Preparations are underway for a highly anticipated phone call today between President Trump and President Vladimir Putin. This call marks the first known conversation between the two leaders since Ukraine agreed to support a U.S.-backed monthlong cease-fire.
On Sunday, Trump indicated that the cease-fire and the fate of Ukrainian power plants would be on the agenda, mentioning that “dividing up certain assets” had been discussed. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed any specific agenda items.
While Trump has expressed his desire to broker a truce between Russia and Ukraine swiftly, Putin appears to be looking to leverage the situation for further concessions. As of now, Putin has not agreed to the cease-fire and has outlined conditions that could potentially delay or obstruct a truce.
In related developments, the U.S. is withdrawing from a multinational group established to investigate leaders responsible for the invasion of Ukraine, including Putin. This move signals a shift in the White House's commitment to holding Putin accountable for his actions.
In other news, President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced that the administration intends to continue deportations of migrants despite a court order blocking such actions. Homan stated, “We’re not stopping,” disregarding the judges' authority.
The judge who issued the order has scheduled a hearing to demand details from officials and denied a last-minute request from the Trump administration to cancel the hearing. The Justice Department has also requested the court to remove the judge from the case entirely.
Background information reveals that over the weekend, the U.S. deported more than 200 immigrants, including individuals accused of gang affiliations, to El Salvador, contrary to the judge's order. The judge is seeking clarification on the whereabouts of the planes involved at the time of his ruling.
In international relations, Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium following the European Union's imposition of sanctions on Rwandan military and government officials for their involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda has given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
The E.U. has accused Rwanda of financially supporting the armed rebel group M23, which has been engaged in conflict with government forces in Congo for over a decade. The sanctions represent the E.U.'s initial step to exert pressure on Rwanda regarding the ongoing conflict. In response, M23 leaders have announced their decision not to participate in upcoming peace talks with Congolese officials.
In lighter news, a group of six geriatric African penguins at a Boston aquarium are enjoying their retirement on an island designed to cater to their aging needs, separate from younger penguins.
Additionally, Lee Shau-kee, a prominent Hong Kong real estate tycoon, has passed away at the age of 97. He was known for building apartments for descendants of refugees from mainland China.
In cultural news, the latest Spider-Man series, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” on Disney+, showcases a new take on the iconic hero, employing 3-D animation to create a visually dynamic experience reminiscent of classic comic book styles.
For those looking for recommendations, a Parmesan-crusted salmon Caesar salad is suggested for a healthy meal, while Randall Wilson’s “A Place Called Yellowstone” has won an American history prize. Travel enthusiasts can find tips for spending 36 hours in Singapore, and fashion critics offer advice on selecting the best jeans.
The day concludes with various games available for entertainment, including Spelling Bee, the Mini Crossword, Wordle, and Sudoku.