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.
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.
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.
