ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Aug. 18, 2025

Tonight, breaking news as we come on the air. The high stakes meetings at the White House. President Trump, President Zelensky, and key European leaders pushing for a ceasefire. And a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky. And the state of emergency right now,

Hurricane Erin barreling up the East Coast with life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents. The new track and timing just in. First, that major push for peace in Ukraine. President Zelensky backed by European leaders rushing to the White House for urgent face to face meetings just days after President Trump's summit with Russian

President Vladimir Putin. The leaders pushing for security guarantees to protect Ukraine and for an immediate ceasefire, something President Trump is backing away from after his meeting with Putin. Just hours before the talks in Washington, Russia launching more deadly attacks on Ukraine. And just in, Trump calling Putin after today's meetings, saying they are now beginning to arrange a meeting

between the Russian president and President Zelensky. Rachel Scott is live at the White House. Ian Pannel, standing by in Keys. Hurricane Erin sparking that state of emergency on the East Coast. Tropical storm watches just issued in North Carolina.

Evacuation now underway. Florida all the way up to the Northeast, bracing for impacts. Dangerous rip currents and massive waves as high as 20 feet expected in some areas. Victor Akendo from the Outer Banks,

where preparations are underway right now. Ginger Zee, timing out the storm. A major airline strike sparking travel chaos. 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants defy an order to return to work, crippling that nation's largest airline

and impacting hundreds of thousands of travelers. The urgent investigation after two officers were killed in Utah. A deputy and his service dog wounded. What we're learning about the suspect. The news just coming in. The woman who authorities say sold actor Matthew Perry the drug that killed him

expected to plead guilty. The weight loss drug wars. One drug maker slashing the price ofigovi and Ozempic. What's behind the move? And America Strong tonight, the army veteran on a mission to spread smiles

with a little help from his friends.

♪♪

From ABC News World Headquarters in New York, this is World News Tonight with David Muir.

Good evening, thank you for joining us on a busy Monday night. I'm Mary Bruce, in for David. And we begin tonight with the remarkable, high-stakes show of diplomacy at the White House. Three days after President Trump's summit

with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and Europe's top leaders rushing to the White House in their own effort to stop the war. This was the scene, President Trump welcoming Zelensky to the White House today.

Their meeting far more constructive than Zelensky's last visit to the Oval Office, which spiraled into chaos. The President had been insisting on a ceasefire, but after meeting with Putin, he now says it's not a must before negotiating a peace deal. In an extraordinary moment, Zelensky standing shoulder

to shoulder with President Trump and European allies, calling for security guarantees for Ukraine as a condition to ending the war. And late today, Trump calling Putin after today's meetings, saying they are beginning to arrange a meeting between the Russian president and President Zelensky.

ABC's Rachel Scott leads us off at the White House.

Tonight at the White House, an extraordinary scene of diplomacy, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and some of Europe's top leaders who had raced to Washington to back him up meeting with president Trump in an effort to stop the war from Trump, a warm welcome appearing. Please. The Linsky was wearing a suit this time.

President Trump, sir, your message to the people of Ukraine

as world leaders gather here today.

In the Oval Office, both men seeming determined to avoid a repeat of their explosive clash six months ago.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. If I can, first of all, thank you for invitation and thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you.

President Trump hoping today's meeting will lead to a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that.

Zelensky insisting on security guarantees in case Russia invades again. What security guarantees do you need

from President Trump to be able to make a deal? Is it American troops, intelligence, equipment?

What is it?

Everything. It depends on the big countries, on the United States, on a lot of our friends.

Trump making this commitment.

We're gonna make sure that if there's peace, the peace is gonna stay long term. This is very long term. We're not talking about a two year peace and then we end up in this mess again. Pledging American support. When it comes to security, there's gonna be a lot of help. It's gonna be good. They are first line of defense because they're there. They're Europe, but we're gonna

help them out also will be involved. But on the question of an immediate ceasefire, the president unmoved. Heading to meet with Putin in Alaska, he called it a must.

I wanna see a ceasefire rapidly. I don't know if it's gonna be today, but I'm not gonna be happy if it's not today.

But Putin said no, and Trump backed down. Today, European leaders trying to change his mind. President Emmanuel Macron of France.

To ask for a truce or ceasefire, at least to stop the killings as we discussed, is a necessity. And we all support this idea.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire.

So let's work on that and let's try to put pressure on Russia.

Trump unconvinced.

I like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason, because you'd stop killing people immediately, as opposed to in two weeks or one week or whatever it takes. But we can work a deal where we're working on a peace deal

while they're fighting.

The president confident Putin wants a deal. Earlier, live Mike picking up this conversation between Trump and Francis Macron.

I think he wants to make a deal with me. You understand that? As crazy as it sounds.

The president telling Zelensky and the allies he would soon call Putin to fill him in on the day's talks and discuss next steps.

And Rachel joins us now from the White House. And Rachel, we've just learned that call between President Trump and Vladimir Putin has now taken place. So what are you hearing?

Mary, the president posting on social media that he called President Putin to begin arrangements for a meeting. He says the first meeting that would take place would be between Putin and Zelensky, and that would be followed by another meeting

that the president would then join. Still a lot of questions on when and where these meetings would take place, and of course, whether these two leaders, Linsky and Putin, can make an agreement for lasting peace. Mary.

We shall see, Rachel, thank you. Just hours before the talks in Washington, Russia launching more deadly attacks on Ukraine. Russian forces unleashing deadly drone assaults on civilians in Ukraine. At least six people

killed, including a young child. The attacks underscoring Ukraine's calls for an immediate cease-fire. ABC's chief foreign correspondent Ian Pannell in Kiev.

This is why Ukraine and European leaders are pushing for security guarantees against Russia tonight. President Trump saying Vladimir Putin wants peace, but this was Russia's deadly message ahead of that high-stakes meeting. Drone and missile attacks on major Ukrainian cities killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens more. Five drones striking this one residential complex far away from the battlefield in Ukraine's

second largest city, Kharkiv. It's become a grim routine, emergency crews clawing through rubble, searching for survivors. At least seven people killed, an entire family among the dead, including their 1-year-old daughter, Mia. She and her family lived on the top floor of the building. Their neighbor, Hannah, saying, I saw the little one taking her first steps right in front of my windows.

They were a beautiful family. Trump and European leaders discussing NATO-style security guarantees, potentially protecting Ukraine against further Russian attacks. But Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson calling any NATO contingent in Ukraine unacceptable. And despite all the talk of peace, tonight there is no ceasefire, with Russia's relentless attacks continuing.

Mary, despite the optimism at tonight's meeting, any deal to end this war does still appear to be far off. But after that show of unity, the ball does now seem to be back firmly in the Kremlin's court. Mary?

A deal far off in the attacks continuing, Ian, thank you. We do move on now to Hurricane Aaron growing in size as it moves along the East Coast, states of emergency in the Carolinas. The first Atlantic hurricane of the season, now a category four storm, with winds up to 140 miles per hour possible waves up to 20 feet high

evacuations underway in some areas abc's Victor kendo in the outer banks.

Tonight after battering the Caribbean, a state of emergency in North Carolina coastal areas bracing for up to 20 foot waves as massive hurricane Aaron gain strength. Mandatory evacuation orders for the Outer Banks. Here in Rodanthe, officials are urging everyone to evacuate. The main highway could flood or get washed out entirely. And they're also worried about these homes that are not protected by a dune and could get pummeled by the surf. This video

shows what could happen. This home left floating in the surf after This video This home left floating Ernesto slammed the area not expected to make land as it rapidly intensified blow was enough to hammer Virgin Islands and tens o

Rico lost power. Hurrican the monster storms eye wall and those 160 mile an hour winds. The middle of the eye. A stunning sight. Now Aaron some 600 miles across

preparing to turn north, hugging the East Coast life threatening rip currents from Florida to Maine. Lifeguards racing into the water and Wrightsville Beach, NC. Officials say more than 50

people were rescued just today. Chiefs are on the move to rescue the people of the city. The chiefs are on the move to

rescue the people of the city.

More than 50 people were rescued just today. More than 50 people were rescued just today. People in the outer banks are bracing for a rough few days.

Officials tell me these homes

are very vulnerable. 11 of them have collapsed in the past. to follow those evacuation orders. Mary. Okay, Victor, thank you. So let's get right to ABC's chief meteorologist Ginger Zee tracking the hurricanes every move. Ginger.

Yes, Mary, right now Hurricane Aaron is east of the southeastern Bahamas. It's moving northwest at 10. Eventually, it'll start to move to the north. And right now, the tropical storm force winds are more than 230 miles outside the center. We're the cen see that expand even more do as they move north. An a tropical storm watch no banks of North Carolina.

watch for up to four ft o shore. Remember this is l tons of water at the shor night through thursday, t going to get the closest And why do we know that i the northeast? Well, we'v and so from Wednesday nig that's when we're gonna g clip with the storm. And it's going to turn to the

we've got this ridge to t and that stationary front ejected there right throug let's talk about the impa the coast rip currents ri high, but it's all about

up of that water. The coa comes on top of this as t to the northeast, it's st about the waves and the The coastal erosion that as that thing pulls away still going to be pushin up to Nantucket. But Wedn of the highest totals, th in coastal North Carolina

Nantucket, Rhode Island, to 10 ft generally and so

Mary, as you've been warn some areas hard to to imagine ginger. Thank you. Now to the airline strike grounding hundreds of flights across North America, 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants defying a second order demanding they return to work. The strike now stranding 130,000 passengers a day. ABC's Gio Benitez covers aviation. Tonight, 10,000 flight attendants on strike grounding a major North American airline.

Earlier today, Air Canada saying the Canada Industrial Relations Board has declared the strike unlawful, ordering their flight attendants to get back on the job. But the Canadian Union of Public Employees doubling down on their demands for better

pay. If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it. We're looking for a solution here.

Air Canada forced to cancel hundreds of flights.

We are harming our customers and over 500,000 to date.

Travelers frustrated.

They said that we have canceled all our flights.

