Having Trump’s ear is the new frontline in the Russia-Ukraine war

Having Trump's ear is the new frontline in the Russia-Ukraine war

Make no mistake, the real battle in the Ukraine war right now isn't in the skies over Kyiv or Dnipro where Russian drone strikes have intensified, dramatically, in recent days. Nor is the slow, grinding progress being made by the Russian army on the brutal frontlines of eastern Ukraine how the conflict, now in its third year, will be decided. No, the crucial fight being slugged out between the warring parties and their allies is for the ear of US President Donald Trump, who seems increasingly frustrated with efforts to broker peace. And that's why his phone call, expected to take place with Russian President Vladimir Putin later today, may be of such pivotal importance. Moscow and Kyiv are both vying to demonstrate it is the other who is the real obstacle to peace, hoping to swing Trump's changeable opinion, at least for a while, their way. European officials say they will also be speaking to Trump ahead of his call with Putin, amid concerns that Trump's view on the conflict may be shaped by whom he speaks to last. Just last month, after speaking to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis' funeral, Trump made some of his most critical remarks towards Putin, condemning the Russian leader for launching a missile attack on Kyiv, adding he couldn't say for sure whether the Russian leader was serious about ending the war. As long as Monday's call lasts, Putin – who has refused to accept a 30-day ceasefire demanded by President Trump and agreed to by Ukraine – will have that presidential ear all to himself. He could pour into it whatever business inducements, flattery or poison Putin calculates will work best. Trump and Putin already seem to share an unshakeable conviction that it is them alone who have the personal authority and skills to settle the Ukraine war, while the Europeans and the Ukrainians themselves will ultimately do as they are told. Underwhelming talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul last week – the first directly between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators for years – seem to have underlined President Trump's own sense of centrality to a deal. It has encouraged him to reinsert himself, by calling Putin directly, into peace efforts from which he had only recently threatened to walk away. The big Ukrainian fear is that the two leaders will cook up their own peace plan over the phone with President Trump – who says he'll call his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky afterwards – then potentially seek to impose Putin's terms under a renewed threat of withdrawing vital US military and economic aid. President Trump has leverage on Russia, too, if he chooses to use it. With mounting casualties and a strained economy, the Kremlin undoubtedly wants to avoid pushing an angry and rebuffed Trump towards restoring and possibly redoubling US support for the Ukrainian war effort. As ever, the problem remains that neither Russia nor Ukraine is currently willing to accept each other's minimum terms, to compromise enough to satisfy the other side. That doesn't mean talks – whether direct, face-to-face, or on the phone – are pointless. If nothing else, they can highlight how far apart the two sides really are. But what may mean is that, even under US pressure, even after a direct phone call with President Trump, both Moscow and Kyiv may still choose to fight on. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byDaniel Coleman

in

May 18, 2025

Having Trump’s ear is the new frontline in the Russia-Ukraine war

Having Trump's ear is the new frontline in the Russia-Ukraine war Make no mistake, the real battle in the Ukraine war right now isn'...

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Portugal headed for another minority government after vote won by incumbent center-right party

Portugal headed for another minority government after vote won by incumbent center-right party

