AUG 12: War Gains. Food Cuts. Market Shakeups.
- Olga Nesterova
- Aug 12
- 13 min read
This is today's NEWS RECAP.
Catch the full breakdown in today’s News Recap video, now live on YouTube
War Gains – Russian breakthrough in Donetsk and Pokrovsk front lines.
Food Cuts – Millions to lose SNAP benefits under Trump’s new law.
Market Shakeups – U.S.-China extend tariff pause; Trump nominates BLS critic.
TODAY'S HEADLINES
Federal Operation Launched in D.C.: Dozens Arrested in Overnight Raids
Following the federal government's announced takeover of Washington, D.C., law enforcement launched "Operation Making D.C. Safe & Beautiful." The White House reported that in one night, multi-agency task forces arrested 37 individuals, seized 11 illegal firearms, and issued 4 narcotics charges. Reports also surfaced of federal officers conducting random traffic stops near Howard University, raising concerns about the operation’s scope and impact on civil liberties.
EU Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine and Just Peace Efforts
EU leaders welcomed President Trump's efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and stressed that any peace must respect international law, Ukraine’s sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They emphasized that Ukraine must decide its own future, and that peace negotiations require a ceasefire or reduced hostilities. The war’s broader threat to European and global security was acknowledged, and the EU pledged continued support to Ukraine across all sectors—including military aid and sanctions on Russia. The EU also reiterated its commitment to Ukraine’s future EU membership and emphasized the importance of security guarantees.
EU Prepares 19th Sanctions Package as Russia Rejects Ceasefire
European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas announced that the EU is preparing a 19th round of sanctions against Russia in response to its continued refusal to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Kallas firmly stated that no concessions should be discussed while Russia maintains its aggressive stance. In a video statement, she explained the futility of negotiating with Russia under current conditions, emphasizing the need for sustained pressure through sanctions.
Trump Comments on Ukraine Spark Controversy Over Crimea and Russian Invasion
During a White House press briefing, President Trump made remarks on Ukraine that drew attention for echoing Russian narratives and minimizing Ukrainian resistance.
Referring to Crimea, Trump said:
“Russia has occupied some very prime territory...They have taken largely — in real estate we call it oceanfront property. That’s always the most valuable property. Ukraine was largely a thousand miles of ocean. That's gone.”
He also suggested that Russia could have easily taken Kyiv early in the war, stating:
“The Russians would have been in Kyiv in 4 hours if they went down the highway. But a Russian general decided to go through the farmland.”
Critics noted that this downplayed the Ukrainian military’s effective defense, and repeated disproven claims about the speed of Russia's invasion.
Former Lithuanian FM Slams Western Leaders Over Ukraine: “This Is on Us”
Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Foreign Minister of Lithuania, issued a blistering critique of Western leaders’ response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In a strongly worded statement, he argued that if Ukraine is forced to accept “de facto” occupation, it would be a direct result of Western failure—not Ukrainian.
“If Ukraine has no choice but to accept ‘de facto’ occupation — that’s because WE failed,” Landsbergis wrote.
He accused the West of ignoring warnings, repeating historical mistakes, and avoiding the hard choices necessary to uphold peace and democratic values. Landsbergis also condemned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s suggestion that long-term outcomes might mirror the eventual liberation of the Baltic States:
“Rutte is revealing that the latest genius 5D chess move to save Ukraine is to casually throw millions of people into a black hole of oppression, torture, rape, kidnapping, murder and destruction of national identity — ‘de facto, but not de jure’.”
Calling this rationale “literally sickening,” Landsbergis warned against using the Baltic experience under Soviet occupation as a model for Ukraine’s future.
Zelenskyy: Putin Preparing for More War, Not Peace
In a national address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not preparing for a ceasefire or peace, but rather intensifying military efforts.
Citing reports from Ukrainian intelligence and military command, Zelenskyy said:
“Putin is determined only to present a meeting with America as his personal victory and then continue acting exactly as before, applying the same pressure on Ukraine as before.”
He emphasized that there are no signs Russia is preparing for a post-war situation. Instead, Russian troop movements suggest plans for new offensive operations:
“If someone is preparing for peace, this is not what he does.”
Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to keeping international partners informed about battlefield realities, diplomatic developments, and Russia’s ongoing preparations.
“Alaska Opposes Tyranny!” — Pro-Ukraine Rally Planned in Anchorage
A pro-Ukraine rally is set for August 14 in Anchorage, Alaska, ahead of the anticipated Trump–Putin summit. Organized under the banner “Alaska opposes tyranny!”, the rally aims to protest what organizers call the “presence of an international war criminal” and to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.
According to the press assignment, the U.S. press headquarters will be based in Anchorage, but reports indicate the actual meeting may take place on Russian territory—possibly an island controlled by Russia—raising serious concerns about the symbolism and implications of holding talks on “enemy” soil.
Russian Offensive Advances in Donetsk Raise Concerns Over Ukrainian Defense
Russian forces have reportedly broken through part of the front line near the strategic logistics hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian open-source intelligence group. Ukraine’s military has confirmed ongoing responses to intensified Russian offensives in the area, where Russian troops have been attempting to advance toward the city in recent weeks.
This recent breakthrough near Zolotyi Kolodyaz has been described by experts as catastrophic for Ukrainian defenses. Stretching between 15 to 19 kilometers, the Russian advance is attributed to multiple factors including inadequate Ukrainian command, the sheer volume of Russian resources committed, disorganized Ukrainian resistance, and the deployment of new Russian mobile units that bypass scattered Ukrainian defense points.
Experts warn that this breakthrough threatens a significant tactical collapse, with the potential encirclement of the entire Donbas region—a central focus of Russian claims in negotiations. The pressure on Ukrainian defenses is compounded by advances near Shandryholove (Lyman), which together with the Zolotyi Kolodyaz breakthrough forms a northern pincer movement against Ukrainian forces.
In response to these developments, Ukraine has urgently redeployed the 92nd Assault Brigade from the Kharkiv front and the 4th National Guard "Rubizh" from Dobropillia to reinforce the critical sectors. Additional units, whose details remain undisclosed due to strict operational security, have also been mobilized.
Military analysts suggest that Ukraine may need to consider strategic withdrawals from certain areas, such as the Oskil bridgehead, to shorten the front line and reallocate forces more effectively. However, such moves risk forfeiting territorial gains and the organizational advantages that Ukrainian units have painstakingly developed.
Meanwhile, elite Azov Corps forces have been deployed to the Pokrovsk sector, where the situation is described as "complex and dynamic." Russian troops continue their determined push forward in the region, intensifying the pressure on Ukrainian defense lines.
What Putin Really Wants: Ceasefire Conditions and Strategic Gains
Former Retired General Keane explains that Putin seeks a ceasefire only if Ukraine relinquishes the remaining parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, including a fortified belt of five cities that block access to Kharkiv. Keane warns Putin would likely break any ceasefire—just as before—to gain a stronger position for further territorial seizures.
He points out that under Ukraine’s Constitution, President Zelenskyy cannot cede land without approval from the Rada (parliament) and a national referendum, a safeguard mirrored in the U.S. Constitution requiring congressional consent for territorial concessions—a detail many overlook.
At a recent UK meeting involving U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials, a counterproposal to Putin was formulated: the upcoming Alaska talks should start with a ceasefire only, without discussing territorial concessions. Only if that is agreed upon would the parties then discuss ending the war and security guarantees.
Keane notes Putin has used negotiations for six months to delay and stall. Trump, having been briefed, is reportedly prepared to walk away from the summit unless a genuine ceasefire offer is on the table.
On the last part - seeing is believing.
Zelenskyy and Erdoğan Reject Superficial Peace, Support Multilateral Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that peace negotiations excluding Ukraine will not lead to lasting solutions. They agreed that a false sense of peace would only embolden further Russian aggression. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's willingness to engage in any meeting format to end the war, while Erdoğan confirmed Türkiye’s readiness to host a summit involving Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, and Türkiye.
The President of Ukraine held similar phone conversations with the leaders of the Netherlands, Romania, and Qatar, according to press releases from Kyiv.
Sanctioned Russian Bomb Factory Receives Siemens Automation Gear via Chinese Middleman
A Russian bomb factory under US and EU sanctions has obtained Siemens automation equipment through a Chinese intermediary, circumventing export bans. Reuters reports the Chinese supplier claimed Siemens “doesn’t ask who the end user is,” enabling the gear to reach the Biysk Oleum Factory despite restrictions.
In 2022, the factory’s parent company, also sanctioned, ordered Siemens devices via a Russian middleman, with Chinese firms shipping the technology. This equipment automates explosive production, increasing output while reducing labor needs—a crucial advantage amid Russia’s defense workforce shortages.
Such Western precision parts are essential for manufacturing missiles, drones, and tanks. Without them, Russia’s rearmament efforts would slow, costs would rise, and production could stall.
Although the EU sanctioned some Chinese suppliers in December 2024 and added more in July 2025, this rerouting remains active, allowing Russia’s war industry to continue receiving critical technology despite sanctions.
Europe’s Historic Rearmament: Military Production Surges Amid Ukraine War
The Financial Times reports that Europe is preparing for war through an unprecedented rearmament effort. Since the Ukraine conflict began, EU military production facilities have expanded three times faster than during peacetime, now covering over 7 million square meters of new industrial space.
