Aug 15, 2026, 01:00 AM UTC

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Washington is unlikely to finalize an agreement with Ukraine on the joint production of Patriot interceptor missiles before the coming winter. Whitaker characterized the specialized initiative as a long-term project, while noting that joint air defense manufacturing efforts involving Ukraine and European partners remain underway.

Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes hit logistics infrastructure across western Russia overnight. Moscow Regional Governor Andrey Vorobyov confirmed that an attack on a warehouse facility near Moscow killed at least five people and wounded ten others. Regional authorities also reported drone strikes targeting warehouses operated by online retailer Wildberries in the Saint Petersburg and Tver regions, amid claims of aerial interceptions by Russia's Defense Ministry.

Sources: MIA (Media Information Agency), SDK, Sloboden Pečat

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before a parliamentary commission investigating the country's pandemic response, delivering a lengthy defense of his administration's public health measures and procurement decisions.

During the session, the Five Star Movement leader defended the national containment strategy and insisted his cabinet acted without wrongdoing. Conte cautioned lawmakers against turning the inquiry into a political trial, rejecting partisan attacks from the governing majority. He also announced that he had submitted an anonymous dossier to Rome prosecutors regarding an alleged 100-million-euro contract with JC Electronics involving potentially counterfeit face masks, calling for judicial authorities to examine the transaction. Conte welcomed scrutiny into his own conduct while affirming that all emergency decrees complied with the law.

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

Media associations and press monitoring organisations in Serbia have highlighted a sharp rise in threats, verbal attacks, and physical violence targeting journalists and cultural figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety violations during July, including 14 death threats and two physical assaults. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented more than 100 verbal attacks directed at media workers by state and ruling party officials over the same period.

Recent incidents include an online death threat against the local outlet Volim Zrenjanin, which prompted journalist associations to demand an urgent investigation. In Belgrade, prosecutors opened an inquiry after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in the capital. Meanwhile, media organisations also condemned intimidation directed at the family of pro-government tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević, warning against the worsening climate of hostility.

Sources: Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Danas, N1, Tanjug

With three months remaining before the November 3 midterm elections, US political campaigns are focusing on key economic and legislative battles that could reshape the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 governorships are on the ballot.

Democratic challengers are intensifying criticism against the administration over rising fuel costs and cost-of-living concerns, with average domestic gasoline prices exceeding four dollars per gallon following recent regional conflicts. Concurrently, former Vice President Kamala Harris has positioned herself for a political return, expressing criticism of former President Joe Biden's prior approach toward congressional Republicans.

In foreign policy administration, new visa screening measures will require foreign journalists to provide access to their social media profiles for official vetting.

Sources: Avaz, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix.