The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, said that the meeting in Florida with top US officials was “productive and successful.”
“Our objective is a prosperous, strong Ukraine,” Umerov told reporters, “We discussed all the matters that are important for Ukraine. And the US was super supportive.”
Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin is defending President Donald Trump’s military pressure campaign against Venezuela, saying in an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” today that Trump is being proactive in targeting alleged drug operations — but that doesn’t mean an invasion.
Mullin said Trump will not put US troops on the ground in the South American country, and added that the president has not “committed” to launching land strikes on Venezuela. Trump implied last week that strikes could happen imminently.
If you missed it, you can watch Mullin’s interview below:
• Ukraine talks: Top Trump administration officials are meeting now with a delegation from Kyiv in Florida, with a source telling CNN the talks have been “tough but very constructive” so far. Key sticking points remain as the US mounts a flurry of diplomacy to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Venezuela tensions: President Donald Trump is also maintaining his pressure campaign against Venezuela, which the administration says is aimed at cutting off the flow of drugs from South America. Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have expressed alarm about Trump’s use of the military in the region as he threatens potential land strikes in Venezuela.
• Immigration crackdown: Trump is doubling down on aggressive anti-immigration policies after last week’s shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC. An Afghan national is suspected of carrying out the attack.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner meet with Ukrainian officials in Hallandale Beach, Florida on Sunday. Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images
From CNN’s Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Matthew Chance
Talks in Florida between top US officials and a Ukrainian delegation aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are “tough but very constructive,” a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told Xenix News
Meanwhile, Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya shared an upbeat assessment of the talks on social media.
“It’s been a good start of the ongoing meeting. Very engaging and so far constructive,” Kyslytsya wrote. “Warm atmosphere, conducive to potential progressive outcome.”
Keep in mind: Last week, a Ukrainian source outlined at least three critical sticking points that remained unresolved ahead of today’s talks and a US visit to Moscow later this week.
Xenix NewsBilly Stockwell and Mariya Knight contributed to this report.
Meanwhile, Tennessee holds a special election this week. Xenix News spoke with the Democratic candidate
Behn is running to fill the seat of former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned this year. Democrats are hoping to use the playbook that brought their party success earlier this month in a district President Donald Trump carried by 22 points in 2024.
In a wide-ranging interview on “Inside Politics Sunday,” Behn wouldn’t answer directly when pressed by Xenix News Manu Raju on issues fracturing Washington.
Asked repeatedly if she would have voted to reopen the government during this year’s shutdown, Behn said that if she had been in office at the time, she would have wanted to hear from constituents at town halls before deciding.
Asked by Raju if she has confidence in her party’s leaders, Behn pointed to a “new generation of leadership” who “want to see Democratic leaders that step up, especially in moments like this that require a fearless, bold leadership.”
She would not say whether she would vote for Hakeem Jeffries to become House speaker if Democrats take back the majority next fall.
“We represent very different districts, and I’ve got 48 hours to flip a congressional district and really send a message to Washington, like I said, that they need to get serious about health care costs,” she said.
Behn, who will hold a tele-rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tomorrow, said she’s aligned with the “strain of the Democratic party that cares about holding corporations accountable” and other affordability issues.
She declined to say whether she agrees with Ocasio-Cortez’s message about abolishing ICE. She also highlighted the participation in the rally of former Vice President Al Gore, along with the progressive firebrand.
In a significant shift within Israel’s political landscape, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially sought a pardon in his protracted corruption case—an action that has shocked lawmakers, divided his backers, and prompted international concerns about the future of Israel’s judicial autonomy.
As per initial reports obtained first by Xenix News, high-ranking Israeli officials privately acknowledged that the prime minister made the request following weeks of internal discussions and increasing legal strain.
Netanyahu’s legal proceedings, featuring allegations of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, have extended over multiple years and consistently influenced the political environment in Jerusalem. However, the plea for a pardon represents his most straightforward effort thus far to conclude the case—and potentially reshape Israel’s political terrain.
Intensifying Legal Challenges Drive Netanyahu to Consider Unprecedented Action
Sources knowledgeable about the situation informed Xenix News that Netanyahu’s close advisers had been discreetly readying for this occasion while prosecutors were still showcasing what they claim is “overwhelming and thoroughly documented” evidence.
Why at this moment?
Experts think three key elements led to the demand:
A declining political foundation within the Knesset
Increasing public irritation regarding the delayed trial
An apprehension regarding fresh testimonies anticipated from crucial witnesses in the upcoming weeks.
Legal specialists indicate that the mere submission of the request suggests that Netanyahu thinks his situation is moving into a crucial—and possibly adverse—stage.
What opinions do reviewers express?
Opposition figures immediately condemned the action.
Another critic characterized the pardon request as an effort to “alter the standards of accountability in Israel.”
Netanyahu’s Defense Team Responds Firmly
Netanyahu’s legal team argues that the request is not an admission of guilt but rather a defense against what they describe as a “politically motivated prosecution.”
Xenix News received a comment from a high-ranking legal advisor associated with Netanyahu, who claimed:
“The prime minister is dealing with a judicial system that has been turned into a weapon against him.” The request for a pardon is a constitutional tool that shields elected officials from unfair legal action.
Why persist with a trial that diverts attention from national security?
Should a leader during wartime face prosecution while still in office?
Isn’t a pardon a valid constitutional instrument?
Adversaries respond:
Is any leader exempt from the law?
What signal does a pardon given before a verdict convey to the justice system?
Does this undermine Israel’s democracy?
Xenix News correspondents on-site report intense street conversations, social media confrontations, and swiftly arranged demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Increasing Global Issues
Global entities are attentively observing the circumstances.
At the same time, experts caution that the situation may also affect Israel’s alliances, regional talks, and future diplomatic influence.
Preguntas y respuestas: ¿Qué sucederá a continuación?
Xenix News addresses crucial inquiries influencing the upcoming stage.
Question: Is the president allowed to issue a pardon prior to the conclusion of the trial?
Answer: Indeed, legally feasible—but historically very uncommon and politically hazardous.
Question: Does receiving a pardon mean Netanyahu is automatically removed from his position?
Answer: Not in a direct manner. However, politically, it could undermine his position and trigger demands for him to step down.
Question: If not approved, what choices does Netanyahu have?
Answer: His team might ask for a conditional pardon, pursue delays, or advocate for alterations in evidence processes.
Question: Might this lead to new elections?
Answer: Experts indicate that the political consequences might lead coalition members to call for a vote.
A Pivotal Moment for Israel
No matter what occurs next, the nation finds itself at a significant juncture in history.
Netanyahu’s plea challenges enduring beliefs regarding political authority, legal responsibility, and the equilibrium between administration and justice.
As Xenix News remains focused on monitoring every advancement, one fact is evident:
This case will influence the direction of Israeli politics well beyond any decision rendered.
High-ranking Ukrainian officials were startled by a significant political upheaval when President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leading economic adviser unexpectedly resigned, only hours after Ukraine’s anti-corruption police conducted a search of his home. The revelation, which Xenix News discovered before other global media, has sparked heated discussions regarding the robustness—and the future—of Ukraine’s accountability measures during the war.
An Unexpected Departure During Increasing Examination
As per officials knowledgeable about the situation, the adviser—commonly regarded as one of the president’s closest policy strategists—resigned late Tuesday after a lengthy investigation carried out by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). Authorities reportedly confiscated documents, electronic devices, and financial information as part of a continuing investigation into purported misuse of state recovery funds.
The timing of the procedure is crucial. It arrives at a time when Ukraine is facing increased global scrutiny, as Western allies call for greater transparency while billions in military and economic aid keep entering the nation.
For numerous onlookers, the departure of the adviser signifies the clearest indication that Zelensky’s administration—already managing a comprehensive conflict—is entering a new and highly unpredictable stage of internal political responsibility.
Anti-Corruption Efforts Accelerate as Kyiv Seeks Stability
In recent months, Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies have become more assertive, a change propelled by external pressure from European Union officials, who have linked future membership discussions to visible advancements in domestic reforms.
A high-ranking Ukrainian law enforcement official informed Xenix News that the raid on Tuesday was “not an isolated incident,” characterizing it as a component of a “systemic effort aimed at addressing high-level misconduct throughout the government.”
The consultant, viewed as an important player in developing Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding strategies, had recently managed multiple significant funding distributions. Authorities are allegedly looking into whether specific contracts were granted without adequate supervision.
International analysts assert that the symbolism holds as much importance as the accusations.
“Ukraine aims to convey that wartime conditions do not exempt government officials from oversight,” stated a European diplomatic advisor familiar with the matter.
What occurs next? An Analysis of the Main Questions
What prompted the adviser to resign right away?
Political insiders suggest that staying in office while under investigation would have heightened political pressure on the president. Zelensky has consistently promised a firm stance against misconduct, indicating that any official facing suspicion risks being seen as a liability.
Does this indicate instability within the government?
Not必然。 Numerous specialists contend it illustrates the contrary—that Ukraine is enhancing its institutional autonomy amid war instead of diminishing it.
Nevertheless, parliamentary critics contend that these prominent resignations might erode public confidence during a delicate time.
What is Zelensky’s reaction?
The president has not released an extensive statement, but close aides indicate Zelensky promptly accepted the resignation to prevent disruption of current military strategy meetings. A new acting advisor is anticipated to be named in the coming days.
Might Western assistance be influenced?
Global partners monitor corruption cases in Ukraine attentively. Analysts suggest that firm measures—such as resignations and raids—can enhance confidence among allies instead of diminishing it.
Within the Inquiry: What Detectives Searched For
Sources knowledgeable about the operation indicate that the raid targeted financial transactions related to infrastructure reconstruction, an area that has become crucial yet susceptible as Russian attacks persist in ravaging Ukraine’s energy network, housing, and transport systems.
Authorities allegedly examined emails, contracts, and encrypted communications saved on various personal and government-issued devices.
An official characterized the investigation as “broad in range yet specific in intent,” mentioning that further raids on other officials are “likely but not verified.”
Political Responses: Composed Remarks, Frayed Mood
Prominent figures from Zelensky’s governing party openly showed trust in NABU’s efforts, presenting the raid as proof of Ukraine’s commitment to seek accountability free from political influence.
Opposition legislators, nevertheless, took the resignation as evidence that corruption is deeply rooted within the upper echelons of government.
A leader of the opposition stated that the advancement “merely touches on the surface” of what he referred to as “profound systemic problems” in Ukraine’s reconstruction organizations.
Even with differing opinions, both parties appeared to concur on one matter: the timing—during wartime and in the depths of winter—establishes a politically heightened atmosphere where ordinary inquiries have escalated outcomes.
A Country in Conflict, a Administration Under Scrutiny
The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has severely impacted its economy and put pressure on its institutions. International partners have continually commended the nation’s resilience, but they have also emphasized the necessity for strong internal oversight.
The resignation underscores the fragile balance Kyiv must uphold: waging a violent war while demonstrating that its democratic and anti-corruption frameworks are still functional.
Responses among typical Ukrainians vary. Certain individuals view the action as comforting—proof that no official is exempt from examination. Some worry it indicates greater instability at a time that’s already dangerous.
Conclusion: A Crucial Assessment for Ukraine’s Destiny
As investigators persist in their efforts, the political repercussions from the adviser’s departure are expected to extend well past Kyiv. For Zelensky, the event signifies a challenge and a chance: an opportunity to reinforce Ukraine’s dedication to transparency, yet also a test of his administration’s capability to uphold unity amid exceptional pressure.
National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe. Andrew Wolfe/Facebook
Snapshots from 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe’s Facebook showcase the upbeat nature of the US Air Force staff sergeant, who is among the National Guard members severely wounded in Wednesday’s shooting.
Wolfe, originally from Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a member of the 167th Airlift Wing in the West Virginia Air National Guard, having been part of the Force Support Squadron since he enlisted on February 5, 2019.
