Trump says he is pardoning Democratic congressman in bribery case

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a meeting will be arranged between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators following the return of Trump's team from Moscow, where they engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

President Trump has issued threats of U.S. military strikes against Colombia, a move that has sparked anger and disbelief in the country, particularly as it comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations that were once celebrated during the 200th anniversary of ties with Washington.

The White House has announced a pause on immigration applications for individuals from 19 countries deemed 'high-risk,' implementing additional scrutiny for immigrants already in the U.S. This decision follows a memo indicating that those who entered during the Biden administration will face a comprehensive review of their benefit requests.

Moscow is demanding that Kyiv accept its annexation of occupied territories as a condition for peace, following unproductive talks between Russian and U.S. envoys. The areas in question include strategic locations such as Sevastopol and Donetsk, highlighting the ongoing territorial disputes central to the conflict.

President Donald Trump has publicly stated his opposition to Somali immigrants, asserting that the U.S. would be heading in the wrong direction by allowing them entry. His remarks coincided with plans by ICE to conduct operations targeting the Somali community in Minnesota, amid ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and social services fraud linked to this group.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism after stating he did not remain to observe a second military strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, which has drawn ire from Democrats who labeled him 'spineless.' Hegseth's comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of military operations linked to alleged drug trafficking in the Caribbean, particularly concerning actions taken against boats associated with Venezuela.

China is asserting its influence on the global stage, capitalizing on the perceived retreat of the United States under former President Trump. This shift follows a recent trade clash, which has emboldened Beijing to seek greater clout in international affairs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted U.S. negotiators, including representatives from the Trump administration, at the Kremlin for five hours of discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin officials characterized the talks as 'constructive,' although they acknowledged that substantial work remains to be done to reach a resolution.