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South China Sea accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea, which the Chinese threaten to dominate. So, in order to strike a balance in the region, US military presence is prominent.&nbsp;In latest development, the United States is discussing the possibility of deploying more missile launchers to the Philippines to keep a check on Chinese aggression &nbsp;in the disputed South China Sea. However, a final &nbsp;decision is yet to be reached between the two countries in this regard, reported the Associated Press, citing Manila’s ambassador to Washington.&nbsp;According to Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) or the anti-ship missile systems could be installed along Philippine coastal regions facing the South China Sea to act as a deterrence to China.&nbsp;This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year. The land-based weapon is capable of firing Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile.&nbsp;Soon after, the US military transported an anti-ship missile launcher in April this year to the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes.&nbsp;The installation of the US missile systems were strongly opposed by China which argued that it would threaten regional stability and was aimed at curbing China's rise. In fact, China asked the Philippines to withdraw the missile launchers from its territory but the demand was rejected.&nbsp;In his first visit to Asia after assuming the power of US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth visited Manila in March this year and said the Trump administration would work with allies to ramp up deterrence against Chinese threats in the South China Sea.&nbsp;Thus, the likely deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines by the US is being see as a move in that direction. &nbsp;

This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year.

South China Sea accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea, which the Chinese threaten to dominate. So, in order to strike a balance in the region, US military presence is prominent. In latest development, the United States is discussing the possibility of deploying more missile launchers to the Philippines to keep a check on Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea. However, a final decision is yet to be reached between the two countries in this regard, reported the Associated Press, citing Manila’s ambassador to Washington. According to Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) or the anti-ship missile systems could be installed along Philippine coastal regions facing the South China Sea to act as a deterrence to China. This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year. The land-based weapon is capable of firing Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. Soon after, the US military transported an anti-ship missile launcher in April this year to the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes. The installation of the US missile systems were strongly opposed by China which argued that it would threaten regional stability and was aimed at curbing China's rise. In fact, China asked the Philippines to withdraw the missile launchers from its territory but the demand was rejected. In his first visit to Asia after assuming the power of US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth visited Manila in March this year and said the Trump administration would work with allies to ramp up deterrence against Chinese threats in the South China Sea. Thus, the likely deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines by the US is being see as a move in that direction.

This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year.

Trump tightening noose around China in disputed South China Sea? US, Philippines consider more missile systems

Russian journalists, who were travelling to the United States' Alaska to cover Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's meeting, had a dish called Chicken Kiev on board their&nbsp;chartered flight. The dish is named after the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv.&nbsp;Russia Today confirmed that Chicken Kiev was indeed served on the chartered plane. Chicken Kiev, also known as Chicken Kyiv, is made from a chicken fillet. It is rolled in butter, coated in egg and bread crumbs, and fried. The dish is very popular in post-Soviet countries and the Western world.&nbsp;Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are slated to meet today at a US military base in Alaska. This is the first time the Western world has opened its doors to Putin since the latter ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;Trump said on Wednesday that there could be a second meeting with Putin, involving Ukraine's Volodomyr&nbsp;Zelensky, if all goes well in the Alaska meeting. He also said that there is a 25 per cent chance that the meeting with Putin will not yield the desired results.&nbsp;Hours before the meeting, Donald Trump today described the meeting as high stakes. Putin's meeting on American soil is a blow to the Western countries' attempts to keep him isolated.&nbsp;Apart from Putin, the Russian delegation will include Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev.&nbsp;Days before the talks, Zelensky talked to Trump and other European leaders over the phone and demanded that more sanctions be piled up on Moscow if it doesn't agree to an immediate ceasefire.&nbsp;He also claimed that Putin isn't interested in peace.&nbsp;Ukraine has been fighting the mighty Russian military since 2022 because of economic support from the US and Europe. Kyiv is also getting weapons and other support from these nations.

Russian journalists, who were travelling to the United States' Alaska to cover Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's meeting, had a dish called Chicken Kiev on board their chartered flight.

Russian journalists, who were travelling to the United States' Alaska to cover Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's meeting, had a dish called Chicken Kiev on board their chartered flight. The dish is named after the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. Russia Today confirmed that Chicken Kiev was indeed served on the chartered plane. Chicken Kiev, also known as Chicken Kyiv, is made from a chicken fillet. It is rolled in butter, coated in egg and bread crumbs, and fried. The dish is very popular in post-Soviet countries and the Western world. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are slated to meet today at a US military base in Alaska. This is the first time the Western world has opened its doors to Putin since the latter ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump said on Wednesday that there could be a second meeting with Putin, involving Ukraine's Volodomyr Zelensky, if all goes well in the Alaska meeting. He also said that there is a 25 per cent chance that the meeting with Putin will not yield the desired results. Hours before the meeting, Donald Trump today described the meeting as high stakes. Putin's meeting on American soil is a blow to the Western countries' attempts to keep him isolated. Apart from Putin, the Russian delegation will include Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev. Days before the talks, Zelensky talked to Trump and other European leaders over the phone and demanded that more sanctions be piled up on Moscow if it doesn't agree to an immediate ceasefire. He also claimed that Putin isn't interested in peace. Ukraine has been fighting the mighty Russian military since 2022 because of economic support from the US and Europe. Kyiv is also getting weapons and other support from these nations.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska today.

Trump-Putin talks: Russian journalists ate 'Chicken Kiev' on chartered plane

The countdown has begun! US President Donald Trump will convene a high-stakes meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base in Anchorage in a bid to negotiate an end to Russia’s three‑and‑a‑half year war in Ukraine. Trump has publicly staked much on brokering a ceasefire – even hinting he could earn a Nobel Peace Prize – and has floated the idea of “swapping of territories to the betterment of both” sides. He also said he would follow up a successful Russia meeting with a trilateral summit including Ukraine’s president. But Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the first round, and has warned that any peace plan must involve Kyiv directly.&nbsp;In Anchorage, the two leaders will reportedly “focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis,” an aide to Putin said, adding it “will be a challenging process”. Western capitals are watching nervously – allies insist Ukraine’s security interests must come first, while Russia seeks relief from punishing sanctions.<h2>Putin’s terms: Hard bargains for peace</h2>On the eve of the summit, the Kremlin has spelt out what a ceasefire deal would entail – and the demands are onerous. Russia’s war objectives have long included international recognition of its annexations and control over large swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine. In this latest push, Putin’s side is reportedly insisting on Ukraine giving up sovereignty over the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, and even recognising Crimea as Russian. Moscow also demands that Ukraine become a neutral state (explicitly barring NATO membership) and enshrine protections for Russian speakers, including making Russian an official language.&nbsp;Putin has even hinted at broader economic and security guarantees – and possibly a new nuclear arms-control deal with the US – as bargaining chips. Analysts note that Russia’s “stringent conditions” for a full ceasefire are really aimed at securing a long‑term strategic victory. A partial compromise under discussion might be a phased truce – for example pausing air strikes while ground fighting continues. But critics fear such a deal would leave Russia “in control of those escalatory dynamics” on the battlefield with “no genuine deterrence” for Ukraine, a result one expert called a “wonderful outcome from Putin’s perspective”.&nbsp;In public comments, Trump has alternately sounded optimistic and cautious, saying he thinks “Putin will do a deal” on Ukraine but acknowledging the conflict has proven far tougher to end than he expected. A Western diplomat quoted by Reuters suggested the two sides have floated some common terms behind the scenes, but any concrete offer by Russia would likely still amount to Ukraine surrendering territory and major concessions. In exchange, Putin wants Western sanctions lifted and a normalisation of US‑Russia ties – ideally without making that conditional on progress on Ukraine.<h2>Ukraine’s stance: No land concessions</h2>Zelensky and his government have drawn a firm red line: Ukraine will not barter away its territory. In a televised address he reminded citizens that Ukraine’s constitution forbids ceding any land to an aggressor, flatly stating “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupiers”.&nbsp;Ukraine’s leaders reject the notion that significant territory could be traded in any ceasefire deal. In the same video, Zelensky warned that any peace decisions made without Ukraine’s input would be “decisions against peace” – “stillborn” and “unworkable” – because they would lack legitimacy.&nbsp;His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has echoed that line: “the front line is not a border,” he was quoted saying to Reuters, reaffirming that Kyiv will refuse all territorial concessions. Ukrainian officials also celebrated a recent phone call with Trump in which, they say, he agreed that Kyiv must participate in any talks on land swaps.&nbsp;Even on the streets of Anchorage, Ukrainians and supporters are protesting the idea of ceding any land. Prior demonstrations in Alaska were overwhelmingly pro-Ukraine, underscoring Kyiv’s domestic resolve. Ordinary Ukrainians share this stance: at Kyiv’s Maidan square one veteran told reporters, “Not a single serviceman will agree to cede territory… We fight for every inch”.&nbsp;In sum, Ukraine’s position is clear – it is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire or new peace talks, but only on terms that guarantee its sovereignty and security. Indeed, even conceding the roughly one‑fifth of territory currently occupied by Russia (the Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia) would be “painful and politically challenging” for Zelensky.&nbsp;Experts warn that any deal effectively locking in Russian gains would be immediately rejected in Ukraine. As Atlantic Council analyst Tyson Barker put it, “the best the Ukrainians can do is remain firm in their objections and their conditions for a negotiated settlement”.<h2>What lies ahead: Prospects and pitfalls</h2>As Trump and Putin meet, much remains uncertain. If the summit achieves even a temporary ceasefire, it could halt the bloodshed for a time – a welcome respite for civilians – but it might also freeze large parts of Ukraine under Russian control. Analysts caution that Moscow could agree to a limited truce while maintaining the ability to quickly resume offensives. In their words, a deal that leaves Ukraine “in control of those escalatory dynamics” would still be a win for Russia.&nbsp;Furthermore, there is a risk that Washington’s pursuit of a rapid deal could undercut Ukrainian morale or unity. So far, both Zelensky and his Western allies appear to have resisted pressure to strike away Ukraine’s key war aims (like NATO membership or recovering all occupied territory).&nbsp;On the other hand, if the meeting stalls without progress, Ukraine could face continued warfare and a distracted world. Trump has even hinted he could react by imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia – or cancelling them if Putin agrees to a deal – after Anchorage.&nbsp;Such unpredictability injects risk: if sanctions remain, Russia’s economy will keep straining under pressure, but if they are lifted in exchange for a weak ceasefire, Ukraine’s leverage will weaken. European capitals, while hopeful, have been skeptical: the history of unimplemented ceasefires in this war is long, and many say real peace requires much more than a handshake in Alaska. In the end, the summit’s outcome could reshape the war’s trajectory. A breakthrough could force a halt to fighting and begin a painful process of negotiating Ukraine’s future borders and security guarantees.&nbsp;&nbsp;A collapse of talks might embolden Putin to press his offensive, or simply prolong the stalemate. For Ukraine, the stakes are existential: its leaders will measure any U.S.-Russia deal against the intransigent principle that Ukraine’s future must be decided by Ukraine’s people. As one Ukrainian official put it, this moment calls for “real and genuine peace” – and nothing less will suffice.

Trump–Putin Alaska summit: Will this be the ceasefire that changes everything without Ukraine at the table?

