10 Things Global News - 5th August 2025
The news from around the world
UK to Begin Migrant Returns to France Under New Treaty
Russia Ends INF Moratorium, Cites U.S. Missile Deployments
Pam Bondi Orders Grand Jury in New Trump–Russia Probe
Texas Governor Targets Democrats Over Walkouts
Netanyahu Reportedly Approves Full Gaza Occupation Plan
Sudan Sees Rising Civilian Deaths as Crisis Deepens
Plastic Treaty Talks Falter Amid Oil Producer Pushback
Zelensky Says Foreign Mercenaries Fighting for Russia
Netherlands First to Fund U.S. Arms for Ukraine via NATO
U.S. Condemns Bolsonaro House Arrest
The UK is set to begin returning asylum seekers who arrive by small boat to France, following EU approval of a bilateral treaty aimed at curbing irregular Channel crossings. Signed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, the agreement introduces a “one-in, one-out” scheme in which migrants returned to France will be offset by an equal number of legal asylum admissions to the UK, prioritising those with family ties.
The pilot, operational within days, will initially process about 50 returns per week. Those arriving via small boat will be deemed inadmissible for legal entry. UK immigration centres are already preparing for detentions, and a new strategy will help identify ineligible cases. The scheme runs until June 2026.
Supporters frame it as a humane and enforceable alternative to previous failed policies, but critics question its capacity and fairness. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a “breakthrough,” pledging compliance with international law and rights protections.
Sources: The Guardian, Euroweekly News
Russia has formally abandoned its self-imposed moratorium on intermediate-range missile deployments, citing growing evidence of U.S. plans to station such systems in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The Russian Foreign Ministry declared it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the defunct 1987 INF Treaty, which banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 km.
Although the U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2019, Moscow had maintained informal compliance—until now. President Vladimir Putin confirmed that mass production of the Oreshnik intermediate-range missile has begun, and that the system, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will be deployed in Belarus. The announcement follows the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines after former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev issued an online nuclear threat.
While the Kremlin downplayed the escalation, Western officials warned the move could accelerate a new arms race in Europe and undermine remaining arms control frameworks, including the New START Treaty.
Sources: New York Times, NHK
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered federal prosecutors to begin grand jury proceedings investigating whether officials in the Obama administration committed crimes during the 2016 election interference probe. The directive follows a referral from National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who last month accused top Obama-era officials of a “treasonous conspiracy” to undermine Donald Trump.
The new proceedings revive long-standing claims by Trump and allies that the original Russia investigation was politically motivated. The grand jury probe does not specify targets, charges, or a timeline. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.
Democrats have denounced the move as politically motivated, citing past Republican-led reviews and the Mueller investigation, all of which found no criminal conspiracy by Obama officials. Gabbard’s claims were also contradicted by a bipartisan 2020 Senate report, which confirmed Russian interference aimed at boosting Trump.
The development coincides with renewed scrutiny over the Justice Department’s handling of both Trump-era intelligence assessments and the Epstein case.
Sources: BBC, NBC
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the arrest of over 50 Democratic state lawmakers who fled the state to prevent a vote on a GOP-led redistricting plan. The Texas House, short of a quorum, voted 85–6 to authorize civil arrest warrants, which do not carry criminal charges and cannot be enforced outside the state. Most Democrats relocated to Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts, temporarily halting the legislative session.
The redistricting plan, backed by former President Trump, aims to increase GOP control in the U.S. House by redrawing congressional boundaries in major urban areas. Democrats accuse the plan of racial gerrymandering and political manipulation. They face daily $500 fines for their absence.
Abbott has also asked the Texas Rangers to investigate possible bribery and is exploring legal means to vacate their seats—moves legal experts view as unlikely to succeed. Meanwhile, Democratic governors have threatened reciprocal redistricting action in their own states.
Sources: Bloomberg, Texas Tribune
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to authorize a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple Israeli media reports citing senior officials. The plan would expand operations to all parts of the enclave, including areas where Hamas is holding hostages. Netanyahu’s office reportedly told Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir to resign if he disagrees with the directive.
