Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap talks

Updates on resumption of Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap talks between Israel and Hamas after the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea, visited Doha and met Qatari officials with the aim of restarting the negotiations.

Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation visiting Egypt said the movement is ready to “swiftly” return to the talks.

Israel’s Gaza occupation plan

Israel plans to fully reoccupy Gaza, with reports suggesting the army will call up around 80,000-100,000 reservists. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is said to have approved “the main framework” for the plan.

High-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Alaska

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold an in-person meeting at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders will initially meet one-on-one, followed by inter-delegation talks. Press statements are expected after the meeting, though it is unclear whether they will be held jointly or separately. The conflict in Ukraine is likely to dominate discussions, though other matters may be discussed.

Reactions on Trump-Putin summit

Political developments and reactions as Trump and Putin meet for Ukraine talks in Alaska. Reports suggested Trump will propose profit-making opportunities, including access to Ukrainian minerals, as well as easing some US sanctions, to Putin, in exchange for peace in Ukraine.

Kyrgyzstan to host plenary session of Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

The Kyrgyz resort city of Cholpon-Ata will host a plenary session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. Agenda items include integration tasks within the Eurasian Economic Union, particularly in customs regulation, transportation, stock trading, formation of common markets for medicines and medical devices, as well as environmental protection measures.

Japan commemorates 80th anniversary of World War II

Japan commemorates 80th anniversary the end of war World War II. Statements expected by Japanese leaders as nation marks silence to honor the war dead.

Afghan Taliban mark 4th year of return to power

The interim Taliban administration in Afghanistan commemorates its fourth anniversary of return to power.

Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021 after foreign forces withdrew from the war-torn country.

Australia, Philippines kick of military drill in Philippines

Australia and the Philippines launch 15-day Amphibious and Land Operations drills in Filipino waters. Around 3,600 personnel from the two countries as well as the US, and Canada are participating.

THE ECONOMY

China industrial production

China to announce monthly industrial production figures for July. Retail sales and unemployment rate figures will also be released.

US retail sales

US to announce monthly retail trade figures for July. In June, the retail sales were up 0.6% on a monthly basis. Markets expect a 0.5% rise for July.

US industrial production

US to release monthly industrial production figures for July. In June, the production rose 0.3% month-on-month. Markets expect a 0.2% fall for July.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Alaska summit: What are Ukraine’s hopes and red lines?

Report examining Ukraine’s perspective on the Trump-Putin summit, focusing on its expectations, red lines, and potential compromises.

The story provides an overview of statements from top officials and details what Ukraine hopes the talks might achieve, including security guarantees, territorial integrity and sustained Western support.

The report includes comments from Maksym Skrypchenko, president of the Kyiv-based think tank Transatlantic Dialogue Center, on how Ukraine could respond to possible Russian demands, what concessions it might contemplate, and other potential outcomes.

EXPLAINER – Alaska summit: Anxious Europe’s view on Trump-Putin talks

Report on European responses to the Trump-Putin summit set to be held in Alaska, focusing on support for US-led diplomacy alongside concerns over exclusion from Ukraine peace negotiations.

The story examines how EU institutions and member states are positioning themselves ahead of the meeting, highlighting joint statements from the Coalition of the Willing and the Nordic-Baltic bloc that back US efforts while stressing that any settlement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security.

The report also details divergences within the bloc, including Hungary’s call for direct EU-Russia talks, and covers input from Balkan leaders emphasizing peace terms that do not reward aggression.