The port of Novorossiysk, Crimea, was simultaneously attacked; a US nuclear submarine arrived in the country.

Thaksin postpones his repatriation, Pakistan to dissolve Parliament , Niger's president warns of consequences from a coup… these are some of the notable international news stories from the past 24 hours.

Russia's Novorossiysk port and the Crimean Peninsula have become Ukraine's latest targets. (Source: AP)

The World & Vietnam newspaper highlights some of the day's most prominent international news.

Russia-Ukraine

* Novorossiysk Port , Crimea, Attacked Simultaneously: On August 4th, writing on Telegram , the Russian Ministry of Defense stated: “During the night (early morning of August 4th), the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) attacked the Novorossiysk naval base with two unmanned boats. During the attack, these boats were detected and destroyed by standard weapons fire from Russian ships providing outer protection for the naval base.”

However, according to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russian Navy's Olenegorsky Gornyak suffered serious damage from the attack and is unable to perform its combat duties. Moscow has not yet commented on this information.

Also on August 4th, Russia announced it had thwarted a new Ukrainian drone attack attempt on the Crimean Peninsula. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated: “During the night (early morning of August 4th), an attempt by Kyiv to carry out a drone attack on targets in the Crimean Peninsula was thwarted.” Moscow claimed to have destroyed and neutralized 13 drones and stated the attack caused no casualties or damage. (TASS/Sputnik)

* Ukrainian President acknowledges “difficult situation” in the South: On August 3, speaking in a nightly video address, Volodymyr Zelensky stated: “Intense clashes are taking place. They are trying to stop us with all their might, with fierce attacks (in Bakhmut and the East). In the South, things are difficult. But whatever they do, the strength of Ukraine will prevail.”

The leader stated that the Russian drone strikes this week, including the attack on the Danube port at Izmail, demonstrate the need to strengthen air defenses. He clarified: “The adversary has deployed at least 1,961 Shahed drones. We have shot down a large number, but not all. We are working to maximize this rate through the addition of more air defense systems.”

For his part, writing on Telegram after a meeting with officers in eastern Ukraine, the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said he was trying to speed up the counteroffensive: “In Bakhmut, I focused on current issues such as accelerating the counteroffensive, intensifying operations and resolving remaining obstacles in the deployment of current tasks.” (Reuters)

* Czech engines found in Russian UAVs in Ukraine? On August 3rd, The Kyiv Independent (Ukraine) published a photo of a Russian UAV with an engine bearing the inscription "Made in Czech Republic." The photo was taken by a Ukrainian soldier who spotted the UAV near Bakhmut.

Shortly afterward, the manufacturer of the engine, AXI Model Motors, based in Hradec Kralove (Czech Republic), asserted that it had never supplied the engine to Russia and had not produced it for over a year. According to the company, the engine was among the items it had sold to Kyrgyzstan with government permission. However, these engines may have subsequently been resold to Russia. (VNA)

* US and Ukraine launch talks on long-term security commitment : On August 3, representatives from the US State Department, Department of Defense, and National Security Council met with their Ukrainian counterparts to begin the negotiation process.

The U.S. State Department statement clarified that bilateral security commitments will focus on ensuring Ukraine has a sustainable force capable of defending the country now and deterring future Russian military activity. Simultaneously, the commitment includes supporting and enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of Ukraine's defense organizations and industries, and promoting reforms that support good governance, necessary for achieving its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

These discussions between officials from both countries are part of the Group of Seven (G7) joint statement on supporting Ukraine, thereby contributing to the formalization of long-term U.S. support for Ukraine. (Reuters)

* Russia doesn't believe US grain agreement promises : On August 4, RIA (Russia), citing Kremlin sources, reported that Russia does not believe Washington will help Moscow freely export food if Russia rejoins the grain agreement. Earlier, on August 3, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated: “In the event (Russia) rejoins the (Black Sea grain) agreement, we will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure that all parties can export their food and products freely and safely, including Russia.” (Reuters)

Southeast Asia

* Thaksin postpones his repatriation plan to Thailand: On August 4th, the Bangkok Post (Thailand) quoted a source from the Pheu Thai party as saying that Thaksin had decided to postpone his repatriation.

