Ukrainian President Zelensky meets Trump Friday at the White House, seeking Tomahawk missiles capable of striking 2,500km into Russia. The meeting follows Trump's "very productive" call with Putin Thursday, where they agreed to face-to-face talks in Budapest within two weeks. Trump reversed his earlier openness, stating "we can't deplete" US Tomahawk stockpiles. High-level advisors will meet next week, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading American delegation. Russia launched massive overnight attacks that includes 28 ballistic missiles and 320 drones before the Trump-Putin call, exposing Moscow's "real attitude toward peace," Ukraine's ambassador stated. Trump-Putin relations improved since failed August Alaska summit, though comprehensive peace remains elusive. (PC: Reuters)

Critical Pakistan-Taliban negotiations commence Friday in Doha with third-party mediation, addressing escalating cross-border tensions fueled by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan's National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik and Afghan Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob are expected to meet, with key ministers joining delegations. Discussions center on ceasefire extension, highlighting Pakistan's security vulnerabilities and military fatigue from TTP attacks in Khyber and Waziristan. Islamabad seeks concessions and counter-terrorism assurances while desperately attempting to stabilize its western frontier. Kabul aims to assert diplomatic legitimacy, leverage the crisis, and pressure Pakistan toward formal Taliban sovereignty recognition. The third-party mediation underscores severe bilateral relationship breakdown as both sides pursue divergent objectives.

President Trump cast doubt on supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns about depleting US stockpiles despite earlier suggestions he might provide them. Trump announced a second meeting with Putin in Budapest within two weeks, occurring before Friday's White House talks with Zelenskyy. The long-range Tomahawks, with 2,500km range, could reach Moscow, prompting Russian warnings of relationship destruction and major escalation. Trump acknowledged discussing the missiles with Putin, who opposes the transfer. Since 2022's invasion, Ukraine has repeatedly requested long-range capabilities for deep strikes inside Russia. Trump described Tomahawks as a "new step of aggression," stating "we can't deplete for our country" while keeping options open.

On October 15, hackers breached four smaller airports — two in British Columbia (Kelowna, Victoria), one in Ontario (Windsor), and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania — by exploiting a “cloud-based software provider” used for display systems. Messages praising Hamas and condemning Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on flight information screens and loudspeakers. At Harrisburg, a voiceover declared “Free Palestine” and claimed “Turkish hacker Cyber Islam was here.” U.S. and Canadian authorities, including the FAA and RCMP, are investigating the breaches.     

Satellite images have confirmed Pakistan’s recent airstrikes inside Afghanistan between October 9 and 15, targeting areas in Kandahar, Nangarhar, and Spin Boldak. The strikes destroyed multiple Taliban-linked sites, including camps and storage facilities near the border. Afghan authorities reported at least 21 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries, while Pakistan claimed to have targeted militant hideouts. The Taliban responded by attacking Pakistani posts and claimed significant losses on the other side. The clashes, occurring soon after Taliban minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s India visit, prompted Qatar-brokered peace efforts leading to a temporary truce on October 15. (PC: India Today)  

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Budapest to seek an end to the “inglorious” Russia-Ukraine war. The summit follows what Trump called a “very productive” phone call with Putin. Ahead of the meeting, high-level advisors from both countries will hold talks, led on the US side by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump said Putin praised recent Middle East peace efforts and expressed hope for progress on Ukraine. Trump will also meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House to discuss the call and next steps toward peace. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is “determined” to bring back the bodies of hostages still held in Gaza. He made the remarks at a memorial for victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. His statement came after Hamas returned two more bodies, leaving 19 still missing. Netanyahu said Israel would continue to fight terrorism with “full force.” The Hostages Forum urged the government to halt the ceasefire until all bodies are returned. The US, however, said Hamas had not broken the deal and that efforts to locate more bodies are continuing in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

Lionel Messi’s planned friendly match in Kerala against Australia may be called off, reports from Argentina suggest. Journalist Gaston Edul said the India leg of Argentina’s tour may have “fallen through,” with plans shifting to another African nation. TyC Sports also hinted the game could move to Morocco or be postponed to March 2026. However, organisers in India insist the match is still on. “The Argentina A team will visit Kerala,” said Anto Augustine of Reporter TV. The game is scheduled for November 17 in Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, ahead of Messi’s December GOAT Tour across India.

US President Donald Trump said he had a “very productive” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Trump said Putin congratulated him on the Middle East peace deal, calling it a “great accomplishment.” Trump added that the success could help in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Putin also praised First Lady Melania Trump for her work with children. Trump confirmed that top US and Russian advisors will meet next week, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He said he and Putin will meet in Budapest to seek peace. Trump will meet Ukraine’s President Zelensky on Friday in Washington.

Israel has returned 30 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says. This is part of a ceasefire deal where Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies for every Israeli body. Earlier, Hamas returned the remains of two Israelis and all 20 living hostages. Nine of the 28 dead hostages have been returned so far. Hamas says it needs special equipment to locate the remaining bodies. The delay has raised worries about the ceasefire, but senior US advisers say the deal is likely to hold. Israel is preparing to open the Rafah crossing, while aid will enter through other checkpoints. (PC: BBC)