Latest Politics News — Main events today

Massive attack from six directions: how Ukraine's air defense repelled Russia's night strike on August 19

Politics 08/19/2026, 09:55

On the night of August 19, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine from six directions. Air defense shot down 56 targets, but hits were recorded in 10 locations, energy facilities were damaged, and people were injured in Zaporizhzhia.

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AFU Counteroffensive: How Ukrainian Forces Thwarted Russia's Plans in Sumy Oblast and Regained the Initiative

Politics 08/19/2026, 09:50

Ukrainian forces thwarted the RF offensive in Sumy Oblast by conducting successful counterattacks. ISW confirms the loss of initiative by Russian forces on several fronts.

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From Temporary to Permanent: Government Approves Plan for IDP Integration and Housing Registry Launch

Politics 08/19/2026, 09:15

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a program providing for the launch of a housing registry for IDPs in 2027. The document also includes plans for the integration of displaced persons and budget equalization reform.

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Ministry of Education simplifies logbook management: teachers in grades 5-9 no longer need to specify learning outcome groups for every grade

Politics 08/19/2026, 08:55

The MES has simplified logbook management for teachers in grades 5-9: they no longer need to specify learning outcome groups for every grade. The changes aim to reduce the bureaucratic burden, but the competency-based approach is preserved.

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Lithuania Reduces Transit Time for Russians: From 24 to 6 Hours

Politics 08/19/2026, 08:24

Lithuania is considering reducing transit time for Russian citizens from 24 to 6 hours. The President's advisor supported the Seimas deputy's idea, calling it a measure against violations of stay rules.

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ICC calls US sanctions a blow to the rule of law: The Hague has no intention of backing down

Politics 08/19/2026, 08:05

The ICC called new US sanctions against its staff a blow to the rule of law. The Court stated that it has no intention of backing down from its powers despite pressure from Washington and threats of liquidation.

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The 'Autonomous Zone' Plan: How NATO Plans to Stop Russia in the Event of a War in 2026

Politics 08/19/2026, 08:00

Bild has revealed details of NATO's new concept in the event of a war with the RF: creating an 'autonomous zone' of drones, strikes on Kaliningrad and Russian logistics. The strategy is calculated to deter through the openness of plans.

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Trump and Kim Jong Un: Autumn Summit in Shenzhen and New Risks in Nuclear Diplomacy

Politics 08/19/2026, 07:54

Donald Trump is considering a meeting with Kim Jong Un in November in Shenzhen. Experts assess the chances of success skeptically, pointing to the growth of North Korea's nuclear arsenal and the change in the geopolitical balance.

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Wassim al-Assad Sentenced to Death in Damascus: Trial Details and Context

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:54

On August 18, 2026, Wassim al-Assad, the cousin of the former President of Syria, was sentenced to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court also found him not guilty of drug trafficking due to lack of evidence.

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Japan gains access to Australian test ranges for hypersonic missile trials

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:46

The Defence Ministers of Australia and Japan confirmed an agreement granting Tokyo access to Australian test ranges for hypersonic missile and long-range system trials as part of strengthening strategic partnership.

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Putin and Min Aung Hlaing in the Kremlin: Strategic rapprochement between Russia and Myanmar in 2026

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:36

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in the Kremlin on August 18, 2026. The meeting became an important stage in the development of bilateral relations, which, according to the leaders, have become more trusting and active on the international arena.

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Germany Opens Drone Defense Center After Leipzig Terror Attack: Response to Hybrid Threat

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:27

Germany has opened a drone defense research center in Kochstedt following an incident involving explosives at Leipzig Airport. Minister Dobrindt called this a step against the hybrid threat.

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Deadlock in the Sky: Why Turkey is not receiving F-35s and what will happen to Russian S-400s

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:16

The deal to sell F-35 fighters to Turkey is blocked due to Russian S-400s. Senator Rick Scott confirmed that without dismantling the air defense system, the transfer of aircraft is impossible, despite Trump's promises.

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Bundeswehr Awakens: German Army Strength Reaches 13-Year Record

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:11

The strength of the Bundeswehr has reached 186,700 — a 13-year record. Growth is driven by a new recruitment system and plans to open five military bases by 2035.

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Sharp Break: UAE Imposes Trade Moratorium on Iran Following Missile Incident

Politics 08/19/2026, 04:07

On August 19, 2026, the UAE suspended all trade and financial operations with Iran following the detection of ballistic missiles. Tehran rejects the accusations, calling them unfounded.

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Trump threatens to bomb Oman: US demands control over the Strait of Hormuz

Politics 08/19/2026, 03:59

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman for the second time in four months due to an agreement with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Washington fears losing control over the strategic waterway.

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Diplomatic Crisis: Iran Expels French Diplomats, Paris Responds in Kind

Politics 08/19/2026, 03:45

Iran declared two French diplomats persona non grata, accusing them of espionage. Paris responded in kind, announcing the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats.

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Canada reinforces seizure: court rejects Volga-Dnepr lawsuit over An-124 in Toronto

Politics 08/19/2026, 03:40

The Federal Court of Canada rejected Volga-Dnepr's lawsuit to lift sanctions. The giant An-124 will remain under arrest in Toronto, and the parking debt has exceeded one million dollars.

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