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Russia and Ukraine exchanged 103 prisoners of war each on August 19, 2026, in a swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the return of servicemen from several branches, while Russian officials reported that freed soldiers were in Belarus for medical care. Another exchange is expected before the end of the month.
Israel's housing ministry issued a tender for 1,234 housing units in the contested E1 area east of Jerusalem, drawing condemnation from European countries and Palestinian authorities. The plan, part of a larger 3,400-unit project, would link settlements between East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, potentially dividing the West Bank. Bids close just before Israel's elections, raising concerns about the move's political timing.
Imran Khan's sister visited him in jail after nine months following a Supreme Court order for weekly family meetings. The court also directed his transfer to a private hospital for medical care, but authorities took him to a state-run facility, prompting PTI to file a contempt petition.
The US and Canada have reached a tentative trade deal, prompting President Trump to pause planned 50% tariffs on Canadian goods for three days. Negotiators are finalising details, with both leaders expressing optimism despite unresolved issues.
Trade negotiations between the US and Canada collapsed at the last minute, triggering 50% US tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs, matching the US measures 'dollar for dollar', set to take effect on September 8.
Six people deported by the U.S. to Liberia refused to get off the plane and were instead flown to Equatorial Guinea, where they are held in a hotel without medical staff and face deteriorating conditions, according to a fellow deportee and a lawyer.
The United Arab Emirates has halted all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran indefinitely, accusing Iranian forces of firing two ballistic missiles at its territory. Iran denied the allegation, calling it a 'false flag operation' by the US and Israel, as tensions continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and keep energy prices elevated.
Queen Camilla has spoken publicly for the first time about the challenge of keeping King Charles's cancer diagnosis secret before the official announcement. In a video marking Maggie's 30th anniversary, she described longing to discuss his condition during a visit to a cancer center. The king's openness has been credited with encouraging more men to seek testing.
U.S. President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on Canadian goods took effect Saturday after negotiations collapsed, prompting Canada to promise 'dollar for dollar' retaliation. The escalating trade war casts a shadow over a major investment summit in Toronto next month, where leaders will pitch Canada to global investors amid uncertainty.
Fresh US tariffs on Canadian goods took effect at midnight Saturday after last-minute talks broke down. Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended negotiations and vowed to match the tariffs 'dollar-for-dollar,' while Washington blamed Canada for the collapse.
Turkey has denied Israeli allegations that it planned to deploy troops at a Syrian air base struck this week, an action that a U.S. envoy said brought the sides close to direct confrontation. Israeli officials said the strike enforced a security status quo, while Syria condemned the attack as aggression against its sovereignty. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack said Israel did not warn Washington beforehand.
The United States has criticized Israeli airstrikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase as an 'unnecessary escalation,' while Israel defends the strikes citing alleged Turkish deployment plans. Syria and Turkey deny the claims, and tensions between the regional rivals continue to rise.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed calls for a wartime presidential election, saying it would split the country. The remarks, his first since former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov proposed a vote, also addressed a Starlink dispute with the Trump administration and Ukraine's missile shortages.
A gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic, near the Cameroon border has killed dozens, with officials reporting at least 49 deaths while local sources estimate over 100. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and an investigation has been opened into the cause.
President Donald Trump has instructed aides to arrange a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this autumn, possibly during the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November, according to The Wall Street Journal. South Korean and U.S. diplomats held talks reaffirming close coordination on the North's nuclear issue, though neither side's readout mentioned denuclearization, amid concerns about Trump's approach.
US President Donald Trump said no talks with Iran are taking place or scheduled, while Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until US conditions are met. Meanwhile, Iranian officials signal openness to regional diplomacy and economic hardship at home.
The world's oceans reached a new daily surface temperature record of 21.1°C on August 22, according to Copernicus data, with scientists attributing the unusual late-year peak to human-driven warming compounded by a strengthening El Niño. Europe's seas, including the Mediterranean, have also experienced extreme warmth, with researchers warning of severe impacts on marine life and coastal communities.
France announced it will expel two Iranian diplomats in the coming days following a July incident involving French embassy staff in Tehran. The move comes amid a diplomatic row, with Iran barring the two French employees from returning and accusing them of violating the Vienna Convention.
The United States is working to establish a deconfliction mechanism between Israel, Turkey, and Syria following an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase. US envoy Tom Barrack warned the attack could have escalated into a direct military confrontation, while Turkey condemned the strike and denied any military presence at the base.
The Israeli military said it struck a meeting of Hamas commanders and elite operatives near Gaza City's port, with reports of six killed. Separate strikes on a Gaza City police post and Nuseirat refugee camp raised Wednesday's toll to at least 10, while Hamas condemned the attacks and accused Israel of undermining ceasefire efforts.