The deadlock with Iran and Trump's surprising move in the Far East
The US President announced a reduction in military exercises with South Korea and declared the renewal of contacts with Kim Jong Un. In Ukraine, a former Minister of Defense calls for the ouster of Volodymyr Zelensky, while Iceland prepares for a referendum on its future relations with Europe.
Globes' "Global Zoom" section presents every Thursday the stories making headlines around the world, from the most important news to those that might have flown under the radar. This time: Ukraine's former Minister of Defense calls for the ouster of Volodymyr Zelensky, and a fire in Germany has become one of the most discussed events of the week.
North Korea
Trump reduces military exercises with South Korea and announces a meeting with Kim Jong Un
This week, diplomacy between the US and North Korea returned to the spotlight, raising the question: is US President Donald Trump changing his policy vector after his attempts to achieve a nuclear deal with Iran failed?
Donald Trump ordered a significant reduction in joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were cut from 11 days to just 5. The President stated that the exercises send an "inappropriate" message to North Korea, while expressing frustration that South Korea is not providing support in the conflict with Iran, where he is conducting intensive diplomatic efforts.
On Monday, Donald Trump announced that Kim Jong Un had responded to his attempts to make contact. On Wednesday, he went a step further, claiming with certainty that he would meet with the North Korean leader later this year. Responding to a journalist's question, he noted that North Korea holds 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons. "I know Kim Jong Un well, and he will be fine as long as we have a smart president," Trump emphasized.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, stated that she was not aware of recent communications but added that the relationship between the leaders "remains excellent." However, she called the reduction of the exercises insignificant, noting that their provocative nature remains.
In the background, North Korea continues to strengthen ties with Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the countries are "working towards a new and just world." Analysts note that a possible meeting would give Kim Jong Un a significant advantage, given his close cooperation with Moscow and Beijing.
Ukraine
Political challenge: former Minister of Defense calls for the ouster of Volodymyr Zelensky
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former Minister of Defense, called on Tuesday for presidential elections in the midst of the war. This marks the most direct political challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
Fedorov, who was dismissed last month, said in a 9-minute speech that Ukraine must "restore a full democratic process even in the midst of a prolonged war." He emphasized: "Democracy cannot be a hostage of Russia. We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European country."
Without mentioning Volodymyr Zelensky by name, Fedorov hinted at the inefficiency of the current leadership and corruption issues. Elections in Ukraine have been suspended due to martial law, and the President's five-year term expired back in May 2024.
According to polls, Mykhailo Fedorov enjoys significant public support, ranking third in trust ratings after Volodymyr Zelensky and former commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
Iceland
Referendum on the future of relations with the EU
On August 29, Icelandic citizens will participate in a fateful referendum that could reshape the country's foreign policy. The question is whether to renew negotiations on joining the European Union. It is important to note that this is only about starting a dialogue on terms, not immediate accession.
Fisheries policy is the key sticking point. Iceland fears that joining would require opening its waters to the fishing fleets of other countries, threatening the country's economic stability, which is based on exclusive fishing rights.
Public opinion is divided: according to a Gallup poll, 46% of citizens support renewing contacts with the EU, 46% are against, and 8% are undecided.
Germany
Hollywood-style rescue: fire in Berlin
A severe fire in an 18-story residential building in Berlin's Friedrichshain district led to a dramatic rescue scene. A woman, trapped on the 11th floor, climbed onto the facade and jumped from the second floor straight into the arms of firefighters. Footage of the moment went viral on social media.
In total, 115 people were affected by the incident, and 25 were rescued by emergency services. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
