Reaction and Impact
Qatar swiftly condemned the incident as a flagrant violation of international norms. The strike severely jeopardized mediation efforts and prompted emergency diplomatic responses.

Global Outcry : Israel’s Strike Called “Terrorism on State Level”

Political Fallout
The attack drew near universal condemnation. Turkey’s President Erdogan decried it as a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty and accused Israel of adopting terrorism as state policy.

United States Response
U.S. President Donald Trump slammed the strike, stating it “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” He emphasized that bombing a sovereign U.S. ally involved in peace facilitation was counterproductive. Trump expressed being “not thrilled” with how the situation unfolded and suggested he was not adequately informed ahead of time.

UK Joins Criticism, Strike Escalates Regional Crisis

British Reaction and Diplomatic Ripple Effects
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strike as a violation of Qatari sovereignty and warned of the risk of broader regional instability. He stressed an urgent need for ceasefire, hostage releases, and expanded humanitarian aid. Downing Street declined to confirm prior knowledge of the attack, while the White House acknowledged being informed before it occurred.

Diplomatic Risks
The operation threatens to derail fragile ceasefire efforts and undermine international mediation. With the ICC reviewing conduct by Israel’s leadership, the attack adds to diplomatic pressure and controversy around Israel’s wartime strategy.

Quick Overview Table

Beijing, August 26, 2025 — Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host more than 20 world leaders next week at a high-stakes regional security forum, marking a significant display of Global South solidarity and a renewed diplomatic push in favor of multipolar global governance just months before the U.S. presidential election that may return Donald Trump to the White House.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit will be held from August 31 to September 1 in the northern port city of Tianjin. Alongside President Xi, the event will be headlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose attendance underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow amid intensifying Western isolation and sanctions against Russia.

The guest list includes leaders from Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, many of whom represent emerging economies increasingly skeptical of U.S. led global institutions and sanctions regimes.

“This summit is China’s moment to solidify its role as the anchor of the Global South,” said one senior diplomat from the region. “It’s also a platform for Russia to show it’s far from diplomatically isolated.”

SCO: From Regional Bloc to Global Platform

Founded in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation initially focused on regional counterterrorism and economic cooperation among China, Russia, and Central Asian states. But in recent years, it has expanded its scope  and its membership  to include India, Pakistan, and Iran, with dozens of observer and dialogue partner states.

The 2025 summit in Tianjin marks a shift in tone and ambition, with China aiming to elevate the SCO as an alternative platform to Western led alliances like NATO and G7.

Topics on the summit agenda reportedly include:

• Regional security cooperation

• Trade and infrastructure initiatives tied to China’s Belt and Road

• Strategies to bypass Western sanctions and develop parallel financial systems

• Humanitarian cooperation and food and energy security

Russia’s Diplomatic Lifeline

For Russia, the summit provides a critical opportunity to demonstrate that it retains high level diplomatic partners, even as its war in Ukraine and associated Western sanctions have constrained its economy and isolated it from major Western powers.

Putin’s confirmed participation marks one of his most prominent multilateral appearances this year, amid a flurry of recent engagements with non Western allies like North Korea, Iran, and BRICS partners.

“China is throwing Russia a diplomatic lifeline,” said a Eurasia analyst. “It’s a clear signal that alternative poles of power are being formed.”

Trump Factor and the U.S. Shadow

The summit also comes against the backdrop of a fast approaching U.S. presidential election, with Donald Trump a vocal critic of multilateralism and NATO  leading in several battleground state polls. Many SCO member states see the U.S. as distracted and divided, giving Beijing a unique opening to reshape the global narrative.

Observers suggest the Tianjin summit could also preemptively counter a second Trump administration, especially if it adopts a transactional approach to alliances and accelerates U.S. disengagement from global leadership.

What to Watch

The SCO summit is expected to conclude with a joint declaration reinforcing calls for:

• Non-interference in domestic affairs

• Reform of global governance institutions

• Respect for “multipolarity” in international relations

• Expanded South-South cooperation

China may also announce new investment funds or digital infrastructure agreements with member states, further anchoring its economic influence across Eurasia and the Global South.

As the geopolitical center of gravity shifts, the 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit could be a milestone in the post Western world order that leaders like Xi and Putin have long envisioned.

