Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Kyiv reported 85 drone strikes and one Iskander-M ballistic missile between August 15 evening and August 16 morning, while frontline regions were also hit. Ukraine’s air defense destroyed 61 drones. Despite Western pressure, the summit ended without a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has yet to respond. The invasion, ongoing since February 2022, has already claimed thousands of lives.

A massive explosion at a gunpowder and ammunition factory outside Moscow has killed at least 11 people and injured around 130, Russian authorities reported. Images shared on social media show severe damage and debris at the site. Emergency services are working to clear rubble and rescue the injured. The blast occurred in Ryazan region, where a similar explosion in 2021 claimed 17 lives. Regional authorities have ordered national flags at half-mast to mourn the victims.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, in a three-hour summit focused on ending the Ukraine war. Trump called the talks “extremely productive” but said some issues remain unresolved and that any final deal will depend on Ukraine and NATO allies. Putin described the war as a “tragedy” and stressed the need to address its root causes for a lasting solution, though he did not specify them. Both leaders pledged to keep pursuing peace.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the responsibility for reaching a ceasefire deal now lies with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump revealed plans for a three-way summit with Zelensky and Putin. While no agreement was reached, Trump described the talks as successful, noting consensus on territorial compromises and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. He praised Putin as “strong” yet tough, stressing that Ukraine must agree. His advice to Zelensky: “You must make a deal.”

The Kremlin has described the recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska as “extremely positive.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the leaders chose not to take questions from reporters afterward because “both had already made comprehensive statements, so there was no need.” He added that the discussions would allow the two leaders to “move forward with confidence” in seeking alternative paths to peace.

Following nearly three hours of talks, Trump told reporters the meeting had been “very productive,” but acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved. He said he would now consult with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO allies, emphasizing that “any deal ultimately depends on their agreement.”

“There has been significant progress, but we have not yet reached the final stage,” Trump said.

Putin echoed Trump’s remarks, stating he too was “genuinely interested” in ending the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have broken out had Donald Trump been in office in 2022.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Putin said he had tried to convince President Joe Biden not to push the situation to a stage where “military action could lead to severe consequences.” He noted that Trump has repeatedly insisted he could have prevented the conflict if he had been in power instead of Biden.

“President Trump and I established a very good, businesslike, and trustworthy communication,” Putin said. “I believe that if we proceed along that path, we can bring an end to the Ukraine conflict — and the sooner, the better.”

Acknowledging Trump’s “friendly tone,” Putin also remarked that U.S.-Russia relations have been difficult in the past but stressed that “the situation needs correction.”

Ahead of his Alaska trip, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized his strong rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested potential business opportunities between the two nations, contingent on progress toward peace in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump noted that Russian businessmen are eager to invest but will wait until the conflict ends. He expressed optimism about the upcoming Alaska summit, highlighting mutual respect with Putin and the likelihood of productive discussions involving top Russian economic and foreign officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko by phone before his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation, described by Trump as “great,” included thanks for a recent prisoner release and discussions on Putin’s upcoming trip and other bilateral issues. Belarus has deepened ties with Russia during the Ukraine war, serving as a key supporter and hosting part of the Russian invasion. Lukashenko has also strengthened trade and security cooperation with Moscow amid Western sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the potential for a new nuclear arms agreement with the United States ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest Putin aims to position himself as part of a broader peace process to ease Ukraine tensions while deterring new U.S. sanctions. The discussion may also foster trade and economic ties. With Russia holding the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, renewed talks could reshape global security dynamics, especially as the current New START treaty nears expiration in February 2026.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine could be possible, hinting at the transfer of Ukrainian territory through a “land swap.” Speaking ahead of a meeting in Alaska, Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement and said the threat of economic sanctions might push Putin toward peace. Analysts interpret his comments as a signal of potential territorial compromise. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that changes on the battlefield could complicate peace efforts, though Trump aims to seek a solution through direct talks.

The Trump-Putin summit ended without any agreement or major decision on Ukraine.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Trump admitted no deal was reached but said “good possibilities” emerged for ending the war. Putin added that areas of agreement could form the basis for peace in Ukraine and renewed US-Russia ties. Both leaders noted new opportunities in trade and investment.

A much-anticipated summit between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine conflict took place at the Elmendorf-Richardson base in Anchorage, Alaska, early Friday (Bangladesh time 1:30 AM).

Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin arrived separately in Anchorage, where they exchanged a formal handshake on a red-carpeted walkway before proceeding to talks. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and John Ratcliffe were also present.

The summit, however, faced protests outside. Anchorage residents rallied against Trump for inviting Putin, whom many accuse of war crimes, and criticized the exclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from peace talks.

The Kremlin has stated that no final document is anticipated following the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that preparations were limited, and any agreements or understandings will be outlined during a joint press conference after the summit. Discussions on Ukraine remain bilateral, and Kyiv’s position will be addressed later. Peskov also highlighted that previous meetings between Trump’s envoy and Putin were productive, but warned against rushing predictions about the summit’s outcome.

In an unusual diplomatic exchange, former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked Norway’s finance minister for a Nobel Prize during a phone call meant to discuss trade tariffs.
Norwegian daily Dagens Næringsliv reports that last month, Trump phoned Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg while Stoltenberg was walking through the streets of Oslo. The former president allegedly shifted the conversation from tariffs to his desire for the prestigious award.
Stoltenberg stated that the call, which took place before Trump’s separate conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, also covered economic cooperation. Several senior White House officials, including the U.S. Treasury Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative, were reportedly on the call.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in Alaska on Friday, starting with a private session attended only by interpreters. Following this, both leaders will engage in broader discussions with their delegations, covering the Ukraine crisis, trade, economic cooperation, and global security. The Russian delegation includes top officials like Sergey Lavrov and Kirill Dmitriev. A joint press conference will follow. The meeting’s duration depends on discussion progress, and the Russian delegation will depart immediately afterward.