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 Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty as Prosecutors Move Forward with Death Penalty Pursuit

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NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges tied to the fatal shooting of health insurance executive Brian Thompson, a day after prosecutors formally notified the court of their intention to seek the death penalty. The dramatic case—rooted in a brazen attack outside a midtown Manhattan hotel—has drawn national attention, sparking both condemnation and sympathy.

Standing in a packed federal courtroom in lower Manhattan, Mangione, 26, wore a tan, jail-issued T-shirt as he leaned into a microphone and delivered his plea. “Not guilty,” he said firmly in response to U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett’s question.

The plea comes in response to federal charges related to the Dec. 4 shooting of Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. Mangione had already entered a not guilty plea to similar state charges in New York in earlier proceedings.

The case took a new turn earlier this month when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Justice Department’s decision to pursue capital punishment. That intent was officially registered Thursday evening in a court filing submitted by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Mangione’s legal team swiftly pushed back, calling Bondi’s April 1 announcement “unapologetically political” and alleging that it violated long-standing federal protocols governing death penalty deliberations. Judge Garnett set a June 27 deadline for defense attorneys to submit a formal brief challenging the government’s pursuit of the death penalty. A tentative trial date will be scheduled next year, following Mangione’s next court appearance on Dec. 5.

During Friday’s hearing, Garnett issued a stern reminder about limitations on public commentary that could compromise Mangione’s right to a fair trial. She directed prosecutors to pass her warning to Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, with instructions that it be conveyed to Bondi as well.

The fatal shooting of Thompson unfolded outside a hotel where UnitedHealth executives had gathered for an investor event. Authorities say Mangione approached Thompson in public and opened fire before fleeing the scene, triggering a five-day manhunt that riveted the nation.

According to investigators, shell casings recovered at the scene bore the words “deny,” “delay,” and “depose”—a reference some have interpreted as a critique of health insurance industry practices, particularly the alleged denial of life-saving treatments or delays in care.

While public officials swiftly condemned the attack as an act of violence against the health care system, some Americans have expressed sympathy for Mangione, viewing his actions as a statement against the U.S. health insurance industry and the high cost of care. Prosecutors acknowledged this controversial response in their filing, stating that Mangione posed a continued threat to public safety. “He expressed an intent to target an entire industry, and rally political and social opposition to that industry, by engaging in an act of lethal violence,” they wrote.

If convicted in the federal trial, Mangione would face a separate sentencing phase in which the jury must unanimously recommend capital punishment for it to be imposed. The presiding judge would then be obligated to deliver that sentence.

For now, Mangione remains in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting a legal process that is expected to draw further national scrutiny as it unfolds.

 Ex-Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud, Identity Theft

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CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in federal prison, bringing a stunning end to one of the most scandal-ridden tenures in modern congressional history. The New York Republican, who was expelled from Congress in disgrace, sobbed in court as he was sentenced to 87 months for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Santos, 36, pled guilty last summer after admitting to a series of elaborate schemes to defraud donors, steal identities—including those of his own family members—and use campaign funds for personal enrichment. In a tearful statement delivered in court near his former district on Long Island, Santos said he was “humbled” by the process and acknowledged betraying the public trust. “I cannot rewrite the past,” he said. “But I can control the road ahead.”

U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert, however, remained unconvinced. “Where is your remorse? Where do I see it?” Seybert asked, rejecting a plea for leniency and pointing to a pattern of deflection. “It’s always someone else’s fault.”

Santos is expected to report to prison on July 25. He declined to speak with reporters following the hearing, though he had earlier told The Associated Press he was “ready to face the music.”

The sentence concludes a political downfall that began soon after his 2022 election, when reports surfaced that Santos had fabricated large portions of his resume and personal background. Though he successfully flipped a well-off congressional district encompassing parts of Queens and Long Island, scrutiny followed almost immediately. Journalists and investigators uncovered false claims ranging from his professional experience on Wall Street to his education and ethnicity.

While campaigning, Santos portrayed himself as a seasoned businessman with Jewish heritage and an impressive real estate portfolio. In reality, he had not attended the schools he listed, did not hold the jobs he claimed, and had misled the public about his family background. He admitted to calling himself “Jew-ish” based on distant ancestry, despite being Catholic.

The revelations snowballed into legal and congressional investigations. Prosecutors said Santos used stolen identities—including those of a woman with brain damage and two elderly men—to make fraudulent campaign contributions. U.S. Attorney John Durham said outside court that Santos had used his candidacy “for his own enrichment and financial benefit” from the very beginning.

Santos was also found to have collected unemployment benefits in New York while working for a Florida company. After entering Congress, he co-sponsored legislation to fight unemployment fraud.

In court, prosecutor Ryan Harris described Santos’ actions as cold and calculated, highlighting the vulnerability of his victims. His defense attorney, Andrew Mancilla, pleaded for a lighter sentence of two years, portraying Santos as a man shaped by childhood trauma and lifelong rejection. “He built the man he wanted to be, not who he was,” Mancilla said, calling his client misunderstood and hated by the public. “Deep down, he is warm, kind, caring, and thoughtful.”

Judge Seybert disagreed, emphasizing that Santos had shown little accountability despite his guilty plea. The court also ordered Santos to pay nearly $580,000 in restitution and penalties.

Outside the courthouse, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a fellow Republican, condemned Santos for deceiving voters and law enforcement alike. “He told lie after lie until it caught up with him,” she said. “Until we caught up with him and exposed him for what he truly was: an opportunist and a fraud.”

Despite the legal consequences, Santos had embraced his notoriety in recent months. He launched a podcast, “Pants on Fire with George Santos,” and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars on the video platform Cameo by selling customized messages. Even as sentencing loomed, he promoted his Cameo account, urging followers to “think ahead” for celebrations and sign-offs with heart emojis.

While Santos continued to voice admiration for President Donald Trump and the current administration, he said he had no intention of requesting clemency.

His sentencing closes the chapter on a political career defined by deception, ending with a federal prison term and a legacy as one of the most infamous figures ever to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

FBI Arrests Milwaukee Judge Accused of Helping Defendant Evade Immigration Arrest

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MILWAUKEE — The FBI on Friday arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on allegations that she helped a man avoid federal immigration authorities, marking a dramatic escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing conflict with local officials over its hardline immigration policies.

Federal authorities claim Dugan assisted a defendant in evading arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents last week, guiding the man and his attorney out of her courtroom through a restricted jury door after learning ICE was present inside the courthouse. The man, identified as Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, was later apprehended outside the building after a foot chase.

The charges, which include obstructing justice and concealing a person to prevent arrest, have deepened already fraught tensions between the White House and local jurisdictions perceived to be hindering federal immigration enforcement. The arrest comes amid broader legal battles between President Donald Trump’s administration and the federal judiciary over deportation policies and executive authority.

According to an affidavit filed by the FBI, Dugan was informed about ICE agents in the courthouse by her clerk, who had been alerted by an attorney. The document describes Dugan as reacting angrily, leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers before confronting agents inside the courthouse alongside another judge. Witnesses described her demeanor as visibly confrontational and upset.

The affidavit further alleges that after directing officers to the chief judge’s office to discuss the situation, Dugan returned to her courtroom and was overheard saying “wait, come with me,” before leading Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through the restricted jury door—normally off-limits to defense lawyers and defendants not in custody. The back door is typically used only by juries, in-custody individuals escorted by deputies, and court staff.

U.S. Marshals took Dugan into custody Friday morning on courthouse grounds. She appeared briefly in federal court later that day before being released. During the hearing, her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said Dugan “wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” arguing it was not made in the interest of public safety. Mastantuono declined to speak further after the hearing.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Flores-Ruiz was facing domestic violence charges at the time of the incident, with victims and prosecutors present in court. Bondi criticized Dugan’s actions on Fox News, calling them a threat to public safety and law enforcement.

“She put the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk. She put the lives of citizens at risk. A street chase — it’s absurd that that had to happen,” Bondi said.

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers responded to the arrest by defending the independence of the judiciary and denouncing what he called dangerous political interference by the Trump administration.

