NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Oil refiners in India and the U.S. are reaping a bonanza as wars in Iran and Ukraine have disrupted global fuel supplies, driven up prices, and left importers scrambling for barrels at the height of summer driving season in the
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Ghana Accuses Russia of Illegally Recruiting Citizens for Ukraine War, Raising International Concerns

Ghana Accuses Russia of Illegally Recruiting Citizens for Ukraine War, Raising International Concerns

Ghana has formally accused Russia of illegally recruiting its citizens to serve in the Russian Armed Forces and participate in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow to address these allegations. Lavrov confirmed that Ghanaian citizens had signed contracts with Russia's Ministry of Defense, attributing their motivations to 'solidarity with a country that had also helped them fight racism' and financial incentives. According to Ukrainian intelligence data from February 27, over 1,780 Africans from 36 countries are reportedly fighting for Russia, including 272 Ghanaians. The promised salaries for these recruits ranged from $30,000 to $40,000 per year. This recruitment drive has resulted in significant casualties, with 62 Ghanaian nationals killed and 15 still missing while fighting for Russia.
Reuters Reuters
UK inflation picks up after July surge in household energy bills

UK inflation picks up after July surge in household energy bills

By Andy Bruce and David Milliken LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - A jump in household energy bills pushed British inflation to a four-month high in July, matching forecasts, and it looks set to rise further as the war in Iran grinds on with no end in sight.
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South Korea president stresses US alliance as many baffled by Trump order to cut exercises

South Korea president stresses US alliance as many baffled by Trump order to cut exercises

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says a solid alliance with the United States strengthens foundation of national security
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Russian Economist Andrei Klepach Dismissed After Warning Against Prolonged Ukraine War

Russian Economist Andrei Klepach Dismissed After Warning Against Prolonged Ukraine War

Andrei Klepach, the former chief economist of Russia's state-controlled development bank VEB and a former deputy economy minister, was reportedly dismissed after presenting a report that warned Russia could not win a prolonged war of attrition with Ukraine. Klepach's assessment, delivered in a speech to fellow economists on May 21, predicted a major social crisis and stated, 'In this war of attrition, we will not win the competition. We're under the illusion that everything will collapse. It hasn't, and it won't. Our costs are mounting.' This dismissal comes as Russian government officials maintain that the country's economy is strong and healthy despite 'unprecedented foreign pressure' following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The exiled independent Russian outlet The Bell first reported the news, citing unnamed sources, though CNBC could not independently verify the report.
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Russian Envoy Defends Hamas Ties, Citing Role in Hostage Release Efforts

Russian Envoy Defends Hamas Ties, Citing Role in Hostage Release Efforts

Russian Ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, has publicly defended Russia's continued engagement with Hamas, despite criticism from Israel. Viktorov stated that these contacts are crucial for humanitarian efforts, particularly in securing the release of hostages. He clarified that Russia does not view Hamas as an organization it created or supports, but rather as a product of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to Viktorov, severing ties with Hamas would hinder Russia's ability to address humanitarian issues. He highlighted that a significant portion of Russia's interactions with Hamas representatives since October 2023 has focused on facilitating the release of Israeli hostages, including Russian citizens. The ambassador emphasized that while Russia does not align with Israel's stance on Hamas's status, this does not prevent Moscow from maintaining communication with various Palestinian factions. He also reiterated Russia's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state coexisting peacefu...
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Democrats Rebuke President Trump Over Reduced Military Drills with South Korea

Democrats Rebuke President Trump Over Reduced Military Drills with South Korea

President Trump is facing significant criticism from Democratic lawmakers following his decision to 'substantially reduce' joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The President announced this move on Sunday, citing his 'very good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Democratic Senator Andy Kim stated that decisions about joint exercises should be made jointly, not unilaterally via social media, emphasizing the strategic partnership with South Korea as a 'linchpin for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.' Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal labeled the decision 'dangerous' for regional stability, while Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called it 'inane,' suggesting it signals that 'America’s commitments are negotiable.' Republican Senator Thom Tillis also criticized the move, arguing it allows North Korea to increase support for Russia in Ukraine.
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Russia Expands Drone Bases, Raising Concerns for NATO Security

Russia Expands Drone Bases, Raising Concerns for NATO Security

Russia has reportedly constructed and expanded at least 10 new drone bases, incorporating 59 new launch rails, according to an investigation by The Telegraph using satellite imagery and leaked documents. These bases are designed to launch a large number of jet-powered drones, intended to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and target military and civilian infrastructure. Situated along Russia's borders with Ukraine and Belarus, these advanced drones are also capable of reaching NATO allies. DroneSec CEO Mike Monnik stated that Russian forces have significantly expanded their drone network, increasing the threat to NATO. The report indicates that some of these new drone hubs were previously military bases and civilian airports, highlighting the growing importance of drone warfare for Russia. NATO has acknowledged monitoring Russian military activity, including its long-range strike and drone capabilities, and asserts its readiness to deter aggression.
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Ukraine energy company says its facilities seriously damaged after 13 Russian strikes in a week

Ukraine energy company says its facilities seriously damaged after 13 Russian strikes in a week

Ukraine’s state energy company says Russia has attacked its facilities 13 times over the past week, with nearly 300 attacks this year
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A warehouse burns near Moscow. In Ukraine, drone crews prepare to strike again

A warehouse burns near Moscow. In Ukraine, drone crews prepare to strike again

Ukrainian drones have targeted a major logistics center outside Moscow, setting it ablaze
Variety Variety
Hollywood Failed Hayden Panettiere

Hollywood Failed Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere, the former child actress who grew up onscreen before our very eyes, passed away Sunday at the age of 36. She died five days before her 37th birthday. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father Alan said in a statement. “She was an […]
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President Trump's Strait of Hormuz Comments Spark International Concern Amidst Iran Operations and Sanctions

President Trump's Strait of Hormuz Comments Spark International Concern Amidst Iran Operations and Sanctions

President Trump recently made statements suggesting his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory following the conclusion of ongoing U.S. and Israeli combat operations against Iran, which began in February. President Trump was quoted saying, "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated — pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States." Although the White House later indicated these comments were made in jest, the statement has drawn significant attention due to its potential implications for international law and U.S. foreign policy. These remarks come as the U.S. government continues to exert pressure on adversaries, with the recently renamed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 providing additional tools to increase pressure on Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. The act aims to impact Russia's wartime economy and its sources of foreign income, restoring Congress's role in this policy area.