KeyLang Daily News - 2026年8月18日

📰 English Version

Hello, and welcome to KeyLang Daily News for Tuesday, August 18, 2026. I'm your host, bringing you twenty stories from around the world. Today we cover ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, elections, and diplomatic talks across every region. As always, we aim to report the facts clearly and to share different viewpoints where opinions differ. Let's begin.

⚔️ Russia and Ukraine Report New Casualties from Strikes

Russia and Ukraine have reported fresh casualties from mutual strikes. Moscow said nine people were killed over the past twenty-four hours, while Kyiv reported four deaths. Ukraine also carried out one of its largest aerial attacks of the war, which Russian officials said left at least six people dead. Both sides continue to accuse each other of targeting civilian areas. The war, which began in February 2022, shows no clear sign of ending soon.

🌪️ Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 68

Rescue efforts continue in eastern Indonesia after a powerful earthquake struck early on Saturday. Officials now say at least sixty-eight people have been killed and thousands displaced. Aftershocks and landslides are making it harder for aid to reach affected areas. Relief groups warn of shortages of food and clean water, and there are fears of starvation among survivors. Emergency teams are still searching for people believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings.

⚔️ Life Inside Russia as the War Continues

As the war with Ukraine drags on, questions remain about how ordinary Russians view the conflict. Analysts note that public opinion is difficult to measure, since open opposition can bring legal risk. Some citizens support the government's position, while others quietly express doubts. Independent observers say access to information inside the country is limited. The long war has affected the economy and daily life for many Russian families in different ways.

🌍 Kushner Says Progress on Gaza Plan Possible Within a Month

US envoy Jared Kushner said talks with Hamas were cordial and that progress on President Trump's peace plan could come within about thirty days. He said the group must voluntarily give up its weapons and tunnels within sixty to ninety days. Kushner added that if Hamas does not follow through, Israel would gain greater international support to act. Hamas has said it will consider the proposals, and both sides remain cautious about the outcome.

⚔️ Iraq and Iran Discuss Drone Attack on Kurdish PM's Office

Iraq's Foreign Minister spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart about a drone strike on the office of Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Erbil. Iraq asked Iran to clarify its position, warning the attack could harm regional stability. Iran's minister said he was surprised by the incident and had no information showing it was launched from Iranian soil. Tehran earlier described the attack as a suspicious development requiring a careful response.

🌪️ Indonesia Rescue Work Slowed by Aftershocks

Photographs from eastern Indonesia show rescue teams working through rubble as the death toll from the weekend earthquake reached sixty-eight. Aftershocks and landslides have blocked roads and slowed the delivery of aid. Many families are sheltering in temporary camps with limited supplies. Local authorities have appealed for outside assistance, and international relief organizations say they are preparing to send help. Officials warn that the number of victims may still rise.

🌍 Trump Issues Threat to Oman Amid US-Iran Tensions

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he could order strikes on Oman, sixty days after a memorandum of understanding was signed toward ending the conflict between the United States and Iran. The statement raised concern in the region, since Oman has often acted as a mediator in past talks. Officials in several countries called for restraint. There has been no immediate response from the Omani government to the president's remarks.

🌍 Trump Approval Rating Falls to 33 Percent

A Reuters and Ipsos poll found that President Trump's approval rating has dropped to thirty-three percent, the lowest of his presidency. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they disapproved of his performance. Many Americans said they are worried the conflict with Iran could last a long time. The four-day survey showed a decline from thirty-five percent earlier in the month. The White House has not commented directly on the poll results.

🌍 Russian Opposition Politician Sentenced to 11 Years

A Russian court has sentenced opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to eleven years and one month in prison for speaking against the war in Ukraine. Shlosberg is a senior member of the Yabloko party, described as the only official party openly opposing the war. Supporters call the case part of a wider effort to limit dissent before next month's parliamentary election. Authorities say the ruling was based on existing law. Shlosberg's team plans to appeal.

🌍 Trump Suggests New Contact with North Korea's Kim

US President Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his recent messages and described their exchanges as very positive. The comment came after Washington scaled back some joint military drills with South Korea. Analysts say the move could signal a new attempt at dialogue between the two countries. North Korea has not publicly confirmed the contacts. Officials in Seoul said they are watching developments closely and remain in touch with Washington.

