Global News Highlights: Ukraine, Wildfires, and Economic Shifts

A 113-year-old church in Kiruna, Sweden is being relocated 5km to a new city centre due to ground subsidence caused by over a century of iron ore mining. The church, a landmark red timber structure built in 1912, is being moved in its entirety on giant rolling platforms at a maximum speed of 500m per hour. The relocation is part of a larger effort to move buildings in Kiruna to safer ground, with the iron ore mine's operator, LKAB, covering the estimated 10bn Swedish krona ($1bn; £737m) relocation bill. The move is not just an engineering feat but also an emotional moment for local residents, who have fond memories of the church as a spiritual centre and gathering place.

Wildfires continue to rage across Spain and Portugal, resulting in the deaths of two more firefighters, bringing the total death toll to four. Spain has deployed 1,900 troops to battle the blazes, with 27,000 residents evacuated from their homes. The fires have burned hundreds of thousands of hectares of land, with the situation exacerbated by a heatwave and climate change. Portugal has also been severely affected, with wildfires burning since late July. Both countries have activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, receiving assistance from other countries, including fire-fighting planes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Several European leaders also attended the meeting. Despite optimistic words from Trump, there were no concrete commitments to security guarantees or steps towards a peace deal. Key takeaways from the talks include the possibility of a Putin-Zelensky meeting, disagreement over the need for a ceasefire, Trump's hints at security guarantees for Ukraine, and Zelensky's charm offensive towards his American hosts.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India and met with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, calling for the two countries to be partners rather than adversaries. The visit marks a thaw in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbors after a breakdown in relations following deadly clashes in the Galwan valley in 2020. The two ministers discussed bilateral issues including trade, pilgrimages, and river data sharing, and Wang Yi is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss the boundary dispute. The rapprochement comes as India's relationship with the US is strained, with the US imposing tariffs on Indian imports and accusing India of 'cozying up' to Russia and China.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House, meeting with US President Donald Trump, and managed to leave without any major confrontations. The meeting was seen as an improvement from their previous encounter in February. The two leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and a potential meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky remained optimistic about the outcome, describing the meeting as 'warm', and suggested that a deal on security guarantees could be reached within 10 days. The visit helped Ukraine 'buy more time' and maintained the status quo, with no major catastrophes or announcements.

The Cambridge Dictionary has added 6,212 new words to its lexicon over the last 12 months, driven by social media and celebrity culture. New entries include 'skibidi', 'delulu', 'tradwife', and 'broligarchy'. The dictionary's lexical program manager, Colin McIntosh, notes that internet culture is changing the English language and that the dictionary only adds words with staying power. The new words reflect trends and concepts popularized by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as well as those linked to public figures and technological advancements. Examples of the new words include 'skibidi', a term originating from an animated YouTube series, and 'broligarchy', describing a group of powerful men in tech. The additions demonstrate the evolving nature of language in the digital age.

Iraqi officials have begun excavating a suspected mass grave left behind by ISIS in al-Khafsa, south of Mosul. The site is believed to contain thousands of bodies, including Iraqi army and police personnel, Yazidis, and Shiite victims. The excavation is being carried out by local authorities, the judiciary, forensic investigations, Iraq's Martyrs' Foundation, and the directorate of mass graves. The operation is initially limited to gathering visible human remains and surface evidence while preparing for a full exhumation that will require international support. The site is considered complicated due to hazards such as sulfur water and unexploded ordnance.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House to discuss a peace agreement to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The meeting comes after a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where a ceasefire was not achieved. The US is now seeking a broader peace agreement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that both sides will need to make concessions. Russian attacks on Ukraine continued ahead of the meeting, with Ukrainian authorities reporting civilian casualties.

Asian markets mostly fell on Tuesday as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting later in the week. SoftBank Group's shares dropped after announcing a $2 billion investment in Intel. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell slightly after a record high on Monday, while China's CSI 300 was flat. The U.S. equity futures were little changed ahead of a week filled with retail earnings and Fed officials' speeches. Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite ended near the flatline. The mixed performance in Asia was also influenced by talks between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders aimed at resolving the Moscow-Kyiv conflict.