“I have deep respect for the rule of law, our nation’s judiciary, the importance of judges making decisions impartially without fear or favor, and the efforts of law enforcement to hold people accountable if they commit a crime,” Evers said. “I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law.”

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat representing Wisconsin, called the arrest a “gravely serious and drastic move” that risks violating the constitutional separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches.

“By relentlessly attacking the judicial system, flouting court orders, and arresting a sitting judge, this President is putting those basic democratic values that Wisconsinites hold dear on the line,” Baldwin said in a statement.

The case mirrors a similar prosecution brought during Trump’s first term against Massachusetts Judge Shelley Joseph, who was accused of aiding a defendant’s escape from immigration custody through a courthouse backdoor. That prosecution drew heavy criticism from the legal community, many of whom called it politically charged. The charges were dropped in 2022 under President Joe Biden’s administration, after Joseph agreed to submit to a state review board.

As the legal case against Dugan proceeds, it underscores the sharp friction between federal immigration authorities and a judicial system under pressure to remain impartial amid political upheaval. The arrest also reignites debate over the limits of judicial discretion and the scope of presidential authority in enforcing immigration laws.

Trump Fuels 2028 Speculation With New Campaign Hat as He Hints at Third Term and Urges Fans to ‘Rewrite the Rules’

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NEW YORK — President Donald Trump has again ignited speculation about his political future by launching a bold new merchandise item: a red “Trump 2028” baseball cap. The $50 hat, featured on the Trump Organization’s official online store, is marketed as a statement piece for supporters looking to embrace the idea of Trump pursuing an unprecedented third term in office.

The launch comes amid Trump’s public insistence that he is “not joking” about running again after his current second term — a move that would require a constitutional change or exploitation of legal loopholes, as current law prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice.

The new cap, emblazoned simply with the year “2028,” was modeled in the online listing by Eric Trump, the president’s son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, who posed smiling in the attention-grabbing headwear. The listing encourages shoppers to “make a statement” by purchasing the merchandise, which has quickly attracted attention online.

When asked about the timing and purpose behind the product release, Trump Organization spokesperson Kimberly Benza offered a brief yet emphatic explanation: “Because it’s amazing,” according to the New York Post.

Although the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment bars Trump from seeking a third term, the president has repeatedly floated the idea in interviews and public remarks. In March, during a sit-down with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump claimed, “A lot of people want me to do it,” referring to a potential run in 2028. While he said he remains focused on his current administration, Trump added pointedly, “I like working” and suggested “there are methods which you could do it.”

Later, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump escalated his claims further by asserting that he’s already serving what he considers a third term, referencing his continued belief that the 2020 election was “totally rigged.”

“I have had more people ask me to have a third term, which in a way is a fourth term,” Trump said. The statement reflects his ongoing rhetoric questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, which he claims were manipulated to prevent his reelection.

Constitutional Limits and Loopholes

Under the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four consecutive terms, no individual can be elected president more than twice. The rule was implemented to prevent extended presidencies and reinforce the democratic principle of leadership turnover.

But Trump’s allies and supporters are exploring ways around that barrier. One speculative scenario discussed during his March interview with NBC involves Vice President JD Vance potentially running for president in 2028 with Trump as his running mate. In theory, Vance could resign after being elected, elevating Trump to the presidency without violating the letter of the Constitution.

Trump acknowledged this possibility, saying, “Well, that’s one. But there are others too. There are others,” hinting at additional strategies.

Legislative Efforts to Change Term Limits

Fueling the speculation, Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican congressman from Tennessee, introduced a resolution in January that would amend the Constitution to permit a president to serve up to three non-consecutive terms. The proposal was widely interpreted as an effort to pave the way for Trump to return to the White House after 2028.

“This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs,” Ogles said while unveiling the proposal.

Despite the attention it received among conservative media and pro-Trump factions, the resolution has not advanced in the House and faces long odds in Congress, where constitutional amendments require two-thirds approval in both chambers and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Merchandise as Messaging

Trump’s use of campaign-themed merchandise to make political statements is not new. His signature red “Make America Great Again” caps became a ubiquitous symbol of his movement in 2016. The new “Trump 2028” cap may not signal an official campaign just yet, but it unmistakably aligns with Trump’s brand of political showmanship — blurring the line between merchandise and message.