Canadian officials say the country, already hit by President Trump's tariffs,

cannot afford to take risks with the economy.

In a year where Canadian businesses and families have faced too much disruption and uncertainty, they shouldn't have to shoulder another blow.

And Mary Air Canada says it is providing customers with a full refund, travel credit or rebooking them on another airline. All flights will be cancelled until at least tomorrow afternoon.

Mary.

NGO, we know you'll stay on this. Thank you. Tonight, authorities are investiga of two police officers in to a domestic disturbanc opening fire moments afte

abc's Aaron Katurski toni are dead and another wound to a domestic disturbance fire. I got some o evident in police radio t been hit. The first offic

at a home in Tremont in N City. Right away, officia Ryan Bate emerged with a

they immediately began ta

officer shot and killed. A second to assist also fatally sho still sitting. Fate then into a sheriff's deputies him and his police servic

down in the intersection

say bystanders eventually convinced the suspect to put down his weapon and he was taken into custody. Bait booked on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of assault. And tonight, Sergeant Lee Sorenson and Officer Eric Estrada remembered his heroes. Domestic calls are volatile, Mary. Responding to them is one of the most dangerous things police officers do. Tonight, the injured deputy is out of the hospital. The suspect is being held without bond.

Mary, just an awful scene. Aaron, thank you. Tonight, the accused drug dealer known as the ketamine queen has agreed to plead guilty to charges connected to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Prosecutors say she illegally sold him the drug leading to his fatal overdose. The fifth and final plea in the case. Here's ABC's Trevor Ault.

Nearly two years after the fatal overdose of Friends star Matthew Perry, the so-called Ketamine Queen is now expected to plead guilty for supplying him with the dose that ultimately killed him. According to court documents,

accused drug dealer Jasveen Sangha offered Perry a sample of ketamine through a friend and within weeks 50 vials would follow the actor had been open about his longtime struggle with addiction speaking with our Diane Sawyer a year before his death.

Addiction the big terrible thing is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together one day at a time. We can beat it down.

Yeah. Your disease is just outside, just doing one-arm push-ups, just waiting, just waiting

for you, waiting to get you alone.

Court documents show after Perry's death, Sengha tried to destroy evidence of her involvement, texting their mutual friend, �Delete all our messages.� Sengha is the fifth and final

person charged in Perry's overdose, all of them pleading guilty.

In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being.

Mary Sangha was just weeks away from her trial and she now admits, quote, I'm pleading guilty because I am guilty of these charges. She faces up to 65 years in prison.

Mary.

Okay, Trevor, thank you. And when we come back, the dramatic rescue, four young girls rescued from Lake Superior. Big price cuts for popular weight loss drugs. What's behind the move?

Plus Amtrak is warning of disruptions tonight after a major train derailment. The video coming in next. Next here tonight, Amtrak is warning a freight train derailment in North Carolina is impacting its services nationwide.

More than two dozen cars loaded with coal derailed this weekend outside Raleigh. The cars are blocking a line used for freight and passenger operations. And a dramatic rescue in Lake Superior. The Coast Guard saving four girls

between the ages of eight and 14, stranded on a rock while paddle boarding, using a helicopter to locate the girls, then hoisting all four from the rock and transporting them to their parents in a nearby field. And when we come back, big cuts to the price

of some popular weight loss drugs. To the Index now, drug maker Novo Nordisk is slashing prices for its popular weight loss drugs. To the index now, drug maker Novo Nordisk is slashing prices for its popular weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wigovi. A month's supply of either drug is being offered for $499, that's half of the prior list price.

Patients can order the drugs from Novo Nordisk or at participating pharmacies, the company hoping to compete with cheaper compounding pharmacies. And when we come back, the company hoping to compete with cheaper compounding pharmacies. And when we come back, the Army vet who's dedicated his life to spreading the love with a little help from his friends.

Finally tonight, the Army veteran and his special mission. Tonight, one Army veteran is traveling the world on a mission to spread joy.

Oh, she heard me.

It all started when former Army helicopter pilot Kevin Bubles was deployed in Afghanistan. One member on the base always made him smile.

Our chaplain brought this little black lab named Zach along, and it was just incredible how this dog could bring people together.

So when Kevin returned to civilian life. What are they doing here today?

Spreading smiles.

He was inspired to start a new beginning with his family.

Therapy dogs are for others. They help us spread joy and help people that are in stressful situations. And so we got Ellie.

Now Kevin and Ellie are on a mission to spread smiles. Little sister Emma, also a therapy dog, joining in their travels.

Could you hug Ellie?

And it's not just service members feeling the love.

You can come pet her. That's so nice helping out at

children's hospitals and easing the stress of these college students during finals week and overseas too. From London to the streets of Slovenia. You guys smile. They're infectious smiles

brightening everyone's day. You're welcome. And right here tonight, Kevin on their dedication to the mission. Anytime you walk away from, say, the Children's Hospital and they're smiling, there's something powerful about that. Proving why dogs are man's best friend. I'm Mary Bruce for David and all of us here. Good are man's best friend. I'm Mary Bruce for David and all of us here. Good

night.