Failure of rival health bills underscores impasse in US politics

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following a recent military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean region. This support comes as the U.S. has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro's regime, including the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States is advocating for the establishment of a 'free economic zone' in eastern Ukraine, which would serve as a buffer between conflicting armies. Zelenskyy emphasized that any territorial arrangements would require a referendum to ensure legitimacy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to a new U.S. proposal for a 'free economic zone' in the contested Donbas region, aimed at facilitating a peace deal amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative is part of broader discussions as Ukraine prepares to submit revised proposals to U.S. negotiators.

The U.S. military has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States continues to pressure Ukraine to concede territories to Russia as part of a peace plan. Zelensky highlighted that Washington is advocating for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from certain areas in the Donetsk region, where a proposed 'free economic zone' would be established.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the United States is urging Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the Donbas region, proposing the establishment of a 'free economic zone' in the areas currently under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy expressed concerns that such a plan would be unjust without assurances against Russian territorial advances.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump, who stated that the U.S. will not tolerate sanctioned vessels operating freely at sea. This operation represents a significant escalation in U.S. military actions in the region, particularly against vessels associated with the Venezuelan government.

The U.S. military has seized the Skipper, an oil tanker previously sanctioned in 2022, off the coast of Venezuela, reportedly carrying 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil. This operation, confirmed by President Donald Trump, marks a significant escalation in U.S. military actions in the region, which has seen increased military presence, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier.