Zelenskyy, EU leaders to press Trump ahead of Alaska summit with Putin

Al Jazeera,

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top European leaders are set to hold a call with U.S. President Donald Trump to present a unified position before Trump’s planned summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Kyiv and European capitals insist no agreement on Ukraine be made without Kyiv’s consent and reject any ceasefire tied to territorial concessions. The outreach, coordinated as Zelenskyy visits Berlin, aims to keep Ukraine’s interests central amid speculation over potential proposals from Moscow. European leaders also emphasize accountability for deported children and prisoner exchanges as necessary elements of any talks. The call underscores heightened diplomacy as battlefield pressure persists in eastern Ukraine.

E3 warn Iran of “snapback” sanctions without nuclear talks progress

Reuters,

France, Germany, and the U.K. told the U.N. they are prepared to reimpose suspended sanctions on Iran unless Tehran returns to serious negotiations over its nuclear program. The move revives the 2015 deal’s “snapback” mechanism and underscores European concern over Iran’s enrichment and monitoring shortfalls. While the E3 have sought to preserve a diplomatic track independent of Washington, they argue Iran’s trajectory leaves few options. Tehran has maintained its activities are peaceful and accuses Western states of bad faith. Any snapback would restore previous U.N. measures, affecting arms, ballistic missile work, and financial restrictions—raising the stakes for regional security and Iran’s already strained economy.

China’s pushback on Nvidia’s H20 doesn’t dent market optimism

Bloomberg,

A leading Wall Street analyst said investor enthusiasm for Nvidia remains intact despite Chinese pushback on the company’s H20 AI chips and guidance to favor domestic alternatives. On Aug. 13, markets brushed off concerns that Beijing’s stance could materially undercut Nvidia’s outlook, with commentary noting broader AI demand and product cadence. The discussion comes amid a fluid U.S.–China tech policy environment and recent moves to define what AI hardware U.S. chipmakers can sell into China. While supply-chain and regulatory risks persist, the assessment suggests the near-term bull case for AI infrastructure spending still outweighs headwinds from China-specific constraints.

Israeli military approves framework for new Gaza offensive

France 24,

Israel’s army said its chief of staff approved the “main concept” for a renewed offensive in Gaza, signaling preparations for expanded operations after months of fighting. The framework reportedly focuses on reasserting control over key urban areas and degrading Hamas command-and-control nodes. The announcement follows intensifying debates within Israel over war aims, the pace of operations, and the intersection with hostage negotiations. It also raises concerns among humanitarian agencies over civilian protection and aid access in densely populated zones. The military did not provide a timeline, but the approval points to potential escalation even as diplomatic channels work in parallel on a possible ceasefire arrangement.

Putin briefs Kim Jong Un by phone ahead of Trump summit

Kyodo News,

The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin held rare phone talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, briefing him on the agenda for Putin’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The call, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule, highlighted Moscow–Pyongyang alignment as Russia seeks diplomatic backing amid the war in Ukraine. North Korea has publicly pledged support for Russia, and the discussion underscores deepening ties spanning military and political cooperation. The Kremlin did not disclose details of the Alaska proposals, but the outreach signals continued coordination among Russia’s partners before high-stakes talks.

China bans dealings with two EU banks in tit-for-tat sanctions move

Anadolu Agency,

China announced a ban on Chinese individuals and institutions doing business with two European banks in retaliation for earlier EU measures targeting Chinese lenders. Beijing framed the step as necessary to protect its interests and push back against what it calls unjustified extraterritorial sanctions. The move adds a new front in EU–China tensions over trade, technology, and alleged support for Russia. For European financial institutions, the decision complicates China exposure and compliance risk; for Chinese firms, it narrows access to certain cross-border services. The escalation may draw a response from Brussels as both sides navigate a widening sanctions environment.