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal was headed for yet another minority government after the incumbent center-right Democratic Alliance won ageneral electionbut failed to secure a majority in Parliament in a vote that saw surge by a hard-right populist party. Democratic Alliance leader Luis Montenegro, the incumbent prime minister, said he was willing to discuss solutions with other parties. Portugal's third general election in three years Sunday dashed hopes that the ballot could endthe worst spell of political instabilityfor decades in the European Union country of 10.6 million people. Adding uncertainty to Portugal's electoral climate, a surge in support for the Chega, or Enough, meant the hard-right party may yet claim second place with its focus oncurbing immigrationand cracking down on corruption, challenging the center-left socialists as Portugal's second-biggest party. With 99.2% of votes counted, the Democratic Alliance captured at least 89 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly, Portugal's Parliament. It had been in power for less than a year when it was ousted in a confidence vote in March. It collected 80 seats in last year's election and served as a minority government. Democratic Alliance leader open to deals Montenegro indicated he would be open to political deals with opposition parties. "We all have to be able to speak to each other and put the national interest first," he said in a post-election speech to supporters. Seven smaller parties also won seats. Without a majority of seats the Democratic Alliance, led by the Social Democratic Party, can try to recruit support from smaller parties, currently seen as unlikely, or take office as a minority government as it did during its last term. That leaves it at the mercy of opposition parties combining to bring it down, as happened two months ago. Public frustration with Portugal's main parties has brought an increasingly fragmented political landscape and defied efforts to unite behind policies on pressing national issues such as immigration, housing and the cost of living. In a dramatic demonstration of the changing complexion of Portuguese politics, support for the populist party Chega surged once again. It collected at least 58 seats, up from 50 seats last year, and is challenging the center-left socialists as Portugal's second-biggest party. Chega competed in its first election just six years ago, when it won one seat, and has fed off disaffection with the more moderate traditional parties. Campaigning under the slogan "Save Portugal," it describes itself as a nationalist party and has drawn on the popularity of its leader, lawyer and former soccer pundit Andre Ventura. "This is my moment," Ventura said. "It's a great victory for Chega." He opened the door to an understanding with the Democratic Alliance, saying the country needs stability. For the past 50 years, the Social Democrats and the Socialist Party have alternated in power. The socialists were contemplating possibly their worst result since 1987, also gaining 58 seats. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos announced he was standing down. The center-right alliance led opinion polls The Democratic Alliance, which also includes the smaller Popular Party,lost a confidence votein parliament in March after less than a year in power, as opposition lawmakers teamed up against it. That triggered an early election, which had been due in 2028. The confidence vote was sparked by a political storm around potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of Social Democratic Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's family law firm. Montenegro has denied any wrongdoing and is standing for reelection. Corruption scandals have dogged Portuguese politics in recent years. That has helped fuel the rise of Chega, whose leader Ventura says he has "zero tolerance" for misconduct in office. But Chega has recently fallen foul of its own lawmakers' alleged wrongdoing. One is suspected of stealing suitcases from the Lisbon airport and selling the contents online, and another allegedly faked the signature of a dead woman. Both resigned. Immigration and housing are key issues Chega owes much of its success to its demands for a tighter immigration policy that have resonated with voters. Portugal has witnessed a steep rise in immigration. In 2018, there were fewer than a half-million legalimmigrantsin the country, according to government statistics. By early this year, there were more than 1.5 million, many of them Brazilians and Asians working in tourism and farming. Thousands more lack the proper documents to be in Portugal. The outgoing government announced two weeks before the election that it was expelling about 18,000 foreigners living in the country without authorization. Though such a step is routine, the timing drew accusations that it was trying to capture votes from Chega. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos, who is also standing for prime minister, described the move as a "Trumpification" of Portuguese politics, referring to U.S.President Donald Trump's focus on immigration policies. Ahousing crisishas also fired up debate. House prices and rents have been soaring for the past 10 years, due in part to an influx of white-collar foreigners who have driven up prices. House prices jumped another 9% last year, said the National Statistics Institute, a government body. Rents in and around the capital Lisbon, where around 1.5 million people live, last year saw the steepest rise in 30 years, climbing more than 7%, the institute said. The problem is compounded by Portugal being one of Western Europe's poorest countries. The average monthly salary last year was around 1,200 euros ($1,340) before tax, according to the statistics agency.

byDaniel Coleman

in

May 18, 2025

Portugal headed for another minority government after vote won by incumbent center-right party

Portugal headed for another minority government after vote won by incumbent center-right party LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal was headed f...

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UK looks to reset EU relations 5 years after Brexit

UK looks to reset EU relations 5 years after Brexit

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. and the European Union will meet in London on Monday to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit. The meeting between U.K. Prime MinisterKeir Starmerand top EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is intended to pave the way toward a new agreement between both sides. There is hope that a deal could improve the British economy, which has been hit by a drop in EU trade caused by increased costs and red tape after the United Kingdomleft the bloc in 2020. Resetting relations Since becoming prime minister in July, Starmer has sought toreset relations with the EU, following years of tensions in the wake of the U.K.'sBrexit referendumon June 23, 2016. Post-Brexit relations have been governed by atrade agreementnegotiated by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Starmer thinks that can be improved in a way that boosts trade and bolsters security. It's unclear what will be announced at the summit, but Starmer said Sunday that there would be a deal, following trade agreements that the U.K. struck in recent weeks with India and the U.S. "Tomorrow, we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union," he said. "It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders." Seeking a better deal Since the Labour Party returned to power after 14 years of Conservative government, a period that was largely marked by the time leading up to the Brexit vote and its aftermath, both sides have sought to improve relations. That's been most evident in themore coordinated responseto Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the wake of a change of approach by Washington following the return ofU.S. President Donald Trump. Starmer, who campaigned for the U.K. to remain within the EU in the referendum and subsequently sought a second vote, has said that he wants a better deal with the 27-nation bloc that will smooth trade between the two sides and bolster security cooperation, including on defense procurement. Non-tariff barriers Though no tariffs are slapped on the export of goods between both sides, an array of non-tariff barriers, including more onerous border checks and laborious paperwork, have made trade more difficult. Post-Brexit visa restrictions have also hobbled the cross-border activities of service professionals, such as bankers or lawyers, as well as cultural exchanges, includingtouring bandsand school trips. Before the summit — the first in what are planned to be annual events — Starmer said that good progress had been made in negotiations, while insisting that the U.K. won't breach his red lines. In its election manifesto last year, Labour said that it wouldn't rejoin the EU's frictionless single market and customs union, nor agree to the free movement of people between the U.K. and the EU. Security, defense and youth mobility Talks on strengthening ties have focused largely on security and defense, and on ayouth mobility planthat would allow young Britons and Europeans to live and work temporarily in each other's territory. That remains a politically touchy issue in the U.K., seen by some Brexiteers as inching back towards free movement — though the U.K. already has youth mobility arrangements with countries including Australia and Canada. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is leading negotiations, said that talks with the EU were going down "to the wire." The issue of fishing The summit is expected to lead to more intense discussions on an array of issues, including aligning standards on the sale of agricultural products that could eliminate costly checks on food products exported across the English Channel, closer energy ties and a newfishing pact. While he wouldn't provide details, Thomas-Symonds said that he was confident that trade could be improved for food imports and exports. "We know we've had lorries waiting for 16 hours, fresh food in the back not able to be exported, because frankly it's just going off, red tape, all the certifications that are required, we absolutely want to reduce that," he told the BBC. Disagreements reportedly remain over fishing, an economically minor but symbolically large issue for the U.K. and EU member states such as France. Disputes over the issue nearly derailed a Brexit deal back in 2020. Starmer's plummeting popularity As in all negotiations, some of the trade-offs may prove difficult, especially for Starmer, whose popularity has plummeted in recent months. Earlier this month, the anti-immigration and pro-BrexitReform U.K. won big in local elections. Starmer knows that he will face likely accusations of "betraying Brexit," whatever the outcome of the talks. The ever-unpredictable Trump, who has backed Brexit, could also be a potential headache for Starmer. "The reset could still be blown off course by disagreements over how to consolidate existing areas of cooperation like fisheries and/or external factors, such as a negative reaction from the U.S. to the U.K. seeking closer ties with the EU," said Jannike Wachowiak, research associate at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank.

byDaniel Coleman

in

May 18, 2025

UK looks to reset EU relations 5 years after Brexit

UK looks to reset EU relations 5 years after Brexit LONDON (AP) — The U.K. and the European Union will meet in London on Monday to discuss c...

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South Korea presidential candidate Kim says open to discussing US troop cost

