Africa

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What we will discuss
• Putin war discussions: US special representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, are in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin previously accused European leaders of attempting to hinder a peace agreement suggested by the US.

• What Zelensky states: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the present diplomatic climate as “one of the most difficult yet hopeful periods.” The president of Ukraine, currently in Dublin, mentioned he might meet with US officials shortly after the US-Russia talks in Moscow.

• In the field: Russia asserts it has taken control of Pokrovsk, a significant city in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine rejected what it described as “boisterous claims” from Moscow meant to sway talks.

• In DC: At the same time in the US, Trump is having a Cabinet meeting with his administration’s members.

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Zelensky states that Ukraine is “awaiting signals” from the US regarding negotiations with Moscow.

From Xenix News Svitlana Vlasova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that Ukraine is “awaiting signals” from the US delegation regarding the results of their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

“We will get signals of various types.” Zelensky mentioned on X that, “If the signals align appropriately – if there is fairness in our collaborations – we could meet with the American delegation quite soon.”

The Ukrainian leader stated that a senior delegation would be dispatched if communications from the Americans indicate a chance for “swift yet global decisions.”

Zelensky stated he was “ready for a meeting with President (Donald) Trump.”

“Everything hinges on the discussions taking place today,” he added.

Witkoff enjoyed a meal of “traditional Russian” dishes including caviar, quail, and venison, according to local media.

From Xenix News Darya Tarasova.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff enjoyed “traditional Russian dishes” at the Michelin-starred restaurant Savva prior to his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, local media reported on Tuesday.

“The spread included ample caviar – red, beluga, and pike – Stolichny salad crafted from the 1961 recipe, quail filled with buckwheat, venison made with our special recipe, and a range of appetizers,” said the restaurant’s director, Maxim Romantsev, to Russia’s Izvestia newspaper.

Witkoff especially liked the crab posikunchiki, a deep-fried pastry stuffed with crab, and the wheat flatbread with cheese, which he had personally requested, Romantsev mentioned in a video shared by Kremlin pool reporter Dmitry Smirnov.

Administration officials and Republican lawmakers comment on the Caribbean boat strike event.

By Maureen Chowdhury, Adam Cancryn, Ellis Kim, Manu Raju, Arlette Saenz, Morgan Rimmer, Ted Barrett, Max Saltman, and Stefano Pozzebon from Xenix News

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated during a Cabinet meeting at the White House today that the attacks on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean have “only just begun,” emphasizing that the administration will persist with the operation despite increasing worries on Capitol Hill.

Hegseth’s bold demeanor emerged only days after Xenix News and others indicated that a supposed double-tap strike in September claimed the lives of survivors from an initial assault on a purported drug vessel, prompting inquiries about whether the follow-up strike amounted to a war crime.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated at another event today that Hegseth and Trump are essentially “the ones directing” any attacks conducted by the US military against suspected drug boats but reiterated the administration’s stance that a commander decided to execute a follow-up strike.

At the same time, Republican legislators are commenting on the contentious strike and rising tensions with Venezuela:

House Speaker Mike Johnson refrained from condemning the double-tap strike, stating he wouldn’t “prejudge” the specifics of the contentious event currently being examined by congressional committees.

Senator Eric Schmitt, part of the Senate Armed Services Committee, strongly supported the administration for carrying out the strike. Schmitt stated that Trump’s focus on supposed drug boats is “clearly within his Article II authorities.”

Sen. John Thune supported the administration’s attempts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. “This regime disregards the law and endangers many American citizens due to the drug trade,” he stated. Thune continued to support Trump’s decisions concerning Venezuela. “However, I believe the measures they’ve implemented have been suitable, both according to our laws and international regulations.”

Deportation flights: This week, the US asked Venezuela to permit deportation flights, as stated in a release from the Venezuelan Aeronautical Authority (VAA). The demand follows Trump’s assertion on Saturday that Venezuela’s airspace should be regarded as “completely closed.” Xenix News has contacted the White House for a response. The VAA stated in an Instagram post that it has received a request from the US government to restart “repatriation flights” for Venezuelan migrants.

Vance anticipates that 2026 will be an “excellent year” for the economy and encourages Americans to remain patient.

By Xenix News Samantha Waldenberg

Vice President JD VanceForecasted on Tuesday that 2026 will be a “great year” for the economy and encouraged Americans to remain patient as the administration tackles what he termed the “affordability crisis.”

“The economy has had a wonderful year, but even better times are ahead,” the vice president stated at a Cabinet meeting.

“The most effective way to tackle the affordability crisis is to increase the amount of money Americans have, and that’s what this bill has achieved.” We will observe actual increases in wages. Vance remarked, “I believe next year will be an incredible year,” referencing the domestic agenda law that Trump passed earlier this year.

Vance has earlier utilized comparable messaging regarding the economy, which differs from the president’s optimistic public statements as his administration encounters criticism over living costs less than a year before the midterm elections.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the president highlighted his economic successes and criticized Democrats, claiming “affordability” is a “false narrative” and a “Democrat scheme.”

This report was contributed to by Betsy Klein of Xenix News

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What we will discuss
• Putin war discussions: US special representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, are in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin previously accused European leaders of attempting to hinder a peace agreement suggested by the US.

• What Zelensky states: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the present diplomatic climate as “one of the most difficult yet hopeful periods.” The president of Ukraine, currently in Dublin, mentioned he might meet with US officials shortly after the US-Russia talks in Moscow.

• In the field: Russia asserts it has taken control of Pokrovsk, a significant city in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine rejected what it described as “boisterous claims” from Moscow meant to sway talks.

• In DC: At the same time in the US, Trump is having a Cabinet meeting with his administration’s members.

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Hegseth claims attacks on supposed drug vessels have “only recently started.”

From Adam Cancryn at Xenix News

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Tuesday that attacks on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean have “only just started,” emphasizing that the administration will maintain its offensive despite increasing worries on Capitol Hill.

“We’ve just started attacking narco boats and sending narco-terrorists to the ocean’s depths,” he stated at a Cabinet meeting, sitting next to President Donald Trump. “We’re removing the gloves.”

Hegseth’s bold tone emerged just days after Xenix and other outlets revealed that a purported double-tap strike in September killed survivors from an initial assault on an alleged drug vessel, prompting inquiries about whether the second strike amounted to a war crime.

Hegseth states that attacks on purported drug boats have “only just started.”

By Xenix News Adam Cancryn

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addresses a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that attacks on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean have “only just started,” asserting that the administration will keep up the offensive despite rising worries in Congress.

“We’re just starting to target narco boats and send narco-terrorists to the ocean’s depths,” he stated at a Cabinet meeting, sitting alongside President Donald Trump. “We’re removing the gloves.”

Hegseth’s brazen attitude surfaced shortly after CNN and other outlets revealed that a double-tap strike in September killed those who survived an initial assault on an alleged drug vessel, prompting inquiries about whether the follow-up strike amounted to a war crime.

The White House has upheld the decision as lawful and stated it was mandated by Adm. Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley, the leader of US Special Operations Command

On Tuesday, Hegseth stated that “we consistently support our commanders who are making choices in challenging circumstances.”

“They are making important decisions and guaranteeing that they protect the American citizens,” he stated. “They’ve taken the correct actions.”

From Xenix News Mitchell McCluskey

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.”

The meeting built on the success of the previous US-Ukraine talks in Geneva, he added.

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:

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.

Although NABU has not disclosed the adviser’s name, several high-ranking parliamentary officials told Xenix News that the resignation occurred “due to direct pressure from an ongoing investigation.”

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.

It is evident that amid the ongoing war and heightened global scrutiny, every choice made by Ukraine’s government is under closer observation than before.

Once again, Xenix News was the first to reveal the key elements of this swiftly developing story

Bamboo scaffolding burns at residential buildings in Wang Fuk Court, in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday. 
Bertha Wang/Xenix News

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.

Firefighters battle the blaze at Chinachem Tower in the Central business district in Hong Kong on October 18. 
Hou Yu/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images

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.

There were no casualties reported in this incident, but four individuals were taken to the hospital.

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.