As Trump continues to float the idea of extended leadership, even jokingly, the release of the 2028-themed gear offers a provocative visual cue for supporters — and a potential warning shot for critics — that the president is not ready to exit the political stage anytime soon.

Whether the push for a third term is a marketing stunt, a legal test, or a serious aspiration, the Trump 2028 hat has already succeeded in what it set out to do: get people talking.

Trump Urges Putin to Stop Kyiv Assault, Criticizes Russia’s ‘Very Bad Timing’ Amid Stalled Peace Negotiations

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued a rare and forceful rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, condemning Moscow’s latest deadly missile and drone barrage on Kyiv and urging the Kremlin to halt its offensive as peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine continue to falter.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

The overnight Russian assault on Ukraine’s capital killed at least 12 civilians and injured 90 others, according to Ukrainian officials, making it the deadliest strike on Kyiv since July 2023. The attack added pressure on already strained diplomatic efforts led by the United States and Europe to secure a long-term peace settlement between Moscow and Kyiv.

Trump’s criticism of Putin marked a significant departure from his typical public tone toward the Russian leader. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly framed Ukraine as the primary obstacle to peace, accusing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of refusing to negotiate over Russian-occupied territories. However, Thursday’s remarks suggested growing frustration with both sides as efforts to broker a ceasefire remain stalled.

During a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the White House later that day, Trump elaborated on his position, stating that Crimea — which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 — had been taken “without a fight,” and placed blame on President Barack Obama’s administration for allowing it to happen.

When asked what Putin had done to advance a peace deal, Trump pointed to what he called a major gesture: “Stopping taking the whole country, pretty big concession.” That assertion, however, was met with immediate pushback from Kyiv and European allies, who argue that Russia halting further territorial conquest does not constitute a legitimate concession under international law.

Zelenskyy reiterated on Thursday that Ukraine remains open to a negotiated resolution but emphasized that ceding sovereign land — including Crimea and other occupied territories in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia — is non-negotiable. He said Ukraine had already accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire agreement 44 days earlier, but that Russia had continued its strikes without pause.

Trump’s intensified criticism came after days of heightened diplomatic activity. Last week, U.S. and European negotiators met in Paris to discuss a potential framework for peace. A European official familiar with the talks confirmed that one of the proposals floated included allowing Russia to retain certain territories under occupation — an idea strongly opposed by Kyiv and viewed as a potential precedent for rewarding territorial aggression.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking during a visit to Madagascar, bluntly rejected any suggestion that the burden for peace lay with Ukraine. “There is only one answer we are waiting for: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?” Macron said. He also criticized Putin directly, saying, “He should stop lying when he says he wants peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine.”

France’s Foreign Ministry also defended Zelenskyy, responding to Trump’s claim that Ukraine was prolonging the war. “The principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated,” said ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine. “This was the position taken last week and reiterated yesterday in London.”

Despite his criticism of Putin, Trump continued to emphasize the power dynamic in Moscow’s favor. He has often said that Putin “has the cards,” while arguing that Zelenskyy lacks leverage. His administration has made no secret of its goal to forge a deal quickly, even as concerns mount among NATO allies over potential concessions to Russia.

The White House confirmed this week that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Moscow for a fourth round of direct talks with Putin’s inner circle — a notable diplomatic effort that underlines the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking a resolution.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also met Thursday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Rutte, who plans additional meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, said preparations are underway for the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands this summer.

Trump has used the NATO platform to demand increased defense spending from member states. According to NATO’s latest annual report released Thursday, 22 out of 32 members have now met the 2% GDP threshold for military spending — a benchmark set by the alliance in 2023 amid Russia’s continued aggression.

“In 2025, we need to significantly increase our efforts to ensure NATO remains a key source of military advantage for all our nations,” Rutte said in a written statement. “Our continued freedom and prosperity depend on it.”

