Mon Aug 18 01:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
The text is a collection of news snippets covering various topics including:
* Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington and meeting with President Trump, where Zelenskyy expressed gratitude and the desire for a swift and lasting peace.
* Heavy rainfall and a red alert in Mumbai, India leading to school closures and travel warnings.
* Myanmar’s military junta announcing elections amidst ongoing conflict and criticism.
* Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities just before the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, causing casualties.
* Qantas airline being fined for illegally firing workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Questions raised about the Election Commission’s handling of voter list revisions in Bihar, India.
* A Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, India, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to others.
* The Election Commission releasing a list of voters excluded from a draft voter list in Bihar following a Supreme Court order.
* Donald Trump stating Zelenskyy could end the war immediately with Russia if he wanted to.
* The United States closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan.
* Flooding in Pakistan causing hundreds of deaths.
* Protests in Israel demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages.
**News Article:**
**Zelenskyy Thanks Trump Amidst Ongoing Global Crises**
**Washington D.C.** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for hosting him at the White House, shortly after arriving in Washington. In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated his hope for a swift and reliable end to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace. “I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, ensure security, and our people will always be grateful for the support and assistance of President Trump, all Americans, and every partner,” he wrote.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes amidst a backdrop of escalating global concerns. Just hours before the meeting, reports emerged of Russian attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities, resulting in casualties, including the death of a child in Kharkiv. The Ukrainian Air Force reported Russia launched missiles and 140 drones overnight with varying degrees of success of downing them.
Meanwhile, in India, Mumbai is under a red alert due to heavy rainfall, leading to school closures and warnings for citizens to remain indoors. Authorities are grappling with widespread flooding.
In Myanmar, the military junta has announced elections for December 28, drawing international skepticism. Critics argue the elections are a facade to solidify the military’s power amidst an ongoing civil conflict.
Elsewhere, Qantas airline in Australia was fined heavily for illegally dismissing workers during the pandemic. The Election Commission of India is facing scrutiny over voter list revisions in Bihar. And Pakistan is reeling from deadly floods.
The meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy and the other global issues underline a complex and challenging international landscape.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that the US is closely following the situation between India and Pakistan and seeking to provide any possible opportunity to bring peace to the region.
First Piper 