Russian President Vladimir Putin waves as he and US President Donald Trump (not pictured) hold a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, US, August 15, 2025. "I think we're pretty close to a deal," he said, adding: "Ukraine has to agree to it. Ukraine controls around 6,600 square km of Donbas, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and is claimed by Russia. It was not clear if that meant recognition by the US government or, for instance, all Western powers and Ukraine. Ukraine has passed a law banning Russia-linked religious organisations, of which it considers the church to be one.

Source: bd News24 August 17, 2025 06:26 UTC