German military aid for Ukraine is stalling ahead of the Bundestag elections. A dispute within the government is preventing further funds from being released for weapons.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

German parties are facing internal disagreement over military aid for Ukraine, causing a delay in the release of further funds for weaponry ahead of the Bundestag elections. These discussions are critical as the conflict in Ukraine persists with Russian military forces conducting consistent air attacks. The Ukrainian military is actively engaging in night operations utilizing mobile air defense units to counter these assaults, employing a combination of Ukrainian forces and foreign-supplied weaponry. 

Among the equipment being used are Turkish-supplied heavy machine guns, modelled after the American M2 Browning. This weaponry is instrumental in shooting down drones at low altitudes, aided by thermal imaging technology to effectively target and destroy incoming threats. Additionally, Ukrainian forces are using Soviet-era Igla missile systems, capable of downing cruise missiles, enhanced with detection technology that signals when a target is locked and ready for engagement.

Despite their efforts, the challenges in defending against air strikes are significant, as the falling remnants of destroyed missiles and drones can still pose a deadly threat to civilians and infrastructure. Recent incidents, such as the fatality near Vasil'kiv, highlight the dangers involved even when defenses are successful. The Ukrainian military continues to emphasize the urgent need for more ammunition and weaponry, along with the crucial importance of mobilizing personnel to ensure adequate training and rotation during long-term engagement.

Discussions with Western allies could lead to increased military support, yet the primary responsibility and risk remain with Ukrainian forces at the front lines. With nearly three years of ongoing conflict, the message from those engaged is clear: a collective understanding of the war's realities and an organized effort are essential to sustain defense efforts.



German parties divided over Ukraine aid

They fight in the skies over Ukraine every single night. Mobile air defence units like these take on deadly Russian air attacks. These units are not as sophisticated as the Western-provided Patriot or IRIS-T systems. But they're cheaper and can move quickly. Like Kiev, this group uses two different weapons systems. A Turkish-supplied heavy machine gun, modelled on its better-known American counterpart, the M2 Browning, to shoot down drones. The main goal is to shoot down targets flying at low altitude. We have thermal imaging on it, which allows us to detect, make corrections and destroy the target. And they also use this. The portable Soviet-era Igla, similar to the American-made Stinger anti-aircraft missile system. It's capable of shooting down cruise missiles as well. After finding the target, the missile emits a sound and light signal. A green flashlight lights up here. This means you can shoot at the target. This unit was put together just months after Russia's full-scale invasion. They had just three days to train on the weapons before being pulled into the fighting. There are a lot of attacks now. They're massive. They can even last all day. Even when air defence teams like these successfully shoot down a missile, there's danger from the fiery wreckage of their target. Falling missile and drone debris often kill people and damage buildings and infrastructure. There are cases when we shoot a Shahed drone, but it flies for another five to ten kilometres. Then at one point it falls. Recently a girl died near Vasil'kiv. I read the comments. It's terrible. People say the military is to blame. But how many people would a missile destroy if it hits its target in Kiev, Dnipro or Odessa? After nearly three years of war, the men here say they need more ammunition and weapons to continue countering Russian attacks. And they say there's one more thing that's just as important. People have to understand that this is a war. And in order to end it, we need to mobilise so that people can be rotated. So that when we are given weapons, we can train and have the opportunity to defend ourselves with these weapons. Talks with Western allies may result in more weapons. But it will still be Ukrainians themselves who'll have to take the personal risks on the front lines.

The White House says it is working to secure a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, which both have agreed to, while plans continue to create security guarantees for Ukraine.

Washington

Trump says no U.S. ground troops will be sent to Ukraine

Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal for Gaza, but mediators are still waiting for an official response from Israel. CBS News contributor Robert Berger has the latest from Jerusalem.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Mediators await Israeli response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met China’s top diplomat on Tuesday and hailed the “steady progress” made in improving the bilateral relationship after a yearslong standoff between the nuclear-armed Asian powers.

New Delhi

India's Modi meets China's foreign minister to rebuild ties

Texas Democrats who ended a walkout found themselves shadowed by law enforcement officers to keep them from repeating the protest that stalled Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts and fulfill President Donald Trump's desire to reshape U.S. House maps.

Austin

Police escort Texas Democrats to prevent new redistricting walkout

Air Canada has reached a tentative agreement with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), ending the strike that began over the weekend involving 10,000 members and disrupted travel for more than 100,000 travelers per day.

Toronto

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Exiled former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui hailed Australia's grant of asylum status as a key acknowledgement of the territory's human rights infringements since its authorities quelled massive pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Hong Kong Island

Ex-Hong Kong lawmaker granted asylum by Australia

Forecasters are giving urgent warnings to millions of people who live along the East Coast as Hurricane Erin churns in the Atlantic. The storm will not make direct landfall but is expected to bring dangerous rip currents.

East Coast of the United States

Hurricane Erin to bring dangerous rip currents to U.S. East Coast

Jasveen Sangha, a Los Angeles woman known as the "Ketamine Queen," has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha could face up to 45 years in prison.

Los Angeles

"Ketamine Queen" to plead guilty in Matthew Perry's death

European leaders who converged on the White House for talks on the Russia-Ukraine war demonstrated a united front regarding Ukraine's security on Monday, underscoring the issue as pivotal for the entire continent, not just Ukraine.

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As Hamas reportedly agreed to some ceasefire terms that would include the return of more hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to take more of Gaza.

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President Donald Trump said that the United States would help Europe in providing security for Ukraine as part of any deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Trump tells Zelenskyy U.S. would help with security in a peace deal

Bolivia's presidential vote headed to an unprecedented runoff after elections Sunday that ended more than two decades of left-wing dominance in the Andean nation but signaled voters' trepidation about a major lurch to the right.

La Paz

Bolivia heads to runoff after historic defeat for the left

All Air Canada planes were grounded on Monday (August 18) after its 10,000 flight attendants refused a return-to-work mandate from the Canadian government.

Air Canada delays plans to resume operations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House Monday (August 18) for his meeting with President Donald Trump and other European leaders about Russia's war in Ukraine. CBS News White House reporter Taurean Small has more.

Trump meeting with Zelenskiy, European leaders at White House

Hamas on Monday informed mediators that it had accepted a ceasefire deal proposal submitted to it the day before, according to international and Israeli outlets.

Reports: Hamas accepts latest Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hurricane Erin will bring dangerously rough surf to parts of the U.S. East Coast. Over the weekend, Erin's outer bands lashed Puerto Rico with up to 7 inches of rain and flooding parts of the island.

Erin expected to bring dangerous conditions to U.S. East Coast

Ahead of his Monday meeting with President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelenksyy says his country will not give up any territory to Russia, even as the White House insists potential land swaps will be necessary. Willie James Inman reports.

Ahead of Trump meeting, Zelenskyy says won't give territory to Russia

Thousands of Israeli protesters demanded a deal to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas in one of the biggest demonstrations since the war in Gaza began. Debora Patta reports.

Thousands of Israelis protest in Gaza, call for end to fighting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flies to Washington on Monday under heavy U.S. pressure to agree to a swift end to Russia's war in his country, but determined to defend Kyiv's interests — without sparking a second Oval Office dust-up with Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy, European allies to meet with Trump to discuss peace

European leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine ahead of a Washington summit with U.S President Donald Trump. They emphasized unity, territorial integrity and security guarantees as essential to any peace deal.

Paris

European leaders stress unity with Ukraine ahead of peace talks

International condemnation and pressure from allies have done nothing to stop Israel's plan to displace the people of northern Gaza. Israel on Saturday (August 16) said it is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza.

Israeli military prepares to move Palestinians to southern Gaza

Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday in a nationwide strike amid fears further fighting could endanger the 50 hostages believed to still be in Gaza.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Dozens of Israelis arrested in protest to demand end to Gaza war

Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities firing hundreds of missiles and projectiles daily despite ongoing peace efforts, led by the United States. Ukrainian officials say their unwillingness to dial back their offensive reflects their lack of sincere interest in peace.

Five killed as Russia continues to pummel Ukrainian cities

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukraine should make a deal to end the war with Russia because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not," after a summit where Vladimir Putin was reported to have demanded more Ukrainian land.

Anchorage

Trump told Zelenskiy that Putin wants more of Ukraine, source says

Efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw the state's congressional maps got new pushback from protesters at rallies across the country Saturday. Nearly 280 events took place in 34 states, according to organizers.

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West Virginia's governor says he will send up to 400 National Guard troops to the nation's capital at President Trump's request. They'll join other National Guard troops and federal agents already deployed with local police on the streets of Washington, D.C.

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President Trump reversed course Saturday, saying he is no longer seeking an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine, but now agrees with Russian President Vladimir Putin that pursuing a peace deal is the best way to end the war.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin described his meeting with President Trump as "frank, substantive and bringing us closer to making the necessary decisions." But the Alaska summit couldn't have been more far removed from the battlefields of Ukraine.

War-weary Ukrainians desperate for a ceasefire

In Ukraine, many do not believe Russia's president Vladimir Putin actually wants a ceasefire deal. They say Trump should stop making concessions to the Kremlin and for U.S President Donald Trump to demand an end to Russia aggression.

Ukrainians sceptical of Vladimir Putin’s intention

Being a Category 1 hurricane, Erin underwent a 'rapid intensification' which helped the storm to grow and strengthen to a powerful Category 5. Hurricane Erin won't make a direct hit on the U.S., but it will produce dangerous surf conditions for the entire East Coast.

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Ukraine Invasion