A Ukrainian official said the Odesa region was struck again in a Russian attack, injuring four people including two children. The strike caused partial damage, ignited the roof of a private home and nearby hay, and its shockwave damaged surrounding buildings.

Aug. 16 — The Iranian parliament approved an anti-infiltration bill to counter penetration by foreign intelligence services, governments and organizations. Hassan Kashkavi, spokesman for the parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said existing laws cover espionage but left a legal gap on anti-infiltration measures; the new law is intended to close that gap.

South Korea's Blue House said on the 17th it expects relations between US and North Korean leaders could develop into a "meaningful" dialogue, paving the way for talks to advance peninsula peace and stability. Seoul said it will carry out necessary diplomatic efforts in close coordination with Washington. The office noted President Trump’s earlier social-media posts and said Seoul and Washington have maintained close coordination on joint military drills.