U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a “land swap” as part of a peace deal—suggesting that both Ukraine and Russia would cede territory to each other to end the war. This framing comes ahead of his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which Trump describes as a “feel-out” session . Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has strongly rejected any such concessions, citing constitutional prohibitions and national sovereignty . European leaders echoed this stance, warning that negotiating Ukraine’s future without its involvement threatens peace and undermines international norms.

Gaza City faced intense Israeli airstrikes on Zeitoun and Sabra, with the Hamas-run civil defence reporting massive destruction and unrecovered casualties. The UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan warned of an “unfolding famine” and urged “immediate, permanent and concrete steps” to allow aid into Gaza. The UN says over 1,300 Palestinians have died near aid sites, mostly from Israeli fire. The WHO appealed for urgent medical supplies, calling the health situation “catastrophic.” Israel’s war cabinet has voted to occupy Gaza City, sparking UN condemnation. The Hamas-run health ministry reported 100 dead in 24 hours, including 31 at aid sites and five from malnutrition. (PC: BBC)

Ukrainian frontline soldiers have expressed deep pessimism ahead of Friday’s planned Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, which will notably exclude President Volodymyr Zelensky. Many fear Kyiv may be pressured into territorial concessions, a move troops like 22-year-old Dmytro reject, warning it would allow Russia to regroup. President Zelensky insists sanctions and force are needed to end the invasion, accusing Moscow of preparing new offensives. Civilians echo skepticism, with some calling peace “temporary” and distrusting both leaders. Past Ukraine-Russia talks in Turkey have failed, and many believe any pause secured by Trump would only precede renewed Russian aggression. (PC: NDTV)

American singer Madonna has asked Pope Leo XIV to go to Gaza and “bring your light” to children there. In a social media post, she said he is “the only one” who can enter and “there is no more time.” Madonna, raised Catholic, said politics cannot bring change, only “consciousness” can. She wrote the message on her son Rocco’s birthday, calling for help for “innocent children caught in the crossfire.” Pope Leo has called the Gaza war “barbarity” and urged respect for civilians. The WHO chief thanked Madonna for her compassion. UNICEF warns Gaza’s children face severe malnutrition. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Reports say a plan to swap land in eastern Ukraine for a ceasefire is on the table. Russia could get the rest of Donetsk, while fighting stops elsewhere. Ukraine has rejected the idea, saying it will not give up land. People in towns like Sloviansk fear losing homes again. Critics warn such a deal could reward Russia’s invasion. Trump wants a 30-day full ceasefire first. Ukraine is not part of the talks, raising concerns about decisions being made without them. The meeting could end without any agreement. (PC: Reuters)

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, calling him “Osama bin Laden in a suit” after Munir issued nuclear threats during a visit to the US. Munir reportedly said Pakistan would “take half the world down” if it faced an existential crisis from India. Rubin condemned the remarks as unacceptable on American soil and urged the US to revoke Munir’s visa, declare him persona non grata, and strip Pakistan of its major non-NATO ally status. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also slammed Munir’s rhetoric, warning of nuclear blackmail and questioning Pakistan’s control over its nuclear arsenal amid ties with terrorist groups.

US President Donald Trump has extended the suspension of steep tariffs on Chinese goods until November 10, continuing a fragile trade truce with Beijing. The decision follows months of tit-for-tat tariff hikes that saw rates soar to 125% before a May agreement temporarily reduced them. The White House cited ongoing negotiations to address “lack of trade reciprocity” and noted China’s “significant steps” toward resolving disputes. Earlier this year, both nations imposed sweeping duties and non-tariff measures affecting industries from agriculture to technology. The pause, announced via Trump’s Truth Social post, is aimed at maintaining dialogue and avoiding further economic escalation. (PC: HT)

Ahead of his August 15 summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump declared he would know “within the first two minutes” whether a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is possible. Calling it a “feel-out meeting,” Trump said he may walk out if no progress is made. He emphasized his desire for a ceasefire and hinted at future talks involving Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump linked Russia’s economic struggles to US-imposed tariffs and claimed European leaders are eager for resolution. He reiterated that the war wouldn’t have happened under his presidency, calling it “Joe Biden’s war,” and expressed readiness to broker a deal if Putin shows flexibility. (PC: CBS & AP News)

During Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s second US visit in two months, President Donald Trump designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The timing of the announcement is seen as a diplomatic win for Munir, who has faced criticism for nuclear threats made on US soil. The BLA has claimed responsibility for multiple deadly attacks, including the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express. The move follows the US designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, as a terror group. India expressed concern over Trump’s growing bonhomie with Munir, warning against nuclear blackmail and the erosion of regional stability. (PC: India Today & OpIndia)

President Donald Trump announced his administration is actively considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Trump said a decision could come within weeks, calling the issue “very complicated” due to mixed public opinion. Reclassification would not legalize marijuana federally but would ease criminal penalties, open doors for medical research, and allow cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions. The move continues efforts initiated under the Biden administration. Trump acknowledged both positive medical uses and concerns about youth exposure. Industry groups have reportedly donated millions to Trump’s political organizations, hoping to influence the decision amid projected $34 billion cannabis revenue this year.