Analysis of construction projects shows significant growth in sites producing ammunition and missiles—two critical bottlenecks in Western support for Ukraine. About one-third of surveyed military-industrial sites show signs of expansion or new construction.
A major example is a joint venture between German defense giant Rheinmetall and Hungary’s state-owned N7 Holding, which recently opened a large facility in Várpalota, western Hungary, dedicated to manufacturing ammunition and explosives, underscoring Europe’s ramped-up defense production.
Smoke Detected Near Cargo Facility at Russian-Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Smoke has been spotted near a cargo facility at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. The Ukrainian energy ministry stated that the fire's location and consequences are still being evaluated, noting that the cargo port is outside the plant's protected perimeter. This incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by Russia's occupation of Europe's largest nuclear facility. Although the plant has not been generating electricity, safety concerns have persisted, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regularly monitoring the situation. The Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian control since February 2022, while the nearby city remains under Ukrainian control.
Massive Wildfires Threaten Madrid and Historic Sites; Spain Holds Emergency Meeting
A severe wildfire is advancing toward Madrid, prompting Spain to convene a special committee meeting to address the crisis. The fires have reached the outskirts of the capital, notably affecting the suburb of Tres Cantos, where several homes have burned. Firefighters have so far managed to contain the blaze in that area.
Yesterday, the flames destroyed Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Roman gold mining heritage. Wildfires are also spreading across neighboring Portugal, intensifying the regional emergency.
NATIONAL NEWS
SNAP Work Requirements Will Cut Benefits for Millions
President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” signed last month, is projected to cause 2.4 million people—including families with children—to lose their food stamp benefits, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has traditionally required able-bodied adults to work for benefits beyond three months. For the first time, parents of dependent children over 14 must work, volunteer, or attend job training at least 80 hours per month to qualify. Adults aged 55-64, veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth are also now subject to the mandate. Other recipients may see reduced monthly benefits.
Austin Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Including a Child
A gunman opened fire Monday afternoon in a Target parking lot in Austin, Texas, killing at least three people, including a child. Two victims died on the scene; a third died later at a hospital. A fourth person was treated for injuries unrelated to gunfire. Police say the suspect stole a car, crashed it, then hijacked another vehicle from a nearby dealership before being arrested about 20 miles away. Described as a White man in his 30s with a history of mental health issues and prior offenses, the motive remains unclear. This incident follows a stabbing attack two weeks earlier in a Michigan Walmart parking lot.
Trump Nominates Critic of Labor Statistics Bureau to Lead Agency
President Trump has nominated economist E.J. Antoni to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Antoni, affiliated with conservative think tanks, has publicly criticized the agency’s data methods and its former commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, calling her “incompetent” on Steve Bannon’s podcast the day the July employment report was released. Following that discussion, Trump fired McEntarfer. Antoni’s nomination requires Senate confirmation.
Russia Suspected in Breach of Federal Court Filing System
Evidence uncovered by investigators suggests that Russia was at least partially involved in a recent cyberattack on the computer system used to manage federal court documents, including highly sensitive information.
QUICK NEWS
U.S. Immigration Detention Record: More than 60,000 people are currently held in U.S. immigration detention, according to ICE records. This breaks a modern record previously set during the first Trump administration.
Explosion at U.S. Steel Plant: An explosion at a U.S. Steel facility in Pennsylvania killed two people and injured at least ten others, authorities reported.
Trump’s Alaska Summit Stance: Ahead of his meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday, Trump said he is willing to walk away from talks and let the conflict continue if no deal is reached.
Ukraine’s Concerns on Peace Talks: Ukraine fears Putin may persuade Trump to view Ukraine, rather than Russia, as the obstacle to peace.
Russian Missile Strike on Foreign Recruits: A Russian missile killed at least a dozen foreign recruits at a Ukrainian military training camp last month, hitting a mess hall during lunchtime, according to soldiers familiar with the incident.
Space Force Milestones: On August 12, the U.S. Space Force aims to achieve two milestones: its first launch using the new Vulcan Centaur rocket and the first launch of an experimental navigation satellite in nearly 50 years.
B-1B Lancer Bomber in Norway: America’s only supersonic bomber, the B-1B Lancer, arrived in Norway on August 9 to train with European allies as part of a bomber task force to strengthen military cooperation.
New Wearable Tech for Special Ops: By year-end, some U.S. special operations forces will begin using new wearable technology that monitors vital signs in real time and alerts command posts if the wearer is exposed to hazardous gases or chemicals.
