Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any Russian proposal to give up the Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, warning it could be exploited for future attacks. Speaking ahead of the Russia–U.S. meeting in Alaska, he emphasized Ukraine will not surrender territory, citing constitutional requirements for a referendum on land exchanges. Despite recent Russian advances, Zelensky stressed Kyiv will defend against attackers. The announcement comes amid global concern over possible territorial negotiations following Trump’s comments on peace deals.

England is facing its driest conditions since 1976, prompting the Environment Agency to declare a nationally significant water crisis. Five regions are in drought, with six more at risk of reduced water supply and crop damage. Reservoirs are below average, and hosepipe bans are in effect in parts of Yorkshire. The government is coordinating with farmers and water suppliers to manage the crisis and plans new reservoirs. Climate change is intensifying extreme weather, worsening droughts and heatwaves.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of preparing a new military offensive instead of seeking a ceasefire. Speaking on August 11, Zelensky highlighted intelligence reports indicating Russia’s intent to continue pressure on Ukraine and dismissed any signs of Russia preparing for peace. He emphasized troop redeployments signal further attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a planned meeting with Putin on August 15 in Alaska, aiming to discuss the escalating conflict.

London – Authorities in the United Kingdom have initiated the sale of assets belonging to former Bangladesh Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury to settle debts amounting to $350 million. Creditors include Singapore’s DBS Bank, British Arab Commercial Bank, and Bangladesh’s United Commercial Bank.
The move follows earlier money-laundering allegations against Chowdhury and investigations by Bangladeshi authorities, which uncovered his extensive UK holdings. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) seized several of his properties in June at Bangladesh’s request. Six of his companies are now under court-appointed administration. Chowdhury maintains his innocence, claiming the assets were purchased with legitimate funds.

At least 474 people were arrested in London for protesting in support of the UK-designated terrorist group, Palestine Action. The demonstration took place at Parliament Square, organized by Defend Our Juries, opposing the government’s ban imposed last month. Protesters carried placards and wore symbolic scarves, chanting slogans backing Palestine Action. Seven were arrested for assaulting police. Membership in the banned group now carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The group’s co-founder has sought legal challenge against the ban.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed that Ukraine will not surrender even an inch of its land to occupying forces. His remarks came after Donald Trump suggested that ending the war might involve territorial concessions as part of a peace deal with Russia.
Trump indicated that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday to discuss the conflict.
Zelensky stressed, “Any negotiation or settlement without Ukraine’s involvement will be contrary to peace.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, it has occupied about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, though neither side has made significant territorial gains in recent months.

British MP of Bangladeshi origin, Rushanara Ali, has resigned from her position as Minister for Homelessness following criticism over raising rent by £700 after evicting tenants from her townhome.
In her resignation letter, she stated that she did not want personal matters to overshadow the government's goals. Rushanara Ali, the first Bangladeshi-born MP in the UK, has represented Tower Hamlets since 2010.
Earlier, another British-Bangladeshi MP, Tulip Siddiq, resigned amid corruption allegations linked to Bangladesh.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv is finalizing a list of prisoners for exchange with Russia. The move follows the latest round of negotiations held in Turkey last month, where both sides agreed to continue the prisoner exchange process.

Zelensky proposed a summit of heads of state before the end of August, as part of the third phase of talks. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that both countries had previously exchanged 1,200 prisoners each and agreed to maintain that structure for upcoming swaps.

Zelensky also said Ukraine is working to secure the release of civilian detainees and is verifying the status of each individual. He emphasized, “We are committed to bringing every Ukrainian home.”

A wave of Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv from Thursday night into early Friday, killing at least 31 people, including women and children, and injuring more than 150. In response, Ukraine declared Saturday a national day of mourning. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over 100 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including residential apartments, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and university facilities. A significant portion of a nine-story residential building was completely reduced to rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many feared trapped under the debris.

The UK has announced it will recognize Palestine as a state at the UN if Israel fails to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, stops plans to annex the West Bank, and commits to peace talks by September. This move rejects accusations from Israel and the US that it rewards Hamas, which the UK government condemns as a terrorist group. The decision aims to support the rights of Palestinians and address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, while the UK’s recognition could lead to upgraded diplomatic relations.

Ukraine continues to face relentless Russian drone attacks, with significant territorial shifts occurring in areas like Kostyantynivka and Pokrovsk. Even relatively quiet zones under Kyiv's control are being targeted.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, reportedly frustrated with the lack of progress, has reduced his proposed peace negotiation deadline for Vladimir Putin from 50 days to just 12. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the difficult frontline situation, stating that while Russia is not making major advances, the pressure remains intense.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning, stating that the UK will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state by September if the ongoing war in Gaza does not cease and meaningful steps toward a sustainable peace process are not taken.

The UK has also urged Israel to halt its settlement expansion plans and called on Hamas to release all hostages. Israel criticized the move, claiming it would “reward Hamas” and undermine diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities have welcomed the UK's potential decision to grant statehood recognition.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil a plan this week to recognize the State of Palestine, according to The Times. At least seven cabinet members are pressuring Starmer to fulfill this election pledge made by the Labour Party prior to their July 2024 victory.

Sources say the UK Prime Minister has also shared the details of his recognition plan with European leaders.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to call an emergency cabinet meeting next week, with Gaza likely to top the agenda, according to government sources. Although Parliament is in summer recess until September 1, the urgency of the Gaza situation may prompt an early session. Recognition of the Palestinian state is expected to be a central issue. Starmer recently stated that the UK would only recognize Palestine as part of a final peace agreement—a stance that has disappointed many within his own Labour Party, who favor swift recognition akin to France.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) plans to introduce a "Palestine Recognition Bill" in the UK Parliament after the summer recess, pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize Palestine. SNP leader Stephen Flynn warned that if Starmer doesn’t shift his stance, they will push the bill to a vote. The move comes amid rising calls from over 220 MPs, including many from Labour, following France’s recent commitment to recognize Palestine. The SNP holds only nine seats but aims to spark significant political debate.