The countdown has begun! US President Donald Trump will convene a high-stakes meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base in Anchorage in a bid to negotiate an end to Russia’s three‑and‑a‑half year war in Ukraine. Trump has publicly staked much on brokering a ceasefire – even hinting he could earn a Nobel Peace Prize – and has floated the idea of “swapping of territories to the betterment of both” sides. He also said he would follow up a successful Russia meeting with a trilateral summit including Ukraine’s president. But Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the first round, and has warned that any peace plan must involve Kyiv directly. In Anchorage, the two leaders will reportedly “focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis,” an aide to Putin said, adding it “will be a challenging process”. Western capitals are watching nervously – allies insist Ukraine’s security interests must come first, while Russia seeks relief from punishing sanctions. Putin’s terms: Hard bargains for peace On the eve of the summit, the Kremlin has spelt out what a ceasefire deal would entail – and the demands are onerous. Russia’s war objectives have long included international recognition of its annexations and control over large swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine. In this latest push, Putin’s side is reportedly insisting on Ukraine giving up sovereignty over the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, and even recognising Crimea as Russian. Moscow also demands that Ukraine become a neutral state (explicitly barring NATO membership) and enshrine protections for Russian speakers, including making Russian an official language. Putin has even hinted at broader economic and security guarantees – and possibly a new nuclear arms-control deal with the US – as bargaining chips. Analysts note that Russia’s “stringent conditions” for a full ceasefire are really aimed at securing a long‑term strategic victory. A partial compromise under discussion might be a phased truce – for example pausing air strikes while ground fighting continues. But critics fear such a deal would leave Russia “in control of those escalatory dynamics” on the battlefield with “no genuine deterrence” for Ukraine, a result one expert called a “wonderful outcome from Putin’s perspective”. In public comments, Trump has alternately sounded optimistic and cautious, saying he thinks “Putin will do a deal” on Ukraine but acknowledging the conflict has proven far tougher to end than he expected. A Western diplomat quoted by Reuters suggested the two sides have floated some common terms behind the scenes, but any concrete offer by Russia would likely still amount to Ukraine surrendering territory and major concessions. In exchange, Putin wants Western sanctions lifted and a normalisation of US‑Russia ties – ideally without making that conditional on progress on Ukraine. Ukraine’s stance: No land concessions Zelensky and his government have drawn a firm red line: Ukraine will not barter away its territory. In a televised address he reminded citizens that Ukraine’s constitution forbids ceding any land to an aggressor, flatly stating “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupiers”. Ukraine’s leaders reject the notion that significant territory could be traded in any ceasefire deal. In the same video, Zelensky warned that any peace decisions made without Ukraine’s input would be “decisions against peace” – “stillborn” and “unworkable” – because they would lack legitimacy. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has echoed that line: “the front line is not a border,” he was quoted saying to Reuters, reaffirming that Kyiv will refuse all territorial concessions. Ukrainian officials also celebrated a recent phone call with Trump in which, they say, he agreed that Kyiv must participate in any talks on land swaps. Even on the streets of Anchorage, Ukrainians and supporters are protesting the idea of ceding any land. Prior demonstrations in Alaska were overwhelmingly pro-Ukraine, underscoring Kyiv’s domestic resolve. Ordinary Ukrainians share this stance: at Kyiv’s Maidan square one veteran told reporters, “Not a single serviceman will agree to cede territory… We fight for every inch”. In sum, Ukraine’s position is clear – it is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire or new peace talks, but only on terms that guarantee its sovereignty and security. Indeed, even conceding the roughly one‑fifth of territory currently occupied by Russia (the Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia) would be “painful and politically challenging” for Zelensky. Experts warn that any deal effectively locking in Russian gains would be immediately rejected in Ukraine. As Atlantic Council analyst Tyson Barker put it, “the best the Ukrainians can do is remain firm in their objections and their conditions for a negotiated settlement”. What lies ahead: Prospects and pitfalls As Trump and Putin meet, much remains uncertain. If the summit achieves even a temporary ceasefire, it could halt the bloodshed for a time – a welcome respite for civilians – but it might also freeze large parts of Ukraine under Russian control. Analysts caution that Moscow could agree to a limited truce while maintaining the ability to quickly resume offensives. In their words, a deal that leaves Ukraine “in control of those escalatory dynamics” would still be a win for Russia. Furthermore, there is a risk that Washington’s pursuit of a rapid deal could undercut Ukrainian morale or unity. So far, both Zelensky and his Western allies appear to have resisted pressure to strike away Ukraine’s key war aims (like NATO membership or recovering all occupied territory). On the other hand, if the meeting stalls without progress, Ukraine could face continued warfare and a distracted world. Trump has even hinted he could react by imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia – or cancelling them if Putin agrees to a deal – after Anchorage. Such unpredictability injects risk: if sanctions remain, Russia’s economy will keep straining under pressure, but if they are lifted in exchange for a weak ceasefire, Ukraine’s leverage will weaken. European capitals, while hopeful, have been skeptical: the history of unimplemented ceasefires in this war is long, and many say real peace requires much more than a handshake in Alaska. In the end, the summit’s outcome could reshape the war’s trajectory. A breakthrough could force a halt to fighting and begin a painful process of negotiating Ukraine’s future borders and security guarantees. A collapse of talks might embolden Putin to press his offensive, or simply prolong the stalemate. For Ukraine, the stakes are existential: its leaders will measure any U.S.-Russia deal against the intransigent principle that Ukraine’s future must be decided by Ukraine’s people. As one Ukrainian official put it, this moment calls for “real and genuine peace” – and nothing less will suffice.

Ahead of his high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with top military, economic, and diplomatic officials in Moscow

Israeli security forces, led by the Southern Command, exterminated Nasser Musa, a ‘key’ operative in Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, in the Khan Yunis area on August 9, the IDF shared on Friday. In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet said that Musa served as head of Hamas’s military control department and was responsible for the training of operatives in the brigade involved in planning and carrying out terror activity against IDF forces and Israeli civilians during the war.Musa was a close associate of Muhammed Shabana, the Rafah Brigade commander killed in May 2025. He previously held multiple roles in the Rafah Brigade, including military intelligence officer and head of the observation network.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴ELIMINATED: Nasser Musa, Head of Hamas’ Military Control Department in the Rafah Brigade, was struck and eliminated by the IDF &amp; ISA in Khan Yunis. Musa was responsible for the Rafah Brigade’s operational readiness &amp; attacks during the war, and was a close associate of the… <a href="https://t.co/43iAcOf0nZ">pic.twitter.com/43iAcOf0nZ</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1956259489507672348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The elimination of Musa further damages the Rafah Brigade and Hamas’s ability to carry out terror activity against IDF troops in the area, the military said.&nbsp;<h2>IDF continues ground operations across Gaza Strip</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israel Air Force fighter jets struck a building in Khan Yunis used by terror organisations to store rockets intended for launch toward Israel and IDF troops on Thursday.Under the Southern Command and guided by Military Intelligence and the Shin Bet, IDF troops continued their operations in the Gaza Strip. The 36th Division conducted offensive activity in Khan Yunis and destroyed a terror structure and killed terrorist cells, while the 143rd Division destroyed dozens of military infrastructures in the south.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">פעילות כוחות צה״ל ברצועת עזה: חוסל מחבל מרכזי בחטיבת רפיח של ארגון הטרור חמאס צה״ל ושב&quot;כ תקפו וחיסלו ב-9 באוגוסט 2025 במרחב חאן יונס, בהובלת פיקוד הדרום, את נאצר מוסא, מחבל מרכזי בחטיבת רפיח ששימש כראש מחלקת הבקרה הצבאית של ארגון הטרור חמאס. המחבל היה אחראי על כשירות ואימוני… <a href="https://t.co/MBHz457lOy">pic.twitter.com/MBHz457lOy</a>&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1956243668953665998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the IDF says fighter jets hit a building in Khan Younis yesterday that was used by terror operatives to store rockets. The IDF also shared footage of the strike. In north Gaza, the 99th Division of the IDF continued defensive operations and demolished tunnel shafts, killed several operatives, and neutralised threats to maintain security. The air and ground operations reflect Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities amid heightened tensions following the June 2025 war with Iran, which has further complicated regional dynamics. The IDF’s precision strikes and intelligence-driven operations underscore its commitment to countering terrorism while safeguarding Israeli civilians.

The IDF and Shin Bet said Musa was a close associate of Muhammed Shabana, the Rafah Brigade commander killed in May 2025. Earlier, he held multiple positions in the Rafah Brigade, including military intelligence officer and head of the observation network.

Israeli security forces, led by the Southern Command, exterminated Nasser Musa, a ‘key’ operative in Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, in the Khan Yunis area on August 9, the IDF shared on Friday. In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet said that Musa served as head of Hamas’s military control department and was responsible for the training of operatives in the brigade involved in planning and carrying out terror activity against IDF forces and Israeli civilians during the war. Musa was a close associate of Muhammed Shabana, the Rafah Brigade commander killed in May 2025. He previously held multiple roles in the Rafah Brigade, including military intelligence officer and head of the observation network.

The IDF and Shin Bet said Musa was a close associate of Muhammed Shabana, the Rafah Brigade commander killed in May 2025. Earlier, he held multiple positions in the Rafah Brigade, including military intelligence officer and head of the observation network.

Nasser Musa, ‘key’ terrorist in Hamas Rafah Brigade, killed in Khan Yunis strike: IDF

Exiled Russian opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya has appealed to Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to reach a deal that would free Russian and Ukrainian political prisoners. Navalnaya, whose husband Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison last year, made her plea in a video posted on social media on Friday, just hours before the two leaders were due to meet in Alaska to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-highly-value-our-special-strategic-partnership-russia-s-independence-day-wish-to-india-amid-tariff-war-with-us-1755248993622">‘Highly value strategic partnership’: Russia’s Independence Day wish to India</a><h2>‘An irreversible step’</h2>“You must take an irreversible step, something that cannot be undone,” Navalnaya said in her message to both presidents. “Free Russian political activists and journalists. Free Ukrainian civilians. Free those imprisoned for anti-war statements and social media posts,” she added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today’s meeting could be historic. The whole world is expecting it to bring an end to the war. Right now, thousands of people remain in Russian prisons for demanding exactly that. Please watch and share my address to the participants of the negotiations in Alaska to help bring… <a href="https://t.co/258iUgHKCX">pic.twitter.com/258iUgHKCX</a>&mdash; Yulia Navalnaya (@yulia_navalnaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/yulia_navalnaya/status/1956290731728888254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Past prisoner swaps between Russia and the US</h2>Putin and Trump have previously agreed on prisoner swaps, securing the release of individuals held in each other’s countries. Last year, former US president Joe Biden negotiated a major exchange that freed two American journalists and several Russian opposition figures in return for alleged Russian spies arrested in Europe.<h2>Moscow’s crackdown on dissent</h2>Since the start of the Ukraine invasion in February 2022, Russia has prosecuted hundreds for speaking out against the war. Soon after ordering the military offensive, Moscow passed strict laws criminalising criticism of its armed forces or sharing information from non-government sources. According to Kyiv, thousands of Ukrainian civilians remain detained in Russia and in territories under Russian occupation.

Yulia Navalnaya urged Putin and Trump to secure the release of Russian and Ukrainian political prisoners ahead of their Alaska meeting, calling for an irreversible step toward justice and peace.

Exiled Russian opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya has appealed to Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to reach a deal that would free Russian and Ukrainian political prisoners. Navalnaya, whose husband Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison last year, made her plea in a video posted on social media on Friday, just hours before the two leaders were due to meet in Alaska to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. Also read: ‘Highly value strategic partnership’: Russia’s Independence Day wish to India ‘An irreversible step’ “You must take an irreversible step, something that cannot be undone,” Navalnaya said in her message to both presidents. “Free Russian political activists and journalists. Free Ukrainian civilians. Free those imprisoned for anti-war statements and social media posts,” she added.

Yulia Navalnaya urged Putin and Trump to secure the release of Russian and Ukrainian political prisoners ahead of their Alaska meeting, calling for an irreversible step toward justice and peace.

