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President Trump says there’s a “good chance” he could meet Russian and Ukrainian leaders, following “very good talks” between his envoy and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, BBC reported.

The talks come ahead of Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face new sanctions. He has also imposed a 25 percent  tariff on India over its Russian oil purchases.

Trump said European allies back efforts to end the war. Zelensky confirmed speaking with Trump and warned Russia will only move toward peace if financially pressured.

Despite diplomatic moves, Russian strikes continue. A recent attack on Kyiv killed 32, while another in Zaporizhzhia left two dead. The US has approved $200m in new military aid to Ukraine, according to BBC.

Despite intense pressure and war damage, Hamas is still paying 30,000 civil servants small cash salaries through a secret system. Workers receive about $300 every 10 weeks—just a fraction of their former pay—amid soaring inflation and severe shortages, BBC reported.

With no banks in Gaza, payments are made in risky, covert handoffs, sometimes using damaged notes that can’t be spent. Many employees say they’re struggling to feed their families, relying on aid that often doesn’t come.

Anger is growing over claims that Hamas prioritises its supporters for food and supplies, leaving others to suffer. Some Gazans blame the group for worsening conditions, questioning its leadership as the war grinds on, according to BBC.

US President Donald Trump has announced a 100 percent tariff on imported computer chips and semiconductors, aiming to push global tech firms to shift production to the United States. Companies manufacturing within the US will be exempt, according to Firstpost.

The move is expected to raise prices on electronics, cars, and other tech-driven goods. It comes alongside a separate decision to double tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent, in response to India’s continued oil trade with Russia.

The new tariffs will take effect in 21 days, giving time for negotiations. Trump’s approach marks a shift from subsidy-led strategies to using tariffs as economic leverage, Firstpost reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday after Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, held talks in Moscow.

Zelensky said Russia appears more open to a ceasefire but warned against trusting vague promises. Trump called Witkoff’s meeting with Putin “progress” and stressed the need to end the war soon, according to Firstpost.

The US is preparing new sanctions if Russia fails to show concrete steps by Friday. Kremlin officials confirmed both sides exchanged signals but downplayed the chances of a quick breakthrough.

India has strongly criticised the United States for imposing additional tariffs on its exports, calling the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said the new tariffs—linked to India’s oil imports from Russia—undermine its efforts to secure affordable energy for its 1.4bn citizens.

“It is extremely unfortunate that the US has targeted India for actions other countries are also taking in their national interest,” the statement said.

India added it would take necessary steps to safeguard its national interests.

The Trump administration announced a 25 percent  hike on Indian goods, bringing total tariffs to 50 percent, with the new rates set to take effect by August 27.

A helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti region has killed all eight on board, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

The aircraft, en route from Accra to Obuasi, went off radar shortly after takeoff on Wednesday. Among the victims were senior officials, including former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna and NDC vice chairman Samuel Sarpong, Al Jazeera reported.

President John Mahama cancelled official duties as the nation mourns. Flags will be flown at half-staff.

Syria has signed $14bn worth of international deals to revive its war-ravaged economy, focusing on infrastructure, transport, and real estate, according to Al Jazeera.

Key projects include a $4bn upgrade of Damascus airport with Qatar’s UCC Holding and a $2bn metro deal with the UAE. Other developments include the $2bn Damascus Towers with Italy’s UBAKO.

The agreements come as President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government seeks to attract foreign investment following years of conflict and the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

US envoy Tom Barrack, present at the signing, praised the move as a sign of Syria’s economic turnaround, Al Jazeera reported.

Five soldiers were injured in a shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia on Wednesday. The suspected shooter was taken into custody, and the base was briefly locked down, according to BBC.

The injured were treated on site before being moved to Winn Army Community Hospital. Authorities say there’s no ongoing threat, and the incident is under investigation.

Governor Brian Kemp and President Trump have been briefed and expressed concern for the victims and their families, BBC reported.