Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a US-brokered peace deal, Trump and Putin prepare for talks on Ukraine, and Israel moves to expand its control in Gaza. Tensions seemingly ease on the Korean border, while new security and trade agreements reshape Asia-Pacific ties. Meanwhile, space exploration advances with NASA’s lunar nuclear plans, and political uncertainty grows in Poland.

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Armenia and Azerbaijan sign us-brokered peace deal

Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a US-brokered peace agreement to normalise relations after decades of conflict. Signed at the White House on 8 August, the deal commits both countries to end hostilities, establish diplomatic ties, and respect territorial integrity. It follows Azerbaijan’s 2023 recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh, which triggered the near-total departure of ethnic Armenians from the region. 

The agreement grants the US exclusive development rights to a strategic South Caucasus transit corridor to boost energy and trade links. Additional bilateral deals will enhance cooperation in energy, trade, technology, and defence. Analysts say the accord could reshape the South Caucasus but caution its success depends on continued US involvement given past failed negotiations.

Trump and Putin to meet in Alaska on Ukraine peace talks; Zelenskyy rejects territorial concessions 

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on 15 August to discuss the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting and invited Trump to Russia for a future summit. Trump has suggested a peace deal might involve territorial “swaps,” with reports indicating Russia could keep Crimea and Donbas but withdraw from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. 

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected any territorial concessions, reaffirming Ukraine’s constitutional stance. Previous negotiations have stalled over issues like Ukrainian neutrality and sanctions. The White House says talks are ongoing and no agreement has been reached. Ukraine’s involvement in the upcoming meeting remains uncertain, with Zelenskyy insisting any deal must include Kyiv’s consent.

Israel approves IDF takeover of Gaza city amid ongoing conflict

Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan for the IDF to take control of Gaza City, 22 months into the conflict with Hamas. The strategy includes delivering humanitarian aid outside combat zones, maintaining Israeli security, and setting up a civilian administration separate from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu ruled out Palestinian Authority rule and hinted at a future “Arab” force but gave no withdrawal timeline. 

Hamas has reiterated it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established, responding to US envoy Steve Witkoff’s suggestion they might lay down arms. 

The plan may require prolonged fighting in densely populated areas, risking more civilian displacement amid worsening famine. Ceasefire talks continue, led by Egypt and Qatar. Nine Western countries condemned the move, warning of legal and humanitarian risks. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

South Korea dismantles border loudspeakers as tensions seemingly ease

South Korea has begun dismantling loudspeakers used to broadcast propaganda into North Korea, in what President Lee Jae Myung calls a “practical measure” to reduce tensions. The move, confirmed by the defence ministry, follows Lee’s earlier suspension of broadcasts and a request for civic groups to stop sending anti-North leaflets. Seoul says the change will not affect military readiness. 

Later in the week North Korea reportedly started removing some of its own loudspeakers, Both countries resumed broadcasts in mid-2024 after a balloon dispute, but halted them in June. Relations remain tense amid Pyongyang’s expanding nuclear programme, closer ties with Russia, and Seoul’s deepening security cooperation with the US and Japan.

Australia and Japan agree major frigate deal; Pakistan and Iran boost security and trade ties

Australia and Japan have announced their largest defence industry partnership to date, involving 11 Mogami-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy. Three will be built in Japan and eight in Australia by 2030. The frigates, with a 10,000-nautical-mile range and higher missile capacity, form part of Australia’s AU$55bnnaval investment. The final deal is expected in 2026.

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to deepen security and trade ties, aiming to raise annual trade from $3bn to $10bn. During Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit, both sides pledged to combat terrorism, improve border management, and signed MoUs on energy, technology, and tourism. They jointly called for a Gaza ceasefire and condemned Israel’s recent military actions.

Thailand and Cambodia secure truce to halt border violence 

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire to ease recent border clashes that killed 43 and displaced over 300,000. Finalised in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August, the deal upholds current troop positions and bans unprovoked fire, building on a truce agreed by both leaders last week.

NASA plans nuclear reactor on moon by 2030

NASA aims to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to support future human settlements. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy highlighted geopolitical concerns, warning rival powers may create “keep-out zones.” The reactor is expected to produce at least 100 kilowatts, providing power during the Moon’s two-week nights. 

Nuclear energy is considered vital for a sustained lunar presence, but challenges include a 24% cut to NASA’s 2026 budget and safety issues related to transporting radioactive materials. Experts say the project’s success depends on adequate funding, international coordination, and progress in the Artemis mission.

Poland faces political deadlock as Nawrocki takes office

Karol Nawrocki was sworn in as Poland’s new president on 6 August, supported by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. In his inaugural speech, he criticised Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government, signalling potential political deadlock until the 2027 elections. While Tusk handles policy, Nawrocki holds veto power over legislation, which Tusk’s coalition cannot override. 

Nawrocki rejected adopting the euro, defended PiS judicial reforms, opposed illegal immigration, and ruled out raising the retirement age. He also pledged to boost housing construction. Tusk called the inauguration “a sad and disappointing day,” warning it could erode public trust. Both leaders emphasised defence, with Nawrocki aiming to strengthen Poland’s army and deepen ties with the US and NATO.

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