Aug 23, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

Poland marked Polish Armed Forces Day on 15 August to commemorate the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, staging major ceremonies across the country led by senior state officials.

In Warsaw, large crowds gathered along the Wisłostrada for an extensive military parade featuring active personnel, armored vehicles, and aviation units. Simultaneously, the Polish Navy staged naval formations in the Baltic Sea off Gdynia. Prime Minister Donald Tusk attended the maritime events and inspected construction of the new frigate Wicher at the PGZ Naval Shipyard under the Miecznik modernization program.

Addressing attendees in Gdynia, Tusk stressed that preventing conflict requires a well-prepared and sovereign military. He highlighted four core pillars of national security: fortified borders, robust international alliances, comprehensive defense spending, and a growing economy.

Sources: Defence24, Money, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated over the Strait of Hormuz, with conflicting claims emerging regarding control of the strategic maritime corridor. Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, announced that the strait will remain closed until the United States adheres to commitments outlined in earlier agreements. Iranian representatives emphasized that normal transit will not resume until Washington fulfills its obligations and adjusts its posture. Meanwhile, competing claims and proposals from US political figures, including Donald Trump, regarding the status and oversight of the waterway have intensified the diplomatic standoff. Observers note that the contradictory assertions from both capitals have introduced significant uncertainty regarding the operational reality and maritime security along the crucial energy route.

Sources: Euronews Greece, Kathimerini, To Vima.

Cross-border strikes between Russia and Ukraine have escalated across several regions, causing mounting civilian casualties. Russian missile and drone barrages struck Kyiv, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens, alongside guided bomb attacks on residential districts in Zaporizhzhia and reported drone operations targeting Kherson.

In counter-offensives, Ukrainian strikes hit targets in Belgorod, Crimea, and Gelendzhik, alongside drone operations directed at the outskirts of Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian forces have deployed three concentric air defence rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg, while reiterating appeals for Western interceptors and long-term security commitments.

Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions continue over defence transfers following cautionary remarks regarding Patriot missile production, and an Italian warship intercepted a suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker off Pantelleria.

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

Authorities in Spain and Morocco are reinforcing border defenses around Ceuta as online networks circulate calls for another coordinated crossing attempt scheduled for 15 August.

The security ramp-up follows a late-July surge in which tens of thousands attempted to reach the North African enclave after viral online rumors falsely claimed border controls had been suspended. Dozens of people drowned during those attempts, while hundreds remain stranded in precarious conditions along Ceuta's coastline.

In response to new online mobilisation, Moroccan police have arrested several individuals suspected of instigating border breaches. On the Spanish side, authorities have dispatched additional police units, recalled military personnel from leave, and reinforced physical barriers to prevent further unauthorized crossings.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.