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Zelenskyy Says He’s Willing to Step Down if It Brings Peace, NATO Membership for Ukraine

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday he would be willing to step down from his position if it ensured lasting peace and Ukraine’s integration into NATO. 

Speaking at a government forum marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy stated, “If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready.” He also responded to questions about trading his office for security assurances, saying, “I can trade it for NATO.” 

His remarks come amid growing international pressure, with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting elections should be held in Ukraine despite the nation’s martial law restrictions. 

Earlier Sunday, Zelenskyy reported that Russia had launched 267 drone strikes overnight, the largest single attack of the war. Ukraine’s air force said it had intercepted 138 drones across 13 regions, while 119 more were lost before reaching their targets. Additionally, three ballistic missiles were fired, killing at least one person in Kryvyi Rih, according to local authorities. 

The attacks come as European leaders brace for potential shifts in U.S. policy under Trump, who has signaled a departure from previous American support for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials fear Trump could push for a peace deal favorable to Russia, potentially forcing Ukraine into territorial concessions. 

Trump’s recent engagement with Russian officials and his commitment to reopening diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow have raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Zelenskyy has warned that a rushed settlement could weaken Ukraine’s security and embolden future Russian aggression. 

Tensions escalated further after Trump suggested Ukraine was responsible for starting the war and accused Zelenskyy of acting as a “dictator” by not holding elections—statements that sparked outrage in Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that preparations were underway for a potential Trump-Putin meeting, signaling a thaw in diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington. 

Following the latest attacks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia, stating, “Avoiding calling Russia an aggressor does not change the fact that it is one.” He urged international partners to judge Putin’s actions rather than his words. 

Amid ongoing discussions about security guarantees, Ukrainian officials met Sunday to discuss a potential deal allowing the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast rare earth mineral reserves. The agreement, previously rejected by Zelenskyy due to a lack of security assurances, remains under negotiation. 

At the Kyiv forum, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, confirmed that Ukraine was exploring investment opportunities with both the U.S. and European nations, including mineral extraction projects. Economic Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, who departed early for talks with American representatives, said Ukraine’s mineral resources could play a key role in broader security negotiations. 

Svyrydenko estimated that $350 billion worth of minerals are located in Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation. However, she cautioned that many assessments are based on Soviet-era geological surveys, necessitating further exploration. 

In a televised speech marking Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin praised Russian forces for defending “their native land, national interests, and the future of Russia.” He vowed continued investment in military personnel, new weaponry, and national defense capabilities. 

“As the world changes rapidly, our strategic course for strengthening the armed forces remains unchanged,” Putin said. “We will continue to develop our military to ensure Russia’s sovereignty and security.” 

In response to shifting U.S. foreign policy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to visit Washington this week in an effort to secure continued support for Ukraine. 

The U.K. announced that it would unveil its largest sanctions package against Russia since the early days of the war. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated the new measures aim to “erode Russia’s military machine and reduce revenues fueling its aggression against Ukraine.” 

Addressing a Labour Party gathering in Scotland, Starmer emphasized that any peace deal must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty. “There can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said. “The people of Ukraine must have a long-term secure future.” 

AP

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Finalize Divorce After Two Years of Marriage

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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are officially divorced, with a Los Angeles Superior Court judge approving their settlement on Jan. 6. The ruling takes effect on Feb. 21, following California’s mandatory six-month waiting period after Lopez filed to dissolve their marriage. 

Court documents indicate the couple reached a settlement through mediation in September, avoiding a lengthy legal battle. Lopez has legally dropped “Affleck” from her name. Financial details remain private, and neither party will pay spousal support. Since the couple has no children together, custody was not a factor in the proceedings. 

Lopez and Affleck married in July 2022, but court filings confirm they had been separated for over a year before Lopez initiated divorce proceedings in August 2024. 

This marks the second time the Hollywood power couple has split. Lopez and Affleck first dated in the early 2000s, getting engaged before co-starring in *Gigli* and *Jersey Girl*. However, they ended their relationship in 2004, citing media scrutiny and public pressure as contributing factors. 

Nearly 20 years later, they rekindled their romance and tied the knot in 2022, delighting fans who had long hoped for their reunion. 

Affleck was previously married to actress Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three children. Lopez, who has been married four times, shares twins with singer Marc Anthony. 

Kanye West to Spend $100 Million on Private Jets Featuring $40K Italian Leather Seats and Yeezy-Inspired Interiors

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LOS ANGELES — Kanye West is investing $100 million in two luxury private jets, outfitted with high-end interiors, including $40,000 Italian leather seats and Yeezy-branded furnishings. The rapper plans to rent the jets to affluent clients as part of a new business venture.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that West’s team initiated discussions about the project six months ago, seeking to create a high-end private aviation service catering to executives, celebrities, and wealthy travelers. 

The aircraft under consideration include a $38 million Gulfstream G650ER and a $40 million Dassault Falcon 900LX. West is expected to invest an additional $20 million in upgrades, featuring custom Yeezy-inspired furniture, a fully stocked bar, and exclusive luxury amenities. 

A consultant in the luxury design industry confirmed that the jets’ interiors will incorporate West’s signature design elements, including gold-accented details and a black-and-cream color scheme. 

West continues to generate revenue from his music and Yeezy fashion brand, despite losing major endorsement deals. His recent business moves aim to diversify his portfolio, even as financial concerns persist. 

Past debts have reportedly reached $53 million, with mounting expenses linked to halted real estate projects, outstanding taxes, and legal disputes. 

The rapper’s team has not commented on the details of the private jet investment. 

Officer Killed in Pennsylvania Hospital Shooting After Gunman Takes Hostages 

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A police officer was killed and multiple people were wounded Saturday when a gunman took hospital staff hostage at UPMC Memorial Hospital, in York, Pennsylvania, before being fatally shot by law enforcement, authorities said. 

York County District Attorney Tim Barker identified the shooter as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz. According to Barker, the suspect entered the hospital’s intensive care unit armed with a pistol and zip ties, restraining a female hospital staff member before officers intervened. 

Gunfire erupted when police confronted Archangel-Ortiz, who was holding the staff member at gunpoint with her hands bound. Three hospital workers—a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian—along with two officers were shot and wounded. Another staffer was injured while attempting to escape. 

Barker said officers acted appropriately. 

“It is absolutely clear, beyond any doubt, that officers were justified in using deadly force,” Barker said during a press briefing. 

Authorities believe Archangel-Ortiz had previously visited the hospital’s ICU earlier in the week for a “medical-related matter involving another individual” and deliberately targeted the facility. 

The fallen officer was identified as Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department. 

“We are heartbroken and grieving this tragic loss,” West York Borough Manager Shawn Mauck told The Associated Press. 

Duarte, a law enforcement veteran, joined the department in 2022 after serving five years with the Denver Police Department. According to his LinkedIn profile, he received a “hero award” in 2021 from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his work in impaired driving enforcement in Colorado. 

Colleagues described Duarte as a dedicated officer and respected member of the department. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro met with Duarte’s family and wounded officers Saturday evening. 

“Their willingness to run toward danger saved lives,” Shapiro wrote on X. “I am grateful for their bravery and for all law enforcement officers who answered the call today in York.” 

At a memorial in front of the West York Borough Police Department, residents placed flowers in Duarte’s honor. Linda Shields, a local resident whose son is a police officer in Maryland, left roses and expressed grief over the loss. 

“He was so young,” Shields said. “It makes no sense at all.” 

Shapiro called the attack on police and health care workers “the act of a coward.” 

The shooting at UPMC Memorial is the latest in a series of violent incidents at medical centers across the United States. 

Health care workers face rising threats, with hospitals becoming frequent targets of violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health care sector now experiences more workplace violence injuries than any other profession. 

