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New Diplomacy on the Horizon: U.S. and Russia Push Ahead Without Ukraine

  In a bold shift from previous diplomatic efforts, top U.S. and Russian officials have agreed to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine—even as Ukrainian representatives remain notably absent. High-level talks held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussing the framework for future peace negotiations and steps toward restoring bilateral relations. The Trump administration’s approach, which prioritizes direct engagement with Moscow, marks a departure from longstanding principles that insisted on “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Critics in Kyiv have voiced strong opposition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s participation would be unacceptable and would undermine the nation’s sovereignty. European leaders echoed these concerns, with several officials labeling the move as a dangerous precedent that could lead to a “dirty deal...

Trump Hush Money Trial: Opening Statements and David Pecker’s Testimony


Opening statements began today in the historic criminal trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The trial centers around allegations of hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Here are the key details:

The Charges

Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to keep her silent about an extramarital affair with Trump.

Opening Statements

Attorneys for both the prosecution and defense delivered their opening statements. The courtroom was filled with anticipation as the trial commenced. Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican nominee, has consistently maintained his innocence, denying any sexual relationship with Daniels.

David Pecker’s Testimony

The prosecution called David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, as their first witness. Pecker’s testimony was cut short due to the Passover holiday and an alternate juror’s dentist appointment. The trial adjourned for the day, but Pecker is expected to continue testifying tomorrow.

Transparency Measures

In an unprecedented move, the New York court system will release daily transcripts of the trial to the public. Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George made this decision to ensure broad and continuous access to this high-profile case.

As the trial unfolds, the fate of the former president rests in the hands of an anonymous panel of 12 Manhattan residents. Their verdict will determine whether Trump is guilty of the charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Stay tuned for further updates as the trial continues.


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