US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Reuters that Ukraine, rather than Russia, is the main obstacle to reaching a possible peace agreement — a position that sharply differs from that of European leaders, who continue to argue that Moscow has little genuine interest in ending the war. Speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday (Jan 14), Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to conclude his nearly four-year military campaign in Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appears less willing to do so. “I believe he’s ready to strike a deal,” Trump said of Putin. “Ukraine is not as ready.”

When asked why US-led peace efforts have failed to resolve the largest European land war since World War Two, Trump answered simply: “Zelenskiy.” His remarks reflect renewed dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian leader. Although Trump and Zelenskiy have had a historically strained relationship, their interactions reportedly improved during Trump’s first year back in office. Trump has frequently shown greater willingness to accept Putin’s statements at face value than many US allies, frustrating Ukrainian officials, European governments and members of the US Congress, including some Republicans.

In December, Reuters reported that US intelligence assessments continued to warn that Putin still seeks to seize all of Ukraine and reclaim parts of Europe once controlled by the former Soviet Union. At the time, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard challenged that assessment. After multiple delays, recent US-led negotiations have focused on establishing security guarantees for Ukraine after any agreement, aimed at preventing another Russian invasion. As part of these discussions, US negotiators have urged Ukraine to give up its eastern Donbas region.

Ukrainian officials have taken part in the talks, which are being led for the US by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Some European officials, however, remain skeptical that Putin would accept certain conditions being discussed. Trump told Reuters he was unaware of a possible visit to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner, which Bloomberg had reported earlier that day.

Asked whether he would meet Zelenskiy at next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said it was possible but not confirmed. “I would — if he’s there,” Trump said. “I’m going to be there.” When questioned about why he believes Zelenskiy is slowing negotiations, Trump offered little explanation: “I just think he’s having a hard time getting there.” Zelenskiy has consistently rejected any territorial concessions to Russia, maintaining that Ukraine’s constitution does not permit the surrender of any part of its land.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Iran's streets have become a battlefield, with more than 2,500 people killed in a ferocious government crackdown on widespread anti-regime protests. U.S. President Donald Trump amplified the chaos today, telling demonstrators "help is on its way" in a bold social media message, while Iranian leaders accuse him of orchestrating the unrest.

The demonstrations began last fall, sparked by a collapsing rial, rampant inflation, and years of alleged corruption under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Starting with merchants decrying currency devaluation, the movement exploded into calls for regime change across all 31 provinces, echoing the 2009 Green Movement. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged protesters to seize institutions, drawing parallels to historic uprisings.

In a Truth Social post, Trump exhorted Iranians: "KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! HELP IS ON ITS WAY." He threatened to halt U.S.-Iran talks and warned of severe consequences if executions follow, building on his administration's 2025 strikes against Iranian proxies and new tariffs on Tehran-trading nations. This marks a sharp escalation in Trump's post-reelection foreign policy.

Khamenei labeled protesters "foreign agents" funded by Trump, amid a nationwide internet blackout to curb dissent. Officials report over 2,000 deaths from "terrorist" clashes, though human rights monitors contest this, confirming dozens of civilian fatalities including children. Iran's UN envoy slammed Trump's words as deliberate sabotage, as security forces intensify operations.

This crisis outpaces the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, fueled by Trump's regional moves like Venezuela interventions. Tehran treads a fine line between concessions and repression, risking further isolation if U.S. "help" – sanctions or aid – arrives. World leaders watch closely as allies like Russia urge restraint.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Assistant to the US President, Michael Kratsios, met Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology. Their discussion focused on the upcoming AI Impact Summit scheduled to take place in India, with both sides confirming strong US participation in the event next month in Delhi. Kratsios shared details of the meeting on X, stating that he met Minister Vaishnaw and Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the White House to discuss the summit and expressed his anticipation of attending the event in Delhi next month.

In addition to this engagement, Minister Vaishnaw took part in the Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of strengthening critical mineral supply chains to support India’s manufacturing growth and its rapidly expanding electronics sector.

Secretary Bessent noted that participating nations demonstrated a strong, shared commitment to addressing weaknesses in global mineral supply chains. He expressed confidence that countries would prioritize prudent risk reduction rather than full economic separation, emphasizing the urgency of taking decisive measures.

