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Following President Trump’s harsh criticism of Vladimir Putin on social media, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributed Trump’s remarks to “emotional overstrain.” This statement contrasts sharply with Peskov’s earlier expression of gratitude for Trump’s role in facilitating negotiations. The shift in tone occurred just one week after Trump reported a positive phone call with Putin. Peskov acknowledged the high-stakes nature of the current situation as a contributing factor to heightened emotions.
Despite President Trump’s threat of a 50% tariff on all EU goods entering the US, the EU remains committed to securing a mutually beneficial trade agreement based on respect, not coercion. The EU’s trade commissioner emphasized the bloc’s engagement and readiness to defend its interests. However, Trump’s impatience with negotiations and his stated intention to implement tariffs on June 1st, despite potential delays contingent on significant European investment, has raised concerns across Europe. European leaders have warned of the damaging consequences of escalating tariffs, advocating for continued negotiations as the best path forward.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned Britain, France, and Canada for their criticism of Israel’s Gaza offensive, accusing them of implicitly supporting Hamas. He asserted that their calls for a ceasefire and sanctions against Israel emboldened Hamas, citing Hamas’s appreciation of their statements. Netanyahu declared that these nations’ actions placed them “on the wrong side of history,” despite their previous condemnation of the October 7th attacks and antisemitism. The statement followed a shooting in Washington, D.C., where the suspect allegedly shouted “Free Palestine.”
Following a shooting in Washington, D.C., Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine advocated for nuclear strikes on Gaza, drawing parallels to World War II. He further decried Palestinian culture and expressed a desire for its defeat. This inflammatory rhetoric echoes similar sentiments from other Republicans, including Rep. Andy Ogles, who has openly called for the death of all Palestinians. Even former President Trump has proposed seizing and demolishing Gaza.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump informed several European leaders that Vladimir Putin believes he is winning the war in Ukraine and has no intention of ending hostilities. Despite this acknowledgment, Trump opposes further sanctions on Russia, favoring lower-level talks mediated by the Vatican. He expressed reservations about an “unconditional” ceasefire, a term he previously used, and showed wavering commitment to direct US involvement in the proposed negotiations. This private admission contrasts with Trump’s prior public statements claiming Putin desires peace.
International pressure is mounting to recognize the state of Palestine, with France explicitly stating its intention to do so. The UK, having suspended trade talks with Israel over its blockade of Gaza aid, is now engaged in high-level discussions regarding Palestinian statehood. This comes amidst a UN-sponsored conference and concerns over potential loopholes in the UK’s arms export ban to Israel, prompting parliamentary investigations into a significant increase in approved military equipment licenses. The possibility of recognition raises questions about its implications for businesses operating in the occupied territories and the need for reciprocal Israeli recognition, currently deemed unfeasible.
In a tense exchange with Congressman Keating, Secretary Rubio confirmed Russia’s aggression in invading Ukraine and acknowledged the occurrence of war crimes. However, he refused to directly label Vladimir Putin a war criminal, prioritizing the goal of ending the war as the immediate focus. Rubio’s avoidance of a direct answer contrasted with Treasury Secretary Bessent’s earlier affirmation of Putin’s war criminal status. This reluctance highlights a potential divergence in US government messaging regarding accountability for Russian atrocities.
President Trump’s Oval Office meeting with South African President Ramaphosa was dominated by Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of a white genocide in South Africa, despite evidence refuting this narrative. Ramaphosa repeatedly attempted to correct Trump’s misinformation, urging him to listen to the perspectives of South Africans, including friends of Trump’s residing in the country. Trump, however, remained unconvinced, citing selectively presented evidence and even playing inflammatory videos, ignoring Ramaphosa’s pleas to address the broader issue of crime affecting all South Africans, not just white farmers. This ultimately overshadowed discussions regarding potential U.S. aid to combat crime in South Africa.
Following Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and the blockade of aid, the U.K. suspended free trade talks and imposed sanctions on three individuals, two illegal settler outposts, and two organizations. This action, mirroring similar concerns voiced by other allies including France and the U.S., stems from the government’s condemnation of Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, while the EU is also reviewing its trade pact with Israel. Prime Minister Starmer called the situation “utterly intolerable” and reiterated the need for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid.
John Q. Hosedrinker