Aug 23, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

Artificial intelligence and advanced computing are increasingly defining military strategies and capabilities worldwide. In Ukraine, autonomous systems and robotics have transformed combat operations, with former tech executive Eric Schmidt describing the conflict as a major revolution in warfare. Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov underscored the need to maintain rapid innovation cycles, crediting domestic drone production with significantly extending strike ranges.

Meanwhile, supply chain scrutiny and commercial operational limits remain critical factors. Ukrainian intelligence recently discovered American microcomputers with AI processing modules inside newly manufactured Russian missiles. Simultaneously, SpaceX owner Elon Musk continues to restrict the Ukrainian military from using Starlink satellite networks to execute strikes inside Russian territory. Beyond Europe, the Chinese military has introduced algorithmic systems engineered to automate and synchronize large-scale aerial strikes.

Sources: Liga net, NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the Gulf nation interferes with American diplomatic efforts regarding Iran and commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a televised phone interview, Trump warned that Washington would strike Oman if it "gets in the way" of negotiations, while urging Iranian leadership to "put up the white flag" of surrender. The remarks followed an announcement by Tehran that Iran and Oman were finalising an arrangement to ensure commercial transit through the waterway.

Trump also claimed the US established direct communication channels with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an assertion the paramilitary organisation promptly denied. Furthermore, the US administration cautioned that foreign governments providing economic lifelines to Tehran would face penalties. Maritime monitoring indicated shipping traffic through the strait remained stable amid the standoff.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.

Serbian press associations and monitoring groups have reported a marked rise in threats, harassment, and violence targeting journalists and cultural figures across the country.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety incidents involving media workers during July, comprising two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation registered at least 106 verbal attacks by government officials and ruling party representatives over the same month.

Incidents have touched diverse media outlets. The Journalists' Association of Serbia called for legal action after online death threats targeted local news portal Volim Zrenjanin, while the Association of Independent Media condemned intimidation directed at editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Additionally, Belgrade prosecutors have initiated an inquiry into a physical assault on filmmaker Stevan Filipović in the capital.

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

A broad review of municipal corruption investigations connected to the Riga City Council reveals that many high-profile inquiries have stalled in the judicial system or concluded without convictions.

Several major inquiries, including investigations into municipal transport procurement deals and certain unauthorized payments, have been terminated without charges. Other proceedings, such as those concerning the long-running "nanowater" procurement scandal and fictitious employment at the Riga Tourism Development Bureau, remain tied up in lengthy court hearings.

Additional probes into electronic ticketing contracts and political consultancy funding associated with figures from the Harmony party remain active or suspended in pre-trial phases. While authorities achieved a small number of convictions in union embezzlement and related bribery disputes, several primary suspects have avoided legal penalties due to evidentiary hurdles and procedural delays.

Sources: LSM.