‘Take an irreversible step’: Yulia Navalnaya calls on Putin and Trump to free political prisoners ahead of 'historic' Alaska talks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday downplayed concerns about the growing economic engagement of Mexico, Brazil and Other Latin American countries with China, claiming that the US remains far ahead of everyone else in global economic performance.&nbsp;During a brief at the White House, Trump said, “You know, none of them are doing very well, and what we’re doing in terms of economics, we’re blowing everyone away, including China. We’re doing better than any other country in the world right now.Trump's remark comes as there is a growing shift of Latin American nations towards China. Specifically, Brazil has mounted its effort to conjure a multilateral response to the US 50 per cent tariff. Earlier this week, Brazilian President Lula da Silva spoke for an hour with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the “BRICS bloc’s role in countering unilateral trade measures". Mexico, despite being a close trade partner of the US through the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), has sought relations with China and is looking for investment opportunities from China in electric vehicle and battery production.&nbsp;The United States has connected the tariffs with Brazil's internal political situation and the arrest of Bolsonaro. The US have also alleged Brazil of imposing “tremendous tariffs” for years and making trade “very difficult”, despite maintaining a $7 billion surplus with Brazil last year. Trump referred to Brazil as “one of the worst countries on Earth” in terms of trade.&nbsp;“They made it very difficult to do anything,” Trump said. “So now they’re being charged 50 per cent tariffs, and they’re not happy, but that’s the way it goes.”Mexico has also deepened its relationship with China. According to a report by the newspaper El Economista, Mexican export to the Chinese market reached a record US$5.2 billion in the first half of 2025. The geopolitical implications of China’s growing foothold in the Western Hemisphere might not be desirable to the US in the long run.&nbsp;

As Trump continues to impose higher tariffs on Latin American countries, China is growing closer to them. Trump is shrugging off any such concerns, but China's growing influence in the US neighbourhood will have long-term implications.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday downplayed concerns about the growing economic engagement of Mexico, Brazil and Other Latin American countries with China, claiming that the US remains far ahead of everyone else in global economic performance. During a brief at the White House, Trump said, “You know, none of them are doing very well, and what we’re doing in terms of economics, we’re blowing everyone away, including China. We’re doing better than any other country in the world right now. Trump's remark comes as there is a growing shift of Latin American nations towards China. Specifically, Brazil has mounted its effort to conjure a multilateral response to the US 50 per cent tariff. Earlier this week, Brazilian President Lula da Silva spoke for an hour with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the “BRICS bloc’s role in countering unilateral trade measures". Mexico, despite being a close trade partner of the US through the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), has sought relations with China and is looking for investment opportunities from China in electric vehicle and battery production. The United States has connected the tariffs with Brazil's internal political situation and the arrest of Bolsonaro. The US have also alleged Brazil of imposing “tremendous tariffs” for years and making trade “very difficult”, despite maintaining a $7 billion surplus with Brazil last year. Trump referred to Brazil as “one of the worst countries on Earth” in terms of trade. “They made it very difficult to do anything,” Trump said. “So now they’re being charged 50 per cent tariffs, and they’re not happy, but that’s the way it goes.” Mexico has also deepened its relationship with China. According to a report by the newspaper El Economista, Mexican export to the Chinese market reached a record US$5.2 billion in the first half of 2025. The geopolitical implications of China’s growing foothold in the Western Hemisphere might not be desirable to the US in the long run.

As Trump continues to impose higher tariffs on Latin American countries, China is growing closer to them. Trump is shrugging off any such concerns, but China's growing influence in the US neighbourhood will have long-term implications.

US is ‘blowing everyone away’,Trump dismisses China-Latin America growing trade ties

The rift between US First Lady Melania Trump and Hunter Biden does not seem to die down. A day after Melania Trump threatened to sue Hunter Biden for $1 billion for defamation over his comments linking her to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Hunter, son of former President Joe Biden on Thursday (Aug 14) refused to apologise. In fact he issued an expletive-laden response to the first lady's demand to retract comments he made linking her to Epstein.&nbsp;Hunter, on being asked by British journalist Andrew Callaghan, whether he will tender an apology to Melania said, “F*** that! That’s not going to happen."&nbsp;"First of all is that, what I said was what I have heard and seen reported and written, primarily from Michael Wolff but also dating back all the way to 2019 when The New York Times – I think Annie Carney and and Maggie Haberman – reported that sources said that Jeffrey Epstein claimed to be the person to introduce Donald Trump to Melania at that time," Biden continued.&nbsp;Notably, Andrew Callaghan was the same journalist who had interviewed Hunter in July when he made the allegations leading to the first lady threatening action against him.&nbsp;What did Hunter Biden claim about Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein?&nbsp;In an interview this month on Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan titled "Hunter Biden Returns," the son of the Democratic ex-president Joe Biden claimed: “Epstein introduced Melania to Trump. The connections are, like, so wide and deep.”&nbsp;He cited Trump biographer Michael Wolff as the source of his remarks.&nbsp;What did Michael Wolff claim about Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein?&nbsp;Michael Wolff, a journalist-author who Brito called a “serial fabulist,” wrote in his biography of Donald Trump, Landslide, that it was Epstein who introduced Melania to Trump. He doubled down on this claim in a 2017 Daily Beast interview. Wolff even quoted Epstein as allegedly saying that the first time Trump and Melania “slept together was on my plane.” He also claimed Melania was introduced to Trump via Paolo Zampolli, a modelling agent, and that she was “very involved” in Epstein’s social circles.&nbsp;

Notably, Andrew Callaghan was the same journalist who had interviewed Hunter in July when he made the allegations, leading to the first lady threatening action against him.

The rift between US First Lady Melania Trump and Hunter Biden does not seem to die down. A day after Melania Trump threatened to sue Hunter Biden for $1 billion for defamation over his comments linking her to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Hunter, son of former President Joe Biden on Thursday (Aug 14) refused to apologise. In fact he issued an expletive-laden response to the first lady's demand to retract comments he made linking her to Epstein. Hunter, on being asked by British journalist Andrew Callaghan, whether he will tender an apology to Melania said, “F*** that! That’s not going to happen." "First of all is that, what I said was what I have heard and seen reported and written, primarily from Michael Wolff but also dating back all the way to 2019 when The New York Times – I think Annie Carney and and Maggie Haberman – reported that sources said that Jeffrey Epstein claimed to be the person to introduce Donald Trump to Melania at that time," Biden continued. Notably, Andrew Callaghan was the same journalist who had interviewed Hunter in July when he made the allegations leading to the first lady threatening action against him. What did Hunter Biden claim about Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein? In an interview this month on Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan titled "Hunter Biden Returns," the son of the Democratic ex-president Joe Biden claimed: “Epstein introduced Melania to Trump. The connections are, like, so wide and deep.” He cited Trump biographer Michael Wolff as the source of his remarks. What did Michael Wolff claim about Melania Trump and Jeffrey Epstein? Michael Wolff, a journalist-author who Brito called a “serial fabulist,” wrote in his biography of Donald Trump, Landslide, that it was Epstein who introduced Melania to Trump. He doubled down on this claim in a 2017 Daily Beast interview. Wolff even quoted Epstein as allegedly saying that the first time Trump and Melania “slept together was on my plane.” He also claimed Melania was introduced to Trump via Paolo Zampolli, a modelling agent, and that she was “very involved” in Epstein’s social circles.

Notably, Andrew Callaghan was the same journalist who had interviewed Hunter in July when he made the allegations, leading to the first lady threatening action against him.

'Not going to happen': Hunter Biden defiant on Melania Trump's $1 billion lawsuit threat over Epstein comments

Indian nationals in Australia gathered outside the consulate in Melbourne for an event marking India’s 79th Independence Day were disrupted by some members of a pro-Khalistani group. Indian nationals were peacefully celebrating Independence Day when “goons” carrying Khalistani flags interrupted the event, said a report in The Australia Today. The Indians countered with some slogan shouting that ruffled the Khalistani activists. Several videos of the incident are doing the rounds on social media.&nbsp;One video circulating on social media shows a verbal altercation between the two groups. The separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans, and Indians countered by singing patriotic songs and drowning out their noise.The Australian authorities reached the spot and prevented the situation from escalating into a physical confrontation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> - Disturbance outside the Consul General of India in Melbourne! Khalistani &#39;goons&#39; reportedly created a ruckus, disrupting the premises and raising tensions. 🇮🇳 Indians had gathered to peacefully celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, but the celebrations were… <a href="https://t.co/rnjC0i6TT8">pic.twitter.com/rnjC0i6TT8</a>&mdash; The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAusToday/status/1956136015145656351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The tricolour was later hoisted at the consulate amid loud cheers of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This time Khalistan supporters got a taste of their own strategy. Khalistanis in Australia went to disrupt an event celebrating India&#39;s Independence Day. And, Indians responded strongly to them with the slogan &quot;Gali gali mai shor hai, Khalistanis chor hai&quot;. <a href="https://t.co/8XoONO6GgG">pic.twitter.com/8XoONO6GgG</a>&mdash; Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AskAnshul/status/1691338841142263808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pro-Khalistan activism and violence on rise in Australia</h2> The attempted disruption of India’s Independence Day celebrations comes amid increasing activities of pro-Khalistanis in multiple cities of Australia and a worrisome rise in targeted hate crimes.In July, pro-Khalistan separatists had defaced the Swaminarayan Temple in Australia’s Boronia, with hateful slurs spray-painted on its wall. The nearby Asian-run restaurants were also defaced with a similar message and portrait of Adolf Hitler. Khalistanis stage protests at India-centric events in a bid to grab the limelight and some place in headlines.The Indian government has already urged Canada, the UK, and Australia not to give space to Khalistani extremists, as such incidents are on the rise in these countries.“These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar had said. In December 2024, a group of pro-Khalistani supporters clashed with Indian cricket fans during the fourth test between India and Australia.The Khalistani supporters had barged into the stadium without tickets and raised anti-India slogans.

The members of the separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans but were effectively countered by the Indians, who sang patriotic songs loudly and drowned out their noise, besides targeting them with their own slogans.

Indian nationals in Australia gathered outside the consulate in Melbourne for an event marking India’s 79th Independence Day were disrupted by some members of a pro-Khalistani group. Indian nationals were peacefully celebrating Independence Day when “goons” carrying Khalistani flags interrupted the event, said a report in The Australia Today. The Indians countered with some slogan shouting that ruffled the Khalistani activists. Several videos of the incident are doing the rounds on social media. One video circulating on social media shows a verbal altercation between the two groups. The separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans, and Indians countered by singing patriotic songs and drowning out their noise. The Australian authorities reached the spot and prevented the situation from escalating into a physical confrontation.

The members of the separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans but were effectively countered by the Indians, who sang patriotic songs loudly and drowned out their noise, besides targeting them with their own slogans.

