Australia condemns Israel over closure of Gaza aid worker case
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom ...
Luxembourg announced an additional €21 million in support for Ukraine, comprising €10 million for the energy sector, €10 million in military assistance, and €1 million for the Olena Zelenska Foundation.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, together with the Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, undertook a working visit to Ukraine.
In Kyiv, the ministers held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov, and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
During the meetings, the ministers reaffirmed Luxembourg’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression—through military, political, humanitarian, and reconstruction assistance .The ministers reiterated their firm commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed strong backing for a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine’s own terms.
The delegation also visited a drone manufacturing facility, where they were briefed on advanced Ukrainian technologies and the capabilities of UAV production. The parties discussed strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and investments in Ukrainian arms production.
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha expressed gratitude to Luxembourg and both ministers for the decision to allocate €10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and additional €10 million to support the defense sector, announced during this visit.

"We held substantive talks on Luxembourg’s comprehensive assistance to Ukraine in defense, humanitarian, and financial dimensions, as well as further pressure on the aggressor. These contributions are timely and well-appreciated steps," - said Sybiha on X, appreciating Luxembourg for implementing over 40 impactful recovery projects in Kryvyi Rih. "We discussed the prospects of expanding Luxembourg’s role in recovery to other regions, possibly the Kharkiv region."
The funds from the energy fund will be directed to critical needs, from the purchase of equipment and fuel to the modernization of energy infrastructure, the Minister added.
Yuriko Backes recalled that Luxembourg had provided significant support to Ukraine's defense sector during the war with Russia.
“This year, on my recommendation, a portion of the budget was particularly allocated for aid, humanitarian aid for Ukraine - amounting to 80 million euros. And I'm pleased to announce that we now also have an additional 10 million for the defense sector,” added Backes.
Luxembourg's military support for Ukraine exceeded €250 million.
"We are grateful for a new step in helping Ukraine – €1 million for a project on psychosocial support for adolescents and youth. This is not only help, but also an investment in Ukraine's future. I am sincerely grateful to Luxembourg for their trust, solidarity and true partnership," - Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska posted on X.

The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
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.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
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