Reports indicate that former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi declined a phone call from U.S. Vice President JD Vance in early March, shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting. The refusal stemmed from a “principled position” and a desire for unity, according to sources, with Vance’s team exploring potential replacements for President Zelensky. Despite hinting at political interest, Zaluzhnyi has not officially declared his candidacy, but polls show significant public support for him. In addition, there are reports of meetings between individuals close to Donald Trump and other Ukrainian figures.
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President Trump has made the decision to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO, citing its support for “woke, divisive cultural and social causes” as the primary reason. This marks a reversal of the Biden administration’s 2021 decision to rejoin the organization after the U.S. had previously withdrawn during Trump’s first term. The withdrawal follows a 90-day review requested by Trump in February, which included a focus on potential anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within UNESCO. This move continues a pattern of the Trump administration distancing itself from global entities, including the World Health Organization.
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According to a CNN report, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in a private fundraiser that he threatened Vladimir Putin with bombing Moscow if Russia attacked Ukraine. Trump allegedly stated Putin was skeptical but “believed me 10%,” and made similar threats to Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan. These claims come amidst Trump’s campaign assertions that he would have prevented the 2022 invasion, shifting blame to the current administration. Simultaneously, Trump has recently expressed more critical views of Putin, signaling support for sanctions and air defense supplies for Ukraine, contrasting with earlier hesitations to pressure Moscow.
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In Seville, Spain, a global assembly excluding the United States convened to address the widening disparity between affluent and impoverished nations, aiming to secure trillions of dollars for development initiatives. The four-day Financing for Development meeting, co-hosted by the U.N. and Spain, seeks to bridge a $4 trillion annual financing gap to combat poverty and achieve the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Despite the global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the conference hopes to ensure access to food, health care, education, and water for all. The U.S., however, rejected the outcome document and withdrew, citing concerns over the proposed reforms regarding international financial institutions, trade, tax, and innovation. The Seville Commitment document, approved by consensus, will be adopted by conference participants without changes.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced her continued opposition to a potential conflict with Iran in a lengthy social media post. Greene expressed concerns about the possibility of Iranian attacks on American soil and being drawn into another war. She contrasted the focus on Iran with the lack of military action against domestic threats like cartels. Greene further emphasized her support for Israel’s right to defend itself while simultaneously opposing U.S. involvement in any potential conflict with Iran, even if initiated by Israel.
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The Trump administration is actively pursuing the annexation of Greenland, a plan involving a potential $10,000 annual payment to each resident to replace Danish subsidies. This initiative, involving multiple cabinet departments and the National Security Council, prioritizes diplomatic persuasion over military action, though force remains unruled out. Cost-benefit analyses are underway, exploring the potential revenue from Greenland’s natural resources against the expense of administering the territory. Despite strong Greenlandic opposition and Danish criticism, the U.S. continues its pursuit, recently evidenced by Vice President Vance’s visit to a U.S. military base on the island.
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Defense Secretary Hegseth announced a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing domestic security and deterring conflict with China over European security. This includes abandoning Kyiv’s war aims in Ukraine and reducing America’s commitment to European defense, urging European nations to increase their own defense spending. The administration plans to maintain a nuclear umbrella over Europe but will withdraw conventional forces, potentially undermining deterrence and encouraging nuclear proliferation. This policy shift risks destabilizing Europe, jeopardizing long-standing alliances, and increasing the likelihood of future conflict.
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In response to concerns about Panama’s cooperation, Hegseth affirmed the U.S.’s right to ensure free and unfettered access to the Panama Canal, citing the neutrality treaty. He emphasized the President’s commitment to this principle and the Defense Department’s preparedness to act accordingly, though specifics remained undisclosed. Maintaining strategic uncertainty was highlighted as a key element of the approach. Ultimately, freedom of navigation will be ensured, with or without direct Defense Department involvement.
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While French Minister Barrot dismissed the likelihood of a U.S. invasion of Greenland, he acknowledged a concerning shift towards a “survival of the fittest” global landscape. This follows President Trump’s refusal to rule out military action to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal. German Chancellor Scholz, meanwhile, strongly reaffirmed the inviolability of borders as a cornerstone of international law and Western values, implicitly criticizing any potential U.S. aggression. The European Commission has yet to comment on the matter.
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John Q. Hosedrinker