Officials reported that Wolfe and the other victim, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, are still hospitalized in critical condition following their surgeries.
National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe. Andrew Wolfe/Facebook
Neighbors describe Wolfe as a “wonderful person” and label the shooting as “frightening.”
Written by Alison Main, Gabe Cohen, Nicky Robertson, and Logan Schiciano
Neighbors of Andrew Wolfe remarked that the shooting of the 24-year-old Martinsburg, West Virginia native in Washington, DC, this week felt very personal.
Michael Langone shared with CNN that he has been neighbors with Wolfe for roughly two years, and characterized him as a “wonderful person” who would “sacrifice anything for others.”
Wolfe and 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom were shot yesterday while serving on National Guard duty in the capital of the nation. Federal authorities report that they are still in critical condition.
Langone stated that the shooting was beyond comprehension for the close community. “We haven’t experienced any problems, and we feel fortunate to have him living nearby, and I just wish his family is alright,” he stated.
Shooting suspect extradited to the US because of previous collaboration with the government, including the CIA.
By Zachary Cohen of Xenix News
Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe testifies during a hearing at the Longworth House Office Building in March. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images/File
The individual accused of shooting two National Guard members was transported to the United States because of his “previous employment with the U.S. “Government, encompassing the CIA, as a component of a coalition in Kandahar,” said CIA Director John Ratcliffe in a communication to XenicNews
Ratcliffe noted that the supposed gunman appeared following the exit of US troops from the region.
Fox News had previously reported Ratcliffe’s statement. FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned at a press conference today that the suspect “was linked to allied forces in Afghanistan.”
Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 through “Operation Allies Welcome.” He sought asylum in 2024, and it was approved in April 2025.
Another neighbor, Tina Gesford, described Wolfe as a “positive, good kid” and highlighted the fear the shooting has created in the community.
XenixNews was the first to pinpoint significant advancements in the multi-state investigation.
Federal authorities are ramping up their quest for information following a shooting that involved a member of the District of Columbia National Guard, leading to a wide-ranging inquiry stretching from Washington, DC to cities along the West Coast. Recently uncovered information, examined by XenixNews, provides an initial glimpse into the suspect involved in the case—though authorities warn that numerous details are still being investigated and are subject to change.
Officials state that the gunfire, which took place during a tumultuous incident late last week, caused various agencies to rush to coordinate across different jurisdictions. The case has quickly expanded in scope, with federal law enforcement, military investigators, and state officials collaborating to reconstruct the events preceding the gunfire.
XenixNews has communicated with federal sources, examined initial records, and collected early remarks to comprehend what investigators think at this stage.
An Expanding Nationwide Inquiry
Federal officials report that the suspect—whose name has not been officially disclosed—was already known to investigators because of previous encounters with law enforcement. Officials stress that the specifics of those interactions are still under scrutiny, and no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding their significance to the ongoing case.
A senior federal investigator characterized the investigation as “dynamic, complex, and not yet finished,” informing XenixNews that teams on each coast are currently tracking the suspect’s travel history, online presence, and communication habits.
Q: Are detectives considering this a deliberate assault?
A: “It’s premature to determine the motive,” the official stated. “We are gathering information from several states.” “Nothing is excluded, and nothing is validated.”
As officials attempt to piece together the suspect’s recent activities, forensic experts are examining ballistic evidence, surveillance videos, and vehicle information that could clarify the events just prior to the shooting.
Military officials state that the participation of a National Guard member has increased complexity, necessitating both civilian and military investigative pathways.
Who Is the Accused? Initial Signs and Their Significance
XenixNews’ examination of records reveals that the suspect has resided in various states throughout the last ten years, frequently traveling between the East Coast and the Pacific area. Investigators are looking into whether the suspect’s movements are connected to their job, familial relationships, or something more worrisome.
A law enforcement analyst knowledgeable about the case indicates that investigators are examining if the suspect had any prior interactions with military personnel, including the National Guard soldier who was wounded in the shooting.
Q: Is there any record of criminal activity for the suspect?
XenixNews has verified that the suspect’s most recent address was in a mixed-use area on the outskirts of Seattle, where federal agents have recently interviewed people who might have interacted with the suspect.
Residents characterized the person as “reserved” and “generally private,” although one neighbor mentioned “indicators of erratic behavior” in the past few months. These claims, though, are based on personal accounts and have not been verified by law enforcement.
Investigators Pursue Financial, Digital, and Travel Clues
Federal authorities inform XenixNews that three significant investigative avenues are currently taking precedence:
Sure, please provide the text that you would like me to paraphrase. Monetary Operations
Investigators are examining recent bank withdrawals, online transactions, and travel costs to assess if the suspect arranged any actions prior to the shooting.
Sure, please provide the text you’d like me to paraphrase. Digital Trace
Devices found at the location are being examined forensically. The suspect’s internet behavior might assist investigators in identifying possible stress factors or links prior to the event.
3. Coast-to-Coast Journey Schedule
Agents are tracking the suspect’s movements over the last six months to determine how and when the suspect reached Washington, DC.
An investigator referred to the travel pattern as “strange” but chose not to provide further details.
Response of the National Guard and Internal Evaluation
The DC National Guard has initiated an internal review, concentrating on safety measures, member awareness, and communication methods. Although the Guard is not engaged in criminal investigations, officials state they are fully cooperating with federal authorities.
A representative stressed that the event, although highly troubling, does not indicate any wider security problem within Guard activities.
Guard leadership plans to provide a preliminary internal report later this month.
Political and Public Response Escalates
Legislators from both parties have voiced worries regarding the shooting, calling on federal officials to share updates while protecting the integrity of the investigation.
Advocates for public safety argue that the event highlights the requirement for more defined policies regarding military personnel working in civilian settings, particularly during times of increased political tension in the capital.
Civil rights groups have likewise urged for openness in disclosing information about the suspect, cautioning against public conjecture until official conclusions are verified.
What Follows Next?
Federal authorities indicate that the inquiry is expected to broaden more before focusing. Several states could potentially issue subpoenas while digital and travel evidence is being analyzed.
Authorities are urging the public not to jump to conclusions based on initial information and to wait for official updates as evidence is confirmed.
A high-ranking DOJ representative summarized the circumstances to XenixNews:
“We are just starting to comprehend this case.” Not the conclusion. Numerous inquiries persist, and the probe will pursue the evidence in whichever direction it points—along either coastline.
At this time, officials maintain their collaborative actions, aiming to provide insight into an event that has generated pressing inquiries regarding public safety, military participation, and the suspect’s journey prior to the shooting.
In a remarkable development within Georgia’s judicial system, a lead state prosecutor has officially sought to dismiss the landmark election-interference case against former President Donald Trump and some of his political associates. The ruling, validated by court documents examined by XenixNews, signifies the most significant turnaround in a legal story that has garnered national interest since 2020.
Although the action caused a stir in Washington and Atlanta, legal experts warn that the rationale for the prosecutor’s choice could be more intricate than what the public thinks. The filing does not completely tackle the evidence shown in the last year, creating pressing concerns about Georgia’s judicial approach and the future of election accountability at the state level.
Why would Georgia abruptly conclude one of the most prominent cases in the nation?
What implications does this have for Trump and the larger discussion on election integrity?
XenixNews analyzes the specifics to comprehend the political and legal repercussions.
Political Tremor or Judicial Adjustment? Comprehending the Reversal
Documents examined by XenixNews reveal that the prosecutor contended that proceeding with the case could “jeopardize the public interest,” highlighting worries about witness credibility, procedural difficulties, and the strain on the court system during a presidential election period.
When inquired about what spurred the shift, a senior legal advisor knowledgeable about the decision — who spoke off the record because of the issue’s delicacy — characterized it as a “strategic reassessment.”
1NATION
Question: Was the choice influenced by political factors?
Answer: “In a polarized situation like this, no decision is completely free from political influence,” the adviser clarified. “However, the main driving force seems to be related to logistics and evidence.”
The legal team no longer thought they could maintain the case amid increasing procedural limitations.
Nonetheless, detractors contend that the action might be seen as a withdrawal when the case held its most significant symbolic importance. Advocacy organizations that had monitored the proceedings closely voiced significant frustration, cautioning that dismissing the case might undermine trust in state election protections.
Question: Does this exonerate Trump from any misconduct?
Answer: Not quite. The dismissal concludes the state case but leaves the evidence gathered intact. Instead, it stops the prosecution — indicating no judgment will be made in Georgia court.
“A constitutional law expert interviewed by XenixNews stated, ‘This does not constitute an exoneration.'” “It’s a formal conclusion.” It creates a haze of doubt instead of a solution.
Within Georgia’s Legal Transition
Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed XenixNews that internal conflicts might have influenced the decision. Certain prosecutors allegedly believed that the case’s intricacy — featuring numerous witnesses, inconsistent testimonies, and political sensitivities — rendered it almost unmanageable within existing timeframes.
A legal employee characterized the atmosphere as “intense, fragmented, and progressively harder to control.”
Critics of the dismissal, however, contend the state is forfeiting a chance for accountability.
Question: Is there a possibility for the case to be reactivated?
Answer: Perhaps. Although the current filing concludes the prosecution, a newly assembled grand jury or another prosecutor might examine the evidence later — despite considerable legal and political obstacles.
National Response: Relief, Anger, and Political Considerations
The response to Georgia’s choice was swift and divisive.
Trump’s supporters celebrated the dismissal as a “long overdue correction,” asserting that the case was politically driven from the beginning. Shortly after the announcement, numerous prominent Republicans released statements praising what they termed a win for “legal equity.”
Democrats, conversely, voiced worries that the dismissal could encourage future efforts to contest election results without repercussions. Certain lawmakers advocated for federal regulation to guarantee consistent election safeguards across the country.
Political strategists in Washington stated that the choice might alter the national dialogue as the next election cycle approaches—especially in swing states where election security is a key concern.
What occurs afterward?
Georgia’s court system is currently under significant examination. Legal experts anticipate a wave of public appeals for transparency, including calls for the prosecutor to provide a thorough explanation for the case’s dismissal.
Numerous inquiries persist:
Will federal investigators look into any aspect of the case again?
In what way will the termination impact current political campaigns?
Will confidence in electoral systems erode even more?
At this moment, Georgia’s legal saga concludes — yet the discussion it sparked is still ongoing.
A Critical Moment for State Election Litigation
XenixNews, which initially detected the prosecutor’s change prior to the public filing, states that the repercussions are anticipated to persist for weeks, if not months. Observers suggest the case might be recalled not just for its unmatched scale but also for the surprising manner in which it concluded — suddenly, contentiously, and without the outcome that many Americans expected.
No matter what happens next, one fact remains clear:
Georgia’s choice has transformed the environment of election-related legal disputes in the United States, prompting both political factions to gear up for the next phase in an ongoing national narrative
By Xenix News Chris Lau, Eve Brennan, Kevin Wang, and Jessie Yeung
A minimum of 36 individuals have lost their lives in the fire at the apartment complex in Hong Kong, as stated by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee during a press conference on Wednesday while the flames persist into the early morning hours.
He stated that 279 individuals are “unreachable” and 29 individuals have been admitted to the hospital, with at least seven in serious condition.
“I feel sorrow over their passing and extend heartfelt sympathy to the families of the lost and those who were hurt.” “We will offer all required support,” Lee informed the media.
Lee stated that the reason for the fire is still being investigated.
From Xenix News Karina Tsui reporting in Hong Kong
The fire on Wednesday marks the second incident in under two months at a Hong Kong structure surrounded by bamboo scaffolding.
In mid-October, a significant fire erupted in a high-rise structure in Hong Kong’s Central business area, with officials indicating that a cigarette butt probably ignited the fire.
Bamboo scaffolding — a traditional building method commonly employed in Hong Kong — has faced growing criticism regarding its safety and sturdiness, even though it continues to be a crucial technique for constructing and repairing buildings in the tightly packed urban environment.