U.S. Transportation Command Activity: The command manages hundreds of airlift sorties, over 15 ships, 10 commercial tankers, more than 1,000 freight shipments, 200+ railcars en route, and 10 patients in air evacuations daily.
National Guard Activation in Washington: The White House plans to deploy around 800 National Guard troops to support law enforcement in Washington, assisting with logistics, transportation, and facility security, similar to recent deployments in Los Angeles.
North Korea’s Spy Satellite Launch Site: North Korea has accelerated construction of a launch site for spy satellites, including building a seaport that may facilitate deliveries of new components from Russia.
UFC at the White House: UFC CEO Dana White said a Fight Night event at the White House on the Fourth of July next year is "absolutely going to happen." He is scheduled to travel to Washington later this month to meet with President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka to discuss logistics.
GLOBAL NEWS
Israeli Hostages’ Families Call for Nationwide Strike; Australia and New Zealand Consider Recognizing Palestine
Families of Israeli hostages held since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack are calling for a nationwide strike to protest the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to take over Gaza City. The strike will be supported by the October 7 Council—representing bereaved families of fallen soldiers—along with hundreds of companies and thousands of citizens planning to take the day off.
Meanwhile, Australia has announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. New Zealand’s foreign minister has also indicated that his country is considering recognition. These moves mark growing diplomatic shifts, leaving the U.S. increasingly isolated from some of its closest allies on the Israel-Palestine issue.
Washington and Beijing Extend Tariff Pause Amid Ongoing Trade Talks
The U.S. and China agreed to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs as negotiations continue toward a broader economic agreement. This extension was announced just before the previous pause expired. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the talks: President Trump described his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “very good,” while a Chinese embassy spokesperson called the tariff pause a “win-win.”
Currently, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods remain at 30 percent, and Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods stand at 10 percent—down from peaks of 145 and 125 percent in April. China also announced a postponement of some trade and investment restrictions on U.S. companies originally set for April.
The latest extension followed bilateral talks in Sweden last month, where issues such as restoring China’s rare earth exports were discussed, though this process remains incomplete according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Looking ahead, Trump indicated he might meet Xi before year-end if a deal is reached. U.S. officials also raised concerns about China’s purchases of Russian and Iranian oil and its role in fentanyl trafficking. Trump called for China to quadruple its purchases of U.S. soybeans to help reduce the trade deficit.
Indonesia and Peru Sign Trade Deal to Boost Market Access
Indonesia and Peru signed a trade agreement aimed at increasing market access for each other’s goods during Peruvian President Dina Boluarte’s visit to Jakarta. The negotiations took fourteen months to complete. Last year, Indonesia exported approximately $331 million worth of goods to Peru, while Peru’s exports to Indonesia totaled $150 million. Indonesia also expressed its interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which Peru is already a member.
Death of Colombian Politician
Presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe died in Bogotá yesterday, two months after being shot at a campaign rally. While a shooter has been arrested, investigators have not announced a motive for the attack. The assassination attempt is reminiscent of the high levels of political violence Colombia experienced during the 1980s and 1990s.
Japan-Pakistan Currency Cooperation
Japanese tech firm Soramitsu, working alongside the Japanese government, is helping Pakistan’s central bank develop a digital currency for a pilot launch this year, according to Nikkei. One feature of the digital currency would allow users to send and receive money without internet access. If successful, this model could be applied in other countries.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Deal
Armenia and Azerbaijan published the full text of a peace deal announced last Friday in Washington. Both countries pledged to give up all claims to each other’s territory and to cease using force against one another. The agreement also prohibits deploying third-country troops on their shared border. The deal has been initialed but is not yet officially signed.
Iran’s Stance on Nuclear Inspections
A senior official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) traveled to Iran yesterday for the first visit since the Israel-Iran conflict began in June. Ahead of talks, Iranian officials stated they will not permit inspections of their nuclear sites until a new cooperation framework with the UN nuclear watchdog is established.
Poland Expels 57 Ukrainians After Concert Riots; Tusk Urges Caution Against Anti-Ukraine Sentiment
Polish authorities have expelled 57 Ukrainian nationals following riots that broke out during a concert by Belarusian rapper Max Korzh on August 9 at Warsaw's National Stadium. Over 100 individuals were detained by police in connection with the incident.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned against allowing the events to fuel anti-Ukraine sentiment in Poland.
COMING UP
Today, the United Nations marks International Youth Day.
The UN Security Council debates the Middle East and Yemen in New York.
Tomorrow, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will participate in virtual meetings with European leaders, the United States, and Ukraine. The meetings, hosted by German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will focus on the situation in Ukraine.
Also tomorrow, Typhoon Podul is expected to make landfall in Taiwan.
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