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)

Pakistan’s terror links were exposed again as top army and government officials honoured a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. On August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, Lahore Division GOC Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, Federal Minister Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan, and senior police officials visited the grave of Mudasir Ahmed in Muridke. Mudasir was linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack. He was killed in May when India targeted Markaz Taiba. His funeral, led by US-designated terrorist Abdul Rauf, was attended by Pakistan Army officers, exposing the country’s continued support for globally listed terrorists. (PC: India Today)

As US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare to meet in Alaska, Ukrainians expressed anger and fear over being excluded from the negotiations. Concerns are high that “land swaps” could be discussed, potentially ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia without Kyiv’s consent. While polls show 54% might accept compromises with strong security guarantees, distrust of Moscow remains overwhelming. Many fear a frozen frontline would allow Russia to regroup and attack again. Families of prisoners of war, soldiers, and displaced citizens see the talks as a “great injustice,” with calls for any deal to prioritize rescuing Ukrainians from occupied areas. (PC: BBC)

A shooting during Friday prayers at a mosque in Örebro, Sweden, left one man dead and another injured. Police confirmed the deceased as a 25-year-old male and classified the incident as “attempted murder” linked to gang activity, though not directly targeting the mosque. The attack occurred around 1:45 p.m. local time, prompting a large-scale manhunt, with forest areas near the mosque cordoned off. Authorities are investigating whether multiple suspects were involved and probing connections to criminal networks. The mosque has been closed for the evening, urging members to pray at home. This marks Örebro’s second major shooting incident this year. (PC: HT)

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)