While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Aug 14, 2025
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US President Donald Trump said Russia would face "severe consequences" if Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not agree to stop his war in Ukraine.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Trump threatens Putin if he blocks Ukraine peace
US President Donald Trump threatened “severe consequences” if Russia’s Vladimir Putin does not agree to peace in Ukraine but also said on Aug 13 that a meeting between them could swiftly be followed by a second that would include the leader of Ukraine.
Mr Trump did not specify what the consequences could be, but he has warned of economic sanctions if his meeting with Mr Putin in Alaska on Aug 15 proves fruitless.
The comments by Mr Trump and the outcome of a virtual conference with Mr Trump, European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held on Aug 13 could provide encouragement for Kyiv after fears the Alaska summit could end up selling out Ukraine by carving up its territory.
However, Russia is likely to resist Ukraine and Europe’s demands strongly and previously has said its stance had not changed since it was first detailed by Mr Putin in June 2024.
India, Singapore ministers discuss deeper tie-ups
India and Singapore explored deepening their engagement on digitalisation, skills building and industrial parks at a meeting of a key bilateral platform on Aug 13 during Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s visit to the South Asian state.
DPM Gan led a six-member Singapore delegation at the third edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), which aims to boost collaboration between the two nations in emerging fields.
According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press statement, the two sides reaffirmed the close and longstanding relationship between Singapore and India, underpinned by strong economic and people-to-people ties.
Plastic pollution treaty talks in disarray
Attempts to secure a landmark treaty combating plastic pollution descended into disarray on the penultimate day of talks on Aug 13 as dozens of countries rejected the latest draft text, leaving the talks in limbo.
With time running out to seal a deal among the 184 countries gathered at the United Nations in Geneva, several countries slammed a proposed compromise text put forward by talks chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador.
A larger bloc of countries seeking more ambitious actions blasted what they consider a dearth of legally binding action, saying the draft text was the lowest common denominator and would reduce the treaty to a toothless waste-management agreement.
‘Water lettuce’ chokes tourism, fishing at El Salvador lake
The waters of El Salvador’s Lake Suchitlan are normally busy with fishermen and tourists – but this year, you’d be forgiven for thinking it isn’t a lake at all.
The wetland, known for its biodiversity, has been overrun by a floating plant that feeds on chemical pollution, almost completely covering its surface and making it look like a lush, light-green field.
Fed by the waters of the mighty Lempa River, Suchitlan is a 13,500-hectare artificial lake built around 1976, and supplies the Cerron Grande hydroelectric power station.
PSG beat Spurs on penalties to win Uefa Super Cup
European champions Paris Saint-Germain began the new season by lifting more silverware on Aug 13 as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties in the Uefa Super Cup after producing a late comeback to draw the match 2-2.
Spurs looked set to get their hands on the trophy in their first competitive match under new coach Thomas Frank as they led 2-0 just after half-time at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy.
Micky van de Ven gave last season’s Europa League winners the lead on 39 minutes and Cristian Romero got their second goal three minutes into the second half.
