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Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!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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