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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
9 hours ago
News
War

Peace Talks Point to Ukraine Joining the EU Rather Than NATO.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: American and Ukrainian negotiators met in Berlin, Germany, to discuss a 20-point agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: American and Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, and, reportedly, Russian representatives.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday, December 15, 2025, in Berlin, Germany.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Europe and Russia can finally have an arrangement and understanding that can lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future for everyone.” – U.S. official

🎯IMPACT: The proposed deal could end the nearly four-year-long conflict and reshape Ukraine’s security arrangements.

IN FULL

American and Ukrainian officials have held talks in Berlin, Germany, focused on what negotiators described as a “very strong security package” for Kiev, aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war with Russia. One official indicated that Russia may now be open to Ukraine joining the European Union (EU). Notably, the EU includes a mutual defense clause similar to NATO’s Article 5—but it covers only EU members, not the United States.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, the current proposals center on a 20-point agreement that would provide Ukraine with “Article Five-like security guarantees” from the United States and allied nations, offering NATO-style protections without Ukraine formally joining the alliance. “Europe and Russia can finally have an arrangement and understanding that can lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future for everyone,” a U.S. official said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly suggested he is willing to set aside Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership in favor of bilateral security guarantees from the United States and European partners. While NATO officials have previously said Ukraine will eventually join the alliance after the war ends, Zelensky’s recent statements point to a more flexible negotiating position focused on alternative security assurances rather than formal alliance membership.

The European Union dimension remains complicated. Ukraine is officially a candidate for EU membership; however, accession requires the unanimous approval of all member states. Hungary, a NATO member, recently held a national consultation in which voters rejected Ukraine’s EU entry, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán arguing that admitting Ukraine would effectively import the war into the bloc. That opposition underscores the political hurdles Kiev faces even as negotiations advance.

A U.S. official involved in the Berlin talks said that President Donald J. Trump is prepared to submit the agreement to the U.S. Senate for ratification if it is finalized.

Image: European Union 2023– Source: EP.

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10 hours ago
Religion
World

India Sees Sharp Rise in Anti-Christian Attacks, Weak Government Response: Report.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A report by the United Christian Forum indicates a significant rise in anti-Christian violence in India, with a 500 percent increase over the last decade.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The United Christian Forum nonprofit, the Christian minority in India, and India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Anti-Christian attacks are ongoing, primarily in five Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

🎯IMPACT: The rise in violence has led to protests and increased scrutiny of India’s human rights record, affecting its international image.

IN FULL

A recent report issued by the United Christian Forum notes a concerning rise in anti-Christian violence in India, with a 500 percent increase in incidents over the last decade. In 2025 alone, there have been 549 recorded attacks, yet only 39 resulted in police investigations, indicating a 93 percent impunity rate.

Since 2014, under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule, the growth of Hindutva ideology—effectively Hindu nationalism—has led to a political climate where violence against Christians is often overlooked. The BJP’s governance has seen the enactment of anti-conversion laws in several states, which critics argue are used to harass religious minorities.

The report notes that 77 percent of these attacks are concentrated in five states, including Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, affecting communities largely composed of Dalits—historically considered “untouchables” at the bottom of India’s caste system—who have converted to Christianity. These groups face significant persecution, including beatings, church burnings, and social exclusion.

In response to the ongoing violence, a large protest took place in New Delhi on November 29, 2025, organized by Christian groups to demand the protection of their rights and freedoms, supposedly guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Around 2,000 Christians marched in protest against the increasing violence against their community and highlighted the exclusion of Christian Dalits from social programs.

India is currently seeking to be added as a permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

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10 hours ago
News

U.S. Air Force Tanker Narrowly Misses Passenger Jet Near Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A U.S. Air Force refueling tanker failed to communicate its position, narrowly avoiding a collision with a commercial JetBlue flight.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: JetBlue Flight 1112, the U.S. Air Force, Curaçao air traffic control, U.S. Southern Command, and Venezuelan authorities.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Friday, approximately 20 minutes after JetBlue Flight 1112 departed from Curaçao, about 40 miles off Venezuela’s coast.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous. We almost had a midair collision up here.” – JetBlue pilot

🎯IMPACT: Federal authorities have been alerted, and investigations are underway into the U.S. military’s actions in Caribbean airspace.

IN FULL

A U.S. