US President Donald Trump said his primary goal at the upcoming Alaska summit is to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, not to strike a deal for Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stressed he wants to save lives and push towards ending the war, warning of “very severe” consequences if Moscow refuses to cooperate. He noted mutual respect with Putin and welcomed the presence of Russian business leaders, but ruled out deals until the conflict ends. The summit marks Putin’s first visit to Western soil since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has claimed thousands of lives. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to meet at a Cold War-era base in Alaska to discuss on Ukraine ceasefire. Trump aims to broker peace and bolster his Nobel credentials, while Putin seeks relief from Western sanctions and global legitimacy. Though Ukrainian President Zelenskiy wasn’t invited, Trump assured Kyiv must be part of any land concession talks. Putin dangled a nuclear arms deal to entice Trump. Both sides hinted at compromise, possibly a truce in the air war. Analysts warn Putin may offer superficial concessions while retaining escalation control. Trump suggested land transfers might unlock progress, but Zelenskiy remains firm against territorial loss. The summit marks a pivotal moment in reshaping U.S.-Russia-Ukraine dynamics. (PC: Financial Times, Reuters & New York Times)

The Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska, triggered an unprecedented Secret Service mobilization. Hundreds of agents, vehicles, and equipment were flown in to secure Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, chosen for its Cold War-era fortifications and proximity to Russia. Security protocols include mirrored motorcades, separate entrances, and equal armed escorts for both leaders. NORAD will protect Putin’s airspace, despite recent US-Russia aerial tensions. The summit aims to explore a ceasefire in Ukraine, with Trump open to territorial swaps and a future Zelenskyy meeting. Putin seeks recognition of Russian claims and economic cooperation. The event, one of Anchorage’s largest ever, coincides with peak tourist season, straining local logistics and intensifying global diplomatic focus. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump claimed that tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil prompted Russia to seek talks with Washington. Ahead of his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said India’s reduced oil imports from Russia due to a 50% tariff led Moscow to initiate dialogue. India, however, denied halting Russian oil purchases, citing economic rationale. The Indian Oil Corporation confirmed continued imports based on pricing and processing suitability. The Ministry of External Affairs called the US tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump emphasized the economic impact on Russia and hinted at broader diplomatic engagements, including with Ukraine. The tariffs, effective August 27, could affect $40 billion in Indian exports to the US. (PC: ABC)

Between January and April 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed a Category A nuclear safety incident—the most severe classification—occurred at HMNB Clyde (Faslane), home to the Royal Navy's nuclear-armed submarines . While the incident carried a high potential for radiological release, authorities emphasized that there was no actual release and no public or environmental harm resulted . The MoD declined to disclose details citing national security, though this marks the second such Category A event in two years, following one in 2023 . Meanwhile, the Coulport facility, which stores nuclear warheads, logged multiple lower-grade incidents, shining a spotlight on lingering concerns over aging infrastructure and asset management at the UK’s nuclear sites. (PC: Getty Images)    

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This marked Putin’s first US visit in a decade. The summit included one-on-one discussions, delegation talks, and a joint press briefing. Trump described the meeting as a precursor to a trilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Highlighting the challenges, he estimated a 25% chance the talks might fail. Key issues included territorial disputes and security guarantees for Ukraine. The talks’ outcome could significantly influence regional stability and global geopolitics. (PC: CNN)

U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of his much-anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, issued a stark warning: “There will be very severe consequences” if Putin refuses to agree to end the war in Ukraine . The summit aims to explore a ceasefire, potentially followed by a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—provided the initial talks go well . European leaders have urged Trump not to make territorial concessions and reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and involvement in any peace decisions. (PC: AP)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned of increased secondary tariffs on India if Friday’s Trump-Putin peace talks in Alaska fail. Washington has already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing purchases of Russian oil and weapons, making India the most heavily taxed US trading partner in Asia. Delhi defends buying cheap Russian crude to shield millions from rising costs. The US seeks European support for sanctions on Moscow while urging India to lower duties on agriculture and dairy imports. Experts warn the tariffs could slash India’s growth by 0.5% and hit key exports like textiles and jewellery. (PC: BBC)

More than 100 humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have urged Israel to end the “weaponisation of aid” in Gaza, warning that starvation is worsening. They say Israeli regulations introduced in March have blocked most international NGOs from delivering a single truck of lifesaving supplies since 2 March. Aid worth millions, including 744 tons of rice, remains stuck. Israel says the rules protect national interests and prevent aid theft by Hamas. MSF condemned a “militarised food distribution scheme,” calling it a “death trap.” Gaza’s health ministry reports nearly 62,000 Palestinians killed and hundreds dying from hunger. (PC: BBC)

The Indian Army has begun the first phase of its ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023-2032), introducing new combat formations such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan, and Divyastra batteries. Announced on Vijay Diwas by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, these reforms aim to blend traditional strengths with modern warfare capabilities. Bhairav Battalions will bridge the gap between special forces and regular infantry, while Rudra Brigades combine infantry, artillery, and armoured units. Divyastra batteries integrate artillery with drones and precision-strike systems for deep-strike capability. Drone platoons are being added to all infantry battalions, marking a major shift towards a more agile, technology-driven force. (PC: News18)