Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are meeting in Alaska to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine, notably without any Ukrainian representation. The conflict has settled into a grinding war of attrition, with Russia now appearing to have the upper hand due to heavy investment in soldiers and drone technology, while Ukraine continues to innovate with low-cost drone attacks. The Trump-Putin relationship remains unpredictable, raising concerns among Ukraine and its allies that a deal could be struck without their input. Meanwhile, the human cost of the war is immense, with over a million soldiers killed or wounded and civilians suffering greatly.

Elsewhere, humanitarian aid to Gaza is increasing but remains insufficient, with deliveries often intercepted before reaching those in need. In the West Bank, extremist settlers are intensifying campaigns of intimidation and land grabbing. Other top stories include Sudan's cholera outbreak, war crimes in Syria, deadly flooding in India, labor unrest in Canada, and scientific breakthroughs helping paralyzed patients communicate. The briefing also covers sports news, cultural highlights, and recommendations for cooking, watching, and listening.