Tomorrow’s critical mineral resilience starts with today’s Ukraine investment

Lawmakers are currently debating former President Donald Trump's proposed timeline for a peace deal in Ukraine, as negotiations remain stalled due to disagreements over territorial concessions. This situation has created a rift on Capitol Hill, highlighting differing opinions on how to approach the ongoing conflict that has persisted for four years.

President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over stalled peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine, indicating he does not wish to waste time on negotiations. He has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that Zelenskyy is unprepared to endorse a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to hold urgent talks with leaders from approximately 30 countries to discuss securing fair terms for ending the ongoing war with Russia. This meeting comes amid escalating military actions between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the urgency of diplomatic efforts in the region.

Tens of thousands of residents in western Washington are facing potential evacuation orders as heavy rain continues to impact the region, with rivers approaching historic flood levels. The forecast indicates another round of intense rainfall on Thursday, raising concerns about catastrophic flooding.

Bajun Mavalwalla, an Afghanistan war veteran, has been arrested on felony conspiracy charges following his participation in a protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Spokane, Washington. He maintains his innocence and is preparing for a jury trial, while others arrested during the same protest have opted for plea agreements to avoid lengthy prison sentences.

The Federal Reserve has announced a cut in interest rates for the third time this year during a rate-setting meeting in Washington, which occurred amid a data blackout due to the prolonged federal government shutdown this fall. This decision reflects ongoing economic challenges and inflation concerns that have influenced the Fed's monetary policy.

The next Federal Reserve chair will face the challenge of gaining the confidence of President Trump while also appealing to Wall Street, as highlighted in the latest WSJ Politics newsletter. This dual obligation underscores the intricate balance required in U.S. economic leadership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any territorial concessions to Russia, amid ongoing discussions for a peace plan led by the Trump administration. This stance complicates diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, as military actions by Russia continue to escalate, targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine.