Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks US President Donald Trump tweeted a "productive" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which they agreed to begin talks to end the war in Ukraine. Trump emphasized the importance of quick talks and potential meetings in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed lasting peace with Trump and emphasized Ukraine's reliance on the US for security guarantees. Both laid out positions regarding Ukraine joining NATO, with Zelensky meeting with US officials at a Munich defense summit to discuss next steps.        

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has slashed over $900 million in contracts and grants from the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The move entails the cancellation of 89 contracts and 29 grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion training. The IES, which is responsible for tracking student progress and conducting educational research, is faced with significant operational challenges as a result of the cuts. Critics argue that the move has the potential to roll back gains in improving educational outcomes, especially after recent data indicating historic lows in reading achievement among American students.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the United States after a 90-minute phone call about ending the Ukraine war. Trump also confirmed he will visit Russia soon as part of ongoing negotiations. He spoke separately with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope for peace. A key meeting is scheduled for Friday in Munich, where U.S. officials will lead discussions. Trump called the war "massive and unnecessary destruction" and urged a resolution. Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out sending American troops as peacekeepers.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has cut nearly $900 million from the U.S. Education Department’s research arm. The move ended 169 contracts, including long-term studies tracking student progress and research on teaching strategies. Critics say these cuts will harm education accountability and student learning. The decision also faces legal challenges, with the agency temporarily blocking DOGE workers from internal systems. Some small businesses lost contracts and had to lay off staff. While supporters argue this is a chance to rethink outdated programs, many warn it could weaken efforts to improve education in the U.S.

US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a long phone call about ending the Ukraine war. Trump said both leaders wanted to stop the deaths and agreed to start peace talks. The Kremlin confirmed the call, saying it lasted 90 minutes. Putin invited Trump to visit Moscow, and Trump plans to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy soon. This is the first confirmed talk between them since Trump took office. The conversation happened after the US ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine, signaling a shift in US policy on the war.

A Russian ballistic missile attack overnight on the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv killed one person and injured four others, including a nine-year-old girl. The Ukrainian military were able to shoot down six of the seven missiles and 71 drones launched by Russia, which caused several fires in the city. The Holosiivskyi, Podilskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Obolonskyi districts in Kyiv were affected. The city of Kryvyi Rih was also damaged in another Russian attack. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned Russian actions, stating that President Putin is not preparing for peace but still destroying Ukrainian cities.

A Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, has arrived in Cairo for talks on the Gaza ceasefire. The group is meeting with Egyptian officials to discuss the ceasefire agreement and ensure Israel follows its terms. An official told AFP that the discussions will focus on ending the crisis and preventing further conflict. Tensions remain high, with concerns that the ceasefire may collapse. Egypt continues to mediate between Hamas and Israel, pushing for a lasting peace. The situation remains uncertain as both sides hold firm on their demands.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US will not send troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers. Speaking at a NATO meeting in Brussels, he also said Ukraine joining NATO is "not realistic." He stressed that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. The US will focus on threats from China and protecting its borders. Hegseth stated that America will not tolerate an unbalanced relationship that creates dependency. His remarks signal a shift in US policy, urging European nations to lead in supporting Ukraine while the US reduces its role in European security.

Palestinians and Israeli hostage families fear the fragile Gaza ceasefire may collapse after Israel's security cabinet backed Donald Trump’s demand for all 76 remaining hostages to be freed by Saturday. Hamas insists it remains committed to the deal, blaming Israel for any delays. In West Jerusalem, hostage families urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to complete the prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdullah rejected Trump’s Gaza takeover plan, opposing Palestinian displacement. The region remains tense as negotiations continue. The ceasefire’s fate now hinges on both sides’ willingness to uphold agreements.

The United Nations Human Rights Office reports that up to 1,400 individuals were killed during a six-week crackdown on student-led protests in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 15, 2024. The protests, initially targeting a government job quota system, evolved into a broader movement against then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently fled to India. The UN cites credible sources indicating widespread violence by security forces, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture, actions potentially amounting to crimes against humanity. A UN fact-finding team is currently investigating these allegations.