The World Watches
Today in The World Watches, we focus on the Russia–Ukraine war, where the anticipated August 8 ceasefire deadline slipped by with no letup in hostilities. This marks another chapter in a grinding conflict: for five months, U.S.-brokered 30-day truces have been floated—Ukraine regularly accepts, while Russia stalls, seeking concessions and leveraging arms control for tactical gains. This week, Russia scrapped its moratorium on INF-class missiles, stoking fears of expanded conflict and raising the stakes for next week’s Trump–Putin summit in Alaska. Meanwhile, U.S. tariff threats against Russian oil buyers remain mostly rhetorical, but contribute to the mounting economic and strategic tension.
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Global Gist
In today’s Global Gist:
- **Gaza**: Israel’s cabinet greenlights a full Gaza City takeover despite mounting international condemnation and Germany halting arms exports. The humanitarian crisis deepens, with starvation and malnutrition at record highs.
- **Sudan**: The SAF-RSF civil war escalates, with Darfur experiencing declared famine and ethnic massacres—over 1,500 reportedly killed in a recent refugee camp assault.
- **Sahel**: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s juntas fortify their alliance as jihadist violence spreads towards West African coastal states. ECOWAS remains divided and intervention is on hold.
- **Economy**: Global disinflation continues but U.S. tariffs—at historic highs—are roiling markets, with BRICS expanding and supply chains realigning.
- **Climate**: Greece battles deadly wildfires near Athens, part of a broader Mediterranean and global pattern of extreme heat and disaster, with adaptation efforts lagging.
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AI Context Discovery
Historical searches performed for this analysis:
• Russia–Ukraine war ceasefire, INF-class missile moratorium, US-Russia negotiations (6 months)
• Gaza humanitarian crisis, Israel's Gaza City offensive, international arms embargo (6 months)
• Sudan civil war, Darfur famine, ethnic massacres (6 months)
• Sahel junta alliance, jihadist violence, ECOWAS intervention (6 months)
• Global economic disinflation, BRICS expansion, US tariffs (6 months)
• Climate extremes, wildfires, floods, adaptation gap (6 months)
Top Stories This Hour
At least one killed as firefighters battle Greece blaze for second day
Health & Environment • https://www.aljazeera.com/xml/rss/all.xml
• Keratea, Greece
Greece: Firefighters battle deadly blaze near Athens
Health & Environment • https://rss.dw.com/rdf/rss-en-all
• Athens, Greece
Trump to meet Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss war in Ukraine
Russia & Ukraine Conflict • https://www.france24.com/en/rss
• Alaska, United States
Trump and Putin to meet in Alaska next Friday to discuss Ukraine
Russia & Ukraine Conflict • https://www.euractiv.com/feed/
• Alaska, United States