Good morning—it’s Saturday, August 23, 2025. A shake-up rattles the US Navy as two top leaders are abruptly removed. In Europe, Dutch politics are in turmoil after the foreign minister resigned over failed Israel sanctions, while Ukraine warns Belarus ahead of joint drills with Russia. Estonia signals readiness to send troops for a Ukraine peacekeeping mission, and North Korea honors its soldiers killed fighting in Russia’s war. Meanwhile, South Korea’s president meets Japan’s prime minister to strengthen ties before his Washington summit. Here’s your Morning Brief.

—US Navy Removes Top Leaders of Reserve and Special Warfare Commands

The US Navy removed Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore and Rear Adm. Milton ‘Jamie’ Sands III from their leadership roles on Friday.

Lacore, who assumed command of

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