Khalistani activists create ruckus in failed bid to disrupt Independence Day celebrations in Australia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Aug 15) extended his congratulatory wishes to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the nation’s 79th Independence Day. The Russian leader praised the “privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations and expressed intentions of expanding constructive bilateral cooperation. This comes amid the ongoing global tensions fueled by tariffs imposed on New Delhi by US President Donald Trump over Russian oil.&nbsp;Sharing the greetings sent by Putin, the Russian Embassy in India wrote in a statement on Telegram, “India has achieved widely recognised success in socio-economic, scientific, technical, and other fields. Your country enjoys well-deserved respect on the global stage and actively contributes to addressing key issues on the international agenda.”&nbsp;“We highly value our special, privileged strategic partnership with India. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to expand constructive bilateral cooperation across multiple areas. This aligns fully with the interests of our friendly peoples and supports the strengthening of security and stability both regionally and globally,” the statement added. &nbsp;As India marked its 79th Independence Day on August 15, PM Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort in New Delhi. He also addressed the nation, covering various topics, including a big message to the US amid the ongoing trade tensions. The prime minister said that he will never compromise with the needs of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen. In a clear message, he firmly said that he would oppose any policy that poses a threat to their livelihoods.&nbsp;“Modi will stand like a wall against any move that harms them,” he said. He also stressed the need for self-reliance in each sector amid the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump on India. He stressed the need for India to strengthen itself by producing high-quality, affordable goods, guided by the principle of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” (lower cost, higher value).&nbsp;Without directly mentioning the United States, he advised that India should concentrate on enhancing its own abilities instead of attempting to undermine others. “We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone else’s line. We must extend our own line with full energy. The world will respect our strength,” he said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Trump and Putin are set to meet on Friday (Aug 15) for negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Ukraine to end the war that is currently in its fourth year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to India, wishing on its 79th Independence Day on Friday (Aug 15). He praised the “privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Aug 15) extended his congratulatory wishes to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the nation’s 79th Independence Day. The Russian leader praised the “privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations and expressed intentions of expanding constructive bilateral cooperation. This comes amid the ongoing global tensions fueled by tariffs imposed on New Delhi by US President Donald Trump over Russian oil. Sharing the greetings sent by Putin, the Russian Embassy in India wrote in a statement on Telegram, “India has achieved widely recognised success in socio-economic, scientific, technical, and other fields. Your country enjoys well-deserved respect on the global stage and actively contributes to addressing key issues on the international agenda.” “We highly value our special, privileged strategic partnership with India. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to expand constructive bilateral cooperation across multiple areas. This aligns fully with the interests of our friendly peoples and supports the strengthening of security and stability both regionally and globally,” the statement added. As India marked its 79th Independence Day on August 15, PM Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort in New Delhi. He also addressed the nation, covering various topics, including a big message to the US amid the ongoing trade tensions. The prime minister said that he will never compromise with the needs of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen. In a clear message, he firmly said that he would oppose any policy that poses a threat to their livelihoods. “Modi will stand like a wall against any move that harms them,” he said. He also stressed the need for self-reliance in each sector amid the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump on India. He stressed the need for India to strengthen itself by producing high-quality, affordable goods, guided by the principle of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” (lower cost, higher value). Without directly mentioning the United States, he advised that India should concentrate on enhancing its own abilities instead of attempting to undermine others. “We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone else’s line. We must extend our own line with full energy. The world will respect our strength,” he said. Meanwhile, Trump and Putin are set to meet on Friday (Aug 15) for negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Ukraine to end the war that is currently in its fourth year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to India, wishing on its 79th Independence Day on Friday (Aug 15). He praised the “privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations.

‘Highly value our special strategic partnership’: Russia’s Independence Day wish to India amid tariff war with US

From imported British tanks, Russian fighter jets, to indigenous aircraft carriers, light combat aircraft, these are the top 10 war machines that defined India's defence since 1947.

From MiG-21 to HAL Tejas: Army vehicles that redefined India’s defence since Independence

Ahead of the high-stakes Meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss the end of the war with Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky's country has amped up attacks against Russia. Ukrainian forces carried out a precision strike on the Olya seaport in Russia’s Astrakhan region, hitting a ship reportedly carrying Iranian-supplied Shahed drone components and ammunition, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed in a statement on Friday (Aug 15). Additionally, Ukrainian drones also hit Syzran oil refinery in Samara Oblast of Russia. The attack comes hours before the scheduled meeting between top US and Russian leaders in Alaska.&nbsp;&nbsp;The operation was reportedly conducted on August 14 by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) in coordination with other branches of the Defence Forces. Ukraine said it was aimed at disrupting Russia’s ability to launch aerial attacks using Iranian UAVs.Port Olya, situated on the Caspian Sea, plays a critical role as a logistics hub for the import of military supplies from Iran to Russia. The targeted vessel, identified as Port Olya 4, was reportedly loaded with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) parts and munitions. A battle damage assessment (BDA) is currently underway to determine the full extent of the strike’s impact.&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday night, Ukraine also launched drone attacks on southern Russian cities. A drone strike in Rostov-on-Don injured 13 people, while attacks in Belgorod injured three and killed one person in the village of Pristen. Russian regional officials confirmed the incidents.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed Ukrainian drone strikes on the Syzran oil refinery in Samara Oblast of Russia this early morning. The facility is located over 850km from the current frontline in Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/Mfuxapjjv5">pic.twitter.com/Mfuxapjjv5</a>&mdash; Status-6 (Military &amp; Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) <a href="https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1956270268596240427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump-Putin Alaska meet</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has said that he would know within two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The White House also said that meeting with Putin will be a ‘listening exercise’ for the US president. Moreover, a day ahead of the scheduled meeting in Alaska, Trump said that there is a 25 per cent chance that this meeting will not be a successful meeting, while emphasising that both leaders would have to meet a second time for a deal to be done. Notably, this will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after their last meeting at the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.

Ukraine confirmed a drone strike on the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara Oblast, located over 850 km from the frontline. The attack marks another long-range strike deep into Russian territory amid ongoing war and ahead of Putin-Trump summit in Alaska

Ahead of the high-stakes Meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss the end of the war with Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky's country has amped up attacks against Russia. Ukrainian forces carried out a precision strike on the Olya seaport in Russia’s Astrakhan region, hitting a ship reportedly carrying Iranian-supplied Shahed drone components and ammunition, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed in a statement on Friday (Aug 15). Additionally, Ukrainian drones also hit Syzran oil refinery in Samara Oblast of Russia. The attack comes hours before the scheduled meeting between top US and Russian leaders in Alaska. The operation was reportedly conducted on August 14 by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) in coordination with other branches of the Defence Forces. Ukraine said it was aimed at disrupting Russia’s ability to launch aerial attacks using Iranian UAVs. Port Olya, situated on the Caspian Sea, plays a critical role as a logistics hub for the import of military supplies from Iran to Russia. The targeted vessel, identified as Port Olya 4, was reportedly loaded with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) parts and munitions. A battle damage assessment (BDA) is currently underway to determine the full extent of the strike’s impact. Earlier on Thursday night, Ukraine also launched drone attacks on southern Russian cities. A drone strike in Rostov-on-Don injured 13 people, while attacks in Belgorod injured three and killed one person in the village of Pristen. Russian regional officials confirmed the incidents.

Ukraine confirmed a drone strike on the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara Oblast, located over 850 km from the frontline. The attack marks another long-range strike deep into Russian territory amid ongoing war and ahead of Putin-Trump summit in Alaska

Ukrainian drones blow up Russian ship carrying Iranian UAV parts, hit oil refinery ahead of Trump-Putin meet

Ahead of the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov interacted with the media in Anchorage on Friday (Aug 15) and confirmed he had visited Alaska before. When asked about US President Trump's remark suggesting a 25 per cent chance of talks failing, Lavrov said Russia avoids predicting outcomes but will present its clear position regarding the ongoing war with Ukraine. He highlighted that the Russian side has already made progress through discussions with Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff. His statement also brushed aside reports claiming that Witkoff misunderstood statements made by Putin during his visit. Lavrov expressed hope for continued productive talks. When asked if he felt nervous, Lavrov simply replied, "What’s that?" indicating confidence.&nbsp;“We never try to anticipate the outcome or make any guesses. What we do know, however, is that we have arguments we can contribute to the discussion and that our position is clear. We will present it. President Vladimir Putin has mentioned this fact. Steve Witkoff spoke on behalf of President Donald Trump. I hope that we will be able to continue this productive conversation tomorrow,” Lavrov said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">💬 Sergey <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lavrov?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lavrov</a>’s answers to media questions, Anchorage: We never try to anticipate the outcome of negotiations. What we do know, however, is that we have arguments we can contribute to the discussion and that our position is clear. We will present it.<a href="https://t.co/hBwFSEm9Xf">https://t.co/hBwFSEm9Xf</a> <a href="https://t.co/uamb1npPd4">pic.twitter.com/uamb1npPd4</a>&mdash; MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1956261038879387913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ahead of meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, declined to speculate on the outcome of US-Russia talks. He emphasised Russia's clear stance on war with Ukraine

Ahead of the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov interacted with the media in Anchorage on Friday (Aug 15) and confirmed he had visited Alaska before. When asked about US President Trump's remark suggesting a 25 per cent chance of talks failing, Lavrov said Russia avoids predicting outcomes but will present its clear position regarding the ongoing war with Ukraine. He highlighted that the Russian side has already made progress through discussions with Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff. His statement also brushed aside reports claiming that Witkoff misunderstood statements made by Putin during his visit. Lavrov expressed hope for continued productive talks. When asked if he felt nervous, Lavrov simply replied, "What’s that?" indicating confidence. “We never try to anticipate the outcome or make any guesses. What we do know, however, is that we have arguments we can contribute to the discussion and that our position is clear. We will present it. President Vladimir Putin has mentioned this fact. Steve Witkoff spoke on behalf of President Donald Trump. I hope that we will be able to continue this productive conversation tomorrow,” Lavrov said.

Ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, declined to speculate on the outcome of US-Russia talks. He emphasised Russia's clear stance on war with Ukraine

'We never try...': What Russia said on Trump's '25% chances of talks failing' remark ahead of Alaska meeting with Putin

The Ukrainian Navy on Thursday (Aug 14) said that Russia has likely lost a Su-30SM fighter jet during a mission southeast of Snake Island (Zmiinyi Island). The aircraft, a twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter, reportedly crashed for unknown reasons. Ukrainian intelligence intercepted Russian radio communications indicating the loss of contact with the jet, prompting a search and rescue mission by Russian forces. As per reports, debris was spotted on the sea’s surface, but the pilots remain unaccounted for.&nbsp;The reported crash adds to the growing number of Russian Su-30 losses during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. On May 2, Ukraine claimed it shot down two Su-30 jets using air-to-air missiles launched from sea drones near Novorossiysk. A third aircraft was likely damaged during a strike on an airfield used for launching Kinzhal missiles on May 9. These incidents indicate increasing challenges for Russia’s aerial operations. While Russia has not officially confirmed the loss, pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Fighterbomber, indirectly acknowledged it with a poetic caption and a black-and-white image of a Su-30. Other sources, like the Crimean Wind monitoring group, suggest the jet may have been based at the Saki or Belbek airfields in occupied Crimea. Russian Telegram channel Military Informer claimed the aircraft belonged to the Black Sea Fleet’s naval aviation.<h2>About the Su-30SM</h2>The Su-30SM, NATO reporting name “Flanker-H,” is a 4+ generation multirole fighter developed by Russia’s Irkut Corporation. It is equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, a phased-array radar, and advanced avionics, allowing it to perform both air superiority and ground attack missions.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-alaska-meet-scott-bessent-warns-secondary-tariffs-could-go-up-1755236653303/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-alaska-meet-scott-bessent-warns-secondary-tariffs-could-go-up-1755236653303/embed</a></h2>&nbsp;<h2>Trump-Putin Alaska meet</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed the summit. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has now said that he would know withing two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after their last meeting at the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.

The Ukrainian Navy reported that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet likely crashed near Snake Island during a mission. This adds to recent Su-30 losses amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The aircraft may have been based in Crimea and belonged to the Black Sea Fleet.

