Aug 13, 2026, 03:00 AM UTC

Ukrainian long-range drone strikes have hit multiple targets across Russia, including Belgorod, Crimea, and areas near Moscow. In response, Russian forces deployed three defensive air-defense rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg by reallocating systems from front-line positions.

Amid ongoing clashes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukrainian forces will not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region, while asserting confidence in future U.S. security commitments once hostilities end. However, debate over Western military support persists, with U.S. officials raising concerns over protecting sensitive defense technologies, specifically Patriot missile systems.

In maritime developments, an Italian naval vessel intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker off the coast of Pantelleria.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.

Rescue teams in western Colombia continue searching through rubble after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar, triggering a national state of emergency. Military personnel and emergency responders are clearing collapsed structures as authorities warn that casualty figures could increase further.

Casualty counts vary across reporting outlets as rescue efforts unfold. Moldova1 reports at least 164 fatalities, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă put the death toll at 132, with over 500 people injured. Earlier coverage from HotNews and Adevărul noted lower initial counts of dozens and 20 deaths, respectively. The tremor was also felt in neighboring Ecuador.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

Maritime security across key Middle Eastern choke points remains compromised amid stalled US-Iran diplomacy and expanding regional clashes. US President Donald Trump declared that Washington maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "I don't trust Tehran." However, Iranian officials insisted the passage will remain blocked until Washington fulfills all terms of the June memorandum, including ending port blockades and unfreezing Iranian foreign assets.

Military activity continues to escalate. US forces fired upon the container ship Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating transit restrictions. Concurrently, Houthi forces targeted the Yemeni port of Al Makha following recent fatal strikes near Bab el-Mandeb.

Diplomatic friction also widened after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Israel will "under no circumstances" withdraw from occupied territories in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, drawing criticism from Washington over agreed cease-fire commitments.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Shipping Italy

Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), has renewed criticism of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius regarding military procurement strategies through 2030. Schularick stated that defense spending remains excessively focused on conventional equipment, including tanks and frigates, rather than modern technology designed for future conflicts.

The critique highlights ongoing domestic debates surrounding the modernization of the Bundeswehr as Germany expands its defense expenditure. While the Defense Ministry continues implementing current procurement programs to rebuild traditional military capabilities, economists and security analysts advocate directing more resources toward next-generation warfare systems.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau