Trump and Putin meet in Alaska for high-stakes talks on Ukraine

The Guardian,

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their first standalone summit since 2018 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, aiming to discuss pathways to halt the war in Ukraine. Key issues include possible ceasefire lines, security guarantees for Kyiv short of NATO membership, Russian territorial demands, sanctions relief and war-crimes accountability. Allies insist any deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Kyiv seeks binding assurances and the return of deported children. Control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and prisoner exchanges are also in focus.

South Korea moves to restore 2018 pact limiting military activity at North Korean border

Reuters,

President Lee Jae Myung plans to revive the Comprehensive Military Agreement curbing drills, setting no-fly zones and dismantling guard posts to prevent accidental clashes. The pact unraveled after North Korean launches and escalating tit-for-tat measures. Seoul’s initiative—paired with halting propaganda broadcasts—aims to rebuild crisis-management mechanisms, though Pyongyang’s cool response clouds prospects for dialogue.

Afghanistan enters fifth year of Taliban rule as rights curbs and aid needs intensify

AP News,

The Taliban have consolidated power under Hibatullah Akhundzada, ruling by decree and sharply restricting women’s rights as humanitarian needs surge and aid declines. Regional engagement has expanded on pragmatic grounds, but rights advocates warn of deepening repression and economic fragility. Social tensions and sporadic violence persist despite the regime sidelining internal rivals.

China presses Thailand and Cambodia to restore border peace at Lancang-Mekong talks

The Straits Times,

After the deadliest Thai-Cambodian clashes in years and a fragile ceasefire, China urged both sides to “restore lasting peace” and floated deeper cooperation in agriculture, water management, energy storage, EVs and photovoltaics, plus stronger cross-border policing. The effort seeks to stabilize a tense frontier and embed monitoring to prevent renewed fighting.

Japanese minister visits Yasukuni Shrine on VJ Day, drawing regional scrutiny

Al Jazeera,

Marking 80 years since Japan’s surrender, a cabinet minister’s visit to Yasukuni—where war criminals are enshrined—sparked predictable backlash from China and South Korea. Tokyo casts such visits as personal tributes, but critics call them historical revisionism. The move adds friction amid wider regional security tensions.

Beijing tells Washington to ‘rein in frontline forces’ after US destroyer nears Scarborough Shoal

South China Morning Post,

China protested the USS Higgins’ transit near the disputed shoal, days after a collision involving Chinese vessels during a confrontation with Philippine ships. Beijing called the move a provocation; Washington says it upholds navigation freedoms. The episode underscores rising risk of miscalculation in the South China Sea.

Indonesia’s Prabowo touts growth while targeting a narrower deficit and higher resource revenues

Bloomberg,

Jakarta aims to accelerate growth while keeping fiscal discipline, funding expanded social programs by boosting resource-based revenues and industrial policy. Markets will watch deficit targets and downstreaming plans as Indonesia navigates global tariff pressures and demand headwinds.

Germany urges Israel to halt West Bank settlement construction, citing international law

Al-Monitor,

Berlin warned that new housing plans in the occupied West Bank violate international law and risk forced evictions. The call reflects growing European unease and signals diplomatic friction with Israel if expansion proceeds.