South Korea presidential candidate Kim says open to discussing US troop cost

By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's conservative presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo said on Monday he was willing to discuss sharing more of the cost of stationing the U.S. military in the country, which U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded over the years. Trump has indicated he wants to make the cost of basing tens of thousands of U.S. troops in South Korea and in Japan a part of negotiations over import tariffs his government has announced against a host of countries, including Asian allies. South Korea and the United States last agreed to a five-year plan in October to increase by 8.3% to 1.52 trillion won ($1.09 billion) South Korea's share of the cost of maintaining the U.S. military. Some 28,500 American troops are stationed in South Korea as part of efforts to deter nuclear-armed North Korea. South Korea began shouldering the costs of U.S. deployments, used to fund local labour expenditure, the construction of military installations and other logistics support, in the early 1990s. "People are nervous if President Trump says let's raise (South Korea's) share of the U.S. military in South Korea, and I believe we can raise it to a certain degree," Kim told a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce Korea. It should be more of South Korea's concern to ensure the U.S. military presence is well maintained in South Korea, he said. Kim is the candidate for the conservative People Power Party for the June 3 snap presidential election called after Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office over a failed martial law attempt. South Korean officials have said the cost sharing plan is not up for review and should not be part of the ongoing discussions to address what Trump said was an unfair imbalance in trade and imposed reciprocal duties on Korean exports. ($1 = 1,397.6300 won) (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Jack KimEditing by Ed Davies and Lincoln Feast.)

byDaniel Coleman

in

May 18, 2025

South Korea presidential candidate Kim says open to discussing US troop cost

South Korea presidential candidate Kim says open to discussing US troop cost By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's conservative...

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Tim Walz Suggests ICE Is ‘Trump’s Modern-Day Gestapo’ In Commencement Speech

Tim Walz Suggests ICE Is 'Trump's Modern-Day Gestapo' In Commencement Speech

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz compared the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel executing the Trump administration's immigration agenda to the Gestapo in a Saturday commencement address at the University of Minnesota law school. President Donald Trump issued several executive orders to address illegal immigration and border security, includingdesignatingMexican drug cartels and South and Central American gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, and the president has alsoinvokedthe Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to speed up thedeportationof gang members. Walz, the failed Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, suggested during the speech that Trump is using ICE to implement his immigration agenda in similar fashion to how Nazi German dictator Adolf Hitler used the Gestapo secret police to target opponents,accordingto RealClearPolitics. "Donald Trump's modern-day Gestapo is scooping folks up off the streets," Walz claimed. "They're in unmarked vans, wearing masks, being shipped off to foreign torture dungeons—no chance to mount a defense, not even a chance to kiss a loved one goodbye, just grabbed up by masked agents, shoved into those vans, and disappeared."(RELATED: Andy McCarthy Says Dem Reps Who Stormed ICE Facility 'Open To Prosecution') WATCH: "To be clear, there's no way for us to know whether they were actually criminals or not, because they refused to give them a trial," Walz continued. "We're supposed to just take their word for it." Democrats initially rallied around Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an adjudicated member of MS-13 deported to El Salvador in March, as a symbol of resistance to Trump's immigration policies, and several members of Congress — including Democratic Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen —traveledto El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia. The Trump administrationreleaseda 13-page dossier detailing the evidence suggesting that Abrego Garcia is a MS-13 gang member in April, which included rulings from immigration courts that found he was a member of the El Salvadoran prison gang. Recent polling indicates that 48.3% of Americans approve Trump's approach to immigration so far, and that 48.9% disapprove,accordingto RealClearPolling. A White Housefact sheetreleased in late April showed that border crossings, migrant encounters and "gotaways" were all down by 93% or more through the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Walz also claimed Trump was trying to intimidate members of Congress, referencing a chaotic May 9incidentinvolving Democratic New Jersey Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver and Rob Menendez Jr. outside an ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey. The Democratic lawmakersdeniedwrongdoing in a May 11 appearance on CNN. Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy toured the ICE facility in Newark and describer her observations during a Mondayappearanceon "Fox and Friends." "ICE has nothing to hide," Campos-Duffy said. "They have nothing to be ashamed of. This facility is so clean. It has, you know, all kind of recreation facilities, outdoor soccer field, weight equipment, domino tables. It has telephones everywhere with signs next to them of how they can, phone numbers to reach their consulate and also legal facilities, computer web cams." "There are doors on the bedrooms and they aren't even locked," Campos-Duffy continued. "The facility actually looks like a high school." Walz isconsidereda possible Democratic candidate for president in the 2028 election cycle. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter's byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contactlicensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

byDaniel Coleman

in

May 18, 2025

Tim Walz Suggests ICE Is ‘Trump’s Modern-Day Gestapo’ In Commencement Speech

Tim Walz Suggests ICE Is 'Trump's Modern-Day Gestapo' In Commencement Speech Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz compared the Imm...

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