European leaders, including the UK Prime Minister and the French President, convened with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House to counter a US-backed plan that would allow Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territory. This unprecedented display of unity aimed to push back against Trump’s endorsement of the Kremlin’s proposal, which includes Kyiv ceding land in exchange for a ceasefire. The European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, arguing against a land swap and seeking clarity on US security guarantees. While acknowledging Trump’s efforts, they stressed that peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and that Russia must face further sanctions.
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Following a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump faced criticism for failing to secure a peace deal regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Media coverage highlighting the lack of progress triggered a social media outburst from Trump, where he accused the media of distortion and claimed credit for stopping multiple wars. Trump also used the opportunity to promote his bid for a Nobel Peace Prize, a pursuit he has been actively pursuing.
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In response to a request from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, European leaders will meet with former U.S. President Trump in the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict. The meeting, called after Trump’s discussion with Russian President Putin, aims to exchange information and discuss peace efforts following the meeting in Alaska. European leaders, including Chancellor Merz, intend to emphasize Germany’s interest in a quick peace agreement while ensuring Ukraine’s interests and territorial integrity are protected. The meeting serves as a precursor to a potential three-way negotiation including Zelenskyy and Putin, despite Putin’s current reluctance to participate.
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Despite President Trump’s attempts to portray the recent summit with Vladimir Putin as a success, sources within his inner circle suggest a different reality, as one insider bluntly texted, “F–ked.” According to Trump biographer Michael Wolff, the summit resulted in significant losses for Trump, with no tangible gains achieved. The welcome given to Putin, including a red carpet and military flyover, stood in stark contrast to Trump’s subsequent “defeated” demeanor and silence during a press conference where no questions were answered. This outcome is particularly concerning, as Trump did not secure the ceasefire he initially sought, and instead, shifted his goals.
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Following President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents to Washington, D.C., the city’s mayor condemned the intervention as unpatriotic and an overreach of federal power. The deployment, framed by the administration as a response to rising crime, has faced significant backlash, particularly due to its unprecedented nature and potential infringement on home rule. Despite a reported decrease in violent crime, the federal government’s actions include placing the city’s police department under federal control, though a recent deal partially reversed this. Subsequently, several Republican-led states announced they would deploy National Guard troops to the city, further increasing the federal presence.
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According to sources, Russia’s proposed peace plan, discussed by Putin and Trump in Alaska, involves Ukraine ceding significant territory in the east while Russia would relinquish small areas in the north. The deal also includes Kyiv withdrawing from Donetsk and Luhansk, and a freeze on the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Furthermore, the proposal demands formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the lifting of some sanctions against Russia, and a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO. Finally, Russia seeks official status for the Russian language and the free operation of the Russian Orthodox Church within Ukraine.
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The Trump administration has taken several actions that appear to favor Russia, including berating the Ukrainian President, halting military shipments, and easing sanctions. These actions have been widely celebrated in Russia and have led to a perception that Trump has “no cards” to play. While Trump has expressed a desire to end the war, the lack of economic, military, or political tools being used suggests that his wishes can be safely ignored. Ultimately, the U.S. is dismantling its foreign-policy tools, and its ability to act effectively on the global stage is diminishing, leaving the country in a weakened position.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the deployment of 150 Ohio National Guard members to Washington D.C. to support the D.C. National Guard. This action follows a request from the Secretary of the Army, and the Ohio National Guard members will conduct presence patrols and augment security. The deployment is part of a broader trend as other Republican-led states also send troops to the nation’s capital, driven by President Trump’s efforts to increase federal control over policing in D.C.
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Following the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, President Zelensky stated that Russia’s continued refusal to accept a ceasefire hinders the path to a sustainable peace agreement. Despite Trump’s shift toward a rapid peace deal, the Kremlin has rejected demands for a cessation of hostilities, complicating negotiations. Zelensky is preparing for a White House meeting with Trump and European officials on August 18, aiming to clarify details and determine necessary steps. The next step will be to host trilateral talks among Trump, Zelensky, and Putin, though Putin has not publicly agreed to participate.
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Progressives across the country protested President Trump’s efforts to have Republican-led state legislatures redraw electoral maps to benefit GOP candidates, with the main rally held in Austin, Texas. Republicans in Texas are set to be the first to redraw maps at Trump’s behest, a move criticized as breaking precedent and potentially yielding the GOP significant gains in the US House of Representatives. Texas Democrats accused the state GOP of creating districts designed to elect Trump allies and called on progressives to continue competing in these redrawn districts. Protesters also voiced concerns about Governor Abbott’s actions and broader Republican policies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker