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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday (August 17) that both Russia and Ukraine will need to make compromises if the war is to end, signalling the difficult road ahead for peace negotiations, and Russia will face “additional consequences” if negotiations fail. “We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again,” Rubio told CBS News.He added that a settlement would not come without both sides making sacrifices, “If one side gets everything they want, that’s called surrender. And that’s not what we’re close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender, or anything close to it.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-will-the-ukraine-war-end-here-are-the-two-possible-futures-after-trump-putin-summit-1755428286504">How will the Ukraine war end? Here are the two possible futures after Trump-Putin summit</a>He said the US will continue efforts to create a path toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, but acknowledged it may not succeed, noting that American life wouldn’t be drastically affected without peace. “If peace is not going to be possible here and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands … we may unfortunately wind up there, but we don’t want to wind up there,” Rubio said.“There are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs, that are potential for progress,” he added, mentioning that talks would include security guarantees for Ukraine.<h2>What happens next in the talks?</h2>President Donald Trump is due to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday, days after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump described the three-hour meeting with Putin as “extremely productive” with “many points” of agreement, but noted that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal” and no ceasefire was announced.Rubio, who attended the Alaska summit, said there had been “some concepts and ideas discussed” with Putin that could pave the way for a breakthrough, but stressed details would be thrashed out in Monday’s meetings.<h2>What are the sticking points?</h2>Rubio outlined several key issues still to be resolved, including security guarantees for Ukraine, the fate of contested territories and “where the lines are going to be drawn,” as well as the long-term rebuilding of the country. He said these ideas “require some more specificity” and would need coordination with European partners before being finalised.“We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down President Zelensky and President Putin in the same place, which is what President Zelensky has been asking for, and reach a final agreement that ends this war,” Rubio said.<h2>Why are European leaders joining Zelensky in Washington?</h2>Zelensky’s trip to Washington comes with European leaders at his side, sparking speculation they are acting as a counterweight to prevent Ukraine from being pressured into a bad deal. Rubio rejected that notion, insisting the visit was pre-arranged. “We’ve been working with these people for weeks, for weeks on this stuff,” he said. “They’re coming here tomorrow because they’re supposed to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. The president invited them to come,” he added.He added that while a breakthrough was not imminent, the Alaska talks had created momentum. “I’m not saying we’re on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement. Enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelensky and the Europeans, enough movement for us to dedicate even more time to this.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace in Ukraine requires compromises from both sides, warned of consequences for Russia if talks fail, and admitted peace may be unreachable despite ongoing US efforts.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday (August 17) that both Russia and Ukraine will need to make compromises if the war is to end, signalling the difficult road ahead for peace negotiations, and Russia will face “additional consequences” if negotiations fail. “We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again,” Rubio told CBS News. He added that a settlement would not come without both sides making sacrifices, “If one side gets everything they want, that’s called surrender. And that’s not what we’re close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender, or anything close to it.” Also read: How will the Ukraine war end? Here are the two possible futures after Trump-Putin summit He said the US will continue efforts to create a path toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, but acknowledged it may not succeed, noting that American life wouldn’t be drastically affected without peace. “If peace is not going to be possible here and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands … we may unfortunately wind up there, but we don’t want to wind up there,” Rubio said. “There are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs, that are potential for progress,” he added, mentioning that talks would include security guarantees for Ukraine. What happens next in the talks? President Donald Trump is due to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday, days after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump described the three-hour meeting with Putin as “extremely productive” with “many points” of agreement, but noted that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal” and no ceasefire was announced. Rubio, who attended the Alaska summit, said there had been “some concepts and ideas discussed” with Putin that could pave the way for a breakthrough, but stressed details would be thrashed out in Monday’s meetings. What are the sticking points? Rubio outlined several key issues still to be resolved, including security guarantees for Ukraine, the fate of contested territories and “where the lines are going to be drawn,” as well as the long-term rebuilding of the country. He said these ideas “require some more specificity” and would need coordination with European partners before being finalised. “We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down President Zelensky and President Putin in the same place, which is what President Zelensky has been asking for, and reach a final agreement that ends this war,” Rubio said. Why are European leaders joining Zelensky in Washington? Zelensky’s trip to Washington comes with European leaders at his side, sparking speculation they are acting as a counterweight to prevent Ukraine from being pressured into a bad deal. Rubio rejected that notion, insisting the visit was pre-arranged. “We’ve been working with these people for weeks, for weeks on this stuff,” he said. “They’re coming here tomorrow because they’re supposed to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. The president invited them to come,” he added. He added that while a breakthrough was not imminent, the Alaska talks had created momentum. “I’m not saying we’re on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement. Enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelensky and the Europeans, enough movement for us to dedicate even more time to this.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace in Ukraine requires compromises from both sides, warned of consequences for Russia if talks fail, and admitted peace may be unreachable despite ongoing US efforts.

US to step back if Ukraine-Russia talks fail? Rubio warns both sides must compromise for peace deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is all set to visit the United States to meet US President Donald Trump to further discuss the war in Ukraine. This comes after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska. Zelensky will be accompanied by several European leaders to hold a meeting with Trump on Monday (August 18).&nbsp;The US described the Trump-Putin Alaska meeting as showing “great progress” but admitted no breakthrough was reached to end the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;Following their meeting, Trump called Zelensky and European leaders to brief them about his meeting with Putin. The Ukrainian president said that he had a “long and substantive” call with Trump, joined by European leaders, where “the main points” were covered.&nbsp;Later, Zelensky confirmed that he would travel to the US on Monday “to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war.”<h2>List of European leaders joining Trump-Zelensky</h2><ul><li>UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer</li><li>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni</li><li>French President Emmanuel Macron</li><li>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz</li><li>Finnish President Alexander Stubb</li><li>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen&nbsp;</li><li>Nato secretary general Mark Rutte</li></ul>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared a post on X, saying that she will be meeting Trump along with other European leaders on Monday at the request of Ukrainian President Zelensky.&nbsp;She added that she will welcome Zelensky in Brussels later today and will also participate in a meeting of European leaders part of the "coalition of the willing".&nbsp;Downing Street confirmed that Keir Starmer will also join Zelensky for a meeting with Trump. Moreover, Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, visit was confirmed by the federal government. The chancellor's spokesperson said, "The trip will serve as an exchange of information with US President Donald Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska."&nbsp;"The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. This includes maintaining the pressure of sanctions," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;While confirming Macron's visit, the French presidency office said the leaders will pursue “coordination between the Europeans and the United States with the goal of coming to a just and lasting peace that preserves the vital interests of Ukraine and the security of Europe.”&nbsp;A few other leaders might also join the two leaders on Monday at the White House.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared a post on X, saying that she will be meeting Trump along with other European leaders on Monday at the request of Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is all set to visit the United States to meet US President Donald Trump to further discuss the war in Ukraine. This comes after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska. Zelensky will be accompanied by several European leaders to hold a meeting with Trump on Monday (August 18). The US described the Trump-Putin Alaska meeting as showing “great progress” but admitted no breakthrough was reached to end the war in Ukraine. Following their meeting, Trump called Zelensky and European leaders to brief them about his meeting with Putin. The Ukrainian president said that he had a “long and substantive” call with Trump, joined by European leaders, where “the main points” were covered. Later, Zelensky confirmed that he would travel to the US on Monday “to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war.” List of European leaders joining Trump-Zelensky UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni French President Emmanuel Macron German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Finnish President Alexander Stubb European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Nato secretary general Mark Rutte European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared a post on X, saying that she will be meeting Trump along with other European leaders on Monday at the request of Ukrainian President Zelensky. She added that she will welcome Zelensky in Brussels later today and will also participate in a meeting of European leaders part of the "coalition of the willing". Downing Street confirmed that Keir Starmer will also join Zelensky for a meeting with Trump. Moreover, Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, visit was confirmed by the federal government. The chancellor's spokesperson said, "The trip will serve as an exchange of information with US President Donald Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska." "The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. This includes maintaining the pressure of sanctions," the spokesperson added. While confirming Macron's visit, the French presidency office said the leaders will pursue “coordination between the Europeans and the United States with the goal of coming to a just and lasting peace that preserves the vital interests of Ukraine and the security of Europe.” A few other leaders might also join the two leaders on Monday at the White House.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared a post on X, saying that she will be meeting Trump along with other European leaders on Monday at the request of Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Who all will join Zelensky and Trump at White House after Putin Alaska summit - List of European leaders inside

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (August 17) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace, while US President Donald Trump wants peace in Ukraine. This comes just a day ahead of a high-stakes meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;Macron, when asked about whether he thinks Putin wants peace. The French president replied, "The answer is no. Do I think President Trump wants peace? Yes...) I think he (the Russian president) wants Ukraine's surrender, and that's what he has proposed."&nbsp;He further said that an important moment of conflict and security of Ukraine is being resolved "in an extremely serious situation". “No country can accept the loss of territories unless it has security guarantees for its remaining territory.”<h2>The goal for White House meeting</h2>Laying out the goal for tomorrow's meeting at the White House, Macron said, "The goal is simple - to recall what unites Ukraine, Europe, and the United States," pointing to Russia.&nbsp;"There can be no territorial discussions about Ukraine without Ukrainian leaders," the French president stressed.He added that if partners are weak with Russia, they create preconditions for future conflicts. "If we are weak today, we will pay a heavy price tomorrow … If Europe wants to be free and independent, we need to be feared and we need to be strong.”&nbsp;In order to have a “lasting peace deal for Ukraine, Ukraine needs a strong army", he said, adding that European allies want "Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be respected” and that “Ukraine must be represented in any talks on Ukraine’s future.”&nbsp;He added that “our goal for tomorrow’s talks is to present a united front between Ukraine and its European allies.”Macron further warned that “if we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflict.”

Laying out the goal for tomorrow's meeting at the White House, Macron said, "The goal is simple - to recall what unites Ukraine, Europe, and the United States," pointing to Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (August 17) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace, while US President Donald Trump wants peace in Ukraine. This comes just a day ahead of a high-stakes meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Macron, when asked about whether he thinks Putin wants peace. The French president replied, "The answer is no. Do I think President Trump wants peace? Yes...) I think he (the Russian president) wants Ukraine's surrender, and that's what he has proposed." He further said that an important moment of conflict and security of Ukraine is being resolved "in an extremely serious situation". “No country can accept the loss of territories unless it has security guarantees for its remaining territory.” The goal for White House meeting Laying out the goal for tomorrow's meeting at the White House, Macron said, "The goal is simple - to recall what unites Ukraine, Europe, and the United States," pointing to Russia. "There can be no territorial discussions about Ukraine without Ukrainian leaders," the French president stressed. He added that if partners are weak with Russia, they create preconditions for future conflicts. "If we are weak today, we will pay a heavy price tomorrow … If Europe wants to be free and independent, we need to be feared and we need to be strong.” In order to have a “lasting peace deal for Ukraine, Ukraine needs a strong army", he said, adding that European allies want "Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be respected” and that “Ukraine must be represented in any talks on Ukraine’s future.” He added that “our goal for tomorrow’s talks is to present a united front between Ukraine and its European allies.” Macron further warned that “if we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflict.”

Laying out the goal for tomorrow's meeting at the White House, Macron said, "The goal is simple - to recall what unites Ukraine, Europe, and the United States," pointing to Russia.

'Trump wants peace, Putin wants Ukraine's surrender': Here's what Macron said ahead of high-stakes Trump-Zelensky meet

LA PAZ: Bolivians expressed hopes of change on Sunday as they voted in elections shaped by an economic crisis, which has given the right its first shot at power in 20 years. The Andean country is struggling through its worst crisis in a generation, marked by annual inflation of almost 25 per cent and critical shortages of fuel and foreign exchange.Polls show voters poised to punish the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (known by its Spanish acronym MAS), in power since Evo Morales was elected Bolivia’s first Indigenous president in 2005.“We’re experiencing a tremendous crisis so we need a change,” Alicia Vacaflor, a 62-year-old importer of industrial machines, told AFP after voting in the biting cold at a school in central La Paz.Karla Coronel, a 46-year-old market analyst, agreed on the need for a new direction. “Socialism has brought us nothing good,” she declared.More than 7.9 million Bolivians are eligible to vote Sunday, choosing between eight presidential candidates as well as electing 166 members of Bolivia’s bicameral legislature.Centre-right business tycoon Samuel Doria Medina and right-wing ex-president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga are the favourites to succeed Morales’s unpopular successor, Luis Arce, who is not seeking re-election.Polls showed Doria Medina, 66, and Quiroga, 65, neck-and-neck on around 20 per cent, with six other candidates, including left-wing Senate leader Andronico Rodriguez, trailing far behind. A run-off will take place on October 19 if no candidate wins an outright majority.The two frontrunners have vowed radical reforms to Bolivia’s big-state economic model if elected. They want to slash public spending, open the country to foreign investment and boost ties with the United States, which were downgraded under the combative Morales, a self-described anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist.“Today is a very important day for Bolivians because through voting we can emerge from this economic crisis peacefully, democratically,” Doria Medina told the press after voting at a polling station in La Paz.Agustin Quispe, a 51-year-old miner, accused both the left and right of failing to advance “new ideas.”Branding Doria Medina and Quiroga, both of whom are on their fourth run for president, “dinosaurs,” he said he supported centre-right candidate Rodrigo Paz.&nbsp;<h2>Shades of Argentina</h2>&nbsp;Analysts say the election resembles that of Argentina in 2023, when voters dumped the long-ruling leftist Peronists and elected libertarian candidate Javier Milei in a bid to end a deep economic crisis.“What people are looking for now, beyond a shift from left to right, is a return to stability,” Daniela Osorio Michel, a Bolivian political scientist at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, told AFP.Unlike Milei, who was a political newcomer, Doria Medina and Quiroga are experienced candidates.Doria Medina, a millionaire former planning minister, made a fortune in cement before going on to build Bolivia's biggest skyscraper and acquire the local Burger King fast food franchise.Seen as a moderate, he has vowed to halt inflation and bring back fuel and dollars within 100 days, without cutting anti-poverty programmes.The tough-talking Quiroga, who trained as an engineer in the United States, served as vice-president under ex-dictator Hugo Banzer and then briefly as president when Banzer stepped down to fight cancer in 2001.“We will change everything, absolutely everything after 20 lost years,” he trumpeted during his closing rally in La Paz on Wednesday.&nbsp;<h2>The Morales factor</h2>&nbsp;Bolivia enjoyed more than a decade of strong growth and Indigenous upliftment under Morales, who nationalised the gas sector and ploughed the proceeds into social programmes that halved extreme poverty. But underinvestment in exploration has caused gas revenues to implode, falling from a peak of $6.1 billion in 2013 to $1.6 billion last year.With the country’s other major resource, lithium, still underground, the government has nearly run out of the foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other key commodities.Bolivians have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest against rocketing prices and hours-long waits for fuel, bread, and other basics.Morales, who was barred from standing for a fourth term, has cast a long shadow over the campaign. The 65-year-old has called on his mostly rural Indigenous supporters to spoil their ballots over the refusal by electoral authorities to allow him to run again.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

With the country’s other major resource, lithium, still underground, the government has nearly run out of the foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other key commodities. Bolivians have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest against rocketing prices.

LA PAZ: Bolivians expressed hopes of change on Sunday as they voted in elections shaped by an economic crisis, which has given the right its first shot at power in 20 years. The Andean country is struggling through its worst crisis in a generation, marked by annual inflation of almost 25 per cent and critical shortages of fuel and foreign exchange. Polls show voters poised to punish the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (known by its Spanish acronym MAS), in power since Evo Morales was elected Bolivia’s first Indigenous president in 2005. “We’re experiencing a tremendous crisis so we need a change,” Alicia Vacaflor, a 62-year-old importer of industrial machines, told AFP after voting in the biting cold at a school in central La Paz. Karla Coronel, a 46-year-old market analyst, agreed on the need for a new direction. “Socialism has brought us nothing good,” she declared. More than 7.9 million Bolivians are eligible to vote Sunday, choosing between eight presidential candidates as well as electing 166 members of Bolivia’s bicameral legislature. Centre-right business tycoon Samuel Doria Medina and right-wing ex-president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga are the favourites to succeed Morales’s unpopular successor, Luis Arce, who is not seeking re-election. Polls showed Doria Medina, 66, and Quiroga, 65, neck-and-neck on around 20 per cent, with six other candidates, including left-wing Senate leader Andronico Rodriguez, trailing far behind. A run-off will take place on October 19 if no candidate wins an outright majority. The two frontrunners have vowed radical reforms to Bolivia’s big-state economic model if elected. They want to slash public spending, open the country to foreign investment and boost ties with the United States, which were downgraded under the combative Morales, a self-described anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist. “Today is a very important day for Bolivians because through voting we can emerge from this economic crisis peacefully, democratically,” Doria Medina told the press after voting at a polling station in La Paz. Agustin Quispe, a 51-year-old miner, accused both the left and right of failing to advance “new ideas.” Branding Doria Medina and Quiroga, both of whom are on their fourth run for president, “dinosaurs,” he said he supported centre-right candidate Rodrigo Paz. Shades of Argentina Analysts say the election resembles that of Argentina in 2023, when voters dumped the long-ruling leftist Peronists and elected libertarian candidate Javier Milei in a bid to end a deep economic crisis. “What people are looking for now, beyond a shift from left to right, is a return to stability,” Daniela Osorio Michel, a Bolivian political scientist at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, told AFP. Unlike Milei, who was a political newcomer, Doria Medina and Quiroga are experienced candidates. Doria Medina, a millionaire former planning minister, made a fortune in cement before going on to build Bolivia's biggest skyscraper and acquire the local Burger King fast food franchise. Seen as a moderate, he has vowed to halt inflation and bring back fuel and dollars within 100 days, without cutting anti-poverty programmes. The tough-talking Quiroga, who trained as an engineer in the United States, served as vice-president under ex-dictator Hugo Banzer and then briefly as president when Banzer stepped down to fight cancer in 2001. “We will change everything, absolutely everything after 20 lost years,” he trumpeted during his closing rally in La Paz on Wednesday. The Morales factor Bolivia enjoyed more than a decade of strong growth and Indigenous upliftment under Morales, who nationalised the gas sector and ploughed the proceeds into social programmes that halved extreme poverty. But underinvestment in exploration has caused gas revenues to implode, falling from a peak of $6.1 billion in 2013 to $1.6 billion last year. With the country’s other major resource, lithium, still underground, the government has nearly run out of the foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other key commodities. Bolivians have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest against rocketing prices and hours-long waits for fuel, bread, and other basics. Morales, who was barred from standing for a fourth term, has cast a long shadow over the campaign. The 65-year-old has called on his mostly rural Indigenous supporters to spoil their ballots over the refusal by electoral authorities to allow him to run again. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

With the country’s other major resource, lithium, still underground, the government has nearly run out of the foreign exchange needed to import fuel, wheat, and other key commodities. Bolivians have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest against rocketing prices.

Bolivians vote as right eyes return in elections marked by economic crisis

Air Canada said it will resume flying on Sunday after the country's industrial relations board ordered an end to a strike by 10,000 flight attendants that effectively shut down the airline and snarled summer travel. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) "directed Air Canada to resume airline operations and for all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to resume their duties by 14:00 EDT on August 17, 2025," the airline said in a statement.While it plans to resume flights on Sunday evening, Canada's flag carrier warned it would take "several days before its operations return to normal."Some flights are still set to be cancelled over the next seven to 10 days, it added. Air Canada cabin crew walked off the job early Saturday over a wage dispute.Hours later, Canada's labor policy minister,&nbsp;Patty Hajdu, invoked a legal provision to halt the strike and force both sides into binding arbitration."The directive, under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, and the CIRB's order, ends the strike at Air Canada that resulted in the suspension of more than 700 flights," the Montreal-based carrier said.The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which is representing the workers, sought&nbsp;wage increases as well as to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process.It had previously said its members would remain on strike until the government formally issued an order that they return to work.It had urged passengers not to go to the airport if they had a ticket for Air Canada or its lower-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge.While it did not immediately issue a response to the back-to-work directive, the CUPE earlier slammed the Canadian government's intervention as "rewarding Air Canada's refusal to negotiate fairly by giving them exactly what they wanted.""This sets a terrible precedent," it said.The union also pointed out that the chairwoman of CIRB, Maryse Tremblay, previously worked as legal counsel for Air Canada.Tremblay's ruling on whether to end the strike was "an almost unthinkable display of conflict-of-interest," the union posted on Facebook.On Thursday, Air Canada detailed the terms offered to cabin crew, indicating a senior flight attendant would on average make CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027.CUPE has described Air Canada's offers as "below inflation (and) below market value."In a statement issued before the strike began, the Business Council of Canada warned an Air Canada work stoppage would exacerbate the economic pinch already being felt from US President Donald Trump's tariffs.Canada's flag carrier counts around 130,000 daily passengers and flies directly to 180 cities worldwide.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which is representing the workers, sought wage increases as well as to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process.

Air Canada said it will resume flying on Sunday after the country's industrial relations board ordered an end to a strike by 10,000 flight attendants that effectively shut down the airline and snarled summer travel. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) "directed Air Canada to resume airline operations and for all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to resume their duties by 14:00 EDT on August 17, 2025," the airline said in a statement. While it plans to resume flights on Sunday evening, Canada's flag carrier warned it would take "several days before its operations return to normal." Some flights are still set to be cancelled over the next seven to 10 days, it added. Air Canada cabin crew walked off the job early Saturday over a wage dispute. Hours later, Canada's labor policy minister, Patty Hajdu, invoked a legal provision to halt the strike and force both sides into binding arbitration. "The directive, under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, and the CIRB's order, ends the strike at Air Canada that resulted in the suspension of more than 700 flights," the Montreal-based carrier said. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which is representing the workers, sought wage increases as well as to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process. It had previously said its members would remain on strike until the government formally issued an order that they return to work. It had urged passengers not to go to the airport if they had a ticket for Air Canada or its lower-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge. While it did not immediately issue a response to the back-to-work directive, the CUPE earlier slammed the Canadian government's intervention as "rewarding Air Canada's refusal to negotiate fairly by giving them exactly what they wanted." "This sets a terrible precedent," it said. The union also pointed out that the chairwoman of CIRB, Maryse Tremblay, previously worked as legal counsel for Air Canada. Tremblay's ruling on whether to end the strike was "an almost unthinkable display of conflict-of-interest," the union posted on Facebook. On Thursday, Air Canada detailed the terms offered to cabin crew, indicating a senior flight attendant would on average make CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. CUPE has described Air Canada's offers as "below inflation (and) below market value." In a statement issued before the strike began, the Business Council of Canada warned an Air Canada work stoppage would exacerbate the economic pinch already being felt from US President Donald Trump's tariffs. Canada's flag carrier counts around 130,000 daily passengers and flies directly to 180 cities worldwide.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which is representing the workers, sought&nbsp;wage increases as well as to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process.

Air Canada to resume flights after government ends strike; will take several days to make it operational

Russian President Vladimir Putin made concessions on his long-standing demand for Ukrainian “land swaps” during his summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, according to Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff did not provide exact details but suggested Moscow is now considering swaps based on the current front lines rather than the official administrative borders of several contested regions.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-will-the-ukraine-war-end-here-are-the-two-possible-futures-after-trump-putin-summit-1755428286504">How will the Ukraine war end? Here are the two possible futures after Trump-Putin summit</a>“The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions,” Witkoff said. He added that the issue would be raised with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when he visits the White House. “Hopefully we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there,” he said.<h2>How big a shift is this from Russia?</h2>Witkoff described the move as the first sign of flexibility from Moscow, but stressed that it was still short of a full peace deal. “It was significant. And, that doesn’t mean it’s enough,” he said. “The point was that we began to see some moderation in the way they’re thinking about getting to a final peace deal,” he added. Putin has allegedly demanded that Ukraine cede Donetsk and Luhansk in the east as a condition to end the war, while agreeing to freeze the current battle lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south.<h2>What about security guarantees for Ukraine?</h2>The envoy also revealed that Putin accepted a separate proposal allowing the United States and European allies to give Ukraine “Article 5-like” security guarantees, language similar to NATO’s collective defence principle. “We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee,” Witkoff said.He explained that this approach sidestepped Russia’s red line on NATO membership, “So Putin has said that a red flag is NATO admission. And so what we were discussing was assuming that that held, assuming that the Ukrainians could agree to that… we were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection.”Witkoff noted it was “the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that,” framing it as one of the most important outcomes of the Alaska talks.

