AP News Summary at 4:41 p.m. EDT
kulr8.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 4:55:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–NATO Relations, Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–Russia Relations

European leaders to join Ukraine's Zelenskyy for meeting with Trump
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- European and NATO leaders will join President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington for talks with President Donald Trump on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The possibility of U.S. security guarantees is now on the negotiating table as Zelenskyy and the European delegation head to Washington on Monday. Leaders from France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Finland are rallying around the Ukrainian leader after his exclusion from Trump's summit on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their pledge to be at Zelenskyy's side is an apparent effort to ensure the meeting goes better than the last one in February, when Trump berated Zelenskyy in a heated Oval Office encounter.
Putin agrees that US, Europe could offer NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine, Trump envoy says
NEW YORK (AP) -- A U.S. official says Russian leader Vladimir Putin has agreed that the United States and European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATO's collective defense mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the war. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday that "the United States could offer Article 5-like protection." Witkoff, who took part in Trump's summit with Putin on Friday, gave few details on how such an arrangement would work. But it appeared to be a major shift for Putin. It should be a key topic Monday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and major European leaders meet Trump at the White House.
Israel's growing frustration over the war in Gaza erupts in nationwide protests
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israeli protesters demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza have attempted to shut down the country in one of the largest and fiercest protests in 22 months of war. Organizers asserted that hundreds of thousands of people took part. Frustration is growing in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza's most populated areas. Many Israelis fear that could further endanger the remaining hostages. Twenty of the 50 who remain are believed to be alive. Inside Gaza, war-weary Palestinians insist they won't be displaced again, arguing that there is no safe place to go.
Air Canada suspends restart plans after flight attendants union defies return to work order
TORONTO (AP) -- Air Canada has suspended plans to restart operations after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants decided to defy a return-to-work order. The Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered staff back by Sunday afternoon, but the union refused, calling the order unconstitutional. Air Canada now plans to resume flights Monday evening. The shutdown, which began early Saturday, affects about 130,000 people daily. The airline has canceled hundreds of flights, and it could take days to stabilize operations. Passengers can request refunds or alternative travel options, but rebooking may be difficult due to peak travel demand.
Mistrust and fear: The complex story behind strained Syria-Lebanon relations
BEIRUT (AP) -- Relations between Beirut and Damascus remain tense -- as they have been for decades past, a time during which Syria failed to treat its smaller neighbor as a sovereign nation. A lot has happened on both sides of the Lebanon-Syria border. A lightning offensive by Islamist insurgents in Syria toppled longtime autocrat Bashar Assad last December and brought a new government in place in Damascus. In Lebanon, a bruising war with Israel dealt a serious blow to Hezbollah and a U.S.-negotiated deal has brought a fragile ceasefire. Still, even with the fall of Syria's 54-year Assad family rule and the events in Lebanon of the past year, attempts to reset Lebanese-Syrian political ties have been slow to take hold.
Pakistan defends flood response after over 270 people killed in northwestern district
BUNER, Pakistan (AP) -- Officials say rescuers have recovered dozens more bodies from the rubble of collapsed homes in a northwestern district of Pakistan, bringing the death toll to at least 274, as authorities defended their response to the flooding and said they did not need any foreign help at this point. In recent days, rains have killed dozens of people in Indian-administered Kashmir. Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for the emergency service, said 54 bodies were found in Buner, a mountainous part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential rains and cloudbursts triggered massive flooding on Friday.
Hurricane Erin weakens to Category 3 as forecasters wait for northward turn
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeast Bahamas as winds and heavy rains continue to lash the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Erin is the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025 and reached major Category 5 strength before weakening. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported Sunday that Erin had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm's center is about 235 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico. While the wind speeds have decreased, Erin has grown in size. Forecasters say the storm will move well away from the U.S. East Coast, but rip tides are possible.
Bolivia heads to the polls as its right-wing opposition eyes first victory in decades
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) -- Bolivians have headed to the polls for a pivotal election that could end the long reign of the leftist Movement Toward Socialism party. The election could see a right-wing government in power for the first time in over two decades. The race is tight, with many voters still undecided. Bolivia faces its worst economic crisis in 40 years, with inflation and shortages affecting daily life. The outcome could shift Bolivia's geopolitical alliances, currently aligned with countries like Venezuela and China. If no candidate wins outright, a runoff is expected on October 19.
Shooting in a crowded New York club leaves 3 dead, 9 wounded
NEW YORK (AP) -- Authorities in New York City are investigating a shooting in a crowded club that left three people dead and nine others wounded. Law enforcement officials as many as four shooters opened fire at Taste of the City Lounge in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights just before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. Three men are dead in what appears to be a gang-related dispute. The wounded were being treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. There were no immediate arrests. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says it was "a terrible shooting" that comes in a year of otherwise record low gun violence.
Terence Stamp, British actor who portrayed General Zod in early Superman films, dies at 87
LONDON (AP) -- Terence Stamp, the British actor who often played the role of a complex villain, including that of General Zod in the early Superman films, has died. He was 87. His death on Sunday was disclosed in a death notice published online. The London-born Stamp started his film career with 1962's seafaring "Billy Budd," for which he earned an Oscar nomination. Stamp's six decades in the business were peppered with highlights, including his touching portrayal of the transsexual Bernadette in 1994's "The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." Stamp also was widely praised for his lead in director Steven Soderbergh's 1999 crime drama "The Limey."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent developments surrounding Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia highlight the intricate web of international relations and the persistent struggle for sovereignty and self-determination in the face of aggression. The meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders alongside former President Donald Trump underscores the shifting dynamics of global alliances and the importance of collective security measures. Historically, Ukraine has been at the crossroads of East and West, a position that has rendered it vulnerable to both external pressures and internal divisions. The potential introduction of U.S. security guarantees, akin to NATO's Article 5, reflects a critical moment in the broader fight against authoritarianism and the quest for democratic governance.
The proposed U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, as discussed in the recent negotiations, serve to reinforce the notion of international solidarity in the face of imperialist ambitions, particularly those exemplified by Russia under Vladimir Putin. The historical context here cannot be ignored; the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 left many former Soviet states, including Ukraine, grappling with the legacies of colonialism and the quest for national identity. The ongoing conflict, which has escalated since 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea, illustrates the dangers of complacency in the face of imperial aggression. It is imperative that the international community, particularly NATO allies, rally behind Ukraine to ensure that its sovereignty is respected and that the lessons of history are not forgotten.
Moreover, the stark contrast between the attitudes displayed by Trump during previous engagements with Zelenskyy and the current collaborative approach from European leaders reveals a crucial shift in the geopolitical landscape. Trump's earlier dismissal of Zelenskyy during their Oval Office encounter serves as a reminder of the dangers of isolationism and the lack of respect for democratic leaders in crisis. This moment in history compels us to reflect on the implications of a foreign policy that prioritizes transactional relationships over genuine partnerships. The European leaders' presence alongside Zelenskyy at this critical juncture signifies a commitment to multilateralism and the acknowledgment that collective action is necessary to confront authoritarian regimes.
In the context of ongoing social struggles, the situation in Ukraine resonates with other global movements advocating for justice, autonomy, and human rights. The plight of the Ukrainian people mirrors the struggles faced by marginalized communities worldwide who are fighting against oppression and seeking recognition of their sovereignty. As we observe the protests erupting in Israel, which demand accountability and humane responses to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it is evident that the call for justice transcends borders. The interconnectedness of these struggles reinforces the idea that solidarity must extend beyond national lines to foster a more just and equitable world.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for those engaged in political discourse to recognize the broader implications of these discussions. The U.S. and its allies have a responsibility to not only provide military support but also to establish a framework for peace that prioritizes the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people. Engaging in dialogue that respects the sovereignty of nations and addresses the root causes of conflict is crucial for preventing further escalation and fostering a more stable global order. The ongoing negotiations serve as a reminder that history is not predetermined; it is shaped by the actions and decisions we collectively take today. In advocating for a just resolution to the Ukraine conflict, we must also advocate for a world where the dignity and rights of all people are upheld and respected.
The meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Trump signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the complex interplay of international diplomacy, national sovereignty, and geopolitical strategy. The discussions centered around security guarantees for Ukraine, a move which reflects not only a response to the Russian aggression but also raises questions about the nature of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. Historically, the U.S. has positioned itself as a defender of democracy and sovereignty, yet recent dialogues suggest a shift towards more transactional relationships, wherein the U.S. might offer security assurances without a robust commitment to the principles of international law and human rights.
The backdrop of this meeting is significant as it comes amidst a broader narrative of U.S. foreign policy that has often favored military engagement over diplomatic solutions. The notion of offering Ukraine a security guarantee akin to NATO's Article 5 raises critical questions about what such guarantees entail and the implications for U.S. military involvement. While on the surface, one could argue that this is a step towards bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, it also opens the door for potential entanglements in a protracted conflict that could lead to wider instability in the region. Moreover, as we analyze this situation, it is essential to remember that historical precedents, such as the U.S. involvement in Vietnam or Iraq, have often resulted in unintended consequences that have far-reaching impacts on both the regions involved and U.S. domestic politics.
In the context of international relations, the solidarity shown by European leaders towards Ukraine is commendable and reflects a growing consensus around the necessity of collective security. However, one must also critically examine the motivations behind this unity. Is it a genuine commitment to upholding democracy, or is it influenced by economic interests and the desire to maintain a favorable balance of power in Europe? The exclusion of Zelenskyy from Trump's earlier summit with Putin is telling; it indicates a lack of respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and the role of its leaders in determining their future. As citizens, we must advocate for a foreign policy that prioritizes the voices of those who are directly affected by these geopolitical maneuvers, rather than reducing their struggles to mere bargaining chips in broader diplomatic negotiations.
For Americans looking to engage in discussions about this complex scenario, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of a principled approach to foreign policy. One actionable step is to call for greater transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign engagements. Citizens can urge their representatives to prioritize diplomatic solutions that respect national sovereignty and human rights over military interventions. Engaging in grassroots activism, writing to local representatives, and participating in public forums can amplify the call for a foreign policy that does not compromise on ethical standards in the pursuit of strategic interests.
Educational initiatives are also key to fostering a more informed citizenry. By promoting discussions around international relations, the historical context of U.S. foreign policy, and the implications of military interventions, we can cultivate a critical understanding among the public. Organizations and educational institutions can play a vital role in facilitating workshops, lectures, and community dialogues that explore these themes. Ultimately, as we navigate these complex issues, it is essential to advocate for a foreign policy that reflects our values as a nation—one that prioritizes diplomacy, respects the sovereignty of nations, and actively works towards peace and stability in conflict-ridden regions around the world.
In light of the events described in the article, there are several concrete actions individuals can take to engage with the pressing issues surrounding international conflict, labor rights, and humanitarian crises. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions you can consider:
### 1. Advocate for Ukraine
**Actions:** - **Write to your representatives**: Express your support for Ukraine and urge them to advocate for robust U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. - **Petition for Increased Aid**: Start or sign petitions that call for increased humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.
**Who to Contact:** - **U.S. Senators**: Find your state senator’s contact information from [senate.gov](https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm). - **Example Email Template**: ``` Subject: Support for Ukraine
Dear [Senator's Name],
I am writing to express my strong support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. I urge you to advocate for robust U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] ```
### 2. Support Peace Initiatives
**Actions:** - **Participate in local peace rallies**: Join or organize peace rallies or vigils that advocate for diplomatic solutions to end the war in Ukraine. - **Engage with peace organizations**: Support or volunteer with organizations focused on fostering dialogue and understanding between conflicting nations.
**Example Organizations**: - **Peace Corps**: [peacecorps.gov](https://www.peacecorps.gov) - **Global Citizen**: [globalcitizen.org](https://www.globalcitizen.org)
### 3. Raise Awareness on Humanitarian Issues
**Actions:** - **Host informational events**: Organize community meetings or webinars to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Ukraine, focusing on the impact on civilians. - **Use social media**: Share informative posts or articles that highlight the plight of civilians affected by the conflicts.
**Example Social Media Campaigns**: - Use hashtags like #StandWithUkraine and #PeaceForGaza to raise awareness.
### 4. Support Labor Rights
**Actions:** - **Support the Flight Attendants Union**: Write letters of support to the union representing flight attendants at Air Canada. - **Participate in labor rights demonstrations**: Attend or organize demonstrations advocating for workers’ rights and fair labor practices.
**Who to Contact**: - **Union Contact**: Flight Attendants Association, [contact information available on their official website](https://www.unitedafa.org). - **Example Email Template**: ``` Subject: Support for Flight Attendants
Dear [Union Leader’s Name],
I stand in solidarity with the flight attendants of Air Canada who are advocating for their rights against the recent return-to-work order. It is crucial that workers are able to negotiate their terms without undue pressure.
Thank you for your commitment to labor rights.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] ```
### 5. Engage with Local and National Media
**Actions**: - **Write op-eds**: Submit opinion pieces to local newspapers discussing the importance of U.S. involvement in international conflicts and humanitarian efforts. - **Radio and Podcast Outreach**: Offer to speak on local radio or podcasts about the issues raised in the article.
### 6. Promote Refugee Support Initiatives
**Actions**: - **Volunteer with local organizations**: Engage with groups that support Ukrainian and Palestinian refugees in your area. - **Fundraising campaigns**: Organize or donate to fundraising initiatives that provide assistance to those displaced by the conflicts.
**Example Organizations**: - **International Rescue Committee (IRC)**: [rescue.org](https://www.rescue.org) - **UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)**: [unhcr.org](https://www.unhcr.org)
### Conclusion By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to addressing complex global issues such as conflict resolution, humanitarian support, and labor rights advocacy. Each small effort can amplify the collective voice demanding justice, peace, and dignity for all affected individuals.