Ukraine war briefing: US envoy to meet Zelenskyy, Europe leaders in Berlin

Donald Trump announced that his domestic policy chief, Vince Haley, is prioritizing the construction of a triumphal arch in Washington DC, amidst rising concerns over an affordability crisis affecting millions of Americans. This revelation came during a White House holiday party, where Trump praised Haley's efforts despite criticism regarding the administration's focus on such projects over pressing economic issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to abandon Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO during five hours of talks with U.S. envoys in Berlin, aiming to facilitate peace negotiations with Russia. This marks a significant shift for Ukraine, which has long sought NATO membership as a safeguard against Russian aggression.

U.S. President Donald Trump is urging Ukraine to finalize a peace deal with Russia, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking security guarantees before proceeding with any agreement, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two nations.

President Donald Trump addressed the recent tragic events involving fatal shootings at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and Bondi Beach in Australia, as well as deadly attacks on U.S. soldiers in Syria. These incidents have raised significant concerns about public safety and military engagement abroad.

Three Americans, including two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were killed in an ambush by an Islamic State gunman in Palmyra, Syria. This incident marks the first U.S. casualties in the region since the fall of Bashar al-Assad a year ago, prompting President Donald Trump to vow retaliation against ISIL.

Celebrities, including athletes like Tristan Thompson and artists such as Iggy Azalea, are increasingly promoting cryptocurrency as they pivot from traditional careers. Thompson, nearing the end of his basketball career, has embraced a new role as a crypto investor and consultant, launching a podcast and developing a crypto startup set to debut in 2026.

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump suggested that the border between the United States and Canada is an artificial line that could be more aesthetically pleasing if redrawn. This remark highlights the complexities of historical borders, particularly the straight lines that define much of North America's geography, which were established with limited local knowledge.

U.S. envoys, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have arrived in Berlin to engage in peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid growing frustrations from President Donald Trump regarding delays in negotiations. This meeting aims to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and explore potential resolutions.