After a summit with Trump, Putin eased his position on Ukrainian land swaps, now open to proposals based on current front lines. Envoy Witkoff said the issue will be discussed with Zelensky soon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made concessions on his long-standing demand for Ukrainian “land swaps” during his summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, according to Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff did not provide exact details but suggested Moscow is now considering swaps based on the current front lines rather than the official administrative borders of several contested regions. Also read: How will the Ukraine war end? Here are the two possible futures after Trump-Putin summit “The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions,” Witkoff said. He added that the issue would be raised with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when he visits the White House. “Hopefully we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there,” he said. How big a shift is this from Russia? Witkoff described the move as the first sign of flexibility from Moscow, but stressed that it was still short of a full peace deal. “It was significant. And, that doesn’t mean it’s enough,” he said. “The point was that we began to see some moderation in the way they’re thinking about getting to a final peace deal,” he added. Putin has allegedly demanded that Ukraine cede Donetsk and Luhansk in the east as a condition to end the war, while agreeing to freeze the current battle lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south. What about security guarantees for Ukraine? The envoy also revealed that Putin accepted a separate proposal allowing the United States and European allies to give Ukraine “Article 5-like” security guarantees, language similar to NATO’s collective defence principle. “We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee,” Witkoff said. He explained that this approach sidestepped Russia’s red line on NATO membership, “So Putin has said that a red flag is NATO admission. And so what we were discussing was assuming that that held, assuming that the Ukrainians could agree to that… we were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection.” Witkoff noted it was “the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that,” framing it as one of the most important outcomes of the Alaska talks.

After a summit with Trump, Putin eased his position on Ukrainian land swaps, now open to proposals based on current front lines. Envoy Witkoff said the issue will be discussed with Zelensky soon.

Putin’s first real compromise? Russia agrees to 'rare' concessions on five Ukrainian regions central to the war

The Russian propaganda has been actively using a new "tactic" to lie about the gains of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine's Intelligence Directorate claimed that they are using this tactic to spread misinformation, staging captures of settlements to create an illusion of success.&nbsp;Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in a post on Telegram, wrote that the Russian propaganda is sending small groups to bypass the position of the Ukrainian defenders.&nbsp;"Russian propaganda is actively using a new tactic to spread disinformation – staged 'captures' of settlements to create the illusion of success at the front," they stated.&nbsp;"To do this, the enemy sends small groups with Russian flags (“twos”) to bypass the positions of the Ukrainian defenders. Some of them manage to infiltrate individual settlements and shoot short videos that supposedly confirm the “capture” of the territory," they added.&nbsp;The GUR further stated that such videos are used for “victorious” reports to the Kremlin leadership and "distributed in the media in order to put pressure on Ukrainian society."&nbsp;They added that earlier, "the enemy" distributed another such video from the village of Andriyivka-Klevtsove.&nbsp;As shown in the video, the fighters of the “Russian Volunteer Corps” as part of the “Timur Special Unit” of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and soldiers of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, are demonstrating the real state of affairs in the village.&nbsp;"We will remind that a similar group of “standard bearers” in the village of Zeleny Gay was recently liquidated by fighters of the “Brotherhood” unit as part of the “Timur Special Unit” of the GUR," it added.&nbsp;According to analysts, the Russian propaganda might be doing this to prove to Trump that Russia is overrunning Zelensky's forces in the Donetsk region as he battles to negotiate a peace deal with Putin.&nbsp;

Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in a post on Telegram, wrote that the Russian propaganda is sending small groups to bypass the position of the Ukrainian defenders.

The Russian propaganda has been actively using a new "tactic" to lie about the gains of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine's Intelligence Directorate claimed that they are using this tactic to spread misinformation, staging captures of settlements to create an illusion of success. Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in a post on Telegram, wrote that the Russian propaganda is sending small groups to bypass the position of the Ukrainian defenders. "Russian propaganda is actively using a new tactic to spread disinformation – staged 'captures' of settlements to create the illusion of success at the front," they stated. "To do this, the enemy sends small groups with Russian flags (“twos”) to bypass the positions of the Ukrainian defenders. Some of them manage to infiltrate individual settlements and shoot short videos that supposedly confirm the “capture” of the territory," they added. The GUR further stated that such videos are used for “victorious” reports to the Kremlin leadership and "distributed in the media in order to put pressure on Ukrainian society." They added that earlier, "the enemy" distributed another such video from the village of Andriyivka-Klevtsove. As shown in the video, the fighters of the “Russian Volunteer Corps” as part of the “Timur Special Unit” of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and soldiers of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, are demonstrating the real state of affairs in the village. "We will remind that a similar group of “standard bearers” in the village of Zeleny Gay was recently liquidated by fighters of the “Brotherhood” unit as part of the “Timur Special Unit” of the GUR," it added. According to analysts, the Russian propaganda might be doing this to prove to Trump that Russia is overrunning Zelensky's forces in the Donetsk region as he battles to negotiate a peace deal with Putin.

Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in a post on Telegram, wrote that the Russian propaganda is sending small groups to bypass the position of the Ukrainian defenders.

A tactic to fool Trump? Putin's troops creating illusions of 'staged captures' of Ukrainian territory

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Sunday (August 17) threatened Houthis that it is just the "beginning", adding that they will hurt them greatly if the Iran-backed Houthis group raises a hand against Israel. Katz further warned that the Houthis will pay interest for every attempt to fire at Israel.&nbsp;"The Houthis will pay with compound interest for every attempt to fire at Israel," Katz wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;The Israeli defence minister added that they are imposing an air and sea blockade on Houthis "that hurts them greatly, and this morning we struck infrastructure and energy targets.""This is just the beginning," he warned.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">החות&#39;ים ישלמו בריבית דריבית על כל ניסיון ירי לעבר ישראל. אנחנו מטילים עליהם מצור אווירי וימי שמכאיב להם מאוד ותקפנו הבוקר מטרות תשתית ואנרגיה. זוהי רק ההתחלה. ההמשך יהיה חזק וכואב. מי שמרים יד על ישראל - ידו תיגדע.&mdash; ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1957076866088513652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Katz further stressed that the continuation will be "strong and painful", adding, "Whoever raises a hand against Israel - their hand will be cut off."&nbsp;Earlier today, the Israeli military said that they struck an "energy infrastructure" site used by Houthis, deep inside Yemen. The IDF added that the strikes were carried out in response to the attacks on Israel launched by the Iran-backed group throughout the Gaza war.&nbsp;In a statement, the IDF said that it “attacked terror targets deep in Yemen in the area of the city of Sana’a. The IDF struck energy infrastructure used by the Houthi terror regime, at a distance of approximately 2,000 kilometers from Israel and deep within Yemen.&nbsp;“The strikes were carried out in response to repeated attacks by the Houthi terror regime against the State of Israel and its citizens, including the launching of ground-to-ground missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles toward Israeli territory,” the IDF said in the statement.&nbsp;Houthi have repeatedly launched missiles and drone attacks at Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in October 2023. The Iran-backed group had claimed to act in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Israeli Defence Minister Katz stressed that the continuation will be "strong and painful", warning that they will hurt them greatly if the Iran-backed Houthis group raises a hand against Israel.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Sunday (August 17) threatened Houthis that it is just the "beginning", adding that they will hurt them greatly if the Iran-backed Houthis group raises a hand against Israel. Katz further warned that the Houthis will pay interest for every attempt to fire at Israel. "The Houthis will pay with compound interest for every attempt to fire at Israel," Katz wrote in a post on X. The Israeli defence minister added that they are imposing an air and sea blockade on Houthis "that hurts them greatly, and this morning we struck infrastructure and energy targets." "This is just the beginning," he warned.

Israeli Defence Minister Katz stressed that the continuation will be "strong and painful", warning that they will hurt them greatly if the Iran-backed Houthis group raises a hand against Israel.

'Whoever raises a hand against Israel, their hand will be cut off': Israel's BIG WARNING to Houthis

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (August 17) blasted fake news media for violently distorting the truth when it comes to him. He stressed that the "fake news media" should talk about the six other wars which he claims has "stopped". The US president said that even if he got Russia to give up Moscow as part of their deal, the "fake news" would say that he made a very bad deal."If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal. That’s why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday.The US president stressed that there is nothing he could say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about him."It’s incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me. There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me," he further wrote in another post.Trump then boasted that he had a "great meeting in Alaska" with Putin on "Biden’s stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!"He further hinted at "big progress" on Russia. This comes two days after Trump held a meeting with Putin in Alaska over the Russia-Ukraine war. The two leaders held a press conference following their meeting. However, no such conclusion was announced after their talks."BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED! President DJT," Trump wrote.Following the meeting with Putin, Trump called Zelensky and European leaders to brief them about his meeting with Putin. The Ukrainian president said that he had a “long and substantive” call with Trump, joined by European leaders, where “the main points” were covered.The US described the Trump-Putin Alaska meeting as showing “great progress” but admitted no breakthrough was reached to end the war in Ukraine.Right after Trump held a meeting with Putin, he will now be meeting Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House to discuss the war in Ukraine. Zelensky will be accompanied by several European leaders to hold a meeting with Trump on Monday (August 18).

Trump boasted that he had a ‘great meeting in Alaska’ with Putin on ‘Biden’s stupid War’, a war that should have never happened.  He stressed that there is nothing he could say or do that would lead the "fake news" to write or report honestly about him.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (August 17) blasted fake news media for violently distorting the truth when it comes to him. He stressed that the "fake news media" should talk about the six other wars which he claims has "stopped". The US president said that even if he got Russia to give up Moscow as part of their deal, the "fake news" would say that he made a very bad deal. "If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal. That’s why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday. The US president stressed that there is nothing he could say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about him. "It’s incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me. There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me," he further wrote in another post. Trump then boasted that he had a "great meeting in Alaska" with Putin on "Biden’s stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!" He further hinted at "big progress" on Russia. This comes two days after Trump held a meeting with Putin in Alaska over the Russia-Ukraine war. The two leaders held a press conference following their meeting. However, no such conclusion was announced after their talks. "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED! President DJT," Trump wrote. Following the meeting with Putin, Trump called Zelensky and European leaders to brief them about his meeting with Putin. The Ukrainian president said that he had a “long and substantive” call with Trump, joined by European leaders, where “the main points” were covered. The US described the Trump-Putin Alaska meeting as showing “great progress” but admitted no breakthrough was reached to end the war in Ukraine. Right after Trump held a meeting with Putin, he will now be meeting Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House to discuss the war in Ukraine. Zelensky will be accompanied by several European leaders to hold a meeting with Trump on Monday (August 18).

Trump boasted that he had a ‘great meeting in Alaska’ with Putin on ‘Biden’s stupid War’, a war that should have never happened. &nbsp;He stressed that there is nothing he could say or do that would lead the "fake news" to write or report honestly about him.

'Violently distorts the truth': Trump blasts fake news over Putin Alaska meeting; hints at 'BIG PROGRESS on Russia'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels on Sunday that she is glad to be accompanying Zelensky and other European leaders to Washington for a meeting on Monday. She added that Ukraine’s European allies believe strong security guarantees must be given to protect both Ukraine and Europe. The European Union will support Ukraine for as long as it takes, for a just and lasting peace, she added.&nbsp;Von der Leyen further said thst peace “must be achieved through strength” and the deal must include security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great to have you here, dear <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a>. We continue our cooperation to achieve a just peace that respects Ukraine &amp; Europe&#39;s vital security interests. With the Coalition of the Willing in Brussels today, and in the White House with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> tomorrow ↓ <a href="https://t.co/HF9Tj5TLgj">https://t.co/HF9Tj5TLgj</a>&mdash; Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1957062668692439414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The European Commission president also said that she welcomes President Donald Trump’s willingness to contribute to Article 5-like “security guarantees”.&nbsp;Article 5 is a Nato principle that says the organisation's members will come to the defence of an ally which comes under attack.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ukraine and Ukraine alone to decide future of its borders’</h2>&nbsp;The European Commission president then said that international borders cannot be changed by force and said, “These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone. These decisions must not be taken without Ukraine in the table.”&nbsp;Von der Leyen further said that the EU will continue with sanctions on Russia as long as bloodshed continues in Ukraine.&nbsp;<h2>‘Unity helps reach real peace’: Zelensky</h2>&nbsp;Zelensky thanked the EU for its support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war and said that it is important that they speak together and that “Washington is with us”.&nbsp;“This unity helps reach real peace,” he said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I had an important meeting with President of the European Commission <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vonderleyen</a> in Brussels. Significant support for Ukraine in the context of the upcoming meeting with President Trump. Today, together and in several formats, we are determining what we will discuss in… <a href="https://t.co/I8doSrACqR">pic.twitter.com/I8doSrACqR</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1957075364104024137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘Territorial swaps impossible under Ukrainian constitution’: Zelensky</h2>&nbsp;Zelensky again said that the Ukrainian constitution makes it impossible to give up territory, and this should only be discussed by the Ukrainian and Russian leaderships at a trilateral summit.He added that it’s also important that the US agrees to offer security guarantees for Ukraine alongside Europe.&nbsp;“We need security to work in practice like Article 5 of Nato,” Zelensky added.&nbsp;Zelensky further said that “Putin has many demands but we do not know all of them”, adding that it will take time to go through them all, if there are as many as we have heard.&nbsp;He thanked von der Leyen for help on drones and the latest round of sanctions on Russia. “Sanctions show we are serious,” he added.&nbsp;Zelensky said they need to ‘push’ Russia to real negotiations to make “lasting peace”.

Russia’s strategy remains “anti-European,” and the continent needs to stand united in any further negotiations to stop Moscow's all-out war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Sunday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels on Sunday that she is glad to be accompanying Zelensky and other European leaders to Washington for a meeting on Monday. She added that Ukraine’s European allies believe strong security guarantees must be given to protect both Ukraine and Europe. The European Union will support Ukraine for as long as it takes, for a just and lasting peace, she added. Von der Leyen further said thst peace “must be achieved through strength” and the deal must include security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe.

Russia’s strategy remains “anti-European,” and the continent needs to stand united in any further negotiations to stop Moscow's all-out war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Sunday.

‘EU unity and Washington support will help reach real peace,’ says Zelensky

Chinese engineers have revealed a prototype floating wind turbine that has set new records in power generation, potentially reshaping the future of renewable energy. Developed by state-owned enterprises China Huaneng Group and Dongfang Electric Corporation, the turbine is designed to produce 17 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, or around 68 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually. According to the US Energy Information Administration, this is sufficient to power approximately 6,300 American households.&nbsp;The turbine’s nacelle, the housing that contains the generator, is mounted on a 152-metre tower, topped with blades that span 262 metres in diameter. Each full rotation sweeps an area of 53,000 square metres, equivalent to nearly eight football pitches.<h2>Testing extreme engineering at sea</h2>The project’s developers emphasise that offshore conditions present considerable challenges, with turbines required to withstand high winds and powerful waves. The new prototype has been engineered to survive waves more than 24 metres high and winds exceeding 73 miles per hour, equivalent to typhoon-force conditions.&nbsp;Later this year, the turbine will undergo testing off the coast of Yangjiang in southern China. If successful, it could mark a breakthrough in offshore renewable energy by demonstrating that floating turbines can reliably generate large-scale electricity in deep waters, where traditional fixed-bottom structures are not viable.<h2>Expanding wind power into deeper waters</h2>While fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines dominate current installations, their use is limited to relatively shallow waters. The North Sea, for instance, averages a depth of 90 metres, making it suitable for fixed-bottom systems. However, with much of the world’s oceans far deeper, averaging 3,682 metres according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), floating systems are essential for tapping into global offshore wind potential.&nbsp;Current market leaders include the GE Vernova Haliade-X, which produces 13 MW and is deployed at the UK’s Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and Siemens Gamesa’s 11 MW turbines in the US South Fork Wind Farm. Dongfang Electric also tested a 26 MW fixed-bottom turbine in June 2025. Yet, as the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates, around 80 per cent of the world’s offshore wind resources lie in waters deeper than 60 metres, too deep for fixed foundations.&nbsp;The introduction of record-breaking floating turbines could be transformative for nations with deep coastal waters. Japan, for example, has limited potential for fixed-bottom wind projects but has set a goal of producing 30–45 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2040, with floating turbines expected to play a crucial role.&nbsp;

The introduction of record-breaking floating turbines could be transformative for nations with deep coastal waters. 

Chinese engineers have revealed a prototype floating wind turbine that has set new records in power generation, potentially reshaping the future of renewable energy. Developed by state-owned enterprises China Huaneng Group and Dongfang Electric Corporation, the turbine is designed to produce 17 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, or around 68 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually. According to the US Energy Information Administration, this is sufficient to power approximately 6,300 American households. The turbine’s nacelle, the housing that contains the generator, is mounted on a 152-metre tower, topped with blades that span 262 metres in diameter. Each full rotation sweeps an area of 53,000 square metres, equivalent to nearly eight football pitches. Testing extreme engineering at sea The project’s developers emphasise that offshore conditions present considerable challenges, with turbines required to withstand high winds and powerful waves. The new prototype has been engineered to survive waves more than 24 metres high and winds exceeding 73 miles per hour, equivalent to typhoon-force conditions. Later this year, the turbine will undergo testing off the coast of Yangjiang in southern China. If successful, it could mark a breakthrough in offshore renewable energy by demonstrating that floating turbines can reliably generate large-scale electricity in deep waters, where traditional fixed-bottom structures are not viable. Expanding wind power into deeper waters While fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines dominate current installations, their use is limited to relatively shallow waters. The North Sea, for instance, averages a depth of 90 metres, making it suitable for fixed-bottom systems. However, with much of the world’s oceans far deeper, averaging 3,682 metres according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), floating systems are essential for tapping into global offshore wind potential. Current market leaders include the GE Vernova Haliade-X, which produces 13 MW and is deployed at the UK’s Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and Siemens Gamesa’s 11 MW turbines in the US South Fork Wind Farm. Dongfang Electric also tested a 26 MW fixed-bottom turbine in June 2025. Yet, as the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates, around 80 per cent of the world’s offshore wind resources lie in waters deeper than 60 metres, too deep for fixed foundations. The introduction of record-breaking floating turbines could be transformative for nations with deep coastal waters. Japan, for example, has limited potential for fixed-bottom wind projects but has set a goal of producing 30–45 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2040, with floating turbines expected to play a crucial role.

The introduction of record-breaking floating turbines could be transformative for nations with deep coastal waters.&nbsp;

China tests world’s largest floating wind turbine, a 17 MW giant that could power 6,300 homes a year

Three people were killed and eight others wounded when multiple gunmen opened fire inside a Brooklyn restaurant around closing time Sunday morning. Officers responded to calls of a shooting inside Taste of the City Lounge at 903 Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighbourhood just before 3.30 am, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing.The victims shot fatally in the incident were identified as three men. They included a 27-year-old male, a 35-year-old male, and one male of an unknown age, said Tisch at the media briefing. The eight wounded victims were rushed to local hospitals, but their conditions were not disclosed, said a New York Post report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE 🔴 Report: A mass shooting erupted at Taste of the City Lounge in Crown Heights, Brooklyn’s Jewish neighborhood. Reports of three people were killed and eleven others injured when gunfire broke out inside the restaurant. Police rushed to the scene, locking down the area… <a href="https://t.co/8hyvEaA5nO">pic.twitter.com/8hyvEaA5nO</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/1957034114164445402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“It’s a terrible thing that happened this morning and we’re going to investigate to determine what went down," Tisch said.&nbsp;The police have not made any arrests in the shooting so far, and the suspects have yet to be identified.The NYPD cops recovered 36 shell casings from the scene of the shooting, and officials are investigating the possibility of multiple shooters being involved in the incident.&nbsp;Officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are speaking to witnesses to try and piece together the shooting and get some leads on the shooters. Investigators have issued an appealed, requesting anyone with any information on the incident or persons to come forward.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch as <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDPC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nypdpc</a> and NYPD executives provide an update on an ongoing investigation in Brooklyn. <a href="https://t.co/qn7pIE9lGN">https://t.co/qn7pIE9lGN</a>&mdash; NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1957026497816092752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year we’ve seen on record in the city of New York,” Tisch said. “Something like this is, of course, thank god, an anomaly and it’s a terrible thing that’s happened this morning.” The NYPD has opened an investigation into the shooting. NYPD personnel stood inside the business near a pool of blood and broken glass.Taste of the City Lounge, which opened in 2022, is located less than a half mile from the historic Brooklyn Museum and closed at 3 am on Sunday.

The NYPD has opened an investigation into the shooting and its personnel stood inside the business near a pool of blood and broken glass. Taste of the City Lounge is located less than a half mile from the historic Brooklyn Museum and closed at 3 am on Sunday.

Three people were killed and eight others wounded when multiple gunmen opened fire inside a Brooklyn restaurant around closing time Sunday morning. Officers responded to calls of a shooting inside Taste of the City Lounge at 903 Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighbourhood just before 3.30 am, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing. The victims shot fatally in the incident were identified as three men. They included a 27-year-old male, a 35-year-old male, and one male of an unknown age, said Tisch at the media briefing. The eight wounded victims were rushed to local hospitals, but their conditions were not disclosed, said a New York Post report.

The NYPD has opened an investigation into the shooting and its personnel stood inside the business near a pool of blood and broken glass. Taste of the City Lounge is located less than a half mile from the historic Brooklyn Museum and closed at 3 am on Sunday.

3 killed, 8 wounded in shooting at Brooklyn restaurant; NYPD launches probe

The capital of Afghanistan, which has a population of over six million people, might become the first modern city to run out of water by 2030. The nonprofit Mercy Corps, in a report, stressed that Kabul is running dry and its water reserves are emptying nearly twice as quickly as they are being filled.&nbsp;The groundwater levels in the Afghan capital have dropped drastically due to over-extraction and climate change effects.&nbsp;Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents.&nbsp;Notably, at least 700,000 Afghans are displaced every year because of climate change, according to a United Nations report. While one-third of Afghanistan's population doesn't have access to clean drinking water.&nbsp;To bring a change and help the distressed people in Afghanistan, international donors have financed multiple dam projects as well as initiatives, but either it was never implemented or were abruptly stopped during the Taliban takeover in 2021.&nbsp;“Kabul has been struggling with water issues for two decades, but it was never a priority,” said Najibullah Sadid, an expert on water resources. “Now the wells are drying up, and it’s an emergency.”&nbsp;According to the report, Kabul's aquifers will become dry in the next five years, which might pose an existential threat to the Afghan capital. It can further cause the displacement of around three million Afghan people.&nbsp;Moreover, up to 80 per cent of groundwater is believed to be unsafe, with high levels of sewage, arsenic and salinity.<h2>Residents complain</h2>Karimi, a tailor in Kabul, said that they are fighting for water, stressing that it is like gold for them. “We are increasingly fighting because water is like gold for us,” he said as he pushed a wheelbarrow filled with 40 gallons of water that his family of five would use for household chores.&nbsp;A former head of the City Council and a retired mechanical engineer Zahir, told the New York Times that the well had run dry years ago and the public pipe to his two-story house was spluttering water only every three days.He further urged the Taliban to keep Kabul afloat, but added, "Where is the money for that?"&nbsp;

Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents.

The capital of Afghanistan, which has a population of over six million people, might become the first modern city to run out of water by 2030. The nonprofit Mercy Corps, in a report, stressed that Kabul is running dry and its water reserves are emptying nearly twice as quickly as they are being filled. The groundwater levels in the Afghan capital have dropped drastically due to over-extraction and climate change effects. Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents. Notably, at least 700,000 Afghans are displaced every year because of climate change, according to a United Nations report. While one-third of Afghanistan's population doesn't have access to clean drinking water. To bring a change and help the distressed people in Afghanistan, international donors have financed multiple dam projects as well as initiatives, but either it was never implemented or were abruptly stopped during the Taliban takeover in 2021. “Kabul has been struggling with water issues for two decades, but it was never a priority,” said Najibullah Sadid, an expert on water resources. “Now the wells are drying up, and it’s an emergency.” According to the report, Kabul's aquifers will become dry in the next five years, which might pose an existential threat to the Afghan capital. It can further cause the displacement of around three million Afghan people. Moreover, up to 80 per cent of groundwater is believed to be unsafe, with high levels of sewage, arsenic and salinity. Residents complain Karimi, a tailor in Kabul, said that they are fighting for water, stressing that it is like gold for them. “We are increasingly fighting because water is like gold for us,” he said as he pushed a wheelbarrow filled with 40 gallons of water that his family of five would use for household chores. A former head of the City Council and a retired mechanical engineer Zahir, told the New York Times that the well had run dry years ago and the public pipe to his two-story house was spluttering water only every three days. He further urged the Taliban to keep Kabul afloat, but added, "Where is the money for that?"

Kabul, however, is surrounded by snowy mountains and three rivers, and it was never known as a dry city. But, since its population grew nearly sixfold over the last 25 years, no decent water management system has been set up for the residents.

Kabul's DAY Zero soon? Afghan capital might run out of water by 2030

European leaders on Saturday (Aug 16) in a joint statement backed Trump’s proposal for a “trilateral summit” between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine as a next step in the ongoing efforts to stop the war in Ukraine that is currently in its fourth year. This comes after the US President Donald Trump briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on what was discussed during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.&nbsp;In statement was backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and European Council President Antonio Costa.&nbsp;“President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025. Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace,” the joint statement read.&nbsp;It further added, “As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks, including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon. We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.”&nbsp;The European leaders stressed that any peace deal must include “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine and expressed their support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also refuted any concessions on Ukraine’s future alliances, noting that Kyiv has the sole right to make any decision regarding the Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;“We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to EU and NATO. It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force,” the statement said.&nbsp;It added, “As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Zelensky is set to meet with Trump on Monday (Aug 18) in Washington to hold talks as part of efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The European leaders stressed that any peace deal must include “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine and expressed their support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

European leaders on Saturday (Aug 16) in a joint statement backed Trump’s proposal for a “trilateral summit” between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine as a next step in the ongoing efforts to stop the war in Ukraine that is currently in its fourth year. This comes after the US President Donald Trump briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on what was discussed during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. In statement was backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and European Council President Antonio Costa. “President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025. Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace,” the joint statement read. It further added, “As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks, including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon. We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.” The European leaders stressed that any peace deal must include “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine and expressed their support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also refuted any concessions on Ukraine’s future alliances, noting that Kyiv has the sole right to make any decision regarding the Ukrainian territory. “We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to EU and NATO. It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force,” the statement said. It added, “As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.” Meanwhile, Zelensky is set to meet with Trump on Monday (Aug 18) in Washington to hold talks as part of efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The European leaders stressed that any peace deal must include “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine and expressed their support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

‘Ready to work towards trilateral summit’: European leaders back Trump’s plan for talks between US, Russia, Ukraine

Visiting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, kick-starting his two-day visit to the Himalayan nation. Misri met Prime Minister Oli at his office in Singha Durbar, according to a statement from the PM's secretariat. During the meeting, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, and other officials from Nepal's Foreign Ministry were present. Misri is in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The Foreign Secretary, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning, is scheduled to hold several high-level meetings throughout the day. These include meetings with Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and former Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The visit comes as part of preparations for an upcoming official trip by Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India, scheduled for August 29. Discussions are expected to focus on setting the agenda for that visit. During Misri's stay, the foreign secretaries of both countries will review and discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbours, stating, "This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations. Nepal holds a high priority under India's Neighbourhood First Policy." The visit also lays the groundwork for a planned meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.&nbsp;

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began his two-day Nepal visit with a courtesy call on PM KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu. His trip, seen as groundwork for Oli’s upcoming India visit on Aug 29, includes meetings with top Nepali leaders to set the agenda on trade, energy, and connectivity.


Visiting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, kick-starting his two-day visit to the Himalayan nation. Misri met Prime Minister Oli at his office in Singha Durbar, according to a statement from the PM's secretariat. During the meeting, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, and other officials from Nepal's Foreign Ministry were present. Misri is in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The Foreign Secretary, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning, is scheduled to hold several high-level meetings throughout the day. These include meetings with Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and former Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The visit comes as part of preparations for an upcoming official trip by Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India, scheduled for August 29. Discussions are expected to focus on setting the agenda for that visit. During Misri's stay, the foreign secretaries of both countries will review and discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbours, stating, "This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations. Nepal holds a high priority under India's Neighbourhood First Policy." The visit also lays the groundwork for a planned meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began his two-day Nepal visit with a courtesy call on PM KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu. His trip, seen as groundwork for Oli’s upcoming India visit on Aug 29, includes meetings with top Nepali leaders to set the agenda on trade, energy, and connectivity.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, sets stage for Modi-Oli talks in Bodh Gaya

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump on Saturday demanding Ukraine to withdraw from the eastern Donetsk region if the world wants Russia to end this war. This demand was made by the Russian president during their meeting in Alaska on Friday, as per the report by the Financial Times. Putin has hinted that if Ukraine surrenders Donetsk, he would agree to freeze the rest of the frontline, particularly in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces already control large swathes of territory.&nbsp;In response, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that the real objective of Putin is to take the remaining 30 per cent of the eastern region, an area that has experienced some of the bloodiest battles in the war that has now been dragged on for over three years.<h3>Why does Vladimir Putin want all of Donetsk?</h3>Located along Ukraine’s eastern border, the Donbas, a short name of the “Donets Coal Basin,” which is about the coal basin along the Donets Ridge and River, is the country's industrial hub, which Putin has long viewed as central to his vision of expanding Russia's sphere of influence.&nbsp;According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, if Russia captured Donetsk, it would give full control of almost all of the Donbas, the collective name for Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, which has been coveted for decades. Moreover, holding Donetsk would provide Russia with a strategic land corridor linking Crimea to Luhansk and beyond, consolidating its grip over both the eastern front and critical stretches of the Black Sea coastline.&nbsp;In 2022, a Russian general even outlined a broader ambition of Russia pushing to the west beyond Odesa as it aims to conquer Ukraine's Black Sea coast, according to a report by the BBC.&nbsp;According to a report in the Independent, the Donbas has been partially captured by Russia since 2014, while the Crimean peninsula was annexed by Putin. After the Russian-backed separatists broke away from the Ukrainian government in order to claim the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk's independent people’s republics, Moscow occupied over a third of the eastern territory of Ukraine.&nbsp;The Donbas, which is around 88 per cent under Russian control, includes almost all of the Luhansk region and 75 per cent of the Donetsk region, according to Reuters. However, approximately 6,600 sq km is still under Ukraine's control, but Russia's main focus has been on its energy-rich region in Donetsk, such as Pokrovsk.<h3>'Donbas': Predominantly Russian-speaking region</h3>The hyper-industrialised Donbas economy is influenced by metallurgy and coal mining, and it is also one of the largest coal reserves in Ukraine. Ukraine’s coal-mining enterprises experienced a dip of 22.4 per cent in raw coal production after the conflict broke out in 2014, according to the Kyiv Post. This shows the country’s dependency on Donbas as an energy powerhouse.&nbsp;However, in terms of its economic significance and strategic value, the Institute for the Study of War has described it as a “fortress belt.” In addition, Donetsk also play a significant role in playing a key defensive line across the front line, stretching through Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka.&nbsp;This region, largely Russian-speaking, has been at the center of conflict since 2014, when Russia captured Crimea and its proxy forces seized over a third of eastern Ukraine. However, Luhansk and Donetsk might be broadly Russian-speaking regions, but they are no longer pro-Russian. In a May 2022 Ukrainian opinion poll, it was suggested that 82% of Ukrainians in the territory which was occupied by the Russia since the 24 February invasion had a negative attitude toward Moscow.

The Ukrainian president has said that the real objective of Russian President Vladimir Putin is to take the remaining 30 per cent of the eastern region due to its economic significance and defensive line.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump on Saturday demanding Ukraine to withdraw from the eastern Donetsk region if the world wants Russia to end this war. This demand was made by the Russian president during their meeting in Alaska on Friday, as per the report by the Financial Times. Putin has hinted that if Ukraine surrenders Donetsk, he would agree to freeze the rest of the frontline, particularly in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces already control large swathes of territory. In response, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that the real objective of Putin is to take the remaining 30 per cent of the eastern region, an area that has experienced some of the bloodiest battles in the war that has now been dragged on for over three years. Why does Vladimir Putin want all of Donetsk? Located along Ukraine’s eastern border, the Donbas, a short name of the “Donets Coal Basin,” which is about the coal basin along the Donets Ridge and River, is the country's industrial hub, which Putin has long viewed as central to his vision of expanding Russia's sphere of influence. According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, if Russia captured Donetsk, it would give full control of almost all of the Donbas, the collective name for Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, which has been coveted for decades. Moreover, holding Donetsk would provide Russia with a strategic land corridor linking Crimea to Luhansk and beyond, consolidating its grip over both the eastern front and critical stretches of the Black Sea coastline. In 2022, a Russian general even outlined a broader ambition of Russia pushing to the west beyond Odesa as it aims to conquer Ukraine's Black Sea coast, according to a report by the BBC. According to a report in the Independent, the Donbas has been partially captured by Russia since 2014, while the Crimean peninsula was annexed by Putin. After the Russian-backed separatists broke away from the Ukrainian government in order to claim the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk's independent people’s republics, Moscow occupied over a third of the eastern territory of Ukraine. The Donbas, which is around 88 per cent under Russian control, includes almost all of the Luhansk region and 75 per cent of the Donetsk region, according to Reuters. However, approximately 6,600 sq km is still under Ukraine's control, but Russia's main focus has been on its energy-rich region in Donetsk, such as Pokrovsk. 'Donbas': Predominantly Russian-speaking region The hyper-industrialised Donbas economy is influenced by metallurgy and coal mining, and it is also one of the largest coal reserves in Ukraine. Ukraine’s coal-mining enterprises experienced a dip of 22.4 per cent in raw coal production after the conflict broke out in 2014, according to the Kyiv Post. This shows the country’s dependency on Donbas as an energy powerhouse. However, in terms of its economic significance and strategic value, the Institute for the Study of War has described it as a “fortress belt.” In addition, Donetsk also play a significant role in playing a key defensive line across the front line, stretching through Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka. This region, largely Russian-speaking, has been at the center of conflict since 2014, when Russia captured Crimea and its proxy forces seized over a third of eastern Ukraine. However, Luhansk and Donetsk might be broadly Russian-speaking regions, but they are no longer pro-Russian. In a May 2022 Ukrainian opinion poll, it was suggested that 82% of Ukrainians in the territory which was occupied by the Russia since the 24 February invasion had a negative attitude toward Moscow.

The Ukrainian president has said that the real objective of Russian President Vladimir Putin is to take the remaining 30 per cent of the eastern region due to its economic significance and defensive line.

Why does Russia want control of Ukraine’s Donetsk? What makes the region critical for Moscow — EXPLAINED

First Lady Melania Trump, in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, told him, "you can singlehandedly restore" the "melodic laughter" caught in the throes of the Russia-Ukraine war. In a deeply moving letter hand-delivered to Putin by her husband, US President Donald Trump, Melania urged for peace. On Friday (Aug 15) it was revealed that Donald Trump has delivered a letter from his wife, Melania, to his Russian counterpart. While it was known that the letter had to do with the children in Ukraine and Russia, the exact content of the letter was not public knowledge…till now. The letter was released on X by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Here's what it said.<h2>What did First Lady Melania Trump say to Putin?</h2>The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) in an emotional letter urged Putin to bring peace amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Appealing to the Russian leader to think of the war's youngest victims, she wrote, "Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nation's rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger.""As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation's hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few," said the FLOTUS. She stated that, "I am sure you agree, is that each generation's descendants begin their lives with a purity - an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology. Yet in today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them — a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our incredible First Lady ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MELANIATRUMP</a>⁩ shared this powerful, deeply moving letter with President Putin. She speaks from the heart of every American in calling for a world where children, regardless of where they are born, can live in peace. <a href="https://t.co/Soqrv1euAm">pic.twitter.com/Soqrv1euAm</a>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1956829431831605620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter." Calling on Putin to act beyond national interests, she added: "In protecting the innocence Of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone — you serve humanity itself." Urging Putin to sign a ceasefire deal, she said, "Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today."<h2>'No deal'</h2>Despite the profound, emotional letter, the buildup to the Trump-Putin Alaska summit was all for nought, as a ceasefire was not achieved. The outcome of the much-anticipated meet can be summed up by a remark Trump made at a press conference after huddling with Putin for three hours: "No deal until there’s a deal". The high-stakes summit in Anchorage concluded on Friday (Aug 15) without a formal agreement on ending the war. However, both leaders still termed it “very productive” at their joint press conference, at which they refused to take any questions from the press.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/melania-trump-sent-putin-letter-on-ukraine-s-stolen-children-during-alaska-summit-what-did-she-say-all-we-know-1755318236327">Melania Trump sent Putin letter on Ukraine’s ‘stolen children’ during Alaska summit. What did she say? All we know</a>

Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 15) handed Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter from his wife, Melania. The contents of the letter, kept secret till now, have been revealed. Here’s what she asked him to do.

First Lady Melania Trump, in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, told him, "you can singlehandedly restore" the "melodic laughter" caught in the throes of the Russia-Ukraine war. In a deeply moving letter hand-delivered to Putin by her husband, US President Donald Trump, Melania urged for peace. On Friday (Aug 15) it was revealed that Donald Trump has delivered a letter from his wife, Melania, to his Russian counterpart. While it was known that the letter had to do with the children in Ukraine and Russia, the exact content of the letter was not public knowledge…till now. The letter was released on X by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Here's what it said. What did First Lady Melania Trump say to Putin? The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) in an emotional letter urged Putin to bring peace amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Appealing to the Russian leader to think of the war's youngest victims, she wrote, "Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nation's rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger." "As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation's hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few," said the FLOTUS. She stated that, "I am sure you agree, is that each generation's descendants begin their lives with a purity - an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology. Yet in today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them — a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future."

Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 15) handed Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter from his wife, Melania. The contents of the letter, kept secret till now, have been revealed. Here’s what she asked him to do.

'Restore children’s laughter': What did Melania Trump tell Vladimir Putin in secret letter hand-delivered by Donald Trump?

Israel’s military said that it struck an “energy infrastructure” site used by Houthis, deep inside Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces said that the “terror targets” were located in the area of the city of Sana’a. Earlier, explosions were reported at a power plant in the area. The IDF added that the strikes were carried out in response to the attacks on Israel launched by the Iran-backed group throughout the Gaza war.&nbsp;The strikes were carried out by Israeli Navy missile boats, reported The Times of Israel, citing a defense official. In a statement, the IDF said that it “attacked terror targets deep in Yemen in the area of the city of Sana’a. The IDF struck energy infrastructure used by the Houthi terror regime, at a distance of approximately 2,000 kilometers from Israel and deep within Yemen.” It did not name the site targeted.&nbsp;Houthis’ Al-Masirah TV reported “an aggression targeting the Haziz power plant” south of Sana’a. There were no immediate reports of casualties.&nbsp;“The strikes were carried out in response to repeated attacks by the Houthi terror regime against the State of Israel and its citizens, including the launching of ground-to-ground missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles toward Israeli territory,” the IDF said in the statement.&nbsp;It further added, “The IDF will act with force against the repeated attacks by the Houthi terror regime on Israeli citizens and is determined to continue striking with strength any threat to the state, in any arena where it is required.”&nbsp;Houthi have repeatedly launched missiles and drone attacks at Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in October 2023. The Iran-backed group had claimed to act in solidarity with the Palestinians.&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday (Aug 14), Israel said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen. Houthis claimed responsibility for it later. The group have also targeted alleged Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden off Yemen. &nbsp;

Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 17) said that it targeted Houthi ‘energy infrastructure’ deep inside Yemen near the capital city of Sana’a.

Israel’s military said that it struck an “energy infrastructure” site used by Houthis, deep inside Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces said that the “terror targets” were located in the area of the city of Sana’a. Earlier, explosions were reported at a power plant in the area. The IDF added that the strikes were carried out in response to the attacks on Israel launched by the Iran-backed group throughout the Gaza war. The strikes were carried out by Israeli Navy missile boats, reported The Times of Israel, citing a defense official. In a statement, the IDF said that it “attacked terror targets deep in Yemen in the area of the city of Sana’a. The IDF struck energy infrastructure used by the Houthi terror regime, at a distance of approximately 2,000 kilometers from Israel and deep within Yemen.” It did not name the site targeted. Houthis’ Al-Masirah TV reported “an aggression targeting the Haziz power plant” south of Sana’a. There were no immediate reports of casualties. “The strikes were carried out in response to repeated attacks by the Houthi terror regime against the State of Israel and its citizens, including the launching of ground-to-ground missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles toward Israeli territory,” the IDF said in the statement. It further added, “The IDF will act with force against the repeated attacks by the Houthi terror regime on Israeli citizens and is determined to continue striking with strength any threat to the state, in any arena where it is required.” Houthi have repeatedly launched missiles and drone attacks at Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in October 2023. The Iran-backed group had claimed to act in solidarity with the Palestinians. Earlier on Thursday (Aug 14), Israel said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen. Houthis claimed responsibility for it later. The group have also targeted alleged Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden off Yemen.

Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 17) said that it targeted Houthi ‘energy infrastructure’ deep inside Yemen near the capital city of Sana’a.

Israel’s military strikes Houthi ‘energy infrastructure’ deep inside Yemen

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has reiterated he has no ambitions of joining politics and that he only considers himself a servant of the state. According to an article published by the Pakistani media outlet, Jang media group, Munir had spoken to its columnist Suhail Warraich during a recent meeting in Brussels, Belgium en route after his visit to the United States, where he denied harbouring any such ambition.&nbsp;Speaking to Warraich during the trip Munir said, "God has made me protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that."&nbsp;“I am a soldier and my greatest desire is martyrdom," Munir further said, as quoted by the Pakistan-based newspaper.&nbsp;The remarks by the Pakistan Army Chief comes after a wave of disinformation on social media hinted at Munir planning to replace President Asif Ali Zardari. There were also persistent instances showing military intervention in Pakistani political system, thus adding fuel to fire.&nbsp;"The talk started with politics and especially on the rumours that work is being done to change the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. General Asim Munir clearly said in the Brussels meeting and in the two-hour-long meeting with me that the rumours about the change are completely false," the Saturday column by Warraich read.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multiple-flash-floods-strike-mandi-in-himachal-pradesh-major-highway-blocked-1755408381308">Multiple flash floods hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, major highway blocked</a>&nbsp;The Pakistan Army has also denied the rumours that Army chief Asim Munir will be the next president of the country. In a statement on August 7, the army called the rumours “baseless.”&nbsp;"Talks about Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming the president of Pakistan are completely baseless," said Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview to the state-run PTV.&nbsp;Earlier in May, Munir was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal making him the second military official to hold the rank in the country's history. This promotion came after heightened tensions with India post Operation Sindoor. &nbsp;

The remarks by the Pakistan Army Chief comes after a wave of disinformation on social media hinted at Munir planning to replace President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has reiterated he has no ambitions of joining politics and that he only considers himself a servant of the state. According to an article published by the Pakistani media outlet, Jang media group, Munir had spoken to its columnist Suhail Warraich during a recent meeting in Brussels, Belgium en route after his visit to the United States, where he denied harbouring any such ambition. Speaking to Warraich during the trip Munir said, "God has made me protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that." “I am a soldier and my greatest desire is martyrdom," Munir further said, as quoted by the Pakistan-based newspaper. The remarks by the Pakistan Army Chief comes after a wave of disinformation on social media hinted at Munir planning to replace President Asif Ali Zardari. There were also persistent instances showing military intervention in Pakistani political system, thus adding fuel to fire. "The talk started with politics and especially on the rumours that work is being done to change the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. General Asim Munir clearly said in the Brussels meeting and in the two-hour-long meeting with me that the rumours about the change are completely false," the Saturday column by Warraich read. Also Read: Multiple flash floods hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, major highway blocked The Pakistan Army has also denied the rumours that Army chief Asim Munir will be the next president of the country. In a statement on August 7, the army called the rumours “baseless.” "Talks about Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming the president of Pakistan are completely baseless," said Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview to the state-run PTV. Earlier in May, Munir was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal making him the second military official to hold the rank in the country's history. This promotion came after heightened tensions with India post Operation Sindoor.

The remarks by the Pakistan Army Chief comes after a wave of disinformation on social media hinted at Munir planning to replace President Asif Ali Zardari.

'God has made me protector of the country', says Pak Army chief Munir, denies political ambitions

Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist known for his contributions to humanity's understanding of black holes, the cosmos, and the nature of the universe, once warned that if aliens make contact with us, they won't be kind and might view Earth as just another planet to plunder. The world-renowned scientist's warning has once again entered the spotlight as intrigue around UFOs and extraterrestrial life continues to escalate. This is amplified by reports of a possible alien warship that may strike around November and as US Vice President JD Vance revealed his "obsession" with the little green men. "I'm obsessed with the whole UFO thing. What’s actually going on? What were those videos all about? What’s actually happening?" He said recently while appearing on the Ruthless podcast. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know.<h2>Stephen Hawking's alarming warning on aliens and extraterrestrial vehicles</h2>Before his passing in 2018, Hawking was known to persistently caution against intentional efforts to communicate with aliens, especially those potentially far superior to humans. He warned that an intellectually superior species may view our planet as a world ready to plunder instead of approaching us with goodwill. In an ominous warning, he suggested that such contact may even jeopardise humanity's survival.In a 2010 episode of 'Into the Universe', the genius famously said that, "If aliens ever visit us, the outcome might be similar to when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans." Pointing at how historically dominant societies, when they encounter less developed cultures, tend to dominate and disregard suffering that isn't their own, he argued that humans only need to look at themselves "to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet". According to Hawking, it would be stupid to presume that a sophisticated civilisation would inherently embrace peace.Stephen Hawking further theorised that a developed alien species that possesses advanced interstellar travel capabilities would probably (like humans are currently doing) have depleted their natural resources. Thus, driving them to travel the cosmos to look for newer, resource-rich worlds. In such a case, Earth could look less like an ally and more like a viable conquest.Notably, Hawking was not alone in warning about how dangerous contact with aliens could be. Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and planetary scientist who dedicated his life to research on his research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, is also known to have voiced a need for caution. He pointed out that alien psychology could be beyond our predictions.<h2>So, what should humans do?</h2>Staunchly shunning attempts to actively try to communicate with aliens, Stephen Hawking instead proposed passive monitoring was the way to go. However, some scientists argue that humanity has been beaming radio waves and signals into space for over a century. They posit that intelligent alien species may already know we exist, and if Hawking's warning was in fact a premonition, then we may already be doomed.

Before his death, Stephen Hawking consistently warned humanity against contacting aliens. As interest in UFOs and little green men comes to the fore, an ominous warning he made has also resurfaced. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know.

Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist known for his contributions to humanity's understanding of black holes, the cosmos, and the nature of the universe, once warned that if aliens make contact with us, they won't be kind and might view Earth as just another planet to plunder. The world-renowned scientist's warning has once again entered the spotlight as intrigue around UFOs and extraterrestrial life continues to escalate. This is amplified by reports of a possible alien warship that may strike around November and as US Vice President JD Vance revealed his "obsession" with the little green men. "I'm obsessed with the whole UFO thing. What’s actually going on? What were those videos all about? What’s actually happening?" He said recently while appearing on the Ruthless podcast. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know. Stephen Hawking's alarming warning on aliens and extraterrestrial vehicles Before his passing in 2018, Hawking was known to persistently caution against intentional efforts to communicate with aliens, especially those potentially far superior to humans. He warned that an intellectually superior species may view our planet as a world ready to plunder instead of approaching us with goodwill. In an ominous warning, he suggested that such contact may even jeopardise humanity's survival. In a 2010 episode of 'Into the Universe', the genius famously said that, "If aliens ever visit us, the outcome might be similar to when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans." Pointing at how historically dominant societies, when they encounter less developed cultures, tend to dominate and disregard suffering that isn't their own, he argued that humans only need to look at themselves "to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet". According to Hawking, it would be stupid to presume that a sophisticated civilisation would inherently embrace peace. Stephen Hawking further theorised that a developed alien species that possesses advanced interstellar travel capabilities would probably (like humans are currently doing) have depleted their natural resources. Thus, driving them to travel the cosmos to look for newer, resource-rich worlds. In such a case, Earth could look less like an ally and more like a viable conquest. Notably, Hawking was not alone in warning about how dangerous contact with aliens could be. Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and planetary scientist who dedicated his life to research on his research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, is also known to have voiced a need for caution. He pointed out that alien psychology could be beyond our predictions. So, what should humans do? Staunchly shunning attempts to actively try to communicate with aliens, Stephen Hawking instead proposed passive monitoring was the way to go. However, some scientists argue that humanity has been beaming radio waves and signals into space for over a century. They posit that intelligent alien species may already know we exist, and if Hawking's warning was in fact a premonition, then we may already be doomed.

Before his death, Stephen Hawking consistently warned humanity against contacting aliens. As interest in UFOs and little green men comes to the fore, an ominous warning he made has also resurfaced. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know.

Stephen Hawking’s terrifying alien attack warning resurfaces amid 'mothership' UFO fears: It is 'something we wouldn't want to meet'

A dramatic video of Hurricane Erin, the first major Atlantic storm of the 2025 season, has left the internet awestruck. The footage, captured by Hurricane Hunters, shows a view inside the eye of the hurricane, which is rapidly heading towards the East Coast of the United States. Experts have forecast that the storm could result in the largest waves of more than 100 feet. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 within 24 hours before downgrading slightly to Category 4 on late Saturday (Aug 16).&nbsp;“Last night, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew into the eye of Hurricane Erin—and captured imagery of the breathtaking stadium effect. These missions provide critical data to the NHC to improve forecasts, helping keep communities safe before the storm makes landfall,” the caption of the video shared on X read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew into the eye of Hurricane Erin—and captured imagery of the breathtaking stadium effect. These missions provide critical data to the NHC to improve forecasts, helping keep communities safe before the storm makes… <a href="https://t.co/RpAs7yMDRf">pic.twitter.com/RpAs7yMDRf</a>&mdash; Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) <a href="https://twitter.com/53rdWRS/status/1956826995263766946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Social media users reacted to the video saying it was “amazing” and “spectacular”.&nbsp;“This is absolutely incredible. Narrow, cylindrical stadium effect. Just surreal,” a person said. Another said, “Absolutely stunning that we have the capability to get these images.”&nbsp;“Looks like a portal,” one said. “Omg this is truly awesome,” a user wrote.

<h2>Hurricane Erin</h2>&nbsp;According to the NHC, the storm was about 395 miles (636 km) east of Grand Turk Island, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph). Earlier, it had a wind speed of 160 mph. It is moving toward the west-northwest at nearly 14 mph with a turn more northward expected to occur on Monday into Tuesday. The weather agency earlier said that Erin is expected to strengthen next week.&nbsp;The storm is expected to result in heavy rainfall as it passes north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico on Sunday (Aug 17), then progress to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas on Sunday night and Monday (Aug 18).&nbsp;<h2>What did experts predict?</h2>&nbsp;The hurricane is expected to reach the US East Coast by next week, as experts predict massive waves. Jean-Raymond Bidlot, senior scientist in ocean modeling at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) told Newsweek, “The latest forecast does indeed indicate that the largest significant wave height could reach values in excess of 50 feet with an associated most likely largest wave of more than 100 feet.” Bidlot added that these waves would be hundreds of metres in length, adding that they are typical for storms of such intensity and should not be mistaken for rogue waves.&nbsp;Meanwhile, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said that the storm will result in strong winds, which can even result in beach erosion in some areas, depending on how close the storm gets to the US.

A viral video captured inside the eye of Hurricane Erin, the first major Atlantic storm of the 2025 season, has left social media users in awe. The storm can result in life-threatening waves of more than 100 feet.

A dramatic video of Hurricane Erin, the first major Atlantic storm of the 2025 season, has left the internet awestruck. The footage, captured by Hurricane Hunters, shows a view inside the eye of the hurricane, which is rapidly heading towards the East Coast of the United States. Experts have forecast that the storm could result in the largest waves of more than 100 feet. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 within 24 hours before downgrading slightly to Category 4 on late Saturday (Aug 16). “Last night, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew into the eye of Hurricane Erin—and captured imagery of the breathtaking stadium effect. These missions provide critical data to the NHC to improve forecasts, helping keep communities safe before the storm makes landfall,” the caption of the video shared on X read.

A viral video captured inside the eye of Hurricane Erin, the first major Atlantic storm of the 2025 season, has left social media users in awe. The storm can result in life-threatening waves of more than 100 feet.

WATCH | Dramatic video captures ‘stadium effect’ inside Hurricane Erin that can result in life-threatening 100-foot waves

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Aug 16) accused Russia of complicating peace efforts by refusing to agree to a ceasefire, more than three years into the conflict. "We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation," Zelensky said in a social media post. Slamming Moscow for lacking "the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes," he noted that "it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater -- peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades." He stressed that “Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you for the support! All the points mentioned are important to achieve a truly sustainable and reliable peace. We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation. If they lack… <a href="https://t.co/bkTXwjMSnX">pic.twitter.com/bkTXwjMSnX</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1956813600300958028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Nordic-Baltic Eight back Ukraine</h2>The Ukrainian president made the remarks while posting a document from the leaders of eight Nordic-Baltic nations. In the joint statement, the Nordic-Baltic eight – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden – reaffirmed their strong backing for Kyiv and US President Donald Trump's mediation efforts."We welcome President Trump's statement that the U.S. is prepared to participate in security guarantees. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries," the statement said.<h2>Trump-Zelensky to meet soon</h2>In his post late on Saturday, Zelensky confirmed that he will meet US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 18), calling it an important opportunity for leaders to clarify "all the details and determine which steps are necessary and will work."This comes as Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday (Aug 15). Despite the massive buildup to the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, it was all for nought, as a ceasefire was not achieved. The outcome of the much-anticipated meet can be summed up by a remark Trump made at a press conference after huddling with Putin for three hours: "No deal until there’s a deal". The high-stakes summit in Anchorage concluded without a formal agreement on ending the war. However, both leaders still termed it "very productive" at their joint press conference, at which they refused to take any questions from the press.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of rejecting ceasefire calls, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin was complicating peace. After the failed Trump-Putin Alaska summit, Zelensky also confirmed he’ll meet Trump on Aug 18 to discuss ending the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Aug 16) accused Russia of complicating peace efforts by refusing to agree to a ceasefire, more than three years into the conflict. "We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation," Zelensky said in a social media post. Slamming Moscow for lacking "the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes," he noted that "it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater -- peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades." He stressed that “Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of rejecting ceasefire calls, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin was complicating peace. After the failed Trump-Putin Alaska summit, Zelensky also confirmed he’ll meet Trump on Aug 18 to discuss ending the war.

Zelensky slams Russia for rejecting ceasefire, says Putin 'complicating the situation'

The US government said Saturday it is suspending visitor visas for Gazans after a far-right influencer with the ear of President Donald Trump complained that wounded Palestinians had been allowed to seek medical treatment in the United States.&nbsp;The announcement came one day after a series of furious social media posts by Laura Loomer, who is known for promoting racist conspiracy theories and claiming that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an inside job.&nbsp;"All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days," the State Department, which is led by Marco Rubio, wrote on X.&nbsp;In a series of posts on X Friday, Loomer called on the State Department to stop giving visas to Palestinians from Gaza who she said were "pro-HAMAS... affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and funded by Qatar," without providing evidence.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-trump-putin-breakthrough-in-alaska-india-s-dilemma-over-russian-oil-deepens-1755380637418/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-trump-putin-breakthrough-in-alaska-india-s-dilemma-over-russian-oil-deepens-1755380637418/embed</a>&nbsp;Loomer's target was the US-based charity HEAL Palestine, which said last week it had helped 11 critically wounded Gazan children -- as well as their caregivers and siblings -- arrive safely in the US for medical treatment. It was "the largest single medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the US," the charity said on its website.<h2>'Dangerous and inhumane'&nbsp;</h2>"Truly unacceptable," Loomer wrote in another X post. "Someone needs to be fired at @StateDept when @marcorubio figures out who approved the visas."&nbsp;"Qatar transported these GAZANS into the US via @qatarairways," she said. Qatar is "literally flooding our country with jihadis," she added. Loomer said she had spoken to the staff of Republican Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate intelligence committee, adding that they were "also looking into how these GAZANS got visas to come into the US."&nbsp;Republican Congressman Randy Fine explicitly commended Loomer after the visa change was announced, in a sign of her sway over some US policy. "Massive credit needs to be given to @LauraLoomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura," Fine wrote on X. The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, a US-based charity, called on the Trump administration to “reverse this dangerous and inhumane decision.” Over the last 30 years, the charity has evacuated thousands of Palestinian children to the US for medical care, it said in a statement.&nbsp;"Medical evacuations are a lifeline for the children of Gaza who would otherwise face unimaginable suffering or death due to the collapse of medical infrastructure in Gaza."Though Loomer holds no official position, she wields significant power and is reported to have successfully pushed for the dismissal of several senior US security officials she deemed disloyal to Trump.&nbsp;In July, Loomer took aim at a job offer made to a highly qualified Biden-era official for a prestigious position at the West Point military academy. The Pentagon rescinded the offer one day later. Trump also fired the head of the highly sensitive National Security Agency, Timothy Haugh, and his deputy, Wendy Noble in April at the apparent urging of Loomer, after she met with the president at the White House. "No other content creator or journalist has gotten as many Biden holdovers fired from the Trump admin!" Loomer posted on X Saturday.

The announcement came one day after a series of furious social media posts by Laura Loomer, who is known for promoting racist conspiracy theories and claiming that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an inside job.

The US government said Saturday it is suspending visitor visas for Gazans after a far-right influencer with the ear of President Donald Trump complained that wounded Palestinians had been allowed to seek medical treatment in the United States. The announcement came one day after a series of furious social media posts by Laura Loomer, who is known for promoting racist conspiracy theories and claiming that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an inside job. "All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days," the State Department, which is led by Marco Rubio, wrote on X. In a series of posts on X Friday, Loomer called on the State Department to stop giving visas to Palestinians from Gaza who she said were "pro-HAMAS... affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and funded by Qatar," without providing evidence. https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-trump-putin-breakthrough-in-alaska-india-s-dilemma-over-russian-oil-deepens-1755380637418/embed Loomer's target was the US-based charity HEAL Palestine, which said last week it had helped 11 critically wounded Gazan children -- as well as their caregivers and siblings -- arrive safely in the US for medical treatment. It was "the largest single medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the US," the charity said on its website. 'Dangerous and inhumane' "Truly unacceptable," Loomer wrote in another X post. "Someone needs to be fired at @StateDept when @marcorubio figures out who approved the visas." "Qatar transported these GAZANS into the US via @qatarairways," she said. Qatar is "literally flooding our country with jihadis," she added. Loomer said she had spoken to the staff of Republican Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate intelligence committee, adding that they were "also looking into how these GAZANS got visas to come into the US." Republican Congressman Randy Fine explicitly commended Loomer after the visa change was announced, in a sign of her sway over some US policy. "Massive credit needs to be given to @LauraLoomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura," Fine wrote on X. The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, a US-based charity, called on the Trump administration to “reverse this dangerous and inhumane decision.” Over the last 30 years, the charity has evacuated thousands of Palestinian children to the US for medical care, it said in a statement. "Medical evacuations are a lifeline for the children of Gaza who would otherwise face unimaginable suffering or death due to the collapse of medical infrastructure in Gaza." Though Loomer holds no official position, she wields significant power and is reported to have successfully pushed for the dismissal of several senior US security officials she deemed disloyal to Trump. In July, Loomer took aim at a job offer made to a highly qualified Biden-era official for a prestigious position at the West Point military academy. The Pentagon rescinded the offer one day later. Trump also fired the head of the highly sensitive National Security Agency, Timothy Haugh, and his deputy, Wendy Noble in April at the apparent urging of Loomer, after she met with the president at the White House. "No other content creator or journalist has gotten as many Biden holdovers fired from the Trump admin!" Loomer posted on X Saturday.

