Dec 19 Kremlin's military goals in Ukraine will be met, Putin says at annual news conference By Harriet Morris, Associated Press President Vladimir Putin emphasized Friday that Moscow’s troops were advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine and voiced confidence the Kremlin would achieve its goals militarily if Kyiv doesn't agree to Russia's conditions in peace talks. Continue reading
Dec 19 Hegseth announces operation to 'eliminate ISIS fighters' in Syria after Americans killed By Konstantin Toropin, Ben Finley, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the start of an operation to “eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites” in Syria following the deaths of three U.S. citizens. Continue reading
Dec 19 Syria welcomes permanent repeal of sweeping U.S. sanctions imposed during Assad regime By Associated Press President Donald Trump, who had previously lifted the penalties temporarily by executive order, signed off on the final repeal late Thursday after Congress passed it as part of the country’s annual defense spending bill. Continue reading
Dec 19 Trump's blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil raises new questions about legality By Ben Finley, Eric Tucker, Kevin Freking, Joshua Goodman, Associated Press Some experts say seizing sanctioned oil tied to leader Nicolás Maduro could provoke a military response from Venezuela, engaging American forces in a new level of conflict that goes beyond their attacks on alleged drug boats. Continue reading
Dec 19 2 strikes on alleged drug boats kill 5 in eastern Pacific, U.S. military says By Associated Press The U.S. military said Thursday that it had conducted two more strikes against boats it said were smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people. Continue reading
Dec 19 WATCH: Rubio holds year-end news conference, addressing Venezuela, Ukraine war, Gaza and more By Associated Press In a freewheeling, more than hourlong meeting with reporters, Secretary Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's radical overhaul in foreign assistance and detailed the administration's work to reach a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan in time for the new year. Continue reading
Dec 18 TikTok signs deal to sell U.S. unit to American investors, including Oracle and Silver Lake By Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. business to three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — ensuring the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States. Continue reading
Dec 18 Watch 5:08 What's in the U.S. weapons package for Taiwan and why China is angry By Nick Schifrin The Trump administration has approved the largest single package of weapons sales to Taiwan in U.S. history. Many of the systems mirror those the United States has supplied to Ukraine. The move is part of a broader U.S. effort to… Continue watching
Dec 18 Watch 6:06 Venezuela oil blockade could have 'chilling effect' on Maduro, ex-ambassador says By Geoff Bennett, Dan Sagalyn For weeks, the Trump administration has been escalating pressure on Venezuela and the government of Nicolás Maduro. Wednesday night, we heard from a critic of the approach. For a different perspective, Geoff Bennett spoke with Jimmy Story. He spent 25… Continue watching
Dec 18 EU delays massive free-trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur amid farmer protests By Sam McNeil, Associated Press The European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy threatened to derail the pact, seen by its backers as an important geopolitical move for both continents. Continue reading