Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed that the U.S. and European allies could provide Ukraine with security assurances similar to NATO’s collective defense principle (Article 5). Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, called it a potential game-changer, marking the first time Russia has offered such consent. Discussions will focus on structuring and ensuring effective commitments, while Russia may also pledge not to seize new Ukrainian territory or violate the sovereignty of any European nation. Talks continue with Zelensky and European leaders.

Eight Nordic and Baltic countries have reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine following the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. In a joint statement, leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden emphasized that any steps toward a just and lasting peace must involve Ukraine directly. They called for credible security guarantees, continued arms supplies, and strengthened European defenses to prevent future Russian aggression, underlining that no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine’s participation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will meet Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday to hold in-depth talks on ending the war and bloodshed.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump’s invitation, stating, “Ukraine is prepared to make every possible effort to establish peace — and we reaffirmed that commitment.”

Earlier, Zelensky held a “long and important discussion” with Trump, followed by a briefing with European leaders at the Alaska summit. However, he noted that he was not included in Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“President Trump has informed us of the key issues he discussed with President Putin. It is vital that U.S. influence continues to shape progress in this situation,” Zelensky added.

Ukrainian military officials have expressed skepticism about the outcome of the high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Officers on the front lines say they do not expect meaningful agreements, citing Russia’s history of untrustworthiness and lack of genuine interest in ending the conflict in Donbas. They also criticized Trump for treating Putin as a legitimate leader rather than holding him accountable for war crimes, warning that the summit is unlikely to produce tangible results.

An internal UK military investigation has revealed that British soldiers stationed in Kenya have engaged in transactional sex, rape, and abuse of local women, violating Kenyan laws against sexual exploitation. Allegations span years, including the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru. Despite a 2022 ban on paying for sex abroad, abuses persist. The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating recent cases, including a rape charge. Army Chief General Roly Walker vowed action, saying such conduct is incompatible with British military values.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv has received a $5 billion pledge from European allies to purchase U.S.-made weapons, with $1.5 billion already delivered. The funding, part of NATO’s ‘Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List’ initiative, is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense. Zelensky also met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Analysts highlight that the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska could have major implications for Ukraine and Europe, even though neither leader will attend.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence is unnecessary at the upcoming Russia-U.S. summit. Azarov described Zelensky as a “puppet” who does not make decisions independently. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a permanent solution to the Ukraine crisis, with the Kremlin hoping for a follow-up summit in Russia. Sources confirm Zelensky is unlikely to attend the Alaska meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Thursday, ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. The meeting aims to convey European concerns before Trump discusses the Ukraine war with Putin. Starmer emphasized the need to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity and reject any border changes by force. Ukraine maintains it will not cede Crimea or other occupied areas, while Trump warns possible territorial exchanges may be needed to end the conflict.

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.