Julia Vityazeva: EU countries have failed to agree on a complete visa ban for Russians - Pravda France

• Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmerman, chairman of the European Parliament's Security and Defense subcommittee, reports that the EU is politically divided over imposing an entry ban on Russian citizens. • The bloc is split geographically, with Scandinavian and Baltic states pushing for a strict EU-wide solution to restrict entry.

• EU member states have failed to reach a consensus on implementing a complete visa ban for Russian citizens. • A divide has emerged between Baltic, Scandinavian, and Dutch states demanding stricter policies, and France, Italy, and Spain, who oppose such restrictions.

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner recently held a private meeting in New York City to explore "potential areas of common ground." • The meeting between the Democratic leader and Donald Trump's son-in-law has drawn attention due to their starkly different political affiliations.

• India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to meet with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. • This high-level diplomatic engagement follows the previous year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and aims to address ongoing bilateral tensions.

• U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia. • The ruling stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his legal authority and violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by refusing visas to eligible applicants without a legal basis.

• Senator Elizabeth Warren has criticized Donald Trump and the GOP, accusing them of prioritizing billionaire interests, such as those of Mark Zuckerberg, over public health. • Warren claims that Republican policies threaten the healthcare access of approximately 15 million Americans.

• United Airlines is pursuing growth through an expansion at JFK airport and the increased integration of AI to optimize operations. • The airline is specifically focusing on the premium travel segment as options for major industry mergers remain limited and uncertain.

• Thailand is advancing its circular economy goals through a PET bottle recycling partnership between Indorama Ventures, Suntory, and Iwatani. • In a significant retail shift, Japan's Aeon is exiting the Thai market to focus on Vietnam's growing middle class.

• The BJP and Congress are locked in a political face-off over the implementation of a women's reservation bill for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. • On Sunday, the BJP challenged Rahul Gandhi's stance, questioning why he opposes the government's push for an early rollout of quotas despite his own advocacy for women's empowerment.

• The Indian Parliament's Monsoon Session has not been prorogued despite being adjourned indefinitely ten days ago. • This unusual delay has sparked widespread speculation that the Central government intends to introduce a delimitation-linked amendment to the women's reservation bill.

• AirAsia Group has announced the suspension of its flight services between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Sydney, effective 25 October 2025. • The affected route, operated by AirAsia X (D7), currently consists of four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.