Prime Minister Støre echoed that sentiment during his White House visit, stating that “close contact between Norway and the USA is crucial.” As a NATO member sharing a border with Russia, Norway has remained a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“We must contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine,” Støre said on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump’s direct message to Putin — a rare public admonition from a leader known for his measured language toward the Kremlin — underscored the urgent need to de-escalate the war. As Ukrainian cities endure relentless attacks and diplomatic channels show signs of strain, the White House appears poised to step up its push for a peace framework that can gain buy-in from both Kyiv and Moscow — a formidable task, even for an administration committed to deal-making.

Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv Kills at Least Eight, Injures Dozens in Deadliest Strike of 2025

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KYIV, Ukraine — A massive Russian missile and drone assault struck the Ukrainian capital overnight, killing at least eight people, injuring more than 70 others and igniting fires across Kyiv in what officials described as the most devastating attack on the city in 2025.

Ukrainian emergency services and military officials said the early-morning barrage damaged residential buildings, administrative facilities, garages and critical infrastructure across multiple districts. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rescue efforts were ongoing, particularly in the heavily hit Sviatoshynskyi district on the city’s western edge, where rescuers worked under floodlights through the rubble of at least two damaged buildings. Officials initially reported nine deaths, but later revised the confirmed death toll to eight.

Six children were among the injured, and search-and-rescue crews were still combing debris for possible survivors, according to Ukrainian emergency services. “Mobile telephones are heard ringing beneath rubble. The search will continue until it becomes clear that they have got everyone,” the agency said in a statement.

Photos and video shared on Telegram showed teams climbing ladders along scorched facades and calling out from apartment to apartment as smoke billowed from shattered structures. Forty fires were reported across Kyiv, including blazes in garages and administrative buildings. Falling metal fragments from downed missiles also struck vehicles parked on city streets.

The attack lasted for more than six hours, with an air raid alert in effect across the capital throughout the night. “There was the air raid siren, we did not even have time to dress to go out of the apartment,” said Kyiv resident Viktoria Bakal. “One blast came after the other, all windows were blown out, doors, walls, my husband and son were thrown to the other side.”

According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched a total of 145 attack drones and 70 missiles — including 11 ballistic missiles — in the overnight onslaught. Ukrainian air defense units reported intercepting 112 aerial targets. Despite these efforts, significant damage was inflicted across multiple regions.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that the missile and drone attacks extended beyond Kyiv to seven other regions. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, authorities reported at least 14 drone strikes and 10 missile attacks during the night. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said damage was widespread, impacting multi-story residential buildings, a school, a polyclinic, private homes, a hotel complex and industrial facilities. One person was hospitalized.

In the Zhytomyr region west of Kyiv, emergency responders were injured in what officials described as a repeat Russian strike on rescue teams attempting to extinguish fires caused by an earlier bombardment. One emergency worker was reported injured.

Ukraine’s state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, said several rail infrastructure sites were damaged in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. Two railway workers were hurt, but the company confirmed that train services were continuing as scheduled, despite damage to technical tracks and administrative buildings.

Further south, in the industrial city of Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrovsk region, regional governor Serhiy Lysak said 14 multi-story buildings suffered damage to balconies and windows, but no casualties were reported.

The overnight assault came at a critical diplomatic juncture in the war, now in its third year following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Pressure is mounting on both Kyiv and Moscow from President Donald Trump’s administration to demonstrate concrete steps toward a peace agreement. Trump has signaled that U.S. support for brokering a ceasefire could be withdrawn if no progress is made.

Ukrainian officials, however, underscored that the overnight strikes undermined those diplomatic efforts. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Deputy Head of the Presidential Office and a senior diplomat, condemned the missile barrage on social media. “These brutal strikes prove once again that the obstacle to peace is not Ukraine. It is Russia,” Sybiha posted on X.

Meanwhile, talks held in London on Wednesday, which involved British, French and German diplomats, yielded what those countries called “significant progress” toward a common path forward. However, the meeting was overshadowed by a last-minute decision by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to cancel his attendance. The absence cast doubt on the cohesion of the Western response, even as Trump appeared to shift blame onto Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for stalled negotiations after Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine would not recognize Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea as part of any peace deal.