The Ukrainian Navy on Thursday (Aug 14) said that Russia has likely lost a Su-30SM fighter jet during a mission southeast of Snake Island (Zmiinyi Island). The aircraft, a twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter, reportedly crashed for unknown reasons. Ukrainian intelligence intercepted Russian radio communications indicating the loss of contact with the jet, prompting a search and rescue mission by Russian forces. As per reports, debris was spotted on the sea’s surface, but the pilots remain unaccounted for. The reported crash adds to the growing number of Russian Su-30 losses during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. On May 2, Ukraine claimed it shot down two Su-30 jets using air-to-air missiles launched from sea drones near Novorossiysk. A third aircraft was likely damaged during a strike on an airfield used for launching Kinzhal missiles on May 9. These incidents indicate increasing challenges for Russia’s aerial operations. While Russia has not officially confirmed the loss, pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Fighterbomber, indirectly acknowledged it with a poetic caption and a black-and-white image of a Su-30. Other sources, like the Crimean Wind monitoring group, suggest the jet may have been based at the Saki or Belbek airfields in occupied Crimea. Russian Telegram channel Military Informer claimed the aircraft belonged to the Black Sea Fleet’s naval aviation. About the Su-30SM The Su-30SM, NATO reporting name “Flanker-H,” is a 4+ generation multirole fighter developed by Russia’s Irkut Corporation. It is equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, a phased-array radar, and advanced avionics, allowing it to perform both air superiority and ground attack missions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-alaska-meet-scott-bessent-warns-secondary-tariffs-could-go-up-1755236653303/embed Trump-Putin Alaska meet It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed the summit. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has now said that he would know withing two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after their last meeting at the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.

The Ukrainian Navy reported that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet likely crashed near Snake Island during a mission. This adds to recent Su-30 losses amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The aircraft may have been based in Crimea and belonged to the Black Sea Fleet.

Russian fighter jet Su-30SM worth $50 million crashes in Black Sea, no confirmation from Moscow yet

Extending Independence Day wishes to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ties between the two nations as &nbsp;“consequential and far-reaching.” He termed India as the world’s largest democracy while the US as the oldest democracy, and highlighted that both nations share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific, with ties spanning industries, innovation, advanced technologies, and space. His greetings come amid ongoing trade tensions between India and the US and a day after America extended Independence Day wishes to Pakistan. In his wish to Pakistan, Rubio appreciated the engagement on counterterrorism and trade.&nbsp;“The historic relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy is consequential and far-reaching. Our shared vision unites our two countries for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” Rubio said in a statement. “Our partnership spans industries, promotes innovation, pushes the boundaries of critical and emerging technologies, and extends into space. Working together, the United States and India will rise to the modern challenges of today and ensure a brighter future for both our countries,” he added.<h2>India's Independence Day</h2>Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort in New Delhi and addressed the nation. In a big message to the US amid the ongoing tariff war, PM Modi said that he will never compromise with the needs of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen. He firmly declared that he would oppose any policy that poses a threat to their livelihoods, saying, “Modi will stand like a wall against any move that harms them.” He also stressed the need for self-reliance in each sector amid the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump on India. PM Modi also emphasised the need for India to strengthen itself by producing high-quality, affordable goods, guided by the principle of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” (lower cost, higher value). Without directly referring to the United States, he advised that India should concentrate on enhancing its own abilities instead of attempting to undermine others. “We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone else’s line. We must extend our own line with full energy. The world will respect our strength,” he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/independence-day-2025-india-targeting-tenfold-rise-in-nuclear-energy-by-2047-pm-modi-on-i-day-1755231275405/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/independence-day-2025-india-targeting-tenfold-rise-in-nuclear-energy-by-2047-pm-modi-on-i-day-1755231275405/embed</a>&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Independence Day wishes to India, calling US-India ties "consequential and far-reaching." He praised their shared vision for a peaceful Indo-Pacific. A day earlier, he had praised Pakistan's cooperation on ‘counterterrorism’

Extending Independence Day wishes to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ties between the two nations as “consequential and far-reaching.” He termed India as the world’s largest democracy while the US as the oldest democracy, and highlighted that both nations share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific, with ties spanning industries, innovation, advanced technologies, and space. His greetings come amid ongoing trade tensions between India and the US and a day after America extended Independence Day wishes to Pakistan. In his wish to Pakistan, Rubio appreciated the engagement on counterterrorism and trade. “The historic relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy is consequential and far-reaching. Our shared vision unites our two countries for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” Rubio said in a statement. “Our partnership spans industries, promotes innovation, pushes the boundaries of critical and emerging technologies, and extends into space. Working together, the United States and India will rise to the modern challenges of today and ensure a brighter future for both our countries,” he added. India's Independence Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort in New Delhi and addressed the nation. In a big message to the US amid the ongoing tariff war, PM Modi said that he will never compromise with the needs of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen. He firmly declared that he would oppose any policy that poses a threat to their livelihoods, saying, “Modi will stand like a wall against any move that harms them.” He also stressed the need for self-reliance in each sector amid the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump on India. PM Modi also emphasised the need for India to strengthen itself by producing high-quality, affordable goods, guided by the principle of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” (lower cost, higher value). Without directly referring to the United States, he advised that India should concentrate on enhancing its own abilities instead of attempting to undermine others. “We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone else’s line. We must extend our own line with full energy. The world will respect our strength,” he said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/independence-day-2025-india-targeting-tenfold-rise-in-nuclear-energy-by-2047-pm-modi-on-i-day-1755231275405/embed

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Independence Day wishes to India, calling US-India ties "consequential and far-reaching." He praised their shared vision for a peaceful Indo-Pacific. A day earlier, he had praised Pakistan's cooperation on ‘counterterrorism’

'Far-reaching...': US extends Independence Day wishes to India, day after thanking Pak on counterterrorism

On Thursday (August 14), several envelopes of suspicious white powder were found on the ninth floor of a building at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan - the office of the US &nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).&nbsp;Kaz Daughtry, NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, took to X and said, “Our teams and federal partners are investigating an incident at 26 Federal Plaza. I have personally briefed @nycmayor Adams and The Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack in regard to the circumstances.”<h2>What's the matter</h2>NYC Mayor Eric Adams revealed, “New Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a>&nbsp;The mayor said envelopes containing white powder have been discovered at the ICE office, and no injuries were reported.&nbsp;“The investigation is ongoing. Expect increased presence and temporary closures. Please avoid the area and follow official channels for verified updates,” Daughtry added.<h2>What is at 26 Federal Plaza?</h2>26 Federal Plaza is the place having offices of the Department of Homeland Security, among other agencies. It also houses ICE detention facilities.&nbsp;The North Carolina singer, DaBaby, was born as Jonathan Lyndale Kirk. He was heavily criticised in 2021 for his homophobic remarks. &nbsp;

26 Federal Plaza is the place having offices of the Department of Homeland Security, among other agencies. It also houses ICE detention facilities.



On Thursday (August 14), several envelopes of suspicious white powder were found on the ninth floor of a building at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan - the office of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Kaz Daughtry, NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, took to X and said, “Our teams and federal partners are investigating an incident at 26 Federal Plaza. I have personally briefed @nycmayor Adams and The Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack in regard to the circumstances.” What's the matter NYC Mayor Eric Adams revealed, “New Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed The mayor said envelopes containing white powder have been discovered at the ICE office, and no injuries were reported. “The investigation is ongoing. Expect increased presence and temporary closures. Please avoid the area and follow official channels for verified updates,” Daughtry added. What is at 26 Federal Plaza? 26 Federal Plaza is the place having offices of the Department of Homeland Security, among other agencies. It also houses ICE detention facilities. The North Carolina singer, DaBaby, was born as Jonathan Lyndale Kirk. He was heavily criticised in 2021 for his homophobic remarks.

26 Federal Plaza is the place having offices of the Department of Homeland Security, among other agencies. It also houses ICE detention facilities.&nbsp;

Suspicious envelopes with white powder found at ICE office - Here's what happened

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) released a social media video on Thursday (August 14) that featured a song by the rapper DaBaby - and the agency's vehicle. But here's the catch. The vehicle was seen to be painted in the same red, blue, and gold style as Donald Trump’s private jet - &nbsp;which was featured in the opening sequence for The Apprentice. This came as an advertisement to attract new recruits, as claimed by The Guardian.&nbsp;The North Carolina singer, DaBaby, was born as Jonathan Lyndale Kirk. He was heavily criticised in 2021 for his homophobic remarks. The song used in the ad was named TOES. The lyrics goes as: &nbsp;“My heart so cold I think I’m done with ice (Uh, brr)/ Said if I leave her, she gon’ die/ Well, b***h, you done with life (Okay)/ Better not pull up with no knife/‘Cause I bring guns to fights (Boom)”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Iced out. 🥶 <a href="https://t.co/xhexqgmbzS">pic.twitter.com/xhexqgmbzS</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1956077756854186191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This was the second time ICE performed such a stunt. Earlier, in a previous advertisement, the agency used Jay-Z's music which was later removed due to copyright complaint. But by the time it was removed, the post had gained over three million views.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a>&nbsp;The video featured images of ICE agents during raids set to Jay-Z’s Public Service Announcement, with the caption: “Hunt Cartels. Save America. JOIN.ICE.GOV.”&nbsp;"Iced out," a caption included with the video said.&nbsp;"What a disgusting waste of OUR money," one commenter said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ICE has new marked vehicles… and they’re sporting the same paint job as Trump’s personal jet. Subtle. <a href="https://t.co/1vKBy3RMr4">pic.twitter.com/1vKBy3RMr4</a>&mdash; alex (@ajhoward121) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajhoward121/status/1955982818481209520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The vehicle was seen to be painted in the same red, blue, and gold style as Donald Trump private jet -  which was featured in the opening sequence for The Apprentice.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) released a social media video on Thursday (August 14) that featured a song by the rapper DaBaby - and the agency's vehicle. But here's the catch. The vehicle was seen to be painted in the same red, blue, and gold style as Donald Trump’s private jet - which was featured in the opening sequence for The Apprentice. This came as an advertisement to attract new recruits, as claimed by The Guardian. The North Carolina singer, DaBaby, was born as Jonathan Lyndale Kirk. He was heavily criticised in 2021 for his homophobic remarks. The song used in the ad was named TOES. The lyrics goes as: “My heart so cold I think I’m done with ice (Uh, brr)/ Said if I leave her, she gon’ die/ Well, b***h, you done with life (Okay)/ Better not pull up with no knife/‘Cause I bring guns to fights (Boom)”.

The vehicle was seen to be painted in the same red, blue, and gold style as Donald Trump’s private jet - &nbsp;which was featured in the opening sequence for The Apprentice.

ICE’s new ad features a DaBaby rap and a Suburban inspired by Trump's jet

The chief of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who launched a raid on August 14 outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, where California’s governor Gavin Newsom was announcing a redistricting plan, said that he had no idea the governor was there. Gregory Bovino led the raid and struck many as an intentional act of intimidation by federal forces. Bovino has emerged as the face of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, through his frequent appearances on Fox News and in social media clips produced by influencers and his own agents. A video of the raid was posted on the social media platform X in which he was seen saying, "We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place since we won’t have politicians who will do that, we do that ourselves."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a>&nbsp;"You know the governor’s inside right there," the person who was recording the clip said. “Oh I didn’t- I don’t know where he’s at”, Bovino replied. “He’s about a hundred feet behind us; do you have any comment for him, any message?” the man recording the clip asked. “We’re making Los Angeles and California a safer place”, the CBP chief said. &nbsp;“We’re going to continue to do that and they can take that one to the bank, and cash it," he added.<h2>What exactly happened?</h2>On August 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and local leaders were conducting a news conference announcing a plan to move forward with a redistricting plan. Suddenly, a group of masked agents showed up in trucks outside of the news conference. Bovino said they were conducting "roving patrols" in the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;Newsom's office posted a video on X showing the agents outside of the museum saying, "BORDER PATROL HAS SHOWED UP AT OUR BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE! WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!"&nbsp;Mayor Karen Bass, who hosted the conference, called the agents "disrespectful." "The governor is inside having a press conference; there was no reason in the world for them to come here," Bass said. "We do not need them here and they had no business to come here and provoke this," she added.<h2>Newsom announces redistricting effort to counter Texas GOP</h2>During the press conference, Newsom announced he was moving forward with a redistricting plan as national tensions rage over changing congressional lines mid-decade."California won't stand by and watch Trump burn it all down — we are calling a special election to redraw our Congressional maps and defend fair representation," Newsom said Thursday on X ahead of his remarks.&nbsp;"We have got to recognize the cards that have been dealt," Newsom said. "And we have got to meet fire with fire," he added.

The chief of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who launched a raid on August 14 outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, where California governor Gavin Newsom was announcing a redistricting plan, said that he had no idea the governor was there.

The chief of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who launched a raid on August 14 outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, where California’s governor Gavin Newsom was announcing a redistricting plan, said that he had no idea the governor was there. Gregory Bovino led the raid and struck many as an intentional act of intimidation by federal forces. Bovino has emerged as the face of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, through his frequent appearances on Fox News and in social media clips produced by influencers and his own agents. A video of the raid was posted on the social media platform X in which he was seen saying, "We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place since we won’t have politicians who will do that, we do that ourselves." https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed "You know the governor’s inside right there," the person who was recording the clip said. “Oh I didn’t- I don’t know where he’s at”, Bovino replied. “He’s about a hundred feet behind us; do you have any comment for him, any message?” the man recording the clip asked. “We’re making Los Angeles and California a safer place”, the CBP chief said. “We’re going to continue to do that and they can take that one to the bank, and cash it," he added. What exactly happened? On August 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and local leaders were conducting a news conference announcing a plan to move forward with a redistricting plan. Suddenly, a group of masked agents showed up in trucks outside of the news conference. Bovino said they were conducting "roving patrols" in the area. Newsom's office posted a video on X showing the agents outside of the museum saying, "BORDER PATROL HAS SHOWED UP AT OUR BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE! WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!" Mayor Karen Bass, who hosted the conference, called the agents "disrespectful." "The governor is inside having a press conference; there was no reason in the world for them to come here," Bass said. "We do not need them here and they had no business to come here and provoke this," she added. Newsom announces redistricting effort to counter Texas GOP During the press conference, Newsom announced he was moving forward with a redistricting plan as national tensions rage over changing congressional lines mid-decade. "California won't stand by and watch Trump burn it all down — we are calling a special election to redraw our Congressional maps and defend fair representation," Newsom said Thursday on X ahead of his remarks. "We have got to recognize the cards that have been dealt," Newsom said. "And we have got to meet fire with fire," he added.

The chief of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who launched a raid on August 14 outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, where California’s governor Gavin Newsom was announcing a redistricting plan, said that he had no idea the governor was there.

‘Oh I didn’t know’: Border patrol chief raids Newsom's ‘BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE’, claims he had no idea governor was there

The Pentagon confirmed on Thursday (August 14) that after the US President Donald Trump announced federal takeover of the Washington police, all 800 National Guard troops ordered to the capital have been mobilaside. "As of today, all 800 Army and Air National Guardsmen are mobilised, as part of Joint Task Force DC, and they are now here in our capital," Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told journalists.&nbsp;They "will assist the DC Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement partners with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities and officers," and traffic control posts, Wilson added. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a>&nbsp;She said the guards will be deployed "until law and order has been restored in the District, as determined by the president." It is the first time since 1965 that a US president deployed the National Guard against the wishes of a state governor.<h2>Multiple arrests</h2>The White House said that 45 people were arrested in Washington last night, including 29 living in the country illegally, and that over 1,650 people are now participating in the law enforcement operation.<h2>Trump claims crime in Washington ‘worst it's ever been'</h2>Speaking from the Oval Office, the American president said that crime in Washington, DC, is the "worst it's ever been." He reiterated his claim, without providing any evidence to support the statement. Meanwhile, the data from the US Justice Department showed that DC has experienced a 30-year low in violent crime in 2024. The US president even said that DC officials have created fake statistics that show the rate of violent crime declining in the city. He added that they are “under investigation”, but didn’t name anyone specifically. “They’re phony crime stats, and Washington DC is at its worst point, and it will soon be at its best point,” he quipped. He described the situation as “tragic” and an “epidemic”.

The Pentagon confirmed that after the US President Donald Trump announced federal takeover of the Washington police, all 800 National Guard troops ordered to the capital have been mobilaside.

The Pentagon confirmed on Thursday (August 14) that after the US President Donald Trump announced federal takeover of the Washington police, all 800 National Guard troops ordered to the capital have been mobilaside. "As of today, all 800 Army and Air National Guardsmen are mobilised, as part of Joint Task Force DC, and they are now here in our capital," Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told journalists. They "will assist the DC Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement partners with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities and officers," and traffic control posts, Wilson added. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed She said the guards will be deployed "until law and order has been restored in the District, as determined by the president." It is the first time since 1965 that a US president deployed the National Guard against the wishes of a state governor. Multiple arrests The White House said that 45 people were arrested in Washington last night, including 29 living in the country illegally, and that over 1,650 people are now participating in the law enforcement operation. Trump claims crime in Washington ‘worst it's ever been' Speaking from the Oval Office, the American president said that crime in Washington, DC, is the "worst it's ever been." He reiterated his claim, without providing any evidence to support the statement. Meanwhile, the data from the US Justice Department showed that DC has experienced a 30-year low in violent crime in 2024. The US president even said that DC officials have created fake statistics that show the rate of violent crime declining in the city. He added that they are “under investigation”, but didn’t name anyone specifically. “They’re phony crime stats, and Washington DC is at its worst point, and it will soon be at its best point,” he quipped. He described the situation as “tragic” and an “epidemic”.

The Pentagon confirmed that after the US President Donald Trump announced federal takeover of the Washington police, all 800 National Guard troops ordered to the capital have been mobilaside.

‘800 National Guardsmen are mobilised’ in Washington: Pentagon confirms

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing. During a press conference in the Oval Office, reporters asked him whether he would “pressure Israel to allow journalists into Gaza to cover the humanitarian efforts that the US is pursuing.”&nbsp;“I’d like to see that happen,” Trump said.&nbsp;It was unclear when the reporter asked this question, what US-led humanitarian efforts they were referring to. Because the US has only indicated that &nbsp;it supports expanding the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.&nbsp;“I’d be very fine with journalists going in. It’s a very dangerous position to be in if you’re a journalist, but I would like to see it," Trump added in his response.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: I would like to see journalists going into Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/F8t57S8nW6">pic.twitter.com/F8t57S8nW6</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1956057744860950988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This came after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he would allow more journalists into Gaza, but he appeared to simply be referring to an expansion of those military escorts through which reporters are not able to freely and independently operate.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a></h2><h2>Trump YELLED at Netanyahu over Gaza starvation on a call?</h2>A report came on Thursday (August 7) claiming that the American president shouted at Netanyahu for his stance on the aid to the strip. NBC News cited senior US officials saying that during the call, which was made on July 28, as claimed by Netanyahu, the Israeli PM denied that there was any starvation in Gaza. This was despite multiple reports of children dying in the strip due to hunger. After this claim, Trump publicly responded the next day that he was “not particularly convinced” by Netanyahu’s assurance, saying there was “real starvation” in the Strip and adding: “You can’t fake that.”&nbsp;Following this, the Israeli PM requested a phone call with Trump, where he told the American president that the reports of starvation in Gaza had been “fabricated” by Hamas and that hunger was not widespread in the enclave. In response, Trump began yelling at his ally, saying that his aides had shown him proof that children in Gaza were starving and that he didn’t want to hear it dismissed as “fake.” Following this, the Israeli PM requested a phone call with Trump, where he told the American president that the reports of starvation in Gaza had been “fabricated” by Hamas and that hunger was not widespread in the enclave. In response, Trump began yelling at his ally, saying that his aides had shown him proof that children in Gaza were starving and that he didn’t want to hear it dismissed as “fake.”

Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing. During a press conference in the Oval Office, reporters asked him whether he would “pressure Israel to allow journalists into Gaza to cover the humanitarian efforts that the US is pursuing.” “I’d like to see that happen,” Trump said. It was unclear when the reporter asked this question, what US-led humanitarian efforts they were referring to. Because the US has only indicated that it supports expanding the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. “I’d be very fine with journalists going in. It’s a very dangerous position to be in if you’re a journalist, but I would like to see it," Trump added in his response.

Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing.

'Very dangerous position to be in, but...': Trump wants foreign journalists in Gaza. Here's why

Ahead of the Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the Ukrainian president said his country “will not give land to the occupier." As per some US officials, a plan by Putin to halt the war in Ukraine would include significant territorial concessions by Kyiv, CNN reported, citing Western officials. Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that he would not give eastern Ukrainian land to Moscow. He said that if Ukraine abandons the Donbas region, &nbsp;the door for Putin to “start a third war” in the region would be opened. At present, Russia controls 18 per cent of Ukrainian territories. This was after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a><h2>Here's how things unfolded in the war</h2>2014: Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 with Russian-backed separatists seizing control of parts of the Donbas. Since then, Russia has controlled both regions.2022: In 2022, Russia launched a &nbsp;full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin took control of the large areas in the north that have since been reclaimed by Ukraine.2025: After 3.5 years into the conflict, Russia has controlled 18.4 per cent of Ukraine.<h2>Trump-Putin talks in 2025</h2>Putin and US President Donald Trump's meeting is just a day away, and a Kremlin government plane has landed in Alaska for the Ukraine war talks. The meeting, which is scheduled to be held on August 15 (Friday), will include several top Kremlin officials, along with Putin.&nbsp;The plane left Moscow at 7:50 am local time and landed at Anchorage International Airport. It entered US airspace at around 5:15 am local time. The Russian delegation was on board the plane, which has now landed.&nbsp;Earlier, the plane was also used for transporting high-ranking officials and diplomatic missions.<h2>Russian delegation includes:</h2><ul><li>Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov</li><li>Defence Minister Andrey Belousov</li><li>Finance Minister Anton Siluanov</li><li>Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov</li><li>Presidential envoy for international investment and economic cooperation Kirill Dmitriev</li></ul>

Ahead of the Alaska Summit between Trump and Putin, Ukrainian president said his country will not give land to the occupier. At present, Russia controls 18 per cent of Ukrainian territories. This was after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. 

