U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of “very severe consequences” if he refuses to end the war in Ukraine. The warning comes ahead of their scheduled meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. Trump described his recent virtual talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders as “very good” and “sincere.” He indicated that the first meeting could lead to a trilateral discussion, but a second meeting will depend on outcomes and whether he receives necessary commitments from both leaders.

Russia and Belarus will hold a joint nuclear military drill in mid-September under the name “Zapad 2025.” The five-day exercise in Belarus will test the newly developed Russian hypersonic missile “Oreshnik,” which can travel at ten times the speed of sound and carry up to six nuclear warheads over a range of 3,000 km. Moscow claims no other country possesses such a weapon. Russia plans to deploy Oreshnik missiles in Belarus by the end of this year.

The Alaska meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has stirred cautious optimism in Russia, with some citizens hoping for renewed diplomacy and potential sanctions relief. Analysts, however, view the summit as largely symbolic, given the deep divide over Ukraine’s territories. While Trump hints at a peace deal with possible territorial swaps, Zelensky will not attend. The talks aim to halt Russia-Ukraine hostilities, but real compromise remains uncertain amid ongoing geopolitical tension and disputes over occupied regions.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has indicated that President Donald Trump will make it clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “all options are on the table” during their upcoming meeting. Mnuchin noted that while frustration with Putin has been widespread, there may now be a chance for productive talks. He warned that if discussions fail, sanctions or additional tariffs could be imposed on Russia, urging European partners to support coordinated pressure against Moscow.

The White House has indicated that the upcoming Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is primarily a listening opportunity for Trump, with little chance of a quick Russia–Ukraine ceasefire. Only one party involved in the conflict will attend, and key issues remain unresolved. While Trump has suggested territorial concessions might be necessary, Ukraine’s President Zelensky has rejected any agreement without Ukraine’s consent. Private talks in Anchorage may precede a possible future Trump visit to Russia.

After a key counterterrorism meeting in Islamabad, the US publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism, praising its efforts regionally and internationally. The statement expressed condolences for attacks in Jafar Express and Khuzdar. Analysts note this creates diplomatic pressure on India, already strained over trade and tariffs with Washington. Pakistan’s military chief’s nuclear remarks added controversy. While India condemns it, US ties with Pakistan strengthen, signaling shifting strategic dynamics and a potential rebalancing in South Asian diplomacy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his scheduled meeting with Donald Trump this Friday.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders reaffirmed commitments to strengthening their “friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation.” Putin thanked Pyongyang for its military assistance in the Ukraine conflict, specifically during the recapture of the Kursk region.
Putin also briefed Kim on preparations for the upcoming Alaska summit and shared details about the Trump meeting. Reports indicate that around 10,000 North Korean troops are currently fighting alongside Russian forces, which recently advanced 10 kilometers near Dobropillia, Ukraine.

The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its military wing, the Majid Brigade, as terrorist organizations. Despite being listed as a global terrorist group since 2019, the BLA has continued attacks, including a 2024 suicide bombing near Karachi airport and a 2025 train hijacking that killed 31 people. The designation freezes BLA assets in the US, bans transactions with Americans, and enables legal action against supporters. This move intensifies efforts to combat terrorism linked to long-standing unrest in Balochistan.

A small single-engine plane crashed into parked aircraft while landing at Kalispell City Airport in Montana, sparking fires on several planes. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time on August 11. Authorities said the pilot lost control before the crash. Two people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The Socata TBM 700 turboprop had originated from Pullman, Washington. Fire crews contained the blaze after it spread to nearby grass. The aircraft was built in 2011 and owned by Meter Sky LLC.

Scott Ritter, ex-US Marine intelligence officer, stated that Ukraine will inevitably lose regions like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk to Russia following the 2022 referendums. He criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he is not a good leader and should face this reality. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump suggested territorial concessions from both sides to end the war, with upcoming talks planned with Putin in Alaska to explore peace agreements.

The United States and China have agreed to extend their tariff suspension for an additional 90 days, keeping the current tariffs in place until November 10. This extension pauses planned higher tariffs and allows more time to negotiate issues like reducing the trade deficit, unfair trade practices, and market access for US exporters. Both countries aim to resolve complex economic and security concerns, including rare mineral exports, Russian oil purchases, and technology restrictions, fostering constructive dialogue amid ongoing trade tensions.

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, has sharply criticized Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir for his recent nuclear threats, comparing him to Osama Bin Laden. Rubin accused Islamabad of acting like a rogue state by provoking war and warned that Munir’s statements resemble the ideology behind groups like ISIS. Munir claimed Pakistan would take half the world down if it faces existential threats. Rubin emphasized that such rhetoric raises doubts about Pakistan’s responsibility as a nation-state and condemned threats made on U.S. soil.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil have dealt a significant setback to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized that the ongoing global pressures and U.S. sanctions have severely disrupted Russia’s financial stability. Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, aiming to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also warned that the U.S. may halt trade talks with India if it continues its commercial ties with Russia.

Austin, Texas – Three people were killed when a gunman opened fire inside a Target store in Austin on Monday. Police have detained a suspected shooter, described as a white male wearing shorts and a Hawaiian-print shirt. Emergency services said they assisted four individuals but did not provide further details. Authorities are still securing the area, and the investigation remains ongoing.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that both Ukraine and Russia should cede some territory to reach a peace deal. Speaking Monday, Trump said this would be the main topic in his upcoming Friday meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
“I’ll tell Putin—this war must end. You have to do it,” Trump said, claiming he could gauge in “two minutes” whether Putin is interested in a deal.
Trump hinted at a possible future three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and plans to consult European leaders after speaking with Putin.
Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, while Ukraine holds virtually no Russian land. Both countries have previously rejected Trump’s land-swap proposal.