As Kyiv continues to recover from one of the most lethal bombardments of the year, rescue operations remain underway across the capital. Authorities have warned that further Russian strikes remain possible in the coming days.

DR Congo and M23 Rebel Group Announce Immediate Ceasefire, Commit to Continued Peace Talks

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The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel movement announced an immediate ceasefire on Wednesday, marking a pivotal step toward ending one of the most protracted and violent conflicts in Africa. The joint statement, released simultaneously by both parties, pledges an end to hostilities while peace negotiations continue in an effort to secure a lasting political solution.

The announcement, broadcast on state television in Kinshasa and echoed by M23 spokespersons, confirmed that both sides had committed to halting fighting “throughout the duration of the talks and until their conclusion.” The development follows weeks of backchannel diplomacy led by Qatar, which surprised international observers with its quiet but effective mediation.

The sudden breakthrough comes amid intensified violence in the eastern provinces, where M23 fighters have seized strategic territory including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The renewed offensive, which reignited in 2021 after years of fragile peace, has drawn condemnation from the international community and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Despite multiple ceasefire attempts in the past—more than half a dozen agreements since 2021 alone—all have ultimately unraveled. This latest accord, however, is being seen as potentially more credible due to the direct involvement of international mediators and growing pressure from foreign powers.

While the M23 has long been accused by United Nations experts and Western governments of receiving military support from neighboring Rwanda, Kigali has consistently denied any involvement. Still, tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated over allegations that Rwandan troops and military assets have crossed into Congolese territory.

Last week, a U.S. special envoy publicly urged Rwanda to withdraw any forces it may have in eastern Congo, underscoring Washington’s increasing concern over the growing regional instability. Kigali, for its part, continues to demand action against ethnic Hutu militias in the DRC, some of which include individuals linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

President Félix Tshisekedi has until now refused direct negotiations with M23 or its political affiliates, accusing them of serving Rwandan interests. His administration had long dismissed M23’s legitimacy as a political actor and has resisted formal diplomatic engagement.

The current negotiations in Doha represent a diplomatic coup for Qatar, which has deepened its economic and political ties in the region in recent years. The Gulf nation has signed more than $1 billion in investment deals with both Rwanda and the DRC, including a major infrastructure project near the Rwandan capital of Kigali.

Although the Qatari government has yet to comment publicly on the ongoing talks, its quiet diplomacy has clearly played a role in pushing both sides toward a tentative peace. Observers note that Doha’s neutrality and investment leverage may have helped broker trust between two parties locked in years of enmity.

Eastern Congo has endured nearly three decades of continuous conflict, fueled by ethnic rivalries, foreign interference, and a scramble for mineral resources. The resurgence of M23, a predominantly Tutsi rebel group, has heightened fears of a return to full-scale war. The group claims it is defending the rights of Congolese Tutsis and seeking to redress broken peace deals dating back to 2013.

The joint statement’s language—reaffirming commitment to an “immediate cessation of hostilities”—marks the clearest acknowledgment yet from both parties of the urgent need to halt the bloodshed and pursue a durable peace agreement. Yet, many remain cautious, pointing to the fragile history of ceasefire deals that failed to hold.

Still, with Qatar now in the mediator’s seat and the eyes of the international community watching closely, this latest agreement may offer the clearest path yet to ending a conflict that has claimed countless lives and destabilized an entire region.

Russia Bars Entry to 21 British Lawmakers, Accuses UK of Fueling Ukraine War and ‘Russophobia’

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MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a sharp rebuke of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy, announcing it has banned 21 British lawmakers from entering the country in retaliation for what Moscow described as London’s “open confrontation” and ongoing military and political support for Ukraine.

In a strongly worded statement, the Russian ministry accused the U.K. of deliberately “demonizing” Russia in the global arena, asserting that British officials are working to diminish Moscow’s international standing and undermine its sovereignty.

“London does not intend to abandon its open confrontation with Russia,” the ministry declared. It further accused the British government of fueling hostilities by supplying arms to what it labeled the “neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv” and seeking to “destroy Russian statehood” through a campaign of Russophobia.

