Larry Lee
The Latest
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Zelensky Sees Faster End to War Under Trump, Seeks Diplomatic Path
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope to end the war with Russia next year through diplomatic channels, coinciding with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky said he believes Trump's policies and his administration's approach will accelerate the conflict's resolution. 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope to end the war with Russia next year through diplomatic channels, coinciding with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky said he believes Trump's policies and his administration's approach will accelerate the conflict's resolution. -
Scholz Presses Putin to End Ukraine War in First Direct Call Since 2022; Zelensky Warns Against Isolation Tactic
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday for the first time in nearly two years, urging the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw his troops. The hour-long call, confirmed by German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, saw Scholz pressing Putin for negotiations aimed at achieving a "just and lasting peace." 
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday for the first time in nearly two years, urging the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw his troops. The hour-long call, confirmed by German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, saw Scholz pressing Putin for negotiations aimed at achieving a "just and lasting peace." -
Iran Backs Lebanon in Ceasefire Talks as Israel Escalates Strikes
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has appealed to Iran for assistance in securing a ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This request, made during a meeting with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the urgent efforts to prevent further deterioration of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. Larijani's visit comes amid heightened U.S. diplomatic activity pushing both sides toward a ceasefire after more than 13 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. 
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has appealed to Iran for assistance in securing a ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This request, made during a meeting with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the urgent efforts to prevent further deterioration of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. Larijani's visit comes amid heightened U.S. diplomatic activity pushing both sides toward a ceasefire after more than 13 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. -
Ukraine Denies Secret Nuclear Weapon Plan
Ukraine has strongly dismissed claims suggesting it could be just months away from developing a nuclear weapon as a last-resort measure against Russia. The allegations, which originated from a report by the Centre for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies-a Ukrainian military think tank-have sparked significant debate. According to the report, Kyiv could construct a rudimentary nuclear device using spent nuclear fuel from its nine operational power plants, potentially positioning such a move as a bargaining chip against Russian aggression. 
Ukraine has strongly dismissed claims suggesting it could be just months away from developing a nuclear weapon as a last-resort measure against Russia. The allegations, which originated from a report by the Centre for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies-a Ukrainian military think tank-have sparked significant debate. According to the report, Kyiv could construct a rudimentary nuclear device using spent nuclear fuel from its nine operational power plants, potentially positioning such a move as a bargaining chip against Russian aggression. -
U.S. Opts Not to Limit Military Aid to Israel Amid Gaza Aid Concerns
The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will not impose restrictions on military assistance to Israel despite only limited progress in expanding humanitarian aid access to Gaza. 
The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will not impose restrictions on military assistance to Israel despite only limited progress in expanding humanitarian aid access to Gaza. -
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, announced his resignation Tuesday following an independent investigation that found he failed to report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps. The report concluded that Welby became aware of the abuse in 2013 but did not notify the authorities, sparking outrage and intensifying calls for accountability within the Church of England. 
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, announced his resignation Tuesday following an independent investigation that found he failed to report serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps. The report concluded that Welby became aware of the abuse in 2013 but did not notify the authorities, sparking outrage and intensifying calls for accountability within the Church of England. -
Kim Jong Un Ratifies Major Military Treaty with Putin Amid Escalating War
North Korea has officially ratified a major defense agreement with Russia, signaling a deepening military alliance between the two countries that could escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine. The "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" treaty, first signed in June by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, requires mutual military aid and cooperation across various sectors. 
North Korea has officially ratified a major defense agreement with Russia, signaling a deepening military alliance between the two countries that could escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine. The "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" treaty, first signed in June by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, requires mutual military aid and cooperation across various sectors. -
Kremlin Denies Reports of Trump-Putin Phone Call on Ukraine Conflict
The Kremlin has firmly denied reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump last week regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The allegations, initially reported by The Washington Post and later echoed by other outlets, suggested that Trump had urged Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine during a phone call, citing the extensive U.S. military presence in Europe. 
The Kremlin has firmly denied reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump last week regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The allegations, initially reported by The Washington Post and later echoed by other outlets, suggested that Trump had urged Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine during a phone call, citing the extensive U.S. military presence in Europe. -
Netanyahu Acknowledges Role in Deadly Pager Attacks on Hezbollah, Defying Opposition from Security Officials
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the first time, publicly confirmed his approval of a covert operation targeting Hezbollah operatives in September, revealing his role in a highly sophisticated series of attacks that have inflamed tensions across the region. During a closed-door cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reportedly admitted to authorizing the use of explosive-laden pagers and walkie-talkies against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, despite significant opposition from senior defense and political figures. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the first time, publicly confirmed his approval of a covert operation targeting Hezbollah operatives in September, revealing his role in a highly sophisticated series of attacks that have inflamed tensions across the region. During a closed-door cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reportedly admitted to authorizing the use of explosive-laden pagers and walkie-talkies against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, despite significant opposition from senior defense and political figures. -
Trump Warns Putin Against Escalating Ukraine War in Post-Election Call; President-Elect’s Transition Team Issues Response
President-elect Donald Trump, fresh off a decisive electoral victory, reportedly advised Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine during a phone conversation last Thursday, according to multiple sources familiar with the exchange. The Washington Post first reported the conversation, noting that it marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Trump reclaimed the presidency. President-elect Donald Trump, fresh off a decisive electoral victory, reportedly advised Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine during a phone conversation last Thursday, according to multiple sources familiar with the exchange. The Washington Post first reported the conversation, noting that it marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Trump reclaimed the presidency.