This move came shortly after the vote for prime minister, scheduled for August 4, was postponed pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court on whether the Parliament's decision to reject Pita Limjaroenrat's re-nomination as prime minister on July 19 was constitutional.

The source added that Thaksin also believes it's better to wait because the Pheu Thai party is still in discussions with other parties to join its new coalition. Previously, Thaksin had initially planned to return on August 10th, as announced on Instagram by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, last week.

Currently, three parties are likely to join the Pheu Thai-led bloc: the Bhumjaithai Party, Chartthaipattana, and the Democrat Party. Negotiations are still ongoing with the United Thai National Party (UTN) and the People's Power Party (PPRP). However, at this point, the participation of several smaller parties could help propel the bloc forward. (Bangkok Post)

South Asia

* Congress Party leader allowed to return to Indian Parliament : On August 4th, the Supreme Court of India suspended the sentence against opposition Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi. Previously, in March, the 53-year-old politician had been convicted in a case brought by a member of parliament from the western state of Gujarat, belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), regarding comments he made in 2019 deemed offensive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and those bearing the surname Modi.

In the case, Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended and he was released on bail. However, he still lost his parliamentary seat because legislators sentenced to two years or more in prison are automatically dismissed. Lower and higher courts in Gujarat rejected Rahul Gandhi's appeal to suspend the sentence, forcing him to appeal to the Supreme Court.

With the Supreme Court's decision, the politician is now able to return to Congress and participate in the national elections scheduled for 2024. (CNN)

* Pakistani Prime Minister proposes date for dissolving parliament : On August 4th, two members of parliament who attended a dinner hosted by Sharif Shehbaz on August 3rd announced that he would dissolve parliament on August 9th and hand it over to an interim government for elections in November. The five-year term of the Pakistani parliament expires on August 12th.

The country's Ministry of Information has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the above information. Previously, there had been speculation that the elections might be postponed due to political and economic instability. (Reuters)

South Pacific

* US Nuclear Submarine Arrives in Australia : On August 4th, Australian officials announced that a US Navy Virginia-class nuclear submarine had arrived at HMAS Stirling Naval Base on the same day for a scheduled port visit, as part of an Indo-Pacific patrol. The base will be expanded under an A$8 billion (US$4 billion) project to serve US and British nuclear submarines from 2027, as part of the AUKUS Treaty cooperation.

Australia plans to purchase three conventionally armed U.S. nuclear submarines over the next decade, before building its own new class of nuclear submarines in the 2040s. The U.S. currently has no bases in Australia, but the Pentagon is increasing the types and rotational deployments to the country. (Reuters)

* New Zealand pushes for military reform : On August 4th, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Defence Minister Andrew Little presented a review of New Zealand's defence policy.

Accordingly, New Zealand's defense force of approximately 15,000 troops is "not in a position to meet future challenges." The report argues that the New Zealand military was built for a "relatively benign strategic environment" rather than the current regional challenges, including climate-related challenges and intense strategic competition between China and the West.

Against this backdrop, Defence Minister Little stated that New Zealand needs to invest in a “combat-capable” force and cannot rely on being defended. He stressed: “Changes in the domestic and international security environment mean that our response and preparedness must also change.”

He stated that New Zealand needs to prepare its personnel, assets, resources, and international relations appropriately to ensure national defense and security. (VNA)

Northeast Asia

* China reduces tariffs on Australian barley imports : On August 4th, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that it will lift anti-dumping and countervailing duties on barley imported from Australia starting August 5th.

Previously, Beijing accused Canberra of dumping barley below production cost, despite Australia's denials. In May 2020, the Chinese government imposed an 80% tariff on Australian barley for five years, paralyzing trade worth AUD 1.5 billion (USD 750 million) annually. (Reuters)

* Former Japanese Prime Minister to visit Taiwan : On August 4th, Mainichi (Japan) reported that former Japanese Prime Minister Aso Taro, currently Vice President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), will visit Taiwan (China) from August 7-9. This will be the highest-level visit by a Japanese ruling party official since Tokyo severed diplomatic relations with the Taipei authorities in 1972. (Reuters)

* South Korea prepares for strong action against knife attacks: On August 4th, the office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated: "The knife attack at Seohyeon Station was an act of terrorism targeting innocent citizens. The government must mobilize all police forces to ensure the public does not feel anxious." The statement also warned about related threatening messages on social media.

Previously, on August 3rd, a second stabbing in two weeks occurred in Bundang, about 20 km southeast of Seoul. The perpetrator drove a car onto a pedestrian walkway before attacking several people at a department store. Authorities confirmed that at least two people remain in critical condition. Even more concerning, several similar threats were posted on social media hours after the attack. On July 21st, another stabbing in Seoul left one person dead and three others injured.

In response to this “emergency,” South Korean police announced they would “not hesitate” to use firearms and launched a “special security initiative” to combat knife-related violence and prevent imitation. (AFP)

Europe

* Denmark tightens border controls : On the evening of August 3rd, the Danish Ministry of Justice announced that police would tighten border controls following recent Quran burning incidents that have affected security. In a statement, Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said: “As security police have stated, the recent Quran burning incidents have affected the current security situation.”

Initially, stricter border controls will be in place until August 10th.

In recent weeks, anti-Islam activists have vandalized copies of the Quran in Denmark and Sweden. The Muslim community has expressed outrage and demanded that the Nordic countries ban such acts. (Reuters)

Middle East-Africa

* Situation in Niger: Germany worried about propaganda wave, what does Russia say? On August 3rd, in an article published in The Washington Post (USA), Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently detained, warned that any coup attempts “will have devastating consequences for our country, our region, and the whole world.” At the same time, the politician also called on “the US government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order.”

For their part, in the face of potential foreign military intervention, the coup forces asserted: “Any attack or attempt to attack against the State of Niger will be met with an immediate and unexpected response from the Niger Defence and Security Forces against any member of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), except for friendly countries whose membership has been suspended,” referring to neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali.

Previously, ECOWAS had demanded that the coup forces restore Bazoum's civilian government by August 6th, otherwise it might consider harsher measures, including military intervention.

Also on August 4th, the European Union (EU) issued a statement strongly condemning the move to block French media outlets from broadcasting in Niger. On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter ), EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali emphasized: “This step constitutes a serious violation of the right to information and freedom of expression. The EU strongly condemns this violation of fundamental freedoms.” Earlier, France 24 and RFI , two major French media outlets, reported that their broadcasts had been blocked in Niger since the afternoon of August 3rd.

For his part, commenting on the possibility of foreign military intervention in Niger, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated: “Intervention by forces from outside the region would not change the situation in a more positive direction… We are concerned about the tensions and are closely monitoring the situation in Niger. We continue to support a swift return to constitutional normalcy without endangering human lives.”

Meanwhile, speaking at a regular press briefing, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said that Germany had observed a disinformation campaign in Niger, with Russian flags having been distributed in the West African nation in recent days.

Commenting on the situation in Niger, US National Security Council Strategic Coordinator John Kirby said: “Right now we are focused on diplomacy. We believe there is still time and opportunity for that.” According to him, Washington believes that “the opportunity remains open and diplomacy should remain the first tool,” however, the opportunity for diplomacy will not “remain open forever.” (AFP/Reuters/Xinhua/VNA)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tin-the-gioi-48-cang-novorossiysk-crimea-dong-loat-bi-tan-cong-tau-ngam-hat-nhan-my-toi-quoc-gia-nay-237171.html