The article discusses the growing trend of 'coolcations,' where tourists are opting for quieter, off-peak trips to cooler destinations due to concerns over scorching heat and raging wildfires in traditional European summer hotspots. Data from the European Travel Commission shows that Europeans are prioritizing travel despite economic uncertainty, with a shift towards less crowded and cooler destinations. Experts predict that this trend will continue, with the Mediterranean's peak travel season potentially shifting to May-June and September-October. While this may alleviate overtourism in traditional hotspots, it could have significant economic consequences for southern European countries reliant on tourism.

The Trump administration is considering taking a 10% stake in Intel through the CHIPS and Science Act grants, potentially making the U.S. government Intel's largest stakeholder. The stake could be worth $10.4 billion at Intel's current market value. The administration is also exploring converting some or all of Intel's $10.9 billion in CHIPS Act grants into equity. Intel has struggled to regain its dominance in the chip industry and has been the largest recipient of the 2022 CHIPS Act. The potential government investment has received mixed reactions, with some analysts arguing it is necessary for Intel's revival and U.S. national security, while others contend that the company's problems run deeper than funding.

The article discusses the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, and the mixed reactions it received in Ukraine. While some Ukrainian officials were relieved that the meeting did not result in a confrontation, others were frustrated and resentful towards the US administration, seen as fickle and unreliable. The article highlights the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the uncertainty surrounding Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the war. A proposed summit between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky is seen as a potential next step, but many are skeptical about its chances of success.

US President Donald Trump is arranging a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, met with Trump and Zelensky at the White House to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and potential peace talks. While there is a divergence on the need for a ceasefire before negotiations, leaders are working towards a peace deal. The talks resulted in an agreement for the 'Coalition of the Willing' to work on security guarantees for Ukraine and plans for Ukraine to purchase $90 billion in American weapons through European funding.

The family of Tom Phillips, a father who has been on the run with his three children in the New Zealand wilderness for nearly four years, has spoken out for the first time since their disappearance. Phillips' sister, Rozzi, and the children's mother, Cat, have made emotional appeals for Phillips to return home with the children, citing concerns for their well-being and safety. Phillips is wanted by police on multiple charges, including armed robbery, and is believed to be living off-grid with his children. Despite several sightings and appeals for help, the family's location remains unknown.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky changed his attire and tactics when meeting with US President Donald Trump on August 18, 2025, at the White House. Zelensky wore a sharp black field jacket, black shirt, and black slacks, a departure from his usual military-style clothing. This change reflects a shift in tactics since their contentious meeting in February, where Trump criticized Zelensky's attire and they had a heated argument. Zelensky has been coached by European leaders on how to approach Trump, and the change in attire appears to have improved their interaction, with Trump praising Zelensky's new look.

Actress Gal Gadot visited Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to show solidarity with families of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack. Her visit coincided with a nationwide protest, 'Israel on Hold' day, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The forum is demanding the government prioritize negotiations for the release of the roughly 50 remaining hostages. Gadot's visit was seen as a moment of comfort and strength for the families, who fear the government's recent approval of an expanded military campaign in Gaza could endanger their loved ones. The actress has long been a prominent cultural figure from Israel and has used her platform to speak out in support of her home country, despite facing criticism abroad.

US President Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to hold peace talks following a summit at the White House with European leaders. Trump stated that he had spoken with Putin and arranged for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, with a potential three-way summit to follow. The talks come as the Ukraine war has reached a stalemate, with Trump pushing for a quick end to the conflict. European leaders expressed support for Ukraine, but also concerns about Trump's approach to Russia.

The article discusses the trial of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy campaigner and UK citizen, who faces life in prison under Hong Kong's national security law. Lai's son, Sebastien, warns that his father will 'most likely die in jail' unless the UK government intervenes. The trial has drawn international attention, with concerns over Lai's health and the implications of his imprisonment for Hong Kong's status as a financial centre. The article also highlights the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong and the erosion of democratic freedoms.