Ahead of the Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the Ukrainian president said his country “will not give land to the occupier." As per some US officials, a plan by Putin to halt the war in Ukraine would include significant territorial concessions by Kyiv, CNN reported, citing Western officials. Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that he would not give eastern Ukrainian land to Moscow. He said that if Ukraine abandons the Donbas region, the door for Putin to “start a third war” in the region would be opened. At present, Russia controls 18 per cent of Ukrainian territories. This was after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed Here's how things unfolded in the war 2014: Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 with Russian-backed separatists seizing control of parts of the Donbas. Since then, Russia has controlled both regions. 2022: In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin took control of the large areas in the north that have since been reclaimed by Ukraine. 2025: After 3.5 years into the conflict, Russia has controlled 18.4 per cent of Ukraine. Trump-Putin talks in 2025 Putin and US President Donald Trump's meeting is just a day away, and a Kremlin government plane has landed in Alaska for the Ukraine war talks. The meeting, which is scheduled to be held on August 15 (Friday), will include several top Kremlin officials, along with Putin. The plane left Moscow at 7:50 am local time and landed at Anchorage International Airport. It entered US airspace at around 5:15 am local time. The Russian delegation was on board the plane, which has now landed. Earlier, the plane was also used for transporting high-ranking officials and diplomatic missions. Russian delegation includes: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Defence Minister Andrey Belousov Finance Minister Anton Siluanov Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov Presidential envoy for international investment and economic cooperation Kirill Dmitriev

Ahead of the Alaska Summit between Trump and Putin, Ukrainian president said his country “will not give land to the occupier."At present, Russia controls 18 per cent of Ukrainian territories. This was after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;

Russia controls 18% of Ukraine ahead of Trump-Putin Alaska talks. Here’s how it happened

US President Donald Trump seems to be much more desperate for a Nobel Peace Prize than the American media has shown. Latest in the efforts of bagging the peace prize, Donald Trump dialed the Norwegian finance minister out of the blue in July to duscuss tariffs - and Nobel Peace Price. As per the Norwegian business daily Dagens Næringsliv, the American president cold-called Jens Stoltenberg and told him that he wants a peace prize. "Out of the blue, while finance minister Jens Stoltenberg was walking down the street in Oslo, Donald Trump called,” Dagens Næringsliv reported, citing unnamed sources. “He wanted the Nobel prize – and to discuss tariffs," the report added.&nbsp;The newspaper said it was not the first time that Trump expressed his desire to get the accolade to the minister. In a comment to Reuters, Stoltenberg said the call was to discuss tariffs and economic cooperation before Trump’s call with Jonas Støre, the Norwegian prime minister. “I will not go into further detail about the content of the conversation,” he added.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/altman-musk-target-human-evolution-with-ai-implants-1755197032468/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/altman-musk-target-human-evolution-with-ai-implants-1755197032468/embed</a><h2>Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize - a one-sided love story?</h2>A few countries, including Israel, Pakistan, and Cambodia, have nominated Trump for the prize. The US president himself has repeated multiple times that he deserves the Norwegian-bestowed accolade for brokering a ceasefire between multiple nations during conflict, including India-Pakistan. Although India, along with several other countries, did not support Trump's ceasefire credit claims. But the American president did not lose hope and went on to compare himself with four of his White House predecessors, including Barack Obama, who were awarded the prize.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a>&nbsp;In 2024, Trump was endorsed by his party's leader, Buddy Carter, for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Pakistan also nominated him for his alleged role in establishing peace between India and Pakistan during a cross-border crisis. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been named a war criminal by the UN for his occupation in Gaza, nominated Trump for the peace prize.&nbsp;Moreover, on Friday (August 8), the White House again claimed "a ceasefire between India and Pakistan" among the list of US President Donald Trump's "Foreign Policy Victories."

Donald Trump cold-called the Norwegian finance minister out of the blue in July to duscuss tariffs - and Nobel Peace Price. As per the Norwegian business daily Dagens Næringsliv, the American president cold-called Jens Stoltenberg and told him that he wants a peace prize.


US President Donald Trump seems to be much more desperate for a Nobel Peace Prize than the American media has shown. Latest in the efforts of bagging the peace prize, Donald Trump dialed the Norwegian finance minister out of the blue in July to duscuss tariffs - and Nobel Peace Price. As per the Norwegian business daily Dagens Næringsliv, the American president cold-called Jens Stoltenberg and told him that he wants a peace prize. "Out of the blue, while finance minister Jens Stoltenberg was walking down the street in Oslo, Donald Trump called,” Dagens Næringsliv reported, citing unnamed sources. “He wanted the Nobel prize – and to discuss tariffs," the report added. The newspaper said it was not the first time that Trump expressed his desire to get the accolade to the minister. In a comment to Reuters, Stoltenberg said the call was to discuss tariffs and economic cooperation before Trump’s call with Jonas Støre, the Norwegian prime minister. “I will not go into further detail about the content of the conversation,” he added. https://www.wionews.com/videos/altman-musk-target-human-evolution-with-ai-implants-1755197032468/embed Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize - a one-sided love story? A few countries, including Israel, Pakistan, and Cambodia, have nominated Trump for the prize. The US president himself has repeated multiple times that he deserves the Norwegian-bestowed accolade for brokering a ceasefire between multiple nations during conflict, including India-Pakistan. Although India, along with several other countries, did not support Trump's ceasefire credit claims. But the American president did not lose hope and went on to compare himself with four of his White House predecessors, including Barack Obama, who were awarded the prize. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed In 2024, Trump was endorsed by his party's leader, Buddy Carter, for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Pakistan also nominated him for his alleged role in establishing peace between India and Pakistan during a cross-border crisis. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been named a war criminal by the UN for his occupation in Gaza, nominated Trump for the peace prize. Moreover, on Friday (August 8), the White House again claimed "a ceasefire between India and Pakistan" among the list of US President Donald Trump's "Foreign Policy Victories."

Donald Trump cold-called the Norwegian finance minister out of the blue in July to duscuss tariffs - and Nobel Peace Price. As per the Norwegian business daily Dagens Næringsliv, the American president cold-called Jens Stoltenberg and told him that he wants a peace prize. &nbsp;

‘I want Nobel Peace Prize’: Desperate Trump cold-calls Norwegian minister

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that crime in Washington, DC, is the "worst it's ever been." Speaking from the Oval Office, the American president reiterated his claim, without providing any evidence to support the statement. Meanwhile, the data from the US Justice Department showed that DC has experienced a 30-year low in violent crime in 2024. The US president even said that DC officials have created fake statistics that show the rate of violent crime declining in the city.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/altman-musk-target-human-evolution-with-ai-implants-1755197032468/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/altman-musk-target-human-evolution-with-ai-implants-1755197032468/embed</a>&nbsp;He added that they are “under investigation”, but didn’t name anyone specifically. “They’re phony crime stats, and Washington DC is at its worst point, and it will soon be at its best point,” he quipped. He described the situation as “tragic” and an “epidemic”.<h2>Trump rails about social security fraud without evidence</h2>The American president also talked about egregious social security fraud.“You have 12.4 million names listed in the social security database that were over 120 years of age, meaning you’re breaking records,” he said.&nbsp;However, The Guardian conducted a fact check stating that the Social Security database does contain the names of a number of Americans born as early as the 1920s (without death dates), but that doesn’t automatically mean these people are receiving checks.<h2>Federal agents in DC</h2>Trump had no qualms about the possible national security risks from his reassignment of officers for the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to deal with local crime in Washington. "Like what? Like what?" Trump said. Trump made the claims while speaking at a press conference in the White House to mark the 90th anniversary of Social Security.

Donald Trump claimed on August 14 that crime in Washington, DC, is the worst it has ever been, Alleged that DC officials craeted fake data to show low crime rate in the capital. 

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that crime in Washington, DC, is the "worst it's ever been." Speaking from the Oval Office, the American president reiterated his claim, without providing any evidence to support the statement. Meanwhile, the data from the US Justice Department showed that DC has experienced a 30-year low in violent crime in 2024. The US president even said that DC officials have created fake statistics that show the rate of violent crime declining in the city. https://www.wionews.com/videos/altman-musk-target-human-evolution-with-ai-implants-1755197032468/embed He added that they are “under investigation”, but didn’t name anyone specifically. “They’re phony crime stats, and Washington DC is at its worst point, and it will soon be at its best point,” he quipped. He described the situation as “tragic” and an “epidemic”. Trump rails about social security fraud without evidence The American president also talked about egregious social security fraud.“You have 12.4 million names listed in the social security database that were over 120 years of age, meaning you’re breaking records,” he said. However, The Guardian conducted a fact check stating that the Social Security database does contain the names of a number of Americans born as early as the 1920s (without death dates), but that doesn’t automatically mean these people are receiving checks. Federal agents in DC Trump had no qualms about the possible national security risks from his reassignment of officers for the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to deal with local crime in Washington. "Like what? Like what?" Trump said. Trump made the claims while speaking at a press conference in the White House to mark the 90th anniversary of Social Security.

Donald Trump claimed on August 14 that crime in Washington, DC, is the worst it has ever been, Alleged that DC officials craeted fake data to show low crime rate in the capital.&nbsp;

‘Tragic, epidemic’: Trump claims crime in Washington ‘worst it's ever been,’ alleges ‘fake statistics’ by DC officials

Amid reports that the United States is favouring Pakistan and not India, it was asked if Pakistan Air Force lost F-16 jets during Operation Sindoor. However, the Trump administration refused to answer the specific question despite its continued claim that it was instrumental in stopping the India-Pakistan war. India has categorically denied all claims about US mediation in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May this year. However, Pakistan nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him for stopping the war with India.&nbsp;&nbsp;When asked about F-16 losses, the US State Department said, "We refer you to the Government of Pakistan to discuss its F-16s," NDTV reported. The US State Department was also asked about Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's nuke threat from US soil. In an email response to News 18, it said, “We are aware of these reports and would refer you to the Government of Pakistan regarding Chief of Army Staff Munir’s alleged remarks." Earlier, India condemned Munir's remark and said that ‘it was regrettable’ that such a statement was made from the soil of a ‘friendly country.’<h2>&nbsp;‘Five Pakistani fighter jets shot down’</h2>The statement comes days after Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that the IAF took down “at least” five Pakistani fighter jets and “one large aircraft” during Operation Sindoor in May. This was the first time that a senior officer from the Indian side had specified the number of Pakistani aircraft and jets downed. In May, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan had admitted to losing an unspecified number of aircraft in the operation. Earlier that month, Director General Air Operations of the IAF, Air Marshal A K Bharti, had said losses were part of any combat. The Indian military had achieved all its selected objectives and all IAF pilots were back home, he had said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-pm-modi-success-of-operation-sindoor-is-due-to-make-in-india-1754894671981/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-pm-modi-success-of-operation-sindoor-is-due-to-make-in-india-1754894671981/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>India and Pakistan relations after Pahalgam terror attack</h2>Relations between India and Pakistan went downhill after 22 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April this year. India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and killing as many as 100 terrorists. Tensions rose after India's action, with Pakistan resorting to drone attacks on civilians and military positions of India's bordering states. India retaliated by targeting the military posts of Pakistan. Both countries agreed to a ceasefire at the DGMO level after the Pakistani DGMO contacted the Indian side following three to four days of heavy fighting. On the diplomatic front, India put in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, suspended Pakistani visas and closed trade through border posts. Recently, Pakistan stopped newspapers to Indian diplomats and the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad. In a tit for tat move, India had also cut newspaper supplies to Pakistani diplomats and the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

Amid claims of US bias toward Pakistan, the US refused to confirm F-16 losses during Op Sindoor. The US also declined to comment on Asim Munir’s nuclear threat made from US soil. This comes after India confirmed that at least five Pakistani fighter jets were shot during Op Sindoor

Amid reports that the United States is favouring Pakistan and not India, it was asked if Pakistan Air Force lost F-16 jets during Operation Sindoor. However, the Trump administration refused to answer the specific question despite its continued claim that it was instrumental in stopping the India-Pakistan war. India has categorically denied all claims about US mediation in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May this year. However, Pakistan nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him for stopping the war with India. When asked about F-16 losses, the US State Department said, "We refer you to the Government of Pakistan to discuss its F-16s," NDTV reported. The US State Department was also asked about Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's nuke threat from US soil. In an email response to News 18, it said, “We are aware of these reports and would refer you to the Government of Pakistan regarding Chief of Army Staff Munir’s alleged remarks." Earlier, India condemned Munir's remark and said that ‘it was regrettable’ that such a statement was made from the soil of a ‘friendly country.’ ‘Five Pakistani fighter jets shot down’ The statement comes days after Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that the IAF took down “at least” five Pakistani fighter jets and “one large aircraft” during Operation Sindoor in May. This was the first time that a senior officer from the Indian side had specified the number of Pakistani aircraft and jets downed. In May, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan had admitted to losing an unspecified number of aircraft in the operation. Earlier that month, Director General Air Operations of the IAF, Air Marshal A K Bharti, had said losses were part of any combat. The Indian military had achieved all its selected objectives and all IAF pilots were back home, he had said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-pm-modi-success-of-operation-sindoor-is-due-to-make-in-india-1754894671981/embed India and Pakistan relations after Pahalgam terror attack Relations between India and Pakistan went downhill after 22 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April this year. India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and killing as many as 100 terrorists. Tensions rose after India's action, with Pakistan resorting to drone attacks on civilians and military positions of India's bordering states. India retaliated by targeting the military posts of Pakistan. Both countries agreed to a ceasefire at the DGMO level after the Pakistani DGMO contacted the Indian side following three to four days of heavy fighting. On the diplomatic front, India put in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, suspended Pakistani visas and closed trade through border posts. Recently, Pakistan stopped newspapers to Indian diplomats and the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad. In a tit for tat move, India had also cut newspaper supplies to Pakistani diplomats and the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

