The week in pictures: Trump first winner of FIFA Peace Prize, Pope in Lebanon, Sri Lanka Floods

US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet engaged with a US peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This statement follows several days of discussions that did not yield significant progress, although Kyiv has indicated a willingness to continue negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described recent peace talks with U.S. representatives as constructive yet challenging, as he prepares for discussions with European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron. This follows a series of negotiations in Florida aimed at establishing a security framework for Ukraine's postwar future.

President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, marking a presidential first by blending politics with a tribute to notable figures in music and film. This year's honorees included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, and the rock band Kiss.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican congresswoman from Georgia, revealed that many of her colleagues mocked Donald Trump privately before ultimately supporting him after he secured the 2024 Republican nomination. Greene criticized this shift, highlighting the hypocrisy among her peers who once ridiculed Trump.

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar condemned former President Donald Trump's recent remarks labeling Somali immigrants as 'garbage' and suggesting they should leave the U.S., calling the rhetoric 'completely disgusting.' Omar emphasized that such dehumanizing language can incite dangerous actions from those who listen to the president.

Former President Donald Trump criticized Texas Representative Henry Cuellar, whom he pardoned, for not switching political parties from Democrat to Republican. Cuellar is currently running for re-election as a Democrat, which has drawn Trump's ire despite the pardon.

The Kremlin has expressed approval of Donald Trump's latest national security strategy, highlighting its alignment with Russian perspectives. This follows the release of a White House document that critiques the European Union and suggests a desire for improved relations with Russia, coinciding with critical negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is nearing completion, with discussions on the next steps scheduled with Donald Trump later this month. The second phase is expected to focus on the disarmament of Hamas.