Sunday, March 8, 2026

Zelensky Rejects Any Peace Deal That Surrenders Territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not surrender any territories to Russia that have been under Russian control since 2022. Following Russia’s 2022 invasion, regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia have come under Russian control, in addition to Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.

Despite failed offensives to regain control over the territories since 2022, Ukraine, supported by European allies, continues to demand Russia’s withdrawal.

“One thing is certain: we will never cede our occupied territories to Russia. These lands belong to the Ukrainians,” Zelensky said in an interview with Le Figaro.

Ahead of upcoming peace talks, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff suggested Ukraine’s acknowledgment of losing these territories might be pivotal for a peace agreement. This comment sparked objections from Ukraine, with Zelensky urging the dismissal of Witkoff and yet again criticizing President Donald J. Trump’s diplomatic approach toward Russia.

Zelensky expressed skepticism about Trump’s ability to effectively handle relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, cautioning that easing sanctions could be perceived as a weakness. He also accused Russia of obstructing peace negotiations, alleging that Moscow demands preconditions like lifting sanctions before agreeing to a ceasefire.

While President Trump has engaged in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a ceasefire, the Russians have accused the Ukrainians of violating an agreement not to target energy infrastructure. Zelensky and his officials continue to undermine the Trump administration’s efforts while European nations like France and the UK talk of deploying troops to the country.

show less
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not surrender any territories to Russia that have been under Russian control since 2022. Following Russia's 2022 invasion, regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia have come under Russian control, in addition to Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. show more

Mike Waltz’s Venmo Account Reveals Phone Contacts Including Top Reporters.

IN BRIEF:

What Happened: Mike Waltz, the U.S. National Security Adviser, reportedly left his Venmo account publicly accessible, revealing a list of his contacts amid a controversy over leaked military plans.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mike Waltz, Susie Wiles, Pete Hegseth, Walker Barrett, Dan Crenshaw, journalists like Bret Baier and Brian Kilmeade, and the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg.

📍 Where & When: The incident was initially reported by Wired, with the account visibility changed as of Wednesday. The Signal chat leak came to light a few days prior.

💬 Key Quote: Waltz stated, “I take full responsibility,” Waltz said regarding the inadvertent addition of Jeffrey Goldberg to a sensitive national security group chat.

⚠️ Impact: The exposure reignited debate in Washington, prompting calls for resignation from some Democrats.

IN FULL:

A recent report indicates that Mike Waltz, President Donald J. Trump‘s National Security Advisor, had left his Venmo account openly accessible to the public. This revelation adds to the growing controversy surrounding his involvement in a group chat that allegedly leaked sensitive military strategies to the media. Waltz’s Venmo profile, bearing his image, was accessible until it was set to private Wednesday after numerous media inquiries.

The account’s public friend list contained 328 individuals, including figures such as Walker Barrett of the National Security Council and Susie Wiles, chief of staff at the White House. Both Barrett and Wiles were mentioned in connection with a Signal messaging group where planning for a U.S. military operation in Yemen was reportedly leaked, stirring significant concern in the capital. Politicians, including Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), and media figures, like Bret Baier, were also among Waltz’s connections on the app.

Amid an intense response from Washington’s political circles, Waltz accepted full accountability for the controversy, despite President Trump’s statement suggesting a “lower level” staff member had caused the issue. Democrat lawmakers on Capitol Hill have called for the resignations of both Waltz and Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense who shared the allegedly sensitive information regarding airstrike schedules.

Following the inquiry by reporters, Waltz and Wiles opted to set their Venmo accounts to private. The exposure of private dealings and a chain of high-profile political and media figures attests to potential vulnerabilities in maintaining security and privacy in digital spaces. The incident has triggered demands for stricter oversight and accountability in data and operational security, highlighting the complexities faced by those in governmental advisory roles.

Image by Gage Skidmore. 

show less

IN BRIEF:

show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
I have to be honest with you
I have to be honest with you show more
for exclusive members-only insights

RFK Jr. Plans to Slash At LEAST 10,000 Jobs at HHS.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to reduce the department’s workforce by 10,000 positions. The National Pulse reported in mid-February that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was poised to cut 5,000 jobs. However, that number has now appeared to have doubled as Sec. Kennedy and staff with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have identified further redundancies.

The reductions are expected to impact several key agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These cuts will follow the exit of another 10,000 employees who recently left their roles through President Donald J. Trump’s federal employee buyout program.

“We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Sec. Kennedy said in a statement. An announcement regarding the job reductions is anticipated on Thursday.

The total number of full-time HHS employees will be reduced from 82,000 to 62,000. Additionally, the department’s 28 divisions will be consolidated into 15, and the number of regional HHS offices will also be reduced by around half.

Meanwhile, HHS is also rolling back COVID-19 pandemic-era funding programs totaling an estimated $11.4 billion—with most of the money designated for state and local health departments. The funds were originally designated for testing, vaccination, and initiatives addressing health disparities in high-risk communities. The department contends the pandemic has concluded and criticized further spending as unnecessary. Termination notices began being sent out on Monday, and the CDC plans to reclaim the funds in about a month.

show less
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to reduce the department's workforce by 10,000 positions. The National Pulse reported in mid-February that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was poised to cut 5,000 jobs. However, that number has now appeared to have doubled as Sec. Kennedy and staff with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have identified further redundancies. show more

Zelensky Launches Scathing New Attack on Trump Team – ‘He’s Good at Real Estate, This is Different.’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to make backhanded comments at the administration of President Donald J. Trump, claiming that Europe, unlike the United States, “has discipline and no chaos.” He also accused members of the administration of falling for Russian propaganda surrounding the conflict, in comments reported by the BBC this week.

Zelensky singled out a friend of President Trump, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently appeared in an interview with Tucker Carlson and spoke at length about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“I think that Witkoff often quotes the Kremlin narratives… I can’t be ungrateful to the Americans for everything they did, but they are often, unfortunately, under the influence of Russian narratives,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader went on to seemingly insult Witkoff, saying, “He doesn’t look like a military man. He doesn’t look like a general, and he doesn’t have such experience. As far as I know, he is very good at selling and buying real estate. And this is a little different.” Zelensky, a former television comedian, also has no prior military command experience.

The remarks come just weeks after a disrespectful Zelensky was kicked out of the White House after President Trump warned him that he was gambling with World War Three. While Zelensky attempted to apologize for his behavior, Ukrainian officials continued attacking the Trump administration.

Zelensky has a history of ungrateful behavior behind closed doors. A phone call between him and former President Joe Biden in June 2022 revealed that he had angered the former President with his lack of gratitude and constant demands.

show less
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to make backhanded comments at the administration of President Donald J. Trump, claiming that Europe, unlike the United States, "has discipline and no chaos." He also accused members of the administration of falling for Russian propaganda surrounding the conflict, in comments reported by the BBC this week. show more

Pensioners Arrested for Vandalism at Trump Golf Course.

Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with vandalism at President Donald J. Trump‘s Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Authorities reported that the incident, involving red paint sprayed on the clubhouse and damage to the greens, occurred early in the morning on March 8:

Vandals attacked Trump Turnberry, a golf resort owned by President Donald Trump, allegedly in response to his recent statements on the Gaza Strip in the Middle East.

…messages were painted on the course in Scotland, United Kingdom, with “Gaza Is Not For Sale” written in large letters. Other images show “F*ck Trump” and “Free Gaza” graffitied on other parts of the property.

Following investigations in Oban, Argyll and Bute, Police Scotland confirmed the arrest of a 75-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman. Both were subsequently released as inquiries continue. The police have stated that the investigation remains active.

Earlier in the month, a 33-year-old man was also arrested in relation to the same incident. Like the others, he was released after initial questioning.

