U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their Alaska summit: halt fighting along current front lines in exchange for Kyiv ceding full control of Donetsk. Zelenskyy rejected the offer, according to Reuters. Trump publicly urged Ukraine to accept a peace deal, stating, “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.” The three-hour Alaska summit marked the first direct U.S.-Russia engagement since the 2022 invasion. Trump and Putin agreed that peace should proceed without a ceasefire, a stance that diverges from Ukraine’s and Europe’s insistence on ceasefire as a prerequisite. Russia currently controls 20% of Ukraine, including most of Donetsk. (PC: The New York Times)

Following the Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed Putin’s proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: halt Russian advances in exchange for Ukraine surrendering full control of Donetsk. Zelenskyy rejected the offer, maintaining Ukraine’s stance against territorial concessions. Trump publicly stated Ukraine should accept a peace deal, arguing “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.” He and Putin reportedly agreed that peace should proceed without a ceasefire, diverging from prior U.S. policy. Russia currently occupies 20% of Ukrainian territory. The summit marked the first U.S.-Russia meeting since the 2022 invasion, amid strained ties and heightened NATO-Russia tensions. (PC: NDTV & CBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin described his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska as “very frank” and “timely,” emphasizing its usefulness in advancing discussions on ending the Ukraine conflict “on a fair basis.” Speaking to top officials in Moscow, Putin noted the rarity of such high-level direct negotiations and praised the opportunity to calmly and thoroughly reiterate Russia’s position. He stated the conversation was substantive and believed it brought both nations closer to making necessary decisions. The meeting took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid ongoing global tensions. (PC: X/Whitehouse)

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)