The ministry also cited public statements by British lawmakers calling for the seizure of frozen Russian state assets as justification for the travel ban.

Among the 21 lawmakers now barred from entering Russia is Lord David Alton, a longtime advocate for global human rights and a key voice behind sanctions tied to the Magnitsky Act, named after Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. Alton has previously pushed for expanding sanctions against individuals involved in corruption and human rights abuses.

Russia did not release a full list of the banned officials, but said the targeted lawmakers had played active roles in shaping what it views as London’s hostile approach toward the Kremlin.

The entry ban was announced the same day that British officials hosted high-level talks in London aimed at negotiating a potential ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. The summit was attended by senior representatives from the United States and European Union, alongside a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Russia did not participate in the talks and has shown little indication of accepting any ceasefire proposals presented by Western powers in recent months.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United Kingdom has imposed sweeping sanctions and asset freezes on Russian officials, oligarchs and entities. According to the U.K. Treasury, over £25 billion (approximately $32 billion) in Russian-owned assets have been frozen, and more than 2,000 individuals and companies linked to Moscow have been sanctioned.

Globally, nearly $300 billion in Russian Central Bank reserves remain frozen across the Group of Seven (G7) nations and the European Union. While discussions continue about the possibility of confiscating these assets to finance Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction, no consensus has yet been reached on outright seizure.

However, Western governments have found ways to leverage the frozen funds. Just last week, the U.K. committed an additional £752 million ($990 million) to help Ukraine purchase air defense systems and artillery, part of a broader G7 effort to provide $50 billion in loans backed by interest earned on the immobilized Russian reserves.

On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February, Britain introduced more than 100 new sanctions aimed at individuals and entities accused of directly aiding President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. These measures targeted companies supplying military equipment, technology firms, and financiers allegedly involved in circumventing earlier sanctions.

The Kremlin’s decision to block access to British lawmakers underscores the worsening tensions between London and Moscow as diplomatic and military standoffs continue over the future of Ukraine and the vast trove of frozen Russian assets in Western hands.

Weinstein Made Chilling Comment to Teen Victim After Assault, Prosecutors Say

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NEW YORK — Disturbing new allegations against Harvey Weinstein emerged Wednesday as prosecutors detailed how the disgraced film producer allegedly assaulted a teenage model, then name-dropped Hollywood stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Penelope Cruz after the attack.

During opening statements in Manhattan Supreme Court, prosecutors told jurors that Weinstein, 73, lured Kaja Sokola to his apartment in 2002 when she was just 16 years old, claiming he needed to “grab some papers.” Once inside, he demanded she remove her shirt, prosecutors said.

“This is what happens in the industry,” Weinstein allegedly told the teen before assaulting her.

After the alleged attack, prosecutors say Weinstein bragged about advancing the careers of Paltrow and Cruz, then advised Sokola she needed to “work on her stubbornness.”

The former Miramax head is being newly charged based on Sokola’s claims that he assaulted her again in 2006 during what she believed was a meeting about movie scripts. During this incident, Weinstein allegedly took her to a Manhattan hotel room and forcibly performed oral sex on her while she begged him, “Please don’t do this.”

Sokola, who previously sued Weinstein and received a $3.5 million settlement, alleges he sexually assaulted her multiple times over several years, beginning when she was a teenager. Weinstein faces criminal charges specifically for the 2006 incident, but not for the alleged 2002 assault.

Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey told jurors the producer preyed on women by using “dream opportunities as weapons.” Weinstein, seated in a wheelchair, remained calm and avoided eye contact with the jury as prosecutors described the alleged attacks.

The current proceedings mark Weinstein’s retrial after his 2020 conviction was overturned on appeal last year in a decision that shocked many legal observers. The retrial also includes allegations from Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann, who testified in the original trial.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorney, Arthur Aidala, argued during opening remarks that Weinstein had “mutually beneficial relationships” with his accusers.

“In this case, the casting couch is not a crime scene,” Aidala told jurors.

The trial continues as Weinstein’s health reportedly deteriorates. Last week, a judge ruled he could stay in a hospital during the proceedings rather than return to Rikers Island jail, where he has been held for much of the past five years.