Following his groundbreaking and highly anticipated meeting with Putin in Alaska, Trump extended a warm welcome to Zelenskyy at the White House, and this significant encounter ultimately led to a pivotal decision that could potentially bring an end to the bloodshed and violence once and for all. The pivotal decision emerging from President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House was to arrange direct, unconditional talks between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This bilateral meeting, facilitated by Trump, is intended to address core issues like territorial disputes, a potential ceasefire, and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine—potentially leading to a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary truce. Trump expressed optimism for a resolution within one to two weeks, with plans for a follow-up trilateral summit involving himself. European leaders described the development as a breakthrough, but of course, emphasizing unified U.S.-European support for Ukraine’s security, possibly modelled on NATO commitments. So lets go step by step on what happened yesterday.

President Trump meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House

As the world witnessed the highly anticipated meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy at the White House, a stark contrast emerged compared to their previous encounter, which had notoriously ended in a dramatic blowout. The atmosphere was tense back then, but today, it was decidedly different. Following his historic summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the groundwork for peace was laid, President Trump was now focused on bringing President Zelenskyy on board. The global community was eagerly watching to see how this meeting would unfold.

 At approximately 1 PM, President Trump warmly greeted President Zelenskyy outside the White House, where the Ukrainian leader was dressed in a suit, exuding a sense of formality. As they exchanged smiles and shook hands, the tension from their previous meeting seemed to dissipate. When a reporter inquired about the message President Trump had for the people of Ukraine, he responded promptly, “We love them!” This statement set the tone for a meeting that was distinctly more positive from the outset. As the two leaders walked into the White House together, it became clear that the peace talks were gaining momentum, with President Trump hinting at the possibility of a trilateral meeting with President Putin to finalize the agreement. Shortly thereafter, the press was invited into the Oval Office, where President Trump, President Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance were seated in the same positions as their contentious meeting in February. President Trump broke the ice by expressing his gratitude to President Zelenskyy for traveling to Washington.

Zelenskyy’s tone was respectful and sincere unlike last time

President Zelenskyy directly thanked Trump for his personal efforts to end the war when it was his turn to speak. His tone was respectful and sincere, a stark contrast to his more combative stance during their previous meeting. Then, President Zelenskyy handed Trump a letter from his wife, intended for First Lady Melania Trump, thanking her for the letter she penned to Putin about the children. And of course there was a light-hearted moment about the suit.

Trump: The war is going to end

Trump reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ending the war

As the Oval Office meeting drew to a close, President Trump reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to a single, all-encompassing objective. This one issue is the only thing that genuinely matters to him. In a statement, Trump emphasized that he is determined to put an end to the war, and it’s extremely important. When questioned by a reporter about his meeting with Putin in Alaska, specifically if there was anything that had left a sour taste, Trump took a brief pause before dropping a significant hint about his next move. Following the departure of the media, Trump and Zelenskyy joined forces with other European leaders in the White House state dining room for a private, closed-door discussion.

European Leaders meeting on Ukraine at the White House

President Trump and his counterparts have reemerged for a formal photo opportunity in the Cross Hall, presenting a potent visual statement. The group then proceeds to the East Room, where a multilateral summit took place, with President Trump taking the lead by sitting down with President Zelenskyy and numerous EU officials. President Trump expresses his gratitude to all attendees for participating in his diplomatic efforts, kicking off the discussion by describing the day as “very successful.” He publicly confirms previous suspicions, revealing that he had already been in contact with Russian President Putin and intended to follow up after the White House talks had concluded. The president’s words underscore the importance of swiftly resolving the matter at hand, leaving no doubt about the gravity of the situation.

The Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Triangle

Following the conclusion of the multilateral session, the leaders reconvened behind closed doors in the Oval Office, marking a pivotal moment in the negotiations. At 6PM, President Trump took to Truth Social, shattering the silence with a significant announcement: he had personally spoken with President Putin, laying the groundwork for a historic meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy at a yet-to-be-determined location. This direct, face-to-face encounter between the two wartime leaders is now officially slated to take place within a two-week timeframe, paving the way for a trilateral meeting that will bring together Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, alongside President Trump. As a crucial, early step towards resolving a conflict that has ravaged the region for nearly four years, this development is a major breakthrough. Behind the scenes, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are spearheading the coordination efforts, working tirelessly to bring both sides closer together. President Trump is steadily bridging the gap between the two nations, transforming what seemed like an insurmountable challenge just weeks ago into a tangible, achievable goal.

Russia-Ukraine conflict is finally shifting toward a pragmatic resolution

Now that you are all caught up; As of August 19, 2025, the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is finally shifting toward a pragmatic resolution, thanks largely to the bold leadership of President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. What began as a needless escalation fueled by NATO’s aggressive expansionism and Western hubris is now inching toward peace talks that could redraw maps, secure borders, and—most importantly—stabilize global markets that have been haemorrhaging for years due to this proxy war. This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s a global reckoning where smart deals trump endless military adventurism, benefiting energy flows, commodity prices, and investor confidence worldwide.

Trump’s approach here is masterful—a far cry from the blank-check policies of his predecessors that funneled billions into a bottomless pit. He’s pushing for security guarantees for Ukraine, but smartly offloading the heavy lifting to Europe, with the U.S. providing mere “coordination.”  And why should American taxpayers foot the bill for NATO’s mistakes? Globally, this makes sense: Europe’s energy dependence on Russia has been crippled by their own sanctions, driving up LNG prices from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Asian ports and inflating costs for everyone from German manufacturers to Indian farmers. A deal could reopen Nord Stream pipelines (or equivalents), slash global prices, and boost Russia’s economy—already resilient despite Western isolation attempts—while allowing Trump to redirect U.S. funds toward domestic infrastructure and tax cuts that supercharge markets. Putin, for his part, emerges as the steady statesman in this saga. His demands—control over regions like Donetsk and Crimea—are not “maximalist” as some Western media spins it, but a logical response to NATO’s eastward creep that violated post-Cold War understandings.

Russia’s military advances have exposed Ukraine’s vulnerabilities

Russia’s military advances have exposed Ukraine’s vulnerabilities, and Putin’s openness to talks now shows strategic patience. Economically, this positions Russia as a powerhouse: BRICS nations like China and India continue snapping up discounted Russian oil, circumventing sanctions and weakening the petrodollar’s grip. Investing in Russian commodities or joint ventures could yield massive returns once peace normalizes trade routes through the Black Sea. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, is the reluctant player, dragged to the table after years of grandstanding that prolonged the suffering. His frustration with Trump’s direct line to Putin is telling—he’s used to dictating terms via endless aid requests, but now faces reality: no more blank checks, and potential territorial concessions to end the bloodshed.

A peace deal is a win for markets and economies

 From a global lens, Zelenskyy’s stubbornness has ripple effects far beyond Europe. African nations grapple with fertilizer shortages from disrupted Ukrainian exports, spiking food prices and instability; Middle Eastern oil producers benefit short-term from high energy costs but crave stability to plan long-term OPEC+ deals with Russia. Even in Latin America, where inflation from war-driven commodity spikes hits hard, leaders quietly root for a swift resolution to refocus on regional growth. NATO’s outdated Cold War relic status has drained trillions from member economies, with the U.S. bearing the brunt while allies like Germany skimp on defense spending. Trump’s skepticism toward NATO isn’t isolationism; it’s fiscal conservatism. Why prop up an organization that provoked this mess and now begs for more funds? A peace deal sidelines NATO’s warmongers, allowing countries like Hungary and Turkey—already pro-Russia leaners—to pivot toward multipolar trade blocs that favour efficiency over ideology.

The war has cost the global economy over $2 trillion in lost growth

Financially, the upside is enormous. The war has cost the global economy over $2 trillion in lost growth, per IMF estimates, with stock markets volatile from energy shocks. Peace would unleash a bull run: Russian stocks (if sanctions lift) could surge 50%, European indices stabilize, and U.S. Treasuries rally as defense budgets shrink. In sum, yesterday’s developments mark a turning point where Trump’s art of the deal meets Putin’s resolve, potentially ending a conflict that never should have escalated. Zelenskyy will have to adapt or fade, while the world reaps the rewards: lower inflation, secure supply chains, and a multipolar order that prioritizes prosperity over NATO’s failed dreams.

Written By Tatenda Belle Panashe

In a statement released by Brazil’s presidential office, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the importance of South-South cooperation in shaping a more balanced global order.

“The leaders agreed on the role of the G20 and BRICS in defending multilateralism,” the statement read.

Chinese state media echoed this sentiment, reporting that President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of deepening political trust and expanding trade and investment between Beijing and Brasília. The call comes as both countries prepare for upcoming BRICS summits and seek to amplify their global influence amid shifting power dynamics.

