US President Donald Trump's policies are causing significant damage to the global economy, according to Ambrose Evans-Pritchard. The "economic phoney war" of the past six months has ended, and its effects are being felt worldwide. Trump's actions have led to a decline in investor confidence, causing stock markets to fluctuate and interest rates to rise. This is particularly concerning for countries heavily reliant on international trade, such as Australia, which imports many goods from the US.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has received diplomatic backing from Europe and NATO ahead of a Russia-US summit, where he fears pressure to surrender land as part of a potential deal. The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has warned that any settlement must involve Ukraine's democratically elected leadership and its people, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the focus on Ukrainian territories under Russian control, prioritizing sovereignty and security guarantees. Russia seeks to weaken US-Europe-Ukraine cohesion to hinder Western support for Ukraine, with no intention of compromising on strategic goals such as preventing Ukraine's NATO membership or demilitarizing the country.
Austria Backs US Diplomatic Efforts on Ukraine Conflict
8.11.25
Austria supports US efforts to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine through diplomacy, emphasizing Ukraine's direct participation in decision-making processes. Austrian Foreign Ministry officials stated their backing for the US high-level diplomatic efforts, while also stressing that no decisions regarding Ukraine should be made without its involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes Putin seeks to exchange a pause in the war for legitimization of Russia's occupation of part of Ukraine's territory.
The German business community has committed to providing Ukraine with material assistance, know-how, and investments as a long-term commitment to future EU membership. Chairperson Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser emphasized the need for a legally secure environment for private sector investments and reconstruction. The 8th German-Ukrainian Business Forum is scheduled for December 15, 2025, in Berlin. Trade with Russia has been significantly impacted by the war of aggression, with bilateral trade decreasing by 13% in the first half of 2025. Germany's imports from Russia dropped by 37% to EUR 667 million, while exports decreased by 6% to EUR 3.5 billion, mainly due to exemptions for medicines and humanitarian goods.
Iran held talks with European powers last month, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating discussions will continue, but no new dates have been set. European governments warned that if progress is not made by the end of August, they will re-impose UN sanctions against Iran, which Tehran claims would "end" Europe's role in the nuclear dossier. Talks were initially scheduled for June 15, but were cancelled due to the war between Iran and the US.
Israeli Strike Kills Al Jazeera Journalists in Gaza
8.11.25
Condemnations poured in from the UN, EU and media rights groups after an Israeli strike killed Al Jazeera news team members Anas al-Sharif, a prominent correspondent aged 28, and four of his colleagues in Gaza City on Sunday. The strike targeted a tent set up for journalists outside Al-Shifa Hospital, where dozens of Gazans mourned the victims, including men wearing blue flak jackets carrying their bodies through narrow alleys to their graves. Israel accused Sharif of being a Hamas militant, but Al Jazeera described him as "one of Gaza's bravest journalists". The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the killing, while media freedom groups called it an "attempt to silence" and a "grave breach of international humanitarian law".
Netanyahu's Gaza Move Sparks Global Recognition Push
8.11.25
Australia, France, the UK, and Canada will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in New York next month, following growing international support for Palestinian statehood. The move comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to reoccupy Gaza, which has provided momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Rutte Sees Ukraine Talks Focusing on Occupied Territories
8.11.25
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that future peace talks on the war in Ukraine will likely focus on Ukrainian territories under Russian control, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and security guarantees. He drew a parallel with the West's position during the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states, suggesting a possible agreement could recognize Russia's de facto control without legal recognition. US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss a potential diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Singapore Promotes Mediation Across Southeast Asia Region
8.11.25
The Singapore government is working with law firms and societies across South-east Asia to promote mediation as an effective legal tool, aiming for collaboration and knowledge sharing to raise awareness of mediation in the region.