White House Defends Witkoff After Leak of Conversation With Russian Official

A shooting incident occurred in Washington DC, where a lone gunman ambushed two National Guard members near the White House, resulting in both guardsmen being treated for gunshot wounds, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Russia's Kremlin spokesman stated that discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are serious, but emphasized that no concessions will be made. This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for an end to the war, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.

U.S. diplomatic efforts are intensifying to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with discussions involving a revised peace plan initially drafted during the Trump administration. Recent meetings have included U.S. officials and a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, following significant amendments made by Ukrainian representatives to the proposed deal.

A leaked recording has revealed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff advised a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin on how to present a peace plan regarding Ukraine to President Trump. This has reignited long-held suspicions among Ukrainians about Witkoff's loyalties and intentions.

EU's foreign policy chief, Kallas, stated that Russian President Putin is seeking to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, acknowledging that victory on the battlefield is unattainable. This comes amid a push from the US to facilitate peace talks, highlighting the ongoing conflict's complexity and the need for diplomatic solutions.

Negotiations for a revised peace plan between Russia and Ukraine are advancing, with a new proposal drafted by officials from Ukraine, Europe, and the US. This updated plan reportedly drops some of the Kremlin's more extreme demands, although Moscow has not yet responded officially.

The Trump administration is actively pursuing a peace deal for Ukraine, indicating progress despite the chaotic backdrop of international negotiations. Recent discussions have focused on refining the peace plan, with Ukraine making significant amendments to address initial concerns about its demands. This comes as U.S. officials report that only a few details remain to be finalized in the ongoing talks with Russia.

South African police are investigating allegations against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, for purportedly recruiting men to fight for Russian mercenaries in Ukraine. The claims, made by her sister, assert that she lured 17 South Africans under false pretenses and sent them to the Donbas war zone without their consent. The case has been referred to a special police unit, and the presidency is involved in efforts to rescue the men allegedly trapped in the region.