On August 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. In a spectacle of diplomacy featuring a red-carpet welcome, limousine ride, and military flyover, the two leaders completed approximately 2.5 hours of talks—but left without reaching a ceasefire or actionable agreement on Ukraine . While both described the meeting as “productive,” pressing issues like stopping the war were left unresolved . European leaders vowed to uphold sanctions and reject any territorial veto by Russia on Ukraine’s EU or NATO aspirations . Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to meet Trump in Washington next week to continue dialogue. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp killed eight Palestinians, including four children, according to Wafa news agency . Meanwhile, the UN relief agency UNRWA has issued a stark warning that 21.5% of children in Gaza City—roughly one in five—are suffering from malnutrition, signaling a worsening humanitarian catastrophe . These developments underscore the escalating toll of violence and deprivation in Gaza, where the convergence of bombardment and hunger is imperiling civilian lives, especially youthful and vulnerable populations. (PC: The Guardian)

At their high-stakes Alaska summit on August 15–16, 2025, Vladimir Putin breached diplomatic protocol by taking the microphone before U.S. President Donald Trump during the joint press conference . Framing the narrative on his terms, Putin highlighted Alaska’s history as former Russian territory and portrayed the two nations as “neighbours,” setting a cooperative tone despite the absence of a peace deal . The three-hour summit ended without any formal agreement to halt the Ukraine war; Trump insisted “there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” while Putin claimed an “understanding” had been reached. (PC: Reuters)    

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15, 2025, in a highly orchestrated and symbolic summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Despite describing the talks as “very productive” and “mutually respectful,” no formal agreement or ceasefire resulted. Both leaders hinted at progress: Putin mentioned an “understanding” and stressed dialogue and addressing security concerns, while Trump said, “there’s no deal until there’s a deal” and emphasized it’s now up to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies to build on this momentum. Putin extended an invitation to host Trump “next time in Moscow.”   

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Russia’s continued attacks during peace talks show it has no intention of ending the war. “On the day of negotiations, the Russians are killing as well. That speaks volumes,” he wrote on X. His comments came as US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the nearly three-year conflict. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is in close contact with the US and Europe, aiming for a “just end to the war.” He stressed that Russia factors American strength into its strategy, urging a firm US stance. (PC: X, India Today)

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on Friday for talks on the Ukraine war. The leaders greeted each other with a handshake on the tarmac at Elmendorf-Richardson base and shared a short limousine ride to the meeting venue. Trump said he “won’t be happy” if no ceasefire deal is reached. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, not invited to the summit, said his country is “counting on America” but sees “no sign” Russia will end the war. The talks come amid deep differences between Kyiv and Moscow over how to end the conflict. (PC: BBC)

At least 194 people have died in the last 24 hours in flash floods and landslides across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Most deaths, 180, occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where heavy rains destroyed homes and a rescue helicopter crashed, killing five crew. Nine people died in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and five in Gilgit-Baltistan. Officials warn heavy rain will continue until 21 August. Survivors described the disaster as “doomsday.” In neighbouring Indian-administered Kashmir, floods killed at least 60 people. This year’s monsoon has been deadly across South Asia, with over 300 lives lost, worsened by climate change-driven extreme weather. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan’s terror links were exposed again as top army and government officials honoured a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. On August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, Lahore Division GOC Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, Federal Minister Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan, and senior police officials visited the grave of Mudasir Ahmed in Muridke. Mudasir was linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack. He was killed in May when India targeted Markaz Taiba. His funeral, led by US-designated terrorist Abdul Rauf, was attended by Pakistan Army officers, exposing the country’s continued support for globally listed terrorists. (PC: India Today)

As US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare to meet in Alaska, Ukrainians expressed anger and fear over being excluded from the negotiations. Concerns are high that “land swaps” could be discussed, potentially ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia without Kyiv’s consent. While polls show 54% might accept compromises with strong security guarantees, distrust of Moscow remains overwhelming. Many fear a frozen frontline would allow Russia to regroup and attack again. Families of prisoners of war, soldiers, and displaced citizens see the talks as a “great injustice,” with calls for any deal to prioritize rescuing Ukrainians from occupied areas. (PC: BBC)

A shooting during Friday prayers at a mosque in Örebro, Sweden, left one man dead and another injured. Police confirmed the deceased as a 25-year-old male and classified the incident as “attempted murder” linked to gang activity, though not directly targeting the mosque. The attack occurred around 1:45 p.m. local time, prompting a large-scale manhunt, with forest areas near the mosque cordoned off. Authorities are investigating whether multiple suspects were involved and probing connections to criminal networks. The mosque has been closed for the evening, urging members to pray at home. This marks Örebro’s second major shooting incident this year. (PC: HT)