President Donald Trump on Friday urged Russia to take swift action toward ending the war in Ukraine, stating “too many people [are] DYING” in what he called a “terrible and senseless war.” His statement came as Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg in an effort to broker a ceasefire.
The U.S. intelligence community assesses that Russia and Ukraine may see more benefits in continuing the war rather than agreeing to a full settlement, contradicting President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure a swift resolution.
The United States is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, aiming to facilitate the unimpeded movement of shipping and alleviate escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
On March 20, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commenced a ground operation targeting the Shaboura neighborhood in Rafah, a known Hamas stronghold in the southern Gaza Strip.
Early Tuesday, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas facilities and resulting in over 200 fatalities, according to Gaza's health ministry.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., aiming to secure American backing for Ukraine in potential ceasefire agreements with Russia. Starmer has warned that any ceasefire without a strong security guarantee could allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to regroup and renew hostilities.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed frustration with the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after seeing footage of the Israeli hostages released over the weekend. He compared their appearance to Holocaust survivors.
