North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a ceremony to welcome back soldiers returning from Ukraine, where they fought alongside Russian forces. The 15,000 North Korean troops sent to Russia since last autumn have supplied military equipment and artillery in support of the invasion. Kim has agreed to send thousands of construction workers and deminers to Kursk, potentially in exchange for economic aid and advanced technologies. This move has raised concerns among South Korean officials that it could enhance the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear program. Kim's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin deepened their ties, with Putin praising North Korean troops' bravery during a phone call ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska.
South Korea's top five conglomerates, led by Samsung Electronics' Lee Jae-yong, SKT's Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group's Euisun Chung, LG Group's Koo Kwang-mo, and Hanwha's Kim Dong-kwan, will attend the Korea-US summit. The delegation aims to strengthen economic cooperation in manufacturing sectors like semiconductors and shipbuilding, as well as bolster partnerships in advanced technologies and critical minerals.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin, China. The upcoming military parade on September 3 aims to showcase China's rising military might with "never-before-seen" weaponry, including hypersonic precision-strike missiles and drone-interception gear. Beijing seeks to assert its historical narrative by commemorating its victory over Japan, framing it as a story of resistance and victory to legitimize its leadership claims and contrast itself with the US. The parade is also seen as a signal that China is deepening regional involvement to counterbalance the US in trade, geopolitical authority, and governance model.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership during a telephone call. They discussed efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts, including the Israel-Gaza conflict. The conversation came after US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. India has purchased oil from Russia, saving billions of dollars but also funding Moscow's military operations in Ukraine. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently met with Russian counterparts Sergei Lavrov and Putin in Moscow to discuss expanding bilateral trade.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's commitment to its strategic partnership with China, highlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a key driver of socio-economic transformation. During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Sharif emphasized regional connectivity and Islamabad's dedication to CPEC's successful implementation. The two leaders discussed further talks during an upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing, where Sharif will attend ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia. Pakistan and China have pledged their support for Gwadar Port. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China by the end of this month, where he will attend the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit and meet Chinese President and Premier on the sidelines. Dar commended China's firm support to Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang discussed security counter-terrorism with Pakistani officials in Islamabad, highlighting China's support for Pakistan's development and economic resilience. He emphasized upgrading the CPEC, aiming to create a
Pakistan and Bangladesh are exploring a new diplomatic chapter, potentially reducing India's influence in the region. According to Azeem Khalid, a New York-based international relations expert, this shift could create a cooperative axis between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Pakistan is calling on the international community to join forces in combating terrorism through strengthened partnerships, dialogue, and cooperation. The country remembers its victims of terrorism and urges support for those affected and their families, aiming for a peaceful and secure world.
Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up control of the eastern Donbas region, renounce NATO ambitions, remain neutral, and keep Western troops out of the country. In a proposed peace deal, Russia would halt front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson if Ukraine withdraws from parts of Donbas it still controls. Putin also wants Ukraine to give up its Nato ambitions and for a pledge that the alliance will not expand further eastwards.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to use a 2022 protocol as the basis for any security guarantees, which would allow Russia and its allies to veto Western military aid to Ukraine, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to future threats. The proposed protocol treats Russia as a neutral guarantor state alongside UN Security Council members, but Putin is unwilling to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky within the timeframe suggested by US President Donald Trump.