The decision comes amid mounting domestic and international pressure over the fate of hostages and worsening humanitarian conditions. Recent footage of captives appearing severely malnourished has heightened calls for action. At least 74 Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli strikes on Monday, as the war approaches its two-year mark.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the reported plans, calling for international intervention. Hamas dismissed the threats as “worthless” while demanding more humanitarian aid and permanent corridors to Gaza.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Jerusalem Post
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsening as fighting intensifies between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces, now in its 842nd day. Heavy clashes erupted in North Darfur’s El Fasher on August 1–2, with reports of multiple civilian casualties, including near the overcrowded Abu Shouk camp. The city remains under siege, and residents face starvation, with food prices over four times the national average.
Famine confirmed last year in nearby Zamzam camp continues, as no road-based aid has reached the area in over a year. Cholera is spreading rapidly across Darfur, with nearly 2,300 suspected cases and 84 deaths reported in North and South Darfur. In Khartoum State, landmines have been confirmed in populated areas, further endangering civilians and blocking aid access.
Recent floods in Blue Nile State displaced more than 100 people and destroyed 200 tents in Al-Karama camp. The UN is urging greater humanitarian access and international support.
Sources: UN News, China Daily
Hopes for a strong global treaty on plastic pollution have dimmed as negotiations begin in Geneva. Delegates from 179 countries are meeting for what was intended to be the final round of talks, but opposition from petrochemical producers—backed by the Trump administration—is threatening efforts to cap virgin plastic production.
The draft treaty aims to cover the full plastic life cycle, but key provisions face resistance. Oil-producing nations including Saudi Arabia and Russia are pushing for voluntary national measures instead of binding caps. The U.S. supports reducing plastic waste but opposes restrictions that could impact domestic producers.
Small island nations and health experts warn that plastic poses serious risks, with over 16,000 chemicals involved—many hazardous to humans. UNEP has warned that plastic waste could triple by 2060. Without agreement, observers fear a weakened accord focused on recycling over production limits, undermining the treaty’s intended impact.
Sources: Reuters, UN News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that foreign mercenaries from Asia and Africa are fighting alongside Russian forces near Vovchansk, a key front-line town in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Citing battlefield reports, Zelensky said troops had identified fighters from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African countries.
During a visit on August 4 to the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade defending Vovchansk, Zelensky met with commanders to discuss the combat situation, including drone deployment, funding, and recruitment. The town, located just five kilometers from the Russian border, has seen intense clashes since Russia launched a renewed offensive in May.
Ukraine has previously accused Russia of using North Korean troops in Kursk and of recruiting foreign nationals with offers of citizenship. Beijing has denied claims of Chinese involvement. Zelensky vowed that Ukraine would respond to the presence of foreign fighters, although the claims have not been independently verified.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Kyiv Independent
The Netherlands has pledged €500 million to purchase U.S. military equipment for Ukraine, becoming the first NATO member to use a new alliance-led initiative created after President Trump shifted U.S. military support policy. Under the mechanism, known as the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), European allies and Canada will finance American-made weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced the package Monday, noting the weapons are urgently needed on the front lines. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, formerly Dutch prime minister, praised the move and urged other member states to follow.
The White House has not released full operational details, but deliveries are expected to begin within weeks. Kyiv welcomed the decision, with President Zelenskyy thanking Amsterdam for helping protect Ukraine’s skies.
The announcement follows a NATO summit in June and reflects broader European efforts to shoulder Ukraine aid under evolving transatlantic arrangements.
Sources: Euronews, Reuters
The U.S. has condemned a Brazilian Supreme Court order placing former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest, calling the move politically motivated. The decision, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, followed allegations that Bolsonaro violated previous court restrictions by using social media and communicating via intermediaries. The court cited video evidence of Bolsonaro speaking to supporters during rallies and his ankle monitor appearing in posts shared by his allies.
Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal. He is standing trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election results, accusations he rejects. The court has also banned him from receiving visits or using a phone except through his lawyers.
Tensions have escalated between Washington and Brasília over the case, with President Trump criticising the trial as a “witch-hunt” and imposing tariffs on Brazil. The U.S. has also sanctioned Moraes, accusing him of repressing political opposition.