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Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most s...
A North Korean military delegation has departed for Russia following Pyongyang's confirmation that its soldiers have participated in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The delegation, led by Pak Yong-il, deputy director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, left Pyongyang on Monday to attend the 3rd International "anti-fascist conference" being held in Russia, state media reported.
The conference is part of Russia's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Moscow refers to as the "anti-fascism war." The timing of the delegation's visit is significant, coming one day after Pyongyang acknowledged its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea stated that North Korean combat sub-units had "performed heroic feats" in operations to defend Russian territory, particularly the Kursk region, which Ukraine had attempted to invade. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea's support in reclaiming Kursk, where the region was reportedly liberated in August 2024.
This marks the first official confirmation from Pyongyang and Moscow regarding North Korea’s military role in the Russia-Ukraine war, following months of speculation. The confirmation came after South Korea reported that North Korea had sent thousands of soldiers to assist Moscow, a claim that had previously been met with silence from both Pyongyang and Moscow.
The North Korean government emphasized the strong alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, with its military units treating Russian territory as their own. Last year, North Korea and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes military support in the event of third-party aggression.
The visit of the North Korean military delegation underscores the growing military cooperation between the two nations, with Russia offering military assistance to North Korea under their strategic partnership agreement. This development marks a significant shift in geopolitical alliances, as it is the first time in decades that an Asian nation has joined a conflict outside its region.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Azerbaijan exported goods worth $17.372 million to Armenia between January and July 2026, according to data from the State Customs Committee, as commercial ties between the two South Caucasus neighbours showed signs of expansion.
At least nine people were killed, including a child, in a fire at a hotel in India's eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, local police said.
France is set to expel two Iranian diplomats in response to what Paris has described as a “deliberate assault” on two French embassy staff in Tehran last month, escalating tensions between the two countries.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
South Korea and the United States are scaling back their annual joint military exercises following an order from U.S. President Donald Trump to substantially reduce American participation.
The United States is pushing to establish a formal deconfliction mechanism between Israel, Türkiye and Syria after Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian airbase raised concerns about the risk of a wider regional confrontation.
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