According to a statement from the US Treasury Department, the meeting of finance ministers focused on securing and diversifying supply chains for critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements. Throughout the discussions, attendees reaffirmed their determination to resolve vulnerabilities in these supply networks. The United States outlined both existing initiatives and planned investments aimed at building resilient, secure, and diversified mineral supply chains.

Secretary Bessent also pointed out that current mineral supply chains are highly concentrated and susceptible to disruption and manipulation. He urged participants to enhance supply chain resilience and thanked them for their willingness to collaborate swiftly toward lasting and effective solutions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@mkratsios47.

US President Donald Trump described the woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week as radical and violent. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump referred to video footage captured just before the agent shot Renee Nicole Good, emphasizing that law enforcement officers must always be treated with respect. “We have to respect our law enforcement. At the very least, that woman was extremely disrespectful… You can’t act that way toward police, ICE, Border Patrol, or anyone else,” Trump stated.

He added, “Everyone has seen it. She was very violent and a radical individual. It’s very sad what happened. Her friend was also radical.” Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen and mother of three, was killed Wednesday morning when a federal ICE agent fired at her vehicle during an enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Video of the incident has circulated online, sparking debates about what actually occurred, according to CNN.

Trump also criticized President Biden, saying, “Law enforcement is performing very well despite Biden allowing people to cross our border. Crime stats just came out—we have the best crime stats on record, even with the criminals he allowed in. Many of them have been removed.” He reiterated, “At a minimum, that woman was extremely disrespectful to law enforcement. You saw the same noises, the same actions I saw. You can’t do that to law enforcement, whether ICE, Border Patrol, or others.”

Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump supporters, have framed the shooting as self-defense, alleging Good tried to “weaponize her vehicle” against officers. Senior administration figures have defended the agent’s actions under perceived threat. However, state and local officials, such as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, strongly dispute that narrative. They argue the video does not show Good posing a lethal threat when she was shot, noting her vehicle appeared to turn away from officers, raising questions about the use of deadly force, according to CNN.

Family and friends of Good remember her as a loving parent and compassionate person, describing her as “one of the kindest people” they knew. Vigils and protests have been held in her honor, with community members calling for accountability. The video, political reactions, and controversy over the investigation have made this case a focal point in debates about federal immigration enforcement and the use of force by authorities. US Vice President shared footage of the Minneapolis incident on January 9, stating, “Watch this, as hard as it is. Many have been told this officer wasn’t in danger, yet he fired in self-defense when his life was threatened.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @RapidResponse47.

Protests have erupted nationwide following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during the Trump administration’s most recent immigration enforcement campaign. Footage of the shooting of Minnesota resident Renee Nicole Good has circulated widely on social media, triggering demonstrations and candlelight vigils. Lucy Hough discusses the incident with Oliver Laughland, the Guardian US southern bureau chief.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was controversially taken into custody by US special forces and appeared in a Manhattan courtroom. The arrest followed months of US pressure on Maduro, including strikes against “narco-boats” and oil tanker blockades. Donald Trump has since asserted that the US plans to “take over” Venezuela—but how exactly would that happen?
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Jonathan Freedland and the Politics Weekly America team are on a break this week, so we’re revisiting a special summer series focused on the Trump family and the question of whether the president intends to hand over the political reins when his term ends. In the first episode, author Gwenda Blair along with reporters Rosie Gray and Ashley Parker introduce the family members who played key roles in Donald Trump’s rise to the White House and his tenure in office.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, and Philippe Auclair to discuss the major stories from European football as winter breaks get underway. Listeners can rate, review, and share the podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast, and Stitcher, or join the conversation via email. In today’s episode, Raúl Jiménez maintained his perfect penalty record to help Fulham secure all three points against Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, concluding the Premier League’s long weekend. The podcast also provides updates from Europe’s top leagues, including Xabi Alonso’s continued tenure at Real Madrid, the tight race at the top in Italy, and the surprising team leading Ligue 1 at Christmas—who isn’t PSG. Additionally, the hosts cover the latest from AFCON and answer listener questions. Support for The Guardian is welcome, and Football Weekly is also available on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian