Trump signals major decision on Russia-Ukraine war
President Donald Trump said Friday he will make a “very important decision” within two weeks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking at the Oval Office, he indicated his options include imposing heavy sanctions or tariffs on Russia, or telling Ukraine that “it’s not Washington’s war” if no progress is made toward peace, Firstpost reported.
Trump said the decision depends on developments in the coming days as he pushes for a three-way meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “It takes two to tango,” he remarked, stressing that if talks don’t happen, he will move ahead with alternative measures.
South Korean President meets Japanese Prime Minister in Tokyo
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Saturday, his first full summit since taking office. The visit, ahead of Lee’s upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump, highlighted efforts to strengthen ties between Seoul and Tokyo, according to Firstpost.
The two leaders discussed closer exchanges, including easier visas and working holiday programs, while addressing shared concerns over North Korea and China. Marking 60 years of normalized relations, both signaled a more conciliatory approach: Lee urged future-focused ties while acknowledging unresolved historical issues, and Ishiba expressed remorse over Japan’s wartime past.
The meeting was largely symbolic but seen as an important step in rebuilding trust and reinforcing trilateral cooperation with the US, Firstpost reported.
Russia seeks UN meeting on Nord Stream explosions
Russia has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting on August 26 to discuss the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, following the arrest of Ukrainian national Serhii K. in Italy, Xinhua reported.
Germany accuses him of coordinating the sabotage, but he denies involvement and refuses extradition. The blasts severely damaged three Nord Stream lines, including the unused Nord Stream 2.
Russia has called the attack an act of international terrorism and alleged US involvement, while criticizing Germany’s investigation as “protracted and non-transparent.”
Extreme heat poses growing risk to workers, WHO warns
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report warns that rising heat waves are threatening millions of workers worldwide, affecting health and productivity. “It is not just discomfort. It is a real health risk,” WHO’s director of environment, climate and health Rudiger Krech told the BBC, citing dangers such as heatstroke, kidney failure, and dehydration.
The report shows productivity drops 2 percent for every degree above 20°C, while workplace accidents rise during extreme heat. Construction and agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, prompting some European countries to pause work during peak temperatures.
Schools also need adaptation. Krech told the BBC that even uniforms should be reconsidered to help children cope with heat. He stressed that investing in adaptation now could prevent greater losses in health and productivity later.
