A Putin aide rejects Trump’s 30-day Ukraine ceasefire proposal

As U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff enters talks with Russian officials in Moscow on a Trump administration proposal Ukraine has already accepted for a 30-day ceasefire, President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, rejected the idea.

Speaking on Russian state television, Ushakov dismissed a 30-day ceasefire as a mere “breather” for Ukrainian troops, emphasizing Moscow’s preference for substantive peace talks.

Ushakov reiterated Russia’s demands: Ukraine must recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and four southeastern regions, withdraw troops from lands claimed by Russia and pledge never to join NATO. He said he “hopes [the United States] knows our position and wants to believe that they will take it into account as we work together going forward.”

Moscow also seeks limits on Ukraine’s military, protections for Russian speakers and elections to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have reclaimed most of the territory lost in last summer’s Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk region.

The U.S. restored military aid to Ukraine after ceasefire talks Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. President Trump, pushing for a ceasefire, warned Russia of financial consequences if Putin resists.

 

Dozens of states sue to block the sale of 23andMe personal genetic data

States argue that biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each person's express, informed consent.

Smithsonian board to keep institution ‘free from political or partisan influence’

The Smithsonian has issued a statement supporting Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch following President Trump's claim that he fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery.

Drug deaths plummet among young Americans as fentanyl carnage eases

U.S. drug deaths dropped by roughly 40% last year among people under the age of 35. It's a welcome pivot for families and communities devastated by fentanyl.

Witness testifies about Sean Combs’ ‘hotel nights’: ‘I was repulsed’

The woman, who dated Combs, testified that she repeatedly told him she did not want to participate in the drug-fueled encounters with escorts he requested, but felt pressured to comply.

What happened when Lyndon Johnson federalized the National Guard

President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the National Guard in 1965, calling on troops to protect civil rights advocates who were marching from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery.

Trump mobilizes Marines for duty in Los Angeles

U.S. Northern Command says the infantry battalion would be supporting the National Guard troops "who are protecting federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area."

More Front Page Coverage