Ukraine Peace Talks Stall Amidst Ongoing Conflict

US and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet in Florida following recent talks in Moscow between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin stated that the Moscow talks yielded 'no compromise' on ending the Ukraine war, while Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that some US proposals were 'more or less acceptable.' Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia emphasized that Russia must 'end the bloodshed.' The meeting in Florida comes amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts, with Ukraine and its European partners pushing for Ukraine's potential NATO membership, which Russia opposes. The EU has reached a deal to end Russian gas imports by 2027, and the European Commission is proposing a €90bn fund for Ukraine's military and basic services.

A top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there is still much work to be done on a Ukraine peace plan after a meeting between Putin and U.S. representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Moscow. The meeting lasted around five hours and was described as constructive but without a compromise on territorial issues. The U.S. had presented a 28-point plan last month, and additional documents were shared during the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to meet with President Trump, pending signals from the American delegation after their meetings in Russia.

A Ukrainian lawmaker, Lisa Yasko, warns that President Trump should not approach peacemaking efforts with Russia like a business deal, as Putin is the 'aggressor' in the war. Yasko expressed concerns that Trump's transactional approach may please Putin but will not bring about real peace. She urged Trump to visit Ukraine to see the impact of Russia's invasion and understand the situation on the ground. The article discusses the recent talks between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, which failed to yield any breakthroughs, and the concerns of European leaders that appeasing Russia may set a dangerous precedent.

A new American-Russian proposal to end the war in Ukraine, drafted by Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev without Ukraine's input, has been presented to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The plan appears to be a Russian wish list, demanding Ukraine's capitulation and including maximalist demands familiar from earlier Russian proposals. Ukraine is unlikely to accept the plan, and the proposal comes at a time when Zelensky is dealing with a corruption scandal.

The article argues that Europe must take responsibility for its own security and provide financial support to Ukraine, as the US under Donald Trump's presidency is unlikely to do so. The recent talks between Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin have not led to a significant breakthrough, and the risk of a deal that compromises Ukrainian sovereignty has decreased due to pressure from European leaders and some Republicans. The article emphasizes that Europe's security is closely tied to Ukraine's stability and that it is in Europe's interest to support Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that US President Donald Trump is the only person who can break the deadlock in Ukraine and initiate peace talks with Russia. Rutte made this statement during a press conference, highlighting Trump's potential influence on the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, is playing a key role in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, despite having no official role in the Trump administration.

New photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate have been released by House Democrats on the Oversight committee, increasing pressure on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release Epstein's files. The photos are part of a larger effort by Democrats to uncover the truth about Epstein's activities and connections. Barry Levine, author of 'The Spider,' a book about Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, discussed the delay in releasing the Epstein files with CNN's Erin Burnett. Democrats are calling for the release of all Epstein-related documents and photos while protecting the identities of victims.

A five-hour meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner failed to yield a breakthrough in efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The discussions covered territorial issues and economic interaction between the two countries, but no compromise was reached. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would continue to work constructively towards a real peace.

Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are skeptical about the US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, fearing that the proposed deal may involve surrendering Ukrainian land to Russia. Anatolii, a 59-year-old Ukrainian soldier, questions how US President Donald Trump would feel if someone took his land, emphasizing the Ukrainian resistance to giving up their territory. The initial proposal suggests Ukraine ceding Donetsk and Luhansk to Russia, which has met with opposition from troops on the frontline. Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are determined to continue fighting to defend their land, despite the toll of living in a warzone.

Ukrainian and European officials have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of 'wasting the world's time' after he rejected the latest iteration of Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine. The plan was discussed during a five-hour meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Putin at the Kremlin. Russian officials described the negotiations as 'useful' and 'constructive,' but Ukrainian and European leaders expressed disappointment, citing Russia's refusal to compromise on territorial issues, particularly the Donbas region. Putin warned that Russia is ready to fight if Europe wants a war, accusing European powers of changing peace proposals with 'absolutely unacceptable' demands. NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte affirming continued military aid to Ukraine.

The article discusses the recent peace talks between Vladimir Putin and a US delegation led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Despite a lengthy meeting, there was no breakthrough, and Putin refused to agree to the latest Ukraine peace plan. The article identifies two main reasons for Putin's stance: Russia's perceived dominance on the battlefield and the belief that US-Russian interests are aligned. The US has consistently taken a position that favors Moscow, and Putin sees an opportunity to strengthen US-Russia relations after the war. The article suggests that the US is more willing to placate Russia rather than pressure it, which has led to a lack of progress in the peace talks.

A 23-year-old Texas oil worker, Caden Hawkins, has been detained in a notorious Mexican prison for nine months after inadvertently crossing the US-Mexico border while returning home from a job. Hawkins was arrested on weapons charges for carrying a legally licensed pistol and ammunition. His family claims it was an 'honest accident' and has been pleading for his safe return, spending tens of thousands of dollars on his case and seeking help from lawmakers. The prison, Cereso Estatal No. 3 in Juarez, is known for its violence and poor conditions. Hawkins' family and lawmakers, including US Sen. John Cornyn and East Texas State Rep. Jay Dean, are calling for federal intervention to secure his release.

The Trump administration has tightened immigration policies for Afghan refugees following a deadly attack in Washington, D.C. by a 29-year-old Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. The attack has led to the suspension of all Afghan immigration cases and the tracking down of nearly 2,000 Afghans with final deportation orders. This has caused panic among Afghan communities in the United States, who fear detention and deportation. Many Afghans had been admitted to the U.S. since the chaotic pullout from Afghanistan in 2021, having worked alongside U.S. troops or supported U.S. operations. The new policies have stirred fears among these refugees, who have built lives in America and are now worried about their future.