The article discusses the protests in Israel against the ongoing Gaza war, with demonstrators calling for an end to the conflict and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Despite the protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unmoved, insisting that the war must continue until Hamas is defeated. The article highlights the frustration and trauma felt by many Israelis, including a former Air Force reservist who quit in protest over Netanyahu's handling of the conflict. The reservist, who wished to remain anonymous, described the current conflict as 'eternal war' and expressed concerns over the high civilian death toll in Gaza.

The article discusses the influence of Vladimir Putin on Donald Trump, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Three key moments are highlighted: Trump's statement in the Oval Office that a ceasefire may not be necessary, the format of the meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and a phone call between Trump and Putin during a meeting with European leaders. The article suggests that Putin's influence is shaping Trump's approach to the conflict, with Russia's goals being prioritized over those of Ukraine and Europe. The Kremlin is portrayed as holding significant sway over Trump's decision-making, with the White House seemingly following Russia's lead in peace negotiations.

US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House, discussing security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine, with Europe taking a leading role. The talks aimed to facilitate a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, possibly followed by a trilateral summit with Trump. European leaders welcomed the mention of US involvement in security guarantees, likening it to NATO's Article Five. However, there were signs of strain between Trump and European leaders, particularly regarding the need for a ceasefire before a peace deal.

President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The meeting was cordial but inconclusive, with discussions focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin to set up a possible direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky. European leaders pressed Trump for a security guarantee similar to NATO's Article 5, while Trump remained vague on the specifics. Zelensky expressed interest in acquiring $90 billion in American arms.

The Trump administration has appointed Andrew Bailey, the Missouri attorney general, as a deputy director of the F.B.I., joining Dan Bongino, the current deputy director. The move is seen as surprising by many F.B.I. agents, and its implications for Bongino's future are unclear. Bailey is expected to leave his role as Missouri's attorney general, with Catherine Hanaway likely to replace him. The appointment reflects Trump's tendency to appoint multiple people to the same role and task them with the same responsibilities.

The governors of Mississippi and Louisiana have announced that they will deploy National Guard troops to Washington D.C. in response to President Trump's request. This move joins three other Republican-led states that have already sent troops to the nation's capital. The deployment is part of Trump's crackdown on the city, which he claims is lawless and has high crime rates, despite evidence showing that violent crime has fallen to a 30-year low. The move has been met with anger and resignation from residents in the heavily Democratic city, with some viewing it as a show of force and others as a reflection of the city's leadership failure.

The article discusses the factors influencing America's young voters in the 2024 US presidential election. It highlights their disillusionment with the current state of affairs, including expensive higher education, a tough economy, and high-interest rates. The youth are attracted to both Donald Trump's authenticity and Kamala Harris's charm, with Harris leading in opinion polls among under-30s. The article explores the views of young voters, their concerns about the economy, and their perceptions of the candidates' policies.

The article discusses the scam hub in Shwe Kokko, a town on the Myanmar-Thailand border, which has been a major center for transnational criminal networks involved in online scamming. Despite a crackdown in February that saw over 9,000 workers repatriated, the scam operations appear to be continuing, with the use of alternative power sources and internet connectivity. The article highlights the scale of the scam industry in South-east Asia, with an estimated 350,000 people involved and generating between $50 billion and $75 billion annually. Experts say that corruption in some South-east Asian governments and local militia has contributed to the growth of the industry.

US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders may have initiated a path towards peace in Ukraine. Trump hosted high-stakes discussions with Zelensky and European leaders, potentially paving the way for a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the outcome is uncertain, the talks have brought parties together, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that 'people are now talking to each other, this wasn't happening for three and a half years.' Trump's unconventional diplomacy has been met with a mixed reaction from European leaders, with some praising his efforts and others being more cautious. The article suggests that Trump's approach may be driven by a larger strategic goal, such as attempting to wean Russia away from its partnership with China.

SoftBank Group is investing $2 billion in Intel, acquiring a 2% stake in the U.S. chipmaker. The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Intel, which has struggled to keep up with competitors in AI. Intel's stock jumped 5% in after-hours trading, while SoftBank's shares dropped 4%. The deal allows SoftBank to expand its holdings in chip manufacturers amid an AI boom. Intel has faced challenges, including a decline in stock value and a net loss in 2024, but has received support from the U.S. government, including a $7.86 billion award under the 2022 CHIPS Act.