The European Union has heaped more economic sanctions on Russia, adding to U.S. President Donald Trump's new punitive measures the previous day against the Russian oil industry. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by warning that the measures were an "unfriendly act" by Washington that could backfire against the U.S. by fueling oil prices. The American and European sanctions are intended as part of a broadened effort to choke off the revenue and supplies that fuel Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, compelling Putin to negotiate an end to the war. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Putin said the new U.S. sanctions were serious but will not significantly impact its economy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the new restrictions.
By MATTHEW LEE and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press
Plans are on hold for President Donald Trump to sit down with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to talk about resolving the war in Ukraine. That's according to a U.S. official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The meeting had been announced last week. It was supposed to take place in Budapest, Hungary, although a date had not been set. The decision was made following a call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
By SEUNG MIN KIM and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a critical-minerals deal at the White House. The United States is eyeing Australia's rare-earth resources as China imposes stricter export rules on its critical minerals. Monday's White House meeting comes after Beijing announced this month that foreign companies must get approval to export magnets with rare-earth materials from China. Trump administration officials say this gives China control over the tech supply chain. The two leaders also discussed a security pact among Australia, the U.S. and the United Kingdom that was signed during Joe Biden's administration. Trump noted that AUKUS was established "a while ago" but that the agreement now is "moving along very rapidly, very well."
By SAMYA KULLAB and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
President Donald Trump says it's possible that Ukraine can defeat Russia, but he's doubtful that it will happen. The latest comments from Trump added a fresh layer of skepticism toward Kyiv as he plans to meet again with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war. Trump on Monday said Ukrainians "could still win it" but added, "I don't think they will." Trump last month reversed his long-held position that Ukraine would have to concede land and said it could win back all the territory it has lost to Russia. But he changed his position again last week after holding a call with Putin and meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
By AAMER MADHANI and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press
President Donald Trump has signaled to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he's leaning against selling long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv. Zelenskyy at the start of Friday's White House talks said he had a "proposition" in which Ukraine could provide the United States with its advanced drones, while Washington would sell Kyiv the Tomahawks, which Ukrainian officials say they desperately need to motivate Russian President Vladmir Putin to get serious about peace talks. But Trump said he had "an obligation also to make sure that" the United States is "completely stocked up." The U.S. leader added he was optimistic the war would soon end, mitigating Ukraine's need for the powerful weapon.
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela. The president on Wednesday also said he's considering land operations following recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats from Venezuela. Trump told reporters at an Oval Office event that he had authorized the move because Venezuela is allowing criminals and drugs to flow into the U.S. On Wednesday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro lashed out at the record of the U.S. spy agency in various conflicts around the world without directly addressing Trump's comments about authorizing the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela.
By AAMER MADHANI, SEUNG MIN KIM and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press
President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting is set to take place in Budapest, Hungary, though a date hasn't been confirmed. Trump shared on social media that he believes a Thursday phone call with Putin made significant progress. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold an initial meeting with Russian representatives next week. Trump is also considering selling long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, despite Putin's warnings. The Republican president sits down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday at the White House.
President Donald Trump says "there seems to be no reason" to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea after China restricted exports of rare earths needed for American industry. The Republican president suggested Friday he was looking at a "massive increase" of import taxes on Chinese products in response to Xi's moves. Trump says one of the policies the U.S. is considering is "a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States." A monthslong calm on Wall Street was shattered, with U.S. stocks falling on the news. The Chinese Embassy in Washington hasn't responded to an Associated Press request for comment.
By JOSEPH KRAUSS, AAMER MADHANI and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press
Updated
After months of gridlock, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza came together in a matter of days after a deft maneuver — or perhaps a misunderstanding — by President Donald Trump that boxed in the two adversaries. Either way, efforts to wind down the devastating war have seen a breakthrough. The last hostages are set to be returned under the agreement announced Wednesday. Major questions remain, including over governance and reconstruction of Gaza as well as whether Hamas will disarm. But it appears for now as though the fighting will pause. That's because at a critical moment last week, Trump took Hamas' very conditional response to his proposal as a yes.