Recent incidents include: 

– In 2023, a shooter killed a security guard in the lobby of New Hampshire’s state psychiatric hospital before being fatally shot by police. 

– In 2022, a man shot and killed two hospital employees in Dallas while visiting for the birth of his child. 

– In May 2022, a gunman opened fire in an Atlanta medical center waiting room, killing one woman and wounding four others. 

– In June 2022, a shooter killed his surgeon and three others at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, medical office, blaming the doctor for his post-surgical pain. 

UPMC Memorial Hospital, a five-story, 104-bed facility in York, Pennsylvania, opened in 2019. 

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Musk Orders Federal Workers to Justify Their Jobs Within 48 Hours

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Federal employees have 48 hours to account for their workweek as billionaire Elon Musk, in his role as President Donald Trump’s chief cost-cutter, intensifies efforts to slash what he calls “waste everywhere” in government operations. 

Musk announced the directive on his social media platform X on Saturday, stating: 

“Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.” 

Shortly after, federal workers received an email instructing them to submit approximately five bullet points summarizing their weekly accomplishments and to copy their managers. The deadline to respond is Monday at 11:59 p.m. 

The ultimatum comes as thousands of government employees have already been removed from the federal workforce—either through firings or buyouts—within the first month of Trump’s new administration. The White House and Musk’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency have initiated large-scale layoffs, ordered agencies to prepare for further reductions, and frozen trillions in federal grant funding. 

There is no official count of layoffs to date, but The Associated Press reports that hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been affected, many outside Washington, D.C. Job cuts include thousands from the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, and the National Park Service. 

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, condemned the move, calling it an example of Trump and Musk’s “utter disdain for federal employees and the critical services they provide to the American people.” 

“It is cruel and disrespectful to the hundreds of thousands of veterans who now serve in civil service, forcing them to justify their work to an out-of-touch, privileged billionaire who has never spent a single hour in public service,” Kelley said. “AFGE will challenge any unlawful terminations.” 

On Friday, Musk celebrated his new role by waving a giant chainsaw at a conservative gathering, calling it “the chainsaw for bureaucracy.” He stated, “Waste is pretty much everywhere in the federal government.”  McLaurine Pinover, a spokesperson for the Office of Personnel Management, confirmed the directive and said agencies would determine next steps for employees who fail to comply. When asked about workers on leave or vacation, she reiterated that individual agencies would make those decisions

Hamas Releases Six Hostages in Exchange for Palestinian Prisoners Under Ceasefire Agreement

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Hamas released six Israeli hostages on Saturday in the final exchange under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, trading them for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. 

Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Omer Wenkert, 23—captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel—were handed over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza. They were then transferred to Israeli forces. Hamas militants, armed with automatic rifles, flanked the three men during the handover, which took place before a gathered crowd. 

Earlier, Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 39, were released in Rafah, southern Gaza. A sixth hostage, Hisham Al-Sayed, 36, was later handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City without a public ceremony. 

Mengistu and Al-Sayed had been held by Hamas for nearly a decade after entering Gaza on their own. Shoham was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri with his wife and two children, who were freed in a brief truce in November 2023. 

The six hostages were the last living captives among the 33 scheduled for release under the initial phase of the ceasefire, which took effect on January 19. An estimated 63 additional hostages remain in Gaza, though fewer than half are believed to be alive. 

Following his release, Shem Tov embraced his parents, laughing and crying, saying, “How I dreamt of this,” in a video shared by the Israeli military. Shoham, smiling and giving a thumbs-up, waved to friends gathered outside the hospital where he was taken. 

Hundreds of Israelis braved the rain at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, lighting candles beneath photos of the Bibas family, whose bodies were recently returned. 

In exchange for the hostages, Israel is expected to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, including 445 Gazans detained by Israeli forces during the war. The exchange also includes dozens of individuals serving lengthy sentences for attacks that killed Israelis during the Palestinian uprising two decades ago. 

The ceasefire was briefly jeopardized after Hamas misidentified a body returned Thursday as that of Shiri Bibas, who was kidnapped with her two young sons and husband in the October 7 attack. Late Friday, Hamas handed over another body, which Israeli forensic officials confirmed as hers. 

The Israeli military stated that intelligence assessments and forensic analysis concluded that 10-month-old Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother, Ariel, were deliberately killed by their captors. Army Radio reported that Shiri Bibas was likely killed alongside her children. Hamas, however, claims the family died in an Israeli airstrike. 

While the ceasefire has paused hostilities, the prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain. Hamas has sought to assert control in Gaza despite significant losses. 

The conflict began when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 48,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials, and devastated much of Gaza, leaving hundreds of thousands displaced. 

Both sides have signaled interest in negotiating a second phase of the ceasefire, which mediators say would focus on securing the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Former Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Arrested Near U.S. Capitol for Assault

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Former Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio was arrested Friday near the U.S. Capitol on charges of assaulting a protester following a gathering attended by individuals who had received presidential pardons for crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. 

According to Capitol police, officers witnessed Tarrio strike a protester’s cellphone and arm after the woman held her phone close to his face as they walked near the Capitol. Tarrio had just left a press conference that had concluded “without incident,” police said. 

“The woman told our officers that she wanted to be a complainant, and the man was arrested for the simple assault,” police stated. 

An attorney who previously represented Tarrio in his Capitol riot case did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Tarrio, a Miami resident, was serving a 22-year sentence—the longest imposed in Jan. 6-related cases—when President Donald Trump issued a sweeping clemency order last month for all 1,500-plus individuals charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol. 

Tarrio and three of his associates were convicted of seditious conspiracy for orchestrating a violent plot to prevent the certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory over Trump in 2020. 

On Friday, Tarrio appeared at a press conference alongside other Proud Boys members and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, who had also been convicted of seditious conspiracy but was released from prison last month after Trump commuted his 18-year sentence. 

The arrest marks another chapter in the ongoing legal and political fallout from the Jan. 6 attack, as key figures involved in the riot continue to make public appearances following their pardons. 

Trump Fires Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown, Two Other Top Military Officials

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President Donald Trump sacked Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, marking a significant shake-up in military leadership. Brown, a decorated fighter pilot and only the second Black officer to hold the role, had served in the position for just 16 months. 

The decision is part of a broader effort by Trump’s administration to reshape the Pentagon’s leadership. The move comes amid ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump said in a statement on social media. 

Brown’s tenure had been marked by controversy due to his public support for diversity initiatives and his comments on racial inequality in the military. His support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the killing of George Floyd made him a target in ongoing debates over “wokeism” within the armed forces. 

The Pentagon is also set to implement further changes, including cutting 5,400 civilian probationary workers next week and identifying $50 billion in budget reductions next year to realign resources toward the administration’s priorities. 

Trump has nominated retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to replace Brown. Caine, a career F-16 pilot, has served in both active duty and the National Guard and was most recently the associate director for military affairs at the CIA. His experience includes combat operations in Iraq, special operations assignments, and involvement in classified Pentagon programs. 

However, Caine has not held key positions traditionally required for the role, such as vice chairman, combatant commander, or service chief. A waiver could be issued if the president deems his appointment necessary for national security. 

The removal of Brown is part of a broader reshuffling of military leadership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced the dismissals of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Jim Slife. 

Franchetti, who was the second woman in history to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the Navy, previously commanded U.S. 6th Fleet and served in multiple high-level leadership positions, including combat deployments. Slife, a veteran of the Air Force Special Operations Command, has been involved in multiple deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan. 

Trump’s latest round of military leadership changes has drawn strong reactions from both political parties. While Republican leaders have largely supported the moves, congressional Democrats have raised concerns about the potential politicization of the military. 

“The military must remain apolitical and dedicated to serving the Constitution, not any political party,” said Sen. Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. 

Brown’s confirmation in 2023 faced obstacles due to Senate delays, but he was ultimately approved in a bipartisan 89-8 vote. His appointment marked a historic moment as, for the first time, both the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs chairman were Black. 

Trump’s decision to dismiss Brown underscores his administration’s commitment to reshaping the military leadership as he begins his second term. 

Gaza Ceasefire Update: Israel Claims Hamas Killed Child Hostages With Their ‘Bare Hands’

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has accused Hamas of murdering two child hostages while in captivity, disputing claims by the militant group that they were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The statement follows Hamas’ handover of four bodies under the ongoing ceasefire agreement. 

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated on Friday that forensic analysis confirmed Ariel Bibas, 4, and his 10-month-old brother, Kfir, were murdered while held hostage in Gaza. “These two innocent children were taken hostage alive with their mother, Shiri, on October 7,” Hagari said. “Contrary to Hamas’s lies, they were not killed in an airstrike. They were murdered by terrorists in cold blood—killed with their bare hands.” 

Hamas had returned four bodies as part of the ceasefire deal, claiming they were those of the Bibas children, their mother, and 83-year-old journalist and peace activist Oded Lifshitz. However, Israeli authorities said forensic tests revealed that one set of remains did not belong to Shiri Bibas but to an unidentified Palestinian woman. 

Hamas has pledged to investigate the mix-up, stating that Bibas’ remains may have been mistakenly combined with those of Palestinians allegedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. Neither side has provided independent evidence to support their claims regarding how the hostages died. 

Despite the dispute, both Israel and Hamas reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire agreement. Under the current deal, Hamas announced it would release six living hostages on Saturday. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 602 Palestinian prisoners. 

Amid ongoing hostilities, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that a 13-year-old girl was fatally shot by Israeli forces in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. The incident occurred as part of a broader Israeli military operation that has forced tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes. 

The International Rescue Committee warned of increasing violence in the region, stating that 224 Palestinian children had been killed in the West Bank since January 2023. 

Israeli authorities have also detained two suspects in connection with the bombing of several empty buses in Tel Aviv on Thursday night. The explosions, which caused no casualties, are being investigated as a potential militant attack. 

As tensions persist, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, with further hostage exchanges and prisoner releases expected in the coming days.

Suspect Arrested After Stabbing at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial 

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A Spanish man was seriously wounded in a stabbing at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial on Friday, prompting a major police operation. Authorities later arrested a suspect but have not yet disclosed his identity or a possible motive. 

German police reported that the victim was attacked around 6 p.m. near the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, located in central Berlin near the U.S. embassy. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency responders arrived, treating multiple people who had witnessed the assault.  

The victim, a 30-year-old Spanish citizen, suffered severe injuries and was transported to a hospital for urgent medical care. Six bystanders who saw the attack were treated for shock. 

Bloodied clothes were seen on the ground as police cordoned off the area, with heavily armed officers securing the memorial. Aerial surveillance was deployed using a cherry picker crane to search the site. 

More than three hours after the assault, a man approached police officers at the scene. Authorities swiftly subdued and handcuffed him, with one officer shouting, “We have the suspect!” Berlin police spokesperson Florian Nath confirmed the arrest, stating the suspect was seen with “blood on his hands.” 

Police have not yet determined a motive for the attack, and the suspect has refused to cooperate with investigators. Authorities continue to examine possible connections to ongoing security concerns in Germany. 

The stabbing comes just two days before German national elections, following a heated campaign season in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained popularity. 

Earlier on Friday, German police arrested an 18-year-old Russian man suspected of planning a “politically motivated” attack in Berlin. Authorities detained the suspect in the state of Brandenburg, which surrounds the capital, but did not disclose further details. 

The *Tagesspiegel* newspaper reported that the man, believed to be of Chechen origin, may have been planning an attack on the Israeli embassy. 

Germany has faced a series of deadly attacks in recent months, including car-rammings and stabbing sprees, heightening security concerns nationwide. Authorities continue to investigate whether the Berlin memorial stabbing is linked to broader extremist threats.

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