The case has become a defining moment in the #MeToo movement, with dozens of women coming forward with allegations against the once-powerful Hollywood producer since 2017.

Trump Accuses Zelenskyy of Prolonging Ukraine War by Rejecting Peace Deal That Would Leave Crimea with Russia

By
Emmanuel
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0

LONDON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for prolonging the war in Ukraine, arguing that Kyiv’s refusal to consider territorial concessions—especially regarding Crimea—is fueling continued bloodshed and stalling potential peace talks.

Trump’s criticism followed Zelenskyy’s blunt dismissal on Tuesday of any proposal that would see Ukraine cede territory to Russia, including the annexed Crimean Peninsula, as a condition for entering peace negotiations. “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said, ahead of a round of U.S.-led talks in London aimed at negotiating a ceasefire.

“Very harmful,” Trump wrote on social media in response to Zelenskyy’s firm position. “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian territory. But if he wanted Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”

Behind the scenes, a proposal drafted by U.S. officials and presented during talks last week in Paris reportedly included provisions that would allow Russia to retain control of occupied Ukrainian territory. According to a senior European official familiar with the discussions, the plan was initially introduced as “just ideas,” but later characterized by Washington as final—leaving Ukrainian officials blindsided.

Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s position during a visit to India, saying the time has come for Ukraine to either accept the American proposal or for the United States to “walk away from this process.”

“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians. It’s a very fair proposal that would freeze the territorial lines close to where they are today,” Vance said, without offering specific details on the plan.

Trump, who has long maintained that he could end the war swiftly, claimed Ukraine is risking total collapse by resisting negotiation. “Zelenskyy can have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country,” Trump warned. “This will do nothing but prolong the killing field, and nobody wants that.”

Even as world leaders and negotiators met in London, violence continued along Ukraine’s sprawling 1,000-kilometer front. On Wednesday morning, a Russian drone strike hit a civilian bus in Marganets, in Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, killing eight women and one man. Regional governor Serhii Lysak said more than 40 others were injured.

Photos from the scene showed a gutted bus with shattered windows and bloodied glass strewn across the floor.

In response, Zelenskyy reiterated his openness to dialogue—but not at the cost of territorial sovereignty. “We insist on an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire,” he posted on social media, invoking a peace framework allegedly put forward by Washington six weeks ago.

Despite growing urgency, Wednesday’s meeting in London was reduced in scope after Secretary of State Marco Rubio abruptly canceled his participation due to scheduling conflicts. The absence of high-level representation raised concerns about the U.S. commitment to its own negotiation process.

Still, Trump’s envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, was in attendance, alongside Ukraine’s delegation led by Andrii Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelenskyy. Yermak was joined by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

“The path to peace is not easy,” Yermak said on social media. “But Ukraine remains committed to peaceful efforts.” He added that Ukraine’s delegation would push for “a full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward a just and lasting peace.”

Later in the day, Yermak reported meetings with national security and foreign policy advisers from what he described as the “coalition of the willing.” He accused Russia of deliberately stalling talks, stating: “Russia continues to reject an unconditional ceasefire, dragging out the process and trying to manipulate negotiations.”

The notion of Ukraine trading territory for peace has divided Western allies. While some European leaders are reportedly warming to the idea of freezing the conflict along current front lines, others remain cautious, fearing that rewarding Russian aggression sets a dangerous precedent.

“There’s recognition that Russia is now deeply entrenched in at least five regions—Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson,” said a senior French official, speaking anonymously per French presidential policy. “If the goal is a ceasefire now, it must be based on the line of contact as it is.”

Despite Trump’s repeated campaign pledges to end the war “in 24 hours,” progress has stalled. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to return to Moscow later this week for additional talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while discussions with U.S. officials are ongoing, key disagreements remain unresolved.

Trump has grown increasingly impatient with both sides. While he has criticized Putin’s reluctance to accept U.S. proposals, he has reserved his sharpest attacks for Zelenskyy, accusing him of intransigence and misjudgment.

“The longer Zelenskyy refuses to negotiate, the more Ukraine risks losing — not just land, but its future,” Trump said in another social media post. “The time for peace is now.”

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