🎭 Pilgrims in Lourdes Remember Monks Killed in Algeria

Pilgrims gathering in Lourdes, France, for the feast of the Assumption paid tribute to the monks of Tibhirine on Sunday. Seven French monks were kidnapped and killed in 1996 during the Algerian civil war. The memorial marked thirty years since their deaths. Those present described the event as a moment of reflection and remembrance. The story of the monks has been widely told in books and films over the past decades.

🌪️ Heavy Rains in Caracas Kill Three, Hit Quake Survivors

At least three people died in Caracas after torrential rains fell between Saturday night and early Sunday. The downpour caused flooding, brought down trees, and cut power in parts of the city. It also destroyed tents sheltering families left homeless by the double earthquake of June 24. Local officials said emergency crews were working to clear damage and help affected residents. Many survivors now face displacement for a second time within months.

🌪️ At Least 92 Dead in Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster

At least ninety-two people have died after a ferry accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. Search teams are still working to recover the remaining victims from the water. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the accident or the exact number of passengers on board. Families have gathered near the lake awaiting news. Officials said the recovery operation could continue for several more days as conditions allow.

🌍 Texas Governor and Muslim Group Clash Over Airport Stations

A dispute has emerged in Texas over foot-washing stations at airports used by some Muslim travelers before prayer. Governor Greg Abbott threatened to withhold state funding from airports building such facilities, calling them discriminatory. Dallas-Fort Worth Airport then cancelled a planned project. The Council on American-Islamic Relations called the move a political stunt, saying the stations are legal and open to anyone. The two sides have long been in conflict over related issues.

🌍 Kushner Reports 'Very Good' Meeting with Netanyahu

US envoy Jared Kushner described his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as very good, following his talks with Hamas. Kushner is working to gain Israeli support for the US-backed peace plan for Gaza. He said both sides had shared their concerns openly. Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas gives up its weapons. Talks are expected to continue in the coming days.

🌍 US General to Verify Hamas Disarmament, Officials Say

An Israeli official said Netanyahu and Kushner agreed that an American general would oversee the disarmament of Hamas. Netanyahu insisted Israel would not pull its forces out of Gaza until the group gives up its weapons. The understanding comes as the Trump administration tries to revive its peace plan. Reports say there has been tension between Washington and the Israeli leader over the details. Hamas has yet to respond formally to the arrangement.

🌍 Hichilema Takes Early Lead in Zambia Election

President Hakainde Hichilema has taken an early lead in Zambia's presidential election. He secured nearly fifty-nine percent of votes counted in 135 of 226 constituencies. The result puts him on course for a possible second term, though counting continues. Officials said the final tally will be announced once all votes are recorded. Observers reported that voting was largely peaceful. Opposition candidates are awaiting the complete results before commenting.

⚔️ US Aircraft Carrier Heads to the Middle East

The USS Washington is sailing toward the Middle East to relieve the USS Lincoln, amid concerns about conditions aboard the current carrier. The move comes during heightened regional tensions involving the United States and Iran. Officials said the rotation is part of standard naval operations. At the same time, US envoy Jared Kushner is continuing diplomatic efforts on Gaza. The Pentagon has not given further details about the deployment timeline.

🌍 Expert Discusses the Mood Inside Russia

NPR spoke with Nina Khrushcheva, a professor of international affairs, about the current situation inside Russia. She described how the long war with Ukraine has shaped daily life and public discussion. According to her, many people avoid open political debate because of possible consequences. She noted that the government maintains firm control over official media. The interview offered one view of how citizens are experiencing the ongoing conflict.

🎭 Cambridge Head Criticizes 'Feeding Frenzy' Over Academic

The head of Cambridge University has criticized what she called a feeding frenzy surrounding Professor Jason Arday, who was found dead. The university had opened an investigation into plagiarism allegations against him amid several controversies. The vice-chancellor said the intense public attention had gone too far. Colleagues have called for careful and fair treatment of the case. The university said it would review how it handles such investigations in the future.

That's all for today's twenty stories from around the world. We've covered conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, disasters in Indonesia, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, and elections and diplomacy across several regions. Thank you for joining KeyLang Daily News. Before you go, take a moment to review today's five key phrases. We'll see you again tomorrow. Take care.