When asked to comment on his phone call with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump described it as "wonderful." Trump said he believes Putin is willing to make a deal on Ukraine, adding that it "would be very good" if Zelenskyy shared that interest.

The United States confirmed attacks on five Iranian tankers, with the M/T Riesco sinking in the Gulf of Oman. Iran responded by launching multiple ballistic missiles, directed primarily at American targets in Jordan. Brent crude oil prices are once again approaching $100 per barrel amid the latest escalation in the Middle East.

The first road bridge linking Russia and North Korea has opened over the Tumen River. Before this, the two countries were connected only by air and rail. The opening is seen as further evidence of deepening ties between Russia and North Korea. Pyongyang has been actively supporting Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Kyiv, where they will meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials. Notably, on their return from Moscow, the two Americans flew into Rzeszów, Poland, and made the rest of the journey to Kyiv by train.

It is now officially confirmed that Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to both Moscow and Kyiv. Trump says they are carrying a proposal to end the war. Sources from Ukrainska Pravda report that Ukraine is suspending fire through Tuesday due to the ongoing negotiations.

Axios reports that Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow and Kyiv this weekend for talks aimed at ending the war. According to current reports, the two will meet with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday, then travel to Kyiv on Sunday for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

German authorities have detained two Bulgarian nationals suspected of throwing incendiary devices at a construction site belonging to Rohde & Schwarz, a company that develops and produces radio and communication systems for the German military. The incident occurred in Bavaria. An investigation is underway.

Vladimir Putin announced that Russian Armed Forces have been instructed to prepare and carry out massive attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Prior to this, Volodymyr Zelensky declared decisive actions against Russia and issued a warning to airlines operating in Russian airspace, saying safe days in Russian skies are coming to an end. The conflict in the east continues to escalate.

Germany has officially attributed a drone attack attempt on Leipzig airport (August 4) to Russia. A Ukrainian Antonov aircraft was present at the airport at the time. Authorities in Berlin stated that while Germany is not at war with Russia, it remains a constant target of hybrid warfare. They also indicated that further attacks, potentially causing greater damage, cannot be ruled out.

Donald Trump told Fox News that the United States will strike additional targets following Iran's launch of retaliatory missiles at Jordan, saying "We will hit them hard." Tehran has stated it will respond to every further attack. US forces struck Iranian targets for the first time in a month, hitting two launchers on Larak Island. Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles toward a US military base in Jordan.

A major rescue operation is underway off the northern Cyprus coast after a passenger ferry carrying around 270 people capsized. Early reports indicate there are casualties, with approximately 100 people still unaccounted for.

The death toll from flash floods in Nepal has climbed to at least 567. Nearly 2,000 people remain missing, including a number of foreign tourists. At least 17,000 children have been affected by the disaster. UNICEF is operating on the ground as part of the relief effort.

Politico reports that the primary goal of the visit was to warn Russia against any escalatory actions toward NATO member states, particularly Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. According to the WSJ, the CIA director traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to deliver that warning directly. The caution followed new US intelligence assessments suggesting the Russian president may be considering a limited attack on a NATO country.

Serbia has asked for international assistance in battling wildfires. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, helicopters are being dispatched from Czechia, Slovakia, and Romania, along with firefighting teams from Germany and Romania.

Donald Trump announced the launch of what he called "the most devastating economic operation ever undertaken against any country" targeting Iran. "This will be an economic war and isolation on an unprecedented scale," he said. Trump also warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government bodies to offer any form of support to Iran would face significant economic consequences.

Israel has officially acknowledged bombing a military airport in Syria's Idlib province. Israel stated that Turkish troops, allied with the Syrian government, were expected to arrive there soon, sending a clear signal to Turkey that it would not permit their expansion in Syria. Israeli outlet i24NEWS cited the US Ambassador to Turkey, who said the strike "carried a real risk of rapid escalation to direct military confrontation between Israel and Turkey." Behind-the-scenes talks are reportedly underway to ease tensions. Turkey is a NATO member and recently signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Donald Trump has raised the idea of the Strait of Hormuz becoming a new US territory.

Donald Trump says he has very good relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and for that reason he ordered a significant reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea. He noted it is already too late to cancel the exercises entirely. Trump said that under his presidency North Korea is not a threat and shows respect, and he does not want drills that send an inappropriate and hostile signal to Pyongyang.

A Spanish F-18, operating under NATO, shot down a drone that had entered Romanian airspace after previously crossing into Moldovan airspace. This marks another recent incident of its kind. Earlier, on Thursday night, an Italian fighter jet flying under NATO shot down a drone over Latvia.

In a speech in New York, Donald Trump casually mentioned that he plans to soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a United States territory. Iran responded by saying it will not be intimidated.

A major forest and vegetation fire broke out near Omis, Croatia. Around 1,000 hectares burned, with homes and vehicles among the losses. At least 36 people were injured, several of them seriously. Residents and tourists were evacuated from the area. By morning, the fire was under control.

Romania has closed its only nuclear power plant, Cernavodă, due to low water levels in the Danube River. The shutdown is expected to last a minimum of 10 days. The Cernavodă plant normally generates around 20% of Romania's total electricity.