While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Aug 30, 2025
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
US diplomat John Kelley warned that Washington could punish Moscow with economic measures if it continues its war in Ukraine.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
US warns Russia at UN over its war in Ukraine
Deadly missile and drone strikes on Ukraine “cast doubt on the seriousness of Russia’s desire for peace,” the United States told the UN Security Council on Aug 29, warning that Washington could punish Moscow with economic measures if it continues the war.
“The United States calls on the Russian Federation to avoid these consequences by stopping the violence and engaging constructively to end the war,” US diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council.
“Russia must decide now to move towards peace. The leaders of Russia and Ukraine must agree to meet bilaterally,” he said.
Russia pounded Ukraine with deadly missiles and drone strikes early on Aug 28 in a sweeping attack.
France, Germany vow to pressure ‘ogre’ Putin
PHOTO: REUTERS
The leaders of France and Germany on Aug 29 vowed to step up pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine, warning that President Vladimir Putin was showing little appetite to end Moscow’s three-and-a-half-year onslaught against its neighbour.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that the Russian leader will have “played” US President Donald Trump if he fails to fulfil a pledge to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Mr Macron also showed no regret for describing Mr Putin earlier this month as an “ogre at our gates” - comments which angered Moscow.
Israel quickens military push in Gaza City
PHOTO: AFP
Israel’s military stepped up armed operations around Gaza City on Aug 29, ending temporary pauses there that had allowed for aid deliveries, as it announced the recovery of the body of Ilan Weiss, killed by Hamas in October 2023.
Israel is pushing ahead with a plan to take full control of the whole Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, with the goal of destroying Hamas after nearly 23 months of war, while facing a global outcry over starvation in the besieged enclave.
The assault on Gaza City has gradually intensified over the past week as Israel has urged civilians to leave for the south of the Palestinian enclave.
US builds up forces in Southern Caribbean
PHOTO: AFP
A large buildup of US naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States asking: Is the move aimed at combating drug cartels, as the Trump administration has suggested, or is it for something else entirely?
Seven US warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, are either in the region or are expected to be there soon, bringing along more than 4,500 sailors and marines.
US President Donald Trump has said combating drug cartels is a central goal of his administration and US officials have told Reuters that the military efforts aim to address threats from those cartels.
Alcaraz rolls through in US Open, Raducanu out
Second seed Carlos Alcaraz dished out another devastating defeat, while 2021 champion Emma Raducanu’s run ended in bitter disappointment in the US Open third round on Aug 29.
Alcaraz, the 2022 Flushing Meadows champion who has claimed an ATP-best six titles this season, shook off a right knee problem to brush aside Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-4 6-0.
The Spaniard took a medical timeout to address the issue in the second set but eased fans’ worries as he sprinted through the final set with just two unforced errors to set up a meeting with France’s Arthur Rinderknech.