Authorities are yet to provide further details regarding the motive behind the vandalism or the potential suspects involved. The Trump Turnberry Resort, a prominent golfing location, spans 800 acres and is known for hosting significant golf events. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading to the damage.

show less
Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with vandalism at President Donald J. Trump's Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Authorities reported that the incident, involving red paint sprayed on the clubhouse and damage to the greens, occurred early in the morning on March 8: show more

Trump Announces Capture of ‘Major’ MS-13 Leader.

Federal authorities have apprehended a 24-year-old individual, identified as a prominent member of the MS-13 gang, during an operation in Woodbridge, Virginia. The FBI announced the arrest on Thursday, though the suspect’s name remains undisclosed.

The arrest was described by Attorney General Pam Bondi as a successful and secure operation. She stated, “They executed a clean, safe operation and the bad guy is in custody.” She further emphasized the significance of the arrest, noting, “We got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets this morning.” Bondi expressed that both Virginia and the nation are now safer as a result.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the operation on his platform, TRUTH Social, complimenting those involved. “Great job by Pam Bondi, @FBIDirectorKash, Tom HOMAN, and Kristi N, on the capture of MS13 leader – A big deal!” he wrote.

The operation demonstrates ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat gang activities and secure community safety. MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is considered one of the most dangerous and notorious criminal organizations, known for its involvement in various violent crimes across the United States. This arrest marks a significant step in addressing the threat posed by the gang.

No further details have been released about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

show less
Federal authorities have apprehended a 24-year-old individual, identified as a prominent member of the MS-13 gang, during an operation in Woodbridge, Virginia. The FBI announced the arrest on Thursday, though the suspect's name remains undisclosed. show more

Judge Spares Pedo Pakistani From Deportation Because He’s an Alcoholic.

A judge has stopped the deportation of a Pakistani migrant from Britain, despite a conviction for sexually assaulting an underage girl, because he is an alcoholic. The migrant had attacked the young girl after his release from prison, where he had served time for other sexual crimes.

While serving just a year in prison for the sex attack, the migrant appealed a deportation order, arguing that he would experience inhumane treatment if sent back to Pakistan, where alcohol is largely illegal. He claimed that his alcoholism would disadvantage him and that he would not be able to seek treatment for it in the Muslim-majority country.

The judge agreed with the migrant’s arguments, which also cited Pakistan’s prison conditions, noting that it would breach his supposed rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), enforced by the supranational European Court of Human Rights, which Britain did not leave after Brexit.

The migrant also argued that he has a child in Britain—which could have seen him avoid deportation per his “right to a family life”—but the court noted he and the child had not communicated since 2020.

The case is just the latest example of dangerous foreign criminals being allowed to remain in the United Kingdom due to the country’s adherence to the ECHR. Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has called for Britain to leave the ECHR to deport criminal migrants. In his first speech in the House of Commons last July, he called for a referendum on the subject.

Image by Metro Centric.

show less
A judge has stopped the deportation of a Pakistani migrant from Britain, despite a conviction for sexually assaulting an underage girl, because he is an alcoholic. The migrant had attacked the young girl after his release from prison, where he had served time for other sexual crimes. show more

Appeals Court Rejects Trump Request to Stay Far-Left Judge’s Ruling Blocking Alien Enemies Act Deportations.

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has rejected a motion from President Donald J. Trump‘s Department of Justice (DOJ) to stay District Court Judge James Boasberg‘s restraining order blocking the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. In a two-to-one decision, the appellate court found that “the United States [must] be at war or under invasion or predatory incursion” for the Alien Enemies Act to be used. The ruling suggests that if Judge Boasberg rules against the Trump administration, an appeal of that ruling could face difficulty at the appellate level as well.

“[T]he AEA vests in the President near-blanket authority to detain and deport any noncitizen whose affiliation traces to the belligerent state,” Circut Court Judge Karen Henderson—an appointee of the late President George H.W. Bush—conceded in the majority opinion. However, she added: “A central limit to this power is the Act’s conditional clause—that the United States be at war or under invasion or predatory incursion.”