The two also touched on bilateral business relations, including infrastructure investment, energy cooperation, and trade diversification areas both countries have prioritized in recent years as part of their strategic partnership.

The phone call reflects China’s growing engagement with Latin America, particularly through the BRICS framework, as the bloc explores expanded roles in global finance, supply chains, and diplomacy.

Conclusion:

As the BRICS alliance continues to evolve, the dialogue between Lula and Xi highlights a shared vision for a more multipolar world  one where emerging economies can assert greater leadership in global governance.

Rio de Janeiro – At the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB), global leaders called for a radical transformation of the international financial system, urging BRICS nations and the broader Global South to distance themselves from Western-dominated development models.

NDB President Dilma Rousseff, the former Brazilian head of state, delivered a powerful address emphasizing the urgent need for alternative growth strategies. “We must no longer be passive recipients of imposed financial architecture,” Rousseff said. “It’s time for BRICS nations to become active architects of their own development pathways.”

Her remarks come ahead of the upcoming BRICS leaders’ summit, also set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, where geopolitical and economic autonomy is expected to dominate the agenda.

Lula: “The Global South Needs a New Currency”

Backing Rousseff’s sentiments, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva intensified calls for a shift away from global dependency on the U.S. dollar and other Western financial instruments. “It is time for a new trade currency among BRICS nations,” Lula said. “We must break the chains of financial dependency that have kept the Global South subordinate for decades.”

In a pointed rebuke of the international community, Lula also criticized the United Nations, calling it “insignificant” in the face of ongoing humanitarian crises. “Where is the UN in Gaza? Where is the global leadership in solving Palestine? We cannot wait for an institution that has repeatedly failed us.”

NDB: Shifting Focus to Infrastructure and Sovereignty

Founded in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the New Development Bank was envisioned as a financial alternative to institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With a growing list of member countries and partners, the bank has increasingly positioned itself as a key driver of infrastructure and sustainable development across emerging economies.

In 2025, the NDB has already approved over $1.1 billion in loans for Brazil alone, earmarked for energy projects, green transport, and digital infrastructure. The bank has also expressed interest in expanding partnerships with other countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

A Wider Challenge to the Global Order

This year’s summit reflects growing frustration among emerging economies over unequal access to global capital and decision-making power in traditional institutions. The broader BRICS coalition which may soon expand to include nations like Argentina, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia is signaling a clear intent to challenge the Western-led status quo.

Analysts say the rhetoric is not merely symbolic. “The Global South is no longer content being a footnote in the global economy,” said Dr. Maria Estevez, an economist at the University of São Paulo. “The NDB’s increased activity is one part of a much larger push for a multipolar financial world.”

As the world watches the BRICS summit unfold in Rio, the message from the New Development Bank is unmistakable: a new financial era may be on the horizon—one that redefines the rules of global development, power, and equity.

The trend reflects growing geopolitical tensions, including the 2022 freezing of Russian reserves, US-China friction, and a push by BRICS nations to diversify away from dollar and euro reliance. Central banks cited diversification and protection against sanctions as key reasons for increasing gold holdings. Despite the euro’s stable share at around 20% when measured at constant exchange rates, gold’s price rally elevated its market value above the euro’s. The US dollar still dominates reserves at 46%, though its share is declining.

This is a big deal, and it’s a wake-up call for anyone who values economic stability, national sovereignty, and sound money. Let’s break down why this matters and what it means for you. Gold overtaking the euro signals a crisis of confidence in fiat currencies—those paper promises backed by nothing but trust in governments. Fiat currencies are backed by empty promises, and when those promises fail, confidence collapses. ‘Fiat’ is Latin for currency by force.

The euro, once hailed as Europe’s answer to the dollar, is losing ground because central banks are questioning its long-term stability. And who can blame them? The eurozone’s been grappling with sluggish growth, political fragmentation, and the fallout from years of loose monetary policy. Meanwhile, gold—tangible, timeless, immune to sanctions—has become the go-to for nations looking to protect their wealth.

Why EU’s Currency Is DONE

The Euro suffered a record collapse to its low in 2022. However, this fall isn’t done and the crash has worsened in 2025. The Euro could crash further which could escalate deindustrialization as well!

ECB’s Digital Euro set to launch in October

But this is by design because, the European Central Bank is set to unveil its Digital Euro in October, sparking widespread concerns about the erosion of our financial freedom. A major issue is the real-time monitoring of every single transaction, allowing banks to track each purchase made by individuals, thereby raising significant privacy concerns. The threat of payment blocking becomes increasingly real, with the government potentially freezing funds if they disagree with an individual’s actions. Furthermore, the introduction of automatic tax deductions is a looming possibility, where the ECB could directly deduct taxes from digital wallets. The implementation of cash withdrawal limits may also be on the horizon, restricting access to one’s own money. The Digital Euro will introduce programmable money, enabling the imposition of expiration dates on funds, which will disappear if not spent within a specified timeframe. Having failed to convince the public to adopt this system voluntarily, authorities now appear to be relying on fear tactics, potentially exploiting a new crisis to forcibly impose the Digital Euro on the population, effectively ushering in a financial Great Reset. This move would grant total control over individual purchases, tracking movements, and potentially even dictating dietary choices, essentially establishing a system of pervasive financial surveillance that monitors every aspect of one’s life. By accepting the Digital Euro, individuals would be paving the way for a future devoid of financial privacy, where every transaction is tracked and controlled. The ECB’s plan raises urgent questions about the future of financial freedom and the potential for governments to exert excessive control over citizens’ lives. Will the introduction of the Digital Euro mark the beginning of a new era of financial surveillance, and what implications will this have for individuals and society as a whole?

How Geopolitics has favoured Gold

Now, let’s talk geopolitics, because this is where the rubber meets the road. The 2022 freezing of Russia’s reserves by Western powers sent shockwaves through the global financial system. Countries like China and India took note and said, “We’re not going to be next.” They’re diversifying away from the dollar and euro, stockpiling gold to shield themselves from sanctions and currency wars. BRICS nations are even talking about a gold-backed alternative to the dollar. This isn’t just a financial shift; it’s a power shift.

From a conservative perspective, this is a vindication of what we’ve been saying for years: fiat currencies are vulnerable. The US dollar, still king at 46% of reserves, isn’t invincible either. Its share is shrinking, weighed down by America’s $33 trillion debt and reckless money printing. Gold’s rise is a reminder that sound money—backed by something real—matters. It’s why central banks are acting like preppers, stocking up on gold like it’s the financial apocalypse.  But this isn’t just about central banks. Everyday investors are jumping in, too. Gold ETFs and physical bullion sales are booming as people hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. And let’s be honest: with governments spending like there’s no tomorrow, who trusts paper money to hold its value? Gold’s surge is a vote for economic sanity in a world gone mad with debt and deficits.  But Like I said, Its by design because they want to introduce CBDC.

Gold overtaking the euro is sign that the global financial system is cracking.

So, why should you care? Because gold overtaking the euro is a warning shot. It’s a sign that the global financial system, built on trust in fiat currencies, is cracking. For investors, it’s time to ask: are you diversified? Do you have assets that can’t be printed or sanctioned away? For policymakers, it’s a call to get back to basics—cut spending, shore up currencies, and stop treating debt like a game. And for all others, it’s a reminder that in uncertain times, gold isn’t just shiny metal; it’s a hedge against chaos.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Russia’s strong support for the continued growth of BRICS, expressing confidence that the bloc’s expansion process will resume shortly.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Lavrov emphasized that the group which currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members such as Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Argentina  remains an essential platform for promoting multipolarity, global economic fairness, and cooperation among emerging economies.

“We are confident that the process of expanding BRICS will not only continue, but gain momentum,” Lavrov stated. “There is strong interest from many countries who recognize the value of a multipolar world order and the role BRICS can play in achieving it.”

Lavrov also stressed the importance of preserving and adapting existing global trade structures, saying the World Trade Organization (WTO) should remain at the core of the global trading system, but must evolve to reflect current geopolitical and economic realities.

This comes as BRICS nations increasingly call for reforms in international institutions and advocate for a more inclusive, equitable global governance model one less dominated by Western powers.

Lavrov’s comments align with growing global interest in BRICS, as a growing number of countries from the Global South express interest in joining the bloc, viewing it as a counterbalance to traditional Western-dominated institutions such as the G7 and NATO.

LN24 International will continue monitoring BRICS developments and Russia’s role in shaping the bloc’s future direction.