The announcement came one day after a series of furious social media posts by Laura Loomer, who is known for promoting racist conspiracy theories and claiming that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an inside job.

Trump suspends Gazans’ visitor visas after far-right influencer posts

The final words of the Russian President Vladimir Putin were in English - "And next time in Moscow." He also said “thank you so much” in English at the end of his summit with Trump. And suddenly, Putin speaking in English was the headline all over. Is it a surprise that &nbsp;a former intelligence officer with the Soviet Union’s security service, the KGB - speaks fluents English? Absolutely not! But the Russian president still uses a translator for English during all the diplomatic meetings.&nbsp;Moreover, the Russian president also speaks German. During his days as a KGB officer during the Cold War, Putin was posted to Dresden, which was then East Germany. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-trump-putin-breakthrough-in-alaska-india-s-dilemma-over-russian-oil-deepens-1755380637418/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-trump-putin-breakthrough-in-alaska-india-s-dilemma-over-russian-oil-deepens-1755380637418/embed</a>&nbsp;In 2017, the Kremlin said that Putin understands English “almost completely” and even corrects his interpreters, according to Russia’s Izvestia newspaper.&nbsp;Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that Putin “most often speaks English, but when negotiations are conducted and when an official meeting is taking place, of course, he communicates through interpreters. “I myself have been translating at the highest level for a long time, so I know what kind of stress it is,” Peskov said.<h2>Why the translator?</h2>Using a translator at high-level meetings allows politicians like Putin to be diplomatic. For example, when Putin was heading for the meeting along with Trump on the red carpet, several media people asked whether he would “stop killing civilians." The Russian president shrugged off the question and acted as if he either did not hear it or could not understand it.<h2>Putin is a pro at being multilingual</h2>During an interview with CNN in 2008 about the conflict in Georgia, most of the time, Putin spoke in English.&nbsp;In 2013, Putin issue a long-vieo message announcing &nbsp;Russia’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in the central city of Yekaterinburg - in English.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Putin had a video conference with a German man who was seeking citizenship in Russia. Putin was seen speaking pretty fluent German to him.

The Russian president also speaks German. During his days as a KGB officer during the Cold War, Putin was posted to Dresden, which was then East Germany.

The final words of the Russian President Vladimir Putin were in English - "And next time in Moscow." He also said “thank you so much” in English at the end of his summit with Trump. And suddenly, Putin speaking in English was the headline all over. Is it a surprise that a former intelligence officer with the Soviet Union’s security service, the KGB - speaks fluents English? Absolutely not! But the Russian president still uses a translator for English during all the diplomatic meetings. Moreover, the Russian president also speaks German. During his days as a KGB officer during the Cold War, Putin was posted to Dresden, which was then East Germany. https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-trump-putin-breakthrough-in-alaska-india-s-dilemma-over-russian-oil-deepens-1755380637418/embed In 2017, the Kremlin said that Putin understands English “almost completely” and even corrects his interpreters, according to Russia’s Izvestia newspaper. Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that Putin “most often speaks English, but when negotiations are conducted and when an official meeting is taking place, of course, he communicates through interpreters. “I myself have been translating at the highest level for a long time, so I know what kind of stress it is,” Peskov said. Why the translator? Using a translator at high-level meetings allows politicians like Putin to be diplomatic. For example, when Putin was heading for the meeting along with Trump on the red carpet, several media people asked whether he would “stop killing civilians." The Russian president shrugged off the question and acted as if he either did not hear it or could not understand it. Putin is a pro at being multilingual During an interview with CNN in 2008 about the conflict in Georgia, most of the time, Putin spoke in English. In 2013, Putin issue a long-vieo message announcing Russia’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in the central city of Yekaterinburg - in English. Earlier this year, Putin had a video conference with a German man who was seeking citizenship in Russia. Putin was seen speaking pretty fluent German to him.

The Russian president also speaks German. During his days as a KGB officer during the Cold War, Putin was posted to Dresden, which was then East Germany.

Putin speaks Russian, German AND English - still uses translator in diplomatic meetings. Here's why

Former Sephardic chief rabbi and Shas spiritual leader Yitzhak Yosef slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him an "atheist." While charging the Haredi political party heads for being dragged along by the Israeli PM, who has repeatedly delayed passing legislation that would give military enlistment exemptions for yeshiva students, the spiritual leader said, "You believe him? He’s an atheist. You trust someone like that? Why do you trust him?”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-s-future-on-the-line-zelensky-and-trump-to-meet-in-washington-on-monday-european-leaders-invited-all-you-need-to-know-1755371420179">Ukraine’s future on the line? Zelensky and Trump to meet in Washington on Monday; European leaders invited - All you need to know</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">מרן הראשון לציון הרב יצחק יוסף במתקפה על ראשי הסיעות החרדיות שהאמינו לנתניהו שיעביר את חוק הגיוס, מדגיש שרוב העצורים הם ספרדים וקורא לעריקים חרדים שלא לפתוח את הדלת לאנשי המשטרה הצבאית <a href="https://t.co/6Igm6e8uwi">pic.twitter.com/6Igm6e8uwi</a>&mdash; ישי כהן (@ishaycoen) <a href="https://twitter.com/ishaycoen/status/1956801136892985527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Netanyahu working against Israel's interest?</h2>Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, hinted that she might sanction Israel by saying that Benjamin Netanyahu is now the actual problem. In an interview with a Danish daily, Frederiksen hinted she might sanction the Israeli prime minister or even Israel as a whole.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-summit-plan-documents-left-in-alaska-hotel-printer-here-s-what-papers-revealed-1755374746957">US summit plan documents left in Alaska hotel printer? Here's what papers revealed</a>&nbsp;She said in the interview, "Netanyahu himself is a problem now," adding that she believes he shouldn't be leading Israel anymore and that the country would be better off without him.&nbsp;She said Netanyahu's offensive in Gaza has gone "too far" now. She said that it's no longer only in Gaza. "It is settler violence, the additional settlements in the West Bank backed by Netanyahu, and the government's opposition to a two-state solution, which blocks peace," the Danish PM said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-netanyahu-himself-a-problem-working-against-israel-denmark-to-sanction-israeli-pm-1755373182464">‘Netanyahu himself a problem, working against Israel’: Denmark to sanction Israeli PM?</a>

While charging the Haredi political party heads for being dragged along by the Israeli PM, the spiritual leader said, You believe him? He is an atheist. You trust someone like that? Why do you trust him?

Former Sephardic chief rabbi and Shas spiritual leader Yitzhak Yosef slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him an "atheist." While charging the Haredi political party heads for being dragged along by the Israeli PM, who has repeatedly delayed passing legislation that would give military enlistment exemptions for yeshiva students, the spiritual leader said, "You believe him? He’s an atheist. You trust someone like that? Why do you trust him?” Also read: Ukraine’s future on the line? Zelensky and Trump to meet in Washington on Monday; European leaders invited - All you need to know

While charging the Haredi political party heads for being dragged along by the Israeli PM, the spiritual leader said, "You believe him? He’s an atheist. You trust someone like that? Why do you trust him?”

'You believe him? He's an atheist': Israeli spiritual leader grills Netanyahu over enlistment bill

After the nearly three hours of summit with Donald Trump in Alaska, Vladimir Putin seemed smiling and contained. He not only convinced the US president that Ukrainne ceasefire was not the way to got, but also stave off US sanctions.&nbsp;On Truth Social, Trump said he wanted to “go directly to a peace agreement, which would end the war and not a mere ceasefire agreement, which often times do not hold up”. Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Trump's agreement with Putin was a "stab in the back" for his country.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-s-future-on-the-line-zelensky-and-trump-to-meet-in-washington-on-monday-european-leaders-invited-all-you-need-to-know-1755371420179">Ukraine’s future on the line? Zelensky and Trump to meet in Washington on Monday; European leaders invited - All you need to know</a>&nbsp;“It looks like Trump has aligned with Putin and they both might be starting to force us to accept a peace treaty, which means in reality capitulation of Ukraine,” he said, adding: “The whole idea of the summit, as we were explained by Trump and Rubio, was to present Putin with a demand for an immediate ceasefire. And if he rejects this proposal there would be severe consequences for him.” In the summit, the Russian president demanded that Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk if Trump wants the war to end.&nbsp;But has Putin actually won in the summit? Has he gained what he desired? Let's find out.<h2>The economic demand</h2>Putin is on the wanted list of the International Criminal Court. He was accused of committing a war crime as he deported hundreds of children from Ukraine. This fact impacted the US-Russia ties a lot. Many believed that the Alaska summit would restore the trust Putin had lost. But it did not seem to be happening, so as Trump did not hand the Russian president the economic reset he wanted - something that would boost the Russian president at a time when his economy is showing signs of strain after more than three years of war and increasingly tough Western sanctions.&nbsp;Putin had brought his finance minister and the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund all the way to Alaska with a view to discussing potential deals on the Arctic, energy, space, and the technology sector.&nbsp;But Trump did not even consider looking at that plan. Before the summit, he had clearly said that there would be no discussion of business until the war in Ukraine was settled.<h2>Demand for more land acquisition</h2>Putin offered during the meeting with Trump that if Ukraine agreed to withdraw from both Donetsk and Luhansk, he would freeze the front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.Trump said that Ukrainian recognition of Donbas as Russian would help get a deal done. And the U.S. is ready to be part of security guarantees for Ukraine.&nbsp;But the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has reportedly rejected the demand.

In the summit, the Russian president demanded that Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk if Trump wants the war to end.



After the nearly three hours of summit with Donald Trump in Alaska, Vladimir Putin seemed smiling and contained. He not only convinced the US president that Ukrainne ceasefire was not the way to got, but also stave off US sanctions. On Truth Social, Trump said he wanted to “go directly to a peace agreement, which would end the war and not a mere ceasefire agreement, which often times do not hold up”. Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Trump's agreement with Putin was a "stab in the back" for his country. Also read: Ukraine’s future on the line? Zelensky and Trump to meet in Washington on Monday; European leaders invited - All you need to know “It looks like Trump has aligned with Putin and they both might be starting to force us to accept a peace treaty, which means in reality capitulation of Ukraine,” he said, adding: “The whole idea of the summit, as we were explained by Trump and Rubio, was to present Putin with a demand for an immediate ceasefire. And if he rejects this proposal there would be severe consequences for him.” In the summit, the Russian president demanded that Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk if Trump wants the war to end. But has Putin actually won in the summit? Has he gained what he desired? Let's find out. The economic demand Putin is on the wanted list of the International Criminal Court. He was accused of committing a war crime as he deported hundreds of children from Ukraine. This fact impacted the US-Russia ties a lot. Many believed that the Alaska summit would restore the trust Putin had lost. But it did not seem to be happening, so as Trump did not hand the Russian president the economic reset he wanted - something that would boost the Russian president at a time when his economy is showing signs of strain after more than three years of war and increasingly tough Western sanctions. Putin had brought his finance minister and the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund all the way to Alaska with a view to discussing potential deals on the Arctic, energy, space, and the technology sector. But Trump did not even consider looking at that plan. Before the summit, he had clearly said that there would be no discussion of business until the war in Ukraine was settled. Demand for more land acquisition Putin offered during the meeting with Trump that if Ukraine agreed to withdraw from both Donetsk and Luhansk, he would freeze the front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Trump said that Ukrainian recognition of Donbas as Russian would help get a deal done. And the U.S. is ready to be part of security guarantees for Ukraine. But the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has reportedly rejected the demand.

In the summit, the Russian president demanded that Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk if Trump wants the war to end.

Putin wins Alaska summit with Trump - but did not get what he wanted. Here's why

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Putin wins Alaska summit with Trump - but did not get what he wanted. Here's why