Amid claims of US bias toward Pakistan, the US refused to confirm F-16 losses during Op Sindoor. The US also declined to comment on Asim Munir’s nuclear threat made from US soil. This comes after India confirmed that at least five Pakistani fighter jets were shot during Op Sindoor

Did India take down Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet during Op Sindoor? Here's what US said

US President Donald Trump sparked conversations about his cognitive health after mistakenly referring to the Russian city of St. Petersburg as “Leningrad” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The gaffe fueled speculation about possible dementia, as it came days after Trump mistakenly said that he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia, instead of Alaska. Netizens were quick to point out that Leningrad officially reverted to its historic name in 1991, following a city referendum. Some users noted the irony, recalling Trump’s 1987 visit to both Moscow and Leningrad when he sought to expand his real estate empire in Russia. The series of missteps raised questions about Trump’s mental sharpness ahead of the high-stakes summit with the Russian president.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dementia? <a href="https://t.co/8sOMP9hwNh">pic.twitter.com/8sOMP9hwNh</a>&mdash; Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahLongwell25/status/1955604315596345368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump in Leningrad, circa 1987. His head is still there, circa 2025 <a href="https://t.co/MBVyGljHbP">pic.twitter.com/MBVyGljHbP</a>&mdash; ITDUDE Fella (@The_Real_ITDUDE) <a href="https://twitter.com/The_Real_ITDUDE/status/1955624125008859317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘If I got Moscow and Leningrad free…’</h2>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 13) blasted at “fake news” media over its coverage of his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine ceasefire talks in Alaska on Friday (Aug 15). Trump also slammed “fired losers and really dumb people like John Bolton in a fiery post on his Truth Social platform. Trump wrote, “What’s that all about? We are winning on EVERYTHING. The Fake News is working overtime (No tax on overtime!). If I got Moscow and Leningrad free, as part of the deal with Russia, the Fake News would say that I made a bad deal!”<h2>Trump-Putin meeting</h2>It was confirmed on Friday (Aug 8) that Trump will meet with Putin on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed the summit. The US had proposed a tri-party meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky, but Putin expressed his reservations about the same. Trump has now said that he would know withing two minutes of the meeting with Putin if he is interested in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This will be the first in-person summit between Trump and Putin after they last held the Helsinki Summit in 2018 in Finland. They met briefly at the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, but no formal summit was held.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-trump-warns-of-severe-consequences-if-putin-doesn-t-end-ukraine-war-1755159222604/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-trump-warns-of-severe-consequences-if-putin-doesn-t-end-ukraine-war-1755159222604/embed</a><h2>Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency</h2>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday revealed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue, after “mild swelling was noticed in his lower legs.” Leavitt was addressing concerns over visible swelling in President Trump’s ankles and bruising on his hand when she made the disclosure and said that it was assessed to be “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin” as a preventative heart-health measure.<h2>Donald Trump's health report</h2> In April this year, the White House released a report by its physician stating Trump is in "excellent cognitive and physical health." In the first annual physical of his second presidential term, Trump was also found to have scarring "on the right ear from a gunshot wound", after an assassination attempt last July. "President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function," his doctor, Captain Sean Barbabella, said in a memo. At 78, Trump is the oldest president to take office.

Trump sparked concerns about his cognitive health after calling St. Petersburg “Leningrad” on Truth Social and mistakenly saying he'd meet Putin in Russia, not Alaska. Users noted Leningrad’s renaming in 1991 and recalled Trump’s 1987 Russia visit.

US President Donald Trump sparked conversations about his cognitive health after mistakenly referring to the Russian city of St. Petersburg as “Leningrad” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The gaffe fueled speculation about possible dementia, as it came days after Trump mistakenly said that he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia, instead of Alaska. Netizens were quick to point out that Leningrad officially reverted to its historic name in 1991, following a city referendum. Some users noted the irony, recalling Trump’s 1987 visit to both Moscow and Leningrad when he sought to expand his real estate empire in Russia. The series of missteps raised questions about Trump’s mental sharpness ahead of the high-stakes summit with the Russian president.

Trump sparked concerns about his cognitive health after calling St. Petersburg “Leningrad” on Truth Social and mistakenly saying he'd meet Putin in Russia, not Alaska. Users noted Leningrad’s renaming in 1991 and recalled Trump’s 1987 Russia visit.

St Petersburg or 'Leningrad'? Trump sparks dementia rumours ahead of meeting with Putin

The United States offered a $10 million reward on Thursday for information leading to the arrest of Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, head of the Mexican drug trafficking group Carteles Unidos.&nbsp;Farias Alvarez, nicknamed "El Abuelo," or the grandfather, was one of five high-ranking members of Carteles Unidos -- the United Cartels in English -- whose criminal indictments were unsealed by the Justice Department on Thursday.&nbsp;"Today's charges are designed to dismantle the United Cartels and bring their leaders to justice for unleashing death and destruction on American citizens," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.&nbsp;The US Treasury Department simultaneously announced it was imposing sanctions on members of the United Cartels and another group known as Los Viagras.&nbsp;"Treasury, alongside our partners in US law enforcement, will continue to target every effort by the cartels to generate revenue for their violent, criminal schemes," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.&nbsp;The State Department designated the Michoacan-based United Cartels and other drug trafficking groups as foreign terrorist organizations in February.&nbsp;Aside from Farias Alvarez, rewards of $5 million each were announced for Nicolas Sierra Santana, known as "El Gordo," and Alfonso Fernandez Magallon, known as "Poncho," and $3 million each for Luis Enrique Barragan Chavez, known as "Wicho," and Edgar Orozco Cabadas, known as “El Kamoni.”&nbsp;According to the Justice Department, the United Cartels are a major supplier of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the United States.&nbsp;"Profits from US drug sales are allegedly used to acquire heavy weaponry, hire mercenaries, bribe local officials, and fund lavish lifestyles for cartel leaders," it said.&nbsp;The announcement comes two days after Mexico transferred 26 wanted fugitives to the United States, including several high-ranking members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel.&nbsp;The transfer was the second since Republican Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.&nbsp;In late February, Mexico sent 29 accused drug traffickers to the United States, including Rafael Caro Quintero, who was accused of kidnapping and killing US Drug Enforcement Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985.

The United States offered a $10 million reward on Thursday for information leading to the arrest of Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, head of the Mexican drug trafficking group Carteles Unidos.

The United States offered a $10 million reward on Thursday for information leading to the arrest of Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, head of the Mexican drug trafficking group Carteles Unidos. Farias Alvarez, nicknamed "El Abuelo," or the grandfather, was one of five high-ranking members of Carteles Unidos -- the United Cartels in English -- whose criminal indictments were unsealed by the Justice Department on Thursday. "Today's charges are designed to dismantle the United Cartels and bring their leaders to justice for unleashing death and destruction on American citizens," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. The US Treasury Department simultaneously announced it was imposing sanctions on members of the United Cartels and another group known as Los Viagras. "Treasury, alongside our partners in US law enforcement, will continue to target every effort by the cartels to generate revenue for their violent, criminal schemes," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. The State Department designated the Michoacan-based United Cartels and other drug trafficking groups as foreign terrorist organizations in February. Aside from Farias Alvarez, rewards of $5 million each were announced for Nicolas Sierra Santana, known as "El Gordo," and Alfonso Fernandez Magallon, known as "Poncho," and $3 million each for Luis Enrique Barragan Chavez, known as "Wicho," and Edgar Orozco Cabadas, known as “El Kamoni.” According to the Justice Department, the United Cartels are a major supplier of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the United States. "Profits from US drug sales are allegedly used to acquire heavy weaponry, hire mercenaries, bribe local officials, and fund lavish lifestyles for cartel leaders," it said. The announcement comes two days after Mexico transferred 26 wanted fugitives to the United States, including several high-ranking members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel. The transfer was the second since Republican Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. In late February, Mexico sent 29 accused drug traffickers to the United States, including Rafael Caro Quintero, who was accused of kidnapping and killing US Drug Enforcement Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985.

Farias Alvarez is one of five high-ranking members of Carteles Unidos -- the United Cartels in English.

US offers $10 million reward for United Cartels leader's arrest

Elon Musk's X was restored for thousands of users in the United States following an hour-long outage on Thursday (August 14), according to monitoring website Downdetector.com. The outage slowed to almost 600 reports of users experiencing issues with the social media platform as of 11:20am ET, down from a high of over 18,000 user reports, said Downdetector.&nbsp;Downdetector monitors outages by aggregating status reports from various sources. Because the figures are based on user-reported instances, the true number of impacted users can be different. X has not yet replied to a request for comment.&nbsp;Earlier, as per Downdetector statistics, the outage began to go viral around 8:25 PM IST when reports spiked from mere dozens to thousands in mere minutes. In India, users complained of not being able to load timelines, post updates, or even log in to their accounts. On a global scale, it seemed even worse — Downdetector's US outage page clocked more than 16,000 reports at its peak about 8:26 PM local time.&nbsp;The blackout impacted various regions, with complaints flooding in from North America, Europe, Asia, and portions of the Middle East. Heat maps indicated dense trouble areas in large metropolitan cities, suggesting mass connectivity problems instead of discrete outages.&nbsp;The majority of the reported problem was related to the site, at 58% of complaints in one case, with 35% of the problems being with the app and approximately 6% with server connections. Internationally, problem split was different, with the site and app nearly evenly impacted — 52% and 47% correspondingly, and 1% of reporting server connection problems.&nbsp;Users flocked to other social media sites to express their frustration, claiming they could not refresh feeds, send direct messages, or access notifications. Others claimed to be automatically logged out and unable to log back in, with others seeing error messages when attempting to access the site.

Elon Musk’s X restores service after global outage hits thousands

Elon Musk's X was restored for thousands of users in the United States following an hour-long outage on Thursday (August 14), according to monitoring website Downdetector.com. The outage slowed to almost 600 reports of users experiencing issues with the social media platform as of 11:20am ET, down from a high of over 18,000 user reports, said Downdetector. Downdetector monitors outages by aggregating status reports from various sources. Because the figures are based on user-reported instances, the true number of impacted users can be different. X has not yet replied to a request for comment. Earlier, as per Downdetector statistics, the outage began to go viral around 8:25 PM IST when reports spiked from mere dozens to thousands in mere minutes. In India, users complained of not being able to load timelines, post updates, or even log in to their accounts. On a global scale, it seemed even worse — Downdetector's US outage page clocked more than 16,000 reports at its peak about 8:26 PM local time. The blackout impacted various regions, with complaints flooding in from North America, Europe, Asia, and portions of the Middle East. Heat maps indicated dense trouble areas in large metropolitan cities, suggesting mass connectivity problems instead of discrete outages. The majority of the reported problem was related to the site, at 58% of complaints in one case, with 35% of the problems being with the app and approximately 6% with server connections. Internationally, problem split was different, with the site and app nearly evenly impacted — 52% and 47% correspondingly, and 1% of reporting server connection problems. Users flocked to other social media sites to express their frustration, claiming they could not refresh feeds, send direct messages, or access notifications. Others claimed to be automatically logged out and unable to log back in, with others seeing error messages when attempting to access the site.

The outage affected multiple regions, with reports pouring in from North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the issue

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