On March 15, District Court Judge James Boasberg, appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama, attempted to order several planes carrying illegal immigrant members of Tren de Aragua—a violent Venezuelan criminal gang—to an El Salvador detention facility to turn around and return to the United States. However, as the planes were already over international waters, the order held no bearing. Subsequently, Judge Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order to prevent any further flights from taking place.

The Trump administration initially appealed the restraining order before Judge Boasberg; however, the far-left jurist denied the appeal. Consequently, the DOJ brought the appeal to the D.C. Circuit, where earlier this week, a three-judge appellate panel heard arguments on the matter and rejected the stay request late this afternoon.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

show less
The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has rejected a motion from President Donald J. Trump's Department of Justice (DOJ) to stay District Court Judge James Boasberg's restraining order blocking the deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. In a two-to-one decision, the appellate court found that "the United States [must] be at war or under invasion or predatory incursion" for the Alien Enemies Act to be used. The ruling suggests that if Judge Boasberg rules against the Trump administration, an appeal of that ruling could face difficulty at the appellate level as well. show more

EU Tells Europeans to Prep Three-Day Survival Kits Amid Russia Fears.

The European Union (EU) is urging residents of its member states to prepare emergency three-day survival kits as part of a preparedness strategy as tensions with Russia teeter on the edge of conflict. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, announced the preparedness strategy on March 26, encouraging EU citizens to have at least 72 hours’ worth of self-sufficient items.

EU citizens will be told to stock up on around a dozen different items, from water to matches, a flashlight, and other basic survival products. “Knowing what to do in case of danger, gaming out different scenarios, that’s also a way to prevent people from panicking,” Lahbib said.

Some European countries have already issued similar instructions for their citizens, including France, which is looking to issue a survival manual to every household in the country.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for more involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, alongside British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, floating the idea of sending European soldiers to Ukraine.

Germany has also seen talks of increasing preparedness for a potential conflict, looking to convert various properties into nuclear fallout shelters and bunkers.

show less
The European Union (EU) is urging residents of its member states to prepare emergency three-day survival kits as part of a preparedness strategy as tensions with Russia teeter on the edge of conflict. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, announced the preparedness strategy on March 26, encouraging EU citizens to have at least 72 hours' worth of self-sufficient items. show more

Soft Sentences for Migrants Who Gang Raped Preteen Girl.

A gang of up to 17 migrants, most of them supposedly minors, brutally raped a 12-year-old European girl and passed her around as a “trophy,” even filming some of the abuse. The young Austrian girl was repeatedly subjected to sex attacks over a period of several months from February to June of 2023 in Vienna, according to police.

The sex attacks took place in a variety of locations, from apartments to parking garages and other places across the Austrian capital. Police announced they were investigating the group of migrants on March 1 of this year, stating they come from several countries, including Afghanistan, Turkey, Syria, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Italy.

Two of the suspects are below the age of 14, the age of criminal liability, while 12 are between 14 and 18. An Austrian court has already convicted the 18-year-old “boyfriend” of the girl, an Afghan, who was supposedly 15 at the time of the abuse.

The Afghan, named Wais, is also said to have impregnated the victim, made her get an abortion, and used explicit footage of her to blackmail her. He claimed at his trial that he thought their relationship was fine because he was also a minor. The judge in the case sentenced the teenager to just 15 months of probation and a small fine.

Another suspect, a 16-year-old Syrian, also attempted to blackmail the girl with pornographic footage of her and allegedly raped her in a railway station. He was later acquitted after claiming he did not know the victim was 12 at the time.

Image by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas.

show less
A gang of up to 17 migrants, most of them supposedly minors, brutally raped a 12-year-old European girl and passed her around as a "trophy," even filming some of the abuse. The young Austrian girl was repeatedly subjected to sex attacks over a period of several months from February to June of 2023 in Vienna, according to police. show more