Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:57pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
Ukraine faces new pressure as reports say Donald Trump may urge President Volodymyr Zelensky to hand over Donbas to Russia in exchange for peace. Putin proposed Ukraine surrender Donetsk and Luhansk, much of which is already under Russian control. Ukrainians fear this would be a betrayal, leaving millions displaced and their homeland lost. Historian Yaroslav Hrytsak called it a “tragedy,” while many residents near the front lines feel abandoned. Polls show 75% of Ukrainians oppose giving land to Russia. Zelensky insists Ukraine will not concede territory, but the demand leaves the nation divided between land and lives. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:48pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
Three people were killed and eight others injured in a shooting at a New York City nightclub early Sunday morning. The incident happened at the Taste of the City Lounge in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, around 3:30 a.m. Police said a dispute led to gunfire from multiple weapons. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed 36 shell casings were found and one gun was recovered nearby. The victims, aged 27 to 61, included eight men and three women. Their injuries are not life-threatening. Police are still investigating. Despite this attack, officials said New York is seeing record low levels of gun violence this year. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:12pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to let Ukraine receive NATO-style security guarantees, US envoy Steve Witkoff said after the Alaska summit with Donald Trump. Witkoff called the move “game-changing,” noting it was the first time Putin accepted the idea. Article 5-like protection would allow allies to defend Ukraine if attacked. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the step but stressed guarantees must cover land, air, and sea with Europe’s role included. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, will join Zelenskyy for talks in Washington. Trump is expected to push Kyiv toward a peace deal with Moscow. (PC: AP/Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
US President Donald Trump said there is “big progress” with Russia after his Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed hopes of a US-Russia-Ukraine trilateral summit, saying Moscow shows “no signs” of agreeing. At a press conference in Brussels, Zelenskyy called for “real negotiations” but rejected Putin’s reported offer to halt fighting in return for Ukraine ceding Donetsk. Trump conveyed the proposal to Kyiv but Zelenskyy refused, stressing more sanctions should follow if Russia resists talks. Trump said peace talks could move ahead without a ceasefire, a stance Ukraine and allies have long opposed. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:51pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin during his Alaska meeting with US President Donald Trump has gone viral. In the clip, Putin’s legs appear shaky as he dips one knee and raises his toe repeatedly while speaking to Trump. The unusual movement sparked a flood of online rumours. Some social media users suggested Putin might be hiding health problems. Others speculated he was wearing hidden shoe lifts or even using an exoskeleton. A few claimed it was not Putin at all, but a body double. The Kremlin has not responded to the viral video or the growing conspiracy theories.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:01pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
US President Donald Trump declared via social media, “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” following his Alaska summit with President Putin, signaling diplomatic momentum though no formal deal was struck . His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, revealed that both leaders agreed on “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine, calling them “game-changing” . However, the proposal reportedly includes Ukraine ceding the Donbas region—an idea met with strong opposition from Ukraine and Western leaders . Meanwhile, European and NATO figures—including von der Leyen, Macron, Meloni, Merz, and Rutte—will join Zelenskyy in his upcoming Washington meeting with Trump to ensure Kyiv is not sidelined. (PC: The Times of India)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:26pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. Starmer joins a delegation including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The summit aims to counter Trump’s proposal to bypass a ceasefire and endorse territorial concessions in Ukraine—specifically ceding Donbas—to Russia. European leaders stress the necessity of security guarantees for Ukraine and insist that any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and be made with its full involvement. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:25pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
Protesters in Israel staged a nationwide strike on Sunday, blocking roads and shutting businesses. Families of Gaza hostages led the campaign, demanding a ceasefire and a deal to free the captives. Police said 32 people were arrested during clashes. Demonstrators lit bonfires, chanted slogans, and gathered outside officials’ homes. Former hostages and families said military pressure puts lives at risk. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, though many are feared dead. The strike follows videos released by militants showing hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure as far-right allies reject any deal that could allow Hamas to keep power. (PC: SKY News)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 01:04pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
The US State Department has suspended all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza to conduct a "full and thorough" review. The move follows social media claims by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who alleged Palestinian "refugees" had entered the United States. While no specific figures were given for the recent temporary medical-humanitarian visas, analysis of department data shows over 3,800 B1/B2 visas have been issued to Palestinian Authority travel document holders in 2025. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the decision as "intentional cruelty," while the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) warned it would prevent critically ill and wounded children from receiving life-saving medical care. (PC: Al Jazeera)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:37pm on 17 Aug 2025,Sunday International
3 men were killed and 8 others injured in a shooting at a Brooklyn lounge early Sunday, New York police said. The attack happened around 3:30am at Taste Of The City Lounge in Crown Heights. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed multiple shooters were involved after a dispute. At least 36 shell casings were found at the scene. The victims were aged between 27 and 61. Eight survivors, including three women, were taken to hospital. A firearm was recovered nearby, but no arrests have been made. Detectives are reviewing CCTV as the investigation continues. Police said the shooters remain at large. (PC: Sky News)