Niger: Civil movement M62 launched the “Garkouwar Kassa” initiative to train civilian volunteers for national defense.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pushed back on Netanyahu's plan to occupy all of Gaza, warning it could trap troops and endanger hostages.

Netanyahu insists on expanding operations to pressure Hamas, despite rising international concern and humanitarian disaster.

Source: Reuters

NEW: Bosnia’s election commission officially revoked Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s mandate after a court upheld his 1-year prison sentence and 6-year political ban for defying the High Representative enforcing the Dayton Accords.

Early elections in RS to be held within 90 days.

Dodik calls ruling “garbage,” refuses to step down.

Greece Accused of Massive EU Farm Aid Fraud

European prosecutors allege Greek ministers and MPs were part of a large-scale scam defrauding the EU of hundreds of millions in farm subsidies — paying allies for fake land or work.

Despite wiretaps, a 3,000-page file, and clear EPPO findings of a “criminal organization” inside Greece’s agriculture agency, Greek PM Mitsotakis is blocking a full investigation, protecting his party’s officials.

— Up to 15 politicians involved.
— Funds stolen from real farmers.
— Gov’t using parliamentary immunity to shield ministers.
Source: Politico

The meeting between Putin and Trump's envoy Witkoff is over. It lasted about three hours.

Source: TASS

NEW: India's PM Modi will visit China on August 31, Indian media reported.

Modi's last visit to China was back in 2019.

Hezbollah says Lebanon committed a “grave sin” by deciding to disarm it.

Hezbollah declares it will act as if the disarmament decision “never happened.”

Russian soldier electroshocked as punishment for stealing from comrades.

Microsoft developed a specialized version of its Azure cloud platform for Israel’s military intelligence Unit 8200, which now stores vast amounts of surveillance data on Palestinians, including millions of recorded phone calls.

This data has been used to plan airstrikes and military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

The partnership was approved by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in 2021 and viewed internally as a major business opportunity.

Despite public denials of misuse, internal documents and sources indicate that Microsoft knew the scale and nature of the surveillance.

Source: +972 Magazine

An Israeli soldier with U.S. citizenship was attacked in Missouri; his cars were torched, “Death to IDF” graffiti left outside home.

Kremlin Aide Ushakov:

Putin-U.S. special envoy Witkoff talks were useful and constructive.

We have sent some “signals” from our side.

We have also received some signals from Trump.

Hungary’s Orban:

Trump is not strong enough to bring European leaders to his side.

The director general of the Syrian Investment Authority has announced 12 projects worth $14 billion.

The projects will include a $4 billion Damascus airport and a $2 billion Damascus metro.

Trump will announce a new $100 billion investment from Apple aimed at boosting US manufacturing and reshoring parts of its supply chain.

Source: Bloomberg

NEW: Russia plans to raise August oil exports from western ports to nearly 2 million barrels per day, 200,000 more than earlier estimated, after Ukrainian drone attacks shut units at two Rosneft refineries.

Source: Reuters

BREAKING: Trump signs executive order imposing additional 25% tariff on India.

White House says that additional India tariffs are due to India's purchase of Russian oil.

BREAKING: White House says that the administration may extend similar tariffs to other countries found to be importing Russian oil.

White House says that this includes purchasing Russian oil through intermediaries or third countries where the origin of the oil can reasonably be traced to Russia.