AP News Summary at 8:19 a.m. EDT
nvdaily.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 8:28:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–Russia Relations, State Politics & Governors
Trump and Putin will meet in Alaska for a high-stakes summit on the Russia-Ukraine war
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- President Donald Trump has boarded Air Force One for his flight to Alaska and a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a U.S. military base there. Friday's meeting could influence the war in Ukraine and European security. The Republican U.S. president aims to showcase his skills as a dealmaker. For Putin, it's a chance to negotiate terms that favor Russia. The summit excludes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which could undermine Ukraine's interests. Trump has expressed hopes for a broader peace deal, but success is uncertain. The meeting's outcome could have significant implications for international relations and U.S. diplomacy.
Ukrainian defenses face a challenge as Russian troops make gains ahead of the Putin-Trump summit
DONETSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) -- Days before the leaders of Russia and the U.S. hold a summit meeting in Alaska, Moscow's forces breached Ukrainian lines in a series of infiltrations this week in the country's industrial heartland of Donetsk. The advances amount to only a limited success for Russia, since Moscow still needs to consolidate its gains before achieving a true breakthrough. Still, some observers say it's a potentially dangerous moment. Analyst Mykola Bieleskov says Russian President Vladimir Putin will likely try to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Kyiv by arguing the 3 1/2-year-old war is going badly for Kyiv.
Trump's friendly-to-frustrated relationship with Putin takes the spotlight at the Alaska summit
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's meeting in Alaska with Vladimir Putin could be a decisive moment in the war in Ukraine and in the U.S. leader's anomalous relationship with his Russian counterpart. Trump has long boasted that he's always gotten along well with Putin and spoken admiringly of him, even praising him as "pretty smart" for invading Ukraine. But in recent months, he's expressed open frustrations with Putin and called him "CRAZY" while threatening to impose sanctions on Russia. Still, Trump's self-imposed deadline for sanctions came and went without any announced penalties or explanation from the White House and the Republican president, tempering expectations for their Friday summit.
Bondi names DEA head as DC's 'emergency police commissioner,' but capital leaders push back
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Attorney General Pam Bondi has named the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as Washington's "emergency police commissioner," saying she is granting him the powers of the police chief amid President Donald Trump's takeover. Bondi said in an directive issued Thursday evening that DEA boss Terry Cole will assume "powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police." But the capital's attorney general responded that Bondi's order was "unlawful" and said local officers must continue to follow Police Chief Pamela Smith's orders. Mayor Muriel Bowser says "there is no statute that conveys the District's personnel authority to a federal official."
20 years after its landmark withdrawal from Gaza, Israel is mired there
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) -- Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip 20 years ago, dismantling 21 Jewish settlements and pulling out its forces. The Friday anniversary of the start of the landmark disengagement comes as Israel is mired in a nearly two-year war with Hamas. The conflict has devastated the Palestinian territory and is likely to keep troops there long into the future. Israel's disengagement included removing four settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and was then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's controversial attempt to jump-start negotiations with the Palestinians. But it bitterly divided Israeli society and led to the empowerment of Hamas, with implications that continue to reverberate today.
Heavy rains expected in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Erin nears
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Tropical Storm Erin is approaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reports the storm is several hundred miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Tropical storm watches are in effect for parts of the Leeward Islands. Experts say Erin is expected to turn east of the U.S. next week. Erin is the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
California pushes left, Texas to the right, with US House control and Trump agenda in play
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A political standoff in Texas over new U.S. House maps aimed at adding five Republican seats is poised to enter a new phase. Meanwhile, heavily Democratic California plans for a November election intended to erase all but a sprinkle of the state's GOP House districts in the fight over control of Congress. The jockeying in the nation's two most populous states underscores the stakes for both parties in the narrowly divided House that could determine the fate of President Donald Trump's agenda in the second half of his term. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom wants other Democratic-led states to get involved.
Flash floods triggered by torrential rains kill over 200 people in India and Pakistan
CHOSITI, India (AP) -- Flash floods triggered by torrential rains have killed more than 200 people in India and Pakistan. Over the past 24 hours, officials say rescuers have brought around 1,600 people to safety from two mountainous districts. In India-controlled Kashmir, flash floods have left at least 60 people dead and 80 missing. Rescuers have saved at least 300 people, but many remain unaccounted for. In Pakistan, flash floods have killed at least 164 people in the past 24 hours, and rescuers evacuated 1,300 stranded tourists. Sudden, intense downpours over small areas known as cloudbursts are increasingly common in India's Himalayan regions and Pakistan's northern areas.
Japan marks 80th anniversary of WWII surrender as concern grows about fading memory
TOKYO (AP) -- Japan is paying tribute tribute to more than 3 million war dead as the country marks its surrender 80 years ago, ending World War II. But there is growing concern about the fading memories of the tragedy of war and the bitter lessons from the era of Japanese militarism. In a national ceremony Friday at Tokyo's Budokan hall, about 4,500 officials and bereaved families and their descendants observed a moment of silence at noon. Just a block away at Yasukuni Shrine, seen by Asian neighbors as a symbol of militarism, dozens of rightwing politicians came to pray.
Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement
GENEVA (AP) -- Talks on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution in Geneva ended without an agreement Friday. The session was adjourned and will be resumed at a later date. Nations were meeting for an 11th day at the United Nations office to try to complete a landmark treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis. They remain deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. The negotiations at the U.N. hub were supposed to be the last round and produce the first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the oceans.
Sign Our PetitionThe scheduled summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, serves as a critical juncture in international relations and U.S. foreign policy. Historically, summits between major world leaders can reshape diplomatic landscapes, but the exclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from these discussions raises significant concerns about the ramifications for Ukraine and its sovereignty. The sidelining of Ukraine in talks regarding its own territorial integrity and security illustrates a troubling trend where powerful nations negotiate without considering the voices of those directly affected by their decisions.
This summit is not merely a bilateral event but is set against a backdrop of prolonged conflict in Ukraine that has roots extending back to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The consequences of that act of aggression have created a humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the struggles of millions of Ukrainians. Historically, such large geopolitical maneuvers have often been justified under the guise of national security or regional stability, yet they frequently come at the expense of smaller nations and their populations. The ongoing Russian advances in the Donetsk region highlight the precarious situation on the ground, where the Ukrainian forces are not only defending their territory but also fighting for international recognition and support.
Moreover, the juxtaposition of Trump’s past admiration for Putin, alongside his recent criticisms, reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of political alliances. Trump's portrayal of Putin as "pretty smart" for his actions in Ukraine at once legitimizes aggressive tactics and undermines the consequences for the Ukrainian people, who pay the price for such geopolitical gamesmanship. The historical context of appeasement towards authoritarian regimes serves as a cautionary tale; it often leads to further aggression rather than resolution. This summit, therefore, is not simply about negotiation but rather about the moral implications of prioritizing political expediency over the rights and realities of those impacted by conflict.
It is essential to consider the potential outcomes of this summit through the lens of social justice and the principles of self-determination. Ukraine's struggle is emblematic of broader global patterns where powerful nations impose their will upon weaker ones, often neglecting the principles of democracy and human rights. The discourse surrounding this summit should emphasize the importance of inclusive dialogue that seeks to empower those most affected by these international decisions. By excluding Ukrainian leadership, the summit risks entrenching a narrative that diminishes Ukraine's agency in its own future, potentially leading to further instability in the region.
As observers watch the proceedings unfold, it is crucial to advocate for a foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy rooted in equity and justice. The implications of the Trump-Putin summit extend beyond immediate political outcomes; they set a precedent for how international relationships are managed in the face of ongoing conflict. It serves as a reminder to engage in critical conversations about the consequences of power dynamics in global politics, and the necessity of supporting the rights of nations navigating their sovereignty amidst imperial ambitions. The international community, and particularly progressive voices, must continue to demand accountability and inclusivity in such high-stakes negotiations, ensuring that the voices of those affected by war are not drowned out by the machinations of power.
The recent news concerning the high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska underscores a critical moment not only in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but also in the broader realm of international diplomacy. The meeting, which notably excludes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raises significant concerns regarding the integrity and agency of Ukraine amidst a protracted war. Historically, the relationship between the United States and Russia has oscillated between periods of intense rivalry and strategic cooperation, shaped by geopolitical interests. As Ukraine grapples with the ramifications of Russian aggression, American citizens must reflect on the implications of this summit and advocate for a more principled approach to foreign policy.
The exclusion of President Zelenskyy from the summit is particularly troubling. It highlights a long-standing issue in international negotiations where the voices of those most affected by conflict are often sidelined. This approach not only undermines Ukraine's sovereignty but also risks perpetuating a narrative that favors aggressive state actors. The implications of such sidelining are profound; without direct representation, Ukraine's interests could be compromised in favor of a deal that serves the interests of the two leaders at the negotiating table. We must remind right-wing counterparts that foreign policy should prioritize human rights and the sovereignty of nations over mere political expedience.
In the context of Trump's fluctuating relationship with Putin, we see a leader who has historically praised authoritarianism while simultaneously expressing discontent, a contradiction that poses dangers both domestically and internationally. The potential for Trump to pressure Ukraine based on Putin's assertions about the conflict's trajectory raises alarms about the integrity of American foreign policy. Historically, the U.S. has positioned itself as a champion of democracy, yet this meeting risks undercutting that legacy. Advocates for a more responsible foreign policy should emphasize the importance of consistent support for democratic nations facing aggression, particularly in light of the historical context of U.S. involvement in global conflicts.
What can we, as engaged and concerned Americans, do in response to this summit? First and foremost, we must raise our voices in opposition to any potential diplomatic agreements that marginalize Ukraine or compromise its sovereignty. This can be achieved through grassroots organizing, contacting congressional representatives, and advocating for policies that support Ukraine's right to self-determination. Furthermore, it is essential to educate our communities on the nuances of international relations, emphasizing the importance of supporting allies who are fighting against authoritarianism. Mobilizing public opinion can exert pressure on decision-makers to prioritize human rights in their foreign policy.
Lastly, we should engage in discussions that challenge the normalization of relations with authoritarian regimes. This summit serves as an opportunity to explore the broader implications of such diplomatic efforts and to advocate for a foreign policy that is rooted in democratic principles and respect for international law. By emphasizing the significance of accountability, transparency, and the inclusion of affected nations in negotiations, we can help shift the discourse towards one that champions the rights of individuals and nations alike. In doing so, we not only empower those engaged in the frontlines of conflict but also reaffirm our commitment to a world where diplomacy serves the values we hold dear.
In light of the upcoming summit between President Trump and President Putin, it's essential to consider actionable steps we can take as concerned citizens. The implications of this meeting extend beyond mere international relations; they touch on humanitarian concerns, democratic integrity, and the sovereignty of nations. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions you can personally take to influence the outcome and advocate for a just approach to the situation in Ukraine.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Ourselves and Others**: Stay informed about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. Share this information with friends, family, and on social media platforms to raise awareness.
2. **Engage with Local Representatives**: Reach out to your elected officials to express your stance on the summit and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
3. **Support Humanitarian Efforts**: Contribute to organizations that provide aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine.
4. **Promote Peaceful Diplomacy**: Advocate for diplomatic solutions over military interventions by supporting organizations that focus on peace-building.
### Exact Actions We Can Take
1. **Sign Petitions**: - **Petition for Ukrainian Support**: Look for petitions such as the one on Change.org titled "Stand with Ukraine - Demand US Support". Signing and sharing this can amplify voices demanding U.S. support for Ukraine. - **Petition for Peaceful Diplomacy**: The “No More War” petition on MoveOn.org encourages leaders to focus on peaceful solutions rather than military action.
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - **Write to Your Senators**: - **Senator Chuck Schumer** (D-NY) - Email: schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck - USPS: 322 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **Senator Mitch McConnell** (R-KY) - Email: mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact - USPS: 361A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **What to Say**: "Dear Senator [Name], I am writing to urge you to advocate for a strong and supportive U.S. policy towards Ukraine during the upcoming summit between President Trump and President Putin. It is crucial that Ukraine's sovereignty is respected, and that the U.S. stands firm against any aggression from Russia. I ask that you prioritize diplomatic solutions and support humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict. Thank you."
3. **Engage in Social Media Campaigns**: - Use hashtags like #StandWithUkraine and #PeaceNotWar to join in broader conversations on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Share articles, graphics, and personal messages to raise awareness and pressure decision-makers.
4. **Attend Local Town Halls or Forums**: - Engage with your local representatives during town hall meetings to raise your concerns regarding the summit and advocate for U.S. support for Ukraine.
5. **Support Humanitarian Organizations**: - Donate or volunteer for organizations like: - **International Rescue Committee (IRC)**: Focused on providing aid to those displaced by conflict, including in Ukraine. - **Doctors Without Borders**: Provides medical assistance to those in crisis zones. - Website: [www.rescue.org](https://www.rescue.org) | [www.doctorswithoutborders.org](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org)
6. **Contacting the White House**: - **Email**: You can submit comments through the White House website at [www.whitehouse.gov/contact](https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact). - **USPS**: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500. - **What to Say**: "Dear President Trump, As a concerned citizen, I urge you to prioritize diplomacy and support for Ukraine during your upcoming summit with President Putin. It is essential that the U.S. stands firmly against aggression and works towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter."
By taking these steps, we can contribute to a broader movement advocating for justice, peace, and support for those impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Each action, no matter how small, can collectively create a significant impact on the discourse surrounding this critical issue.