A planned joint press conference in Kyiv between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kurt Volker, then-U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, was called off. The cancellation was initiated by the United States. No specific reason for the cancellation was given in the initial reporting. Further details regarding the reasons behind the decision remain unavailable.
Amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion, Ukrainian citizens express growing concern over President Trump’s increasingly pro-Russia stance and attacks on President Zelenskyy, fearing a loss of crucial US support. This concern is fueled by Trump’s actions, including a lengthy call with Putin, echoing Kremlin propaganda, and labeling Zelenskyy a dictator. Zelenskyy’s refusal of US demands for a significant portion of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals further strained relations. While some US Republicans have pushed back against Trump’s narrative, the shift in US policy has left Ukrainians feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
Prime Minister Starmer will present a plan to President Trump proposing a 30,000-strong European peacekeeping force for Ukraine, contingent upon a US-brokered ceasefire. This Anglo-French initiative involves deploying troops to key infrastructure, supported by technical monitoring and air power to deter Russian aggression. The plan, significantly smaller than Ukraine’s requested deployment, aims to reassure Ukraine and prevent renewed conflict while avoiding direct NATO-Russia confrontation. The strategy relies on a US “backstop” of air power in Eastern Europe to deter Russia, minimizing American troop deployment in Ukraine itself.
Eight Latin American drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, have been officially designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by the Trump administration, a move announced Wednesday and to be published Thursday. This designation, enabled by a January 2020 executive order, utilizes a label typically reserved for politically motivated groups, but the administration justifies it based on the cartels’ transnational operations, including drug and human trafficking, and violent territorial expansion. Critics express concern that this broad label could negatively impact U.S.-Latin American relations and trade due to the potential for unintended legal repercussions for businesses. Mexico has affirmed its commitment to combating cartels within its own borders while maintaining its sovereignty.
Ukrainians, stunned by recent comments, are grappling with a profound shift in their perception of the United States. The feeling of betrayal runs deep, fueled by a sense that unwavering support is no longer guaranteed. This isn’t simply a matter of political disagreement; it’s a crisis of trust that casts a long shadow over the future of their nation and the broader international landscape.
The widespread belief that the U.S. has abandoned its allies leaves Ukrainians feeling vulnerable and isolated. The narrative of exploitation, perceived by many as propaganda, further erodes confidence in American intentions. This perception of betrayal isn’t limited to Ukraine; it extends to other allies, creating a widespread sense of unease and questioning the reliability of the United States as a global partner.… Continue reading
Following a U.S.-Russia meeting in Riyadh, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak criticized the United States for ceding diplomatic leadership to Russia regarding potential Ukraine peace talks, arguing this weakens the U.S. position and undermines Ukraine’s interests. Podolyak expressed concern over a lack of Ukrainian involvement and briefing regarding the talks, questioning the efficacy of a “peace through strength” strategy. He further highlighted President Trump’s false claims blaming Ukraine for the war and suggesting Zelenskyy is a dictator, raising concerns about potential Russian interference in Ukrainian elections.
China is seizing a significant global opportunity, capitalizing on the perceived missteps of the United States under its current leadership. The contrast between China’s promises of dependable partnerships and the perceived erratic actions of the US is shaping international relations, particularly in Latin America.
This shift is creating a compelling narrative where countries previously aligned with the US are reconsidering their alliances and exploring alternative partnerships. The perception is that the current US administration’s policies are unpredictable and detrimental to long-term international cooperation, leaving a void that China appears eager to fill.
The current US approach to global relations is viewed as self-destructive, with actions that damage not only other nations but also the US itself.… Continue reading
Nearly 300 undocumented migrants, deported from the US to Panama, are being held in a luxury hotel under strict guard. While 171 have agreed to return to their home countries, the remaining migrants face an uncertain future, potentially facing transfer to a Darién province camp. The Panamanian government maintains the migrants are in “temporary custody” for their protection, though concerns exist regarding their access to legal counsel and freedom of movement. International organizations like the IOM are providing support, assisting with voluntary repatriation and exploring alternative solutions for those not returning to their origin countries.
Vice President Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, praising Germany’s far-right AfD party, was viewed as blatant political interference by European officials and a sign of disarray within the Western alliance. Trump’s subsequent endorsement of Vance’s comments, coupled with Elon Musk’s support for the AfD, further damaged transatlantic relations. Secretary Hegseth’s statement prioritizing American interests over European security, and Trump’s planned private talks with Putin excluding Ukraine, intensified concerns about US reliability as an ally. This culminated in an emergency meeting of European leaders to discuss independent European defense, highlighting the potential for a weakened transatlantic partnership.
Zelenskiy’s resolute statement, “I can’t sell Ukraine,” underscores a critical point about the proposed US minerals deal. It highlights the inherent impossibility of bartering away a nation’s sovereignty, even in the face of immense pressure and a desperate need for resources. The very notion suggests a transactional view of a country and its people, reducing their existence to mere commodities in a geopolitical game. This perspective fundamentally disregards the complexities of national identity, self-determination, and the human cost of such a deal.
The idea of selling off Ukraine’s mineral resources feels incredibly offensive to the very principle of national identity. It’s not simply a matter of economic exchange; it’s about the core values of independence and self-governance.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood