US wants Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas and create ‘free economic zone’, says Zelenskyy

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.

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.

Democrats voted down a Republican bill aimed at providing limited relief for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, highlighting the ongoing political impasse in the US regarding healthcare reform.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Vincent Van Peteghem stated that frozen Russian assets will eventually need to be utilized for Ukraine, emphasizing that Belgium will not make reckless compromises in any agreement regarding this matter. Analyst Peter Zalmayev criticized Belgium's stance as defeatist, suggesting it echoes Kremlin narratives about Russia's inevitable victory in the ongoing conflict.