Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire negotiations

The latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap negotiations in Cairo between Hamas and Israel, as a positive approach from the Palestinian group was reported on the Egyptian media. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said a Palestinian technocratic administration will run the enclave if a truce is reached under the latest proposal.

Israel’s plan to fully occupy Gaza Strip

The latest situation in the Gaza Strip as Israeli army chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, reportedly approved the main framework of the Gaza City occupation plan, an Israeli army statement said. Possible military escalation in the war-torn enclave.

​​​​​​​Trump to deliver remarks at the White House

US President Donald Trump will hold a news conference at the White House, with Friday’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to top the agenda.

European reactions to Ukraine-related developments

Political developments on the Russia-Ukraine war a day before the upcoming Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted virtual Ukraine talks with the attendance of Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and several European leaders to discuss pressure on Russia and preparations for possible Ukraine peace negotiations.

Heat waves, wildfires across Europe

Heat waves and forest fire-related developments across Europe as some parts of the continent are still in the grip of extreme heat, while wildfires are threatening tourist locations in southern Europe. Nearly 440,000 hectares burnt since the beginning of the year, with at least 1,628 fires detected so far according to the European Forest Fires Information System.

Meeting of Eurasian Economic Union heads of government in Kyrgyzstan

A two-day meeting of the Eurasian Inter-Governmental Council, with planned attendance by the heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union member states, comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The prime ministers will also hold bilateral and multilateral talks on the sidelines of the event.

WHO Africa to hold virtual news conference on mpox, 1 year after emergency declared

The World Health Organization's Africa region experts to hold a virtual news conference marking one year since mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern. Experts will share the latest data, review progress, highlight lessons learned, and outline next steps to curb the disease in Africa.

Pacific Islands' top diplomats meet in Fiji

Pacific Islands' top diplomats meet in Fiji for the annual Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting. Top diplomats of Australia and New Zealand are also attending the meeting which will set the stage for the Forum Leaders’ discussions to be held on Solomon Islands, set for next month.

India, Sri Lanka hold maritime drill

India and Sri Lanka hold their 12th annual five-day maritime exercise, SLINEX-2025, in waters near Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city.

Russia's top parliamentarian visits North Korea

Russia’s lower house chairman Vyacheslav Volodin is on a two-day official visit to North Korea as the Korean Peninsula marks the 80th anniversary of liberation from the Japanese colonial rule on Aug. 15. Volodin likely to meet with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un.

Turkish president to attend his party's anniversary program

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend his Justice and Development (AK) Party's 24th anniversary program at the party's congress center in the capital Ankara.

Türkiye-Qatar diplomatic talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Doha to hold diplomatic meetings with Qatari officials.

THE ECONOMY

UK GDP

The Office for National Statistics to release gross domestic product growth figures for the second quarter. In the first quarter, the British economy grew 0.7% compared to the previous quarter. The office will also release industrial production and foreign trade figures for June.

Eurozone GDP

Eurostat to announce GDP growth figures for the second quarter. In the first quarter, the euro area's economy expanded 0.6% on a quarterly basis. Markets expect the GDP to grow 0.1% in the second quarter.

US producer inflation

The US to share producer price index figures for July. In June, the producer inflation was unchanged compared to May. Markets expect the producer prices to rise 0.2% in July.

US initial jobless claims

The US to release initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims were up by 7,000 to 226,000.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Tactics and strategy: What are Trump’s aims in summit with Putin?

Report analyzing the US objectives ahead of the upcoming Trump-Putin summit, focusing on Washington’s priorities, possible demands, and negotiating tactics.

The story explores what US President Donald Trump aims to secure from talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, including potential deals on security, trade, and conflict resolution. It assesses the concessions Trump might consider, the leverage he could apply, and how his personal rapport with Putin may shape the dynamics and outcomes of the meeting.

The report includes comments from David Kearn, associate professor in government and politics at St. John’s University, on prospects for a major breakthrough and the potential way forward in efforts for a sustainable resolution.

TIMELINE - US-Russia presidential summits through history

Report providing a chronological overview of key meetings between US and Russian leaders, highlighting major outcomes and their aftermath.

The story reviews landmark summits from the Cold War to the present, detailing agreements, disputes, and shifts in bilateral relations that followed.

The report also traces how these encounters have shaped US-Russia diplomacy over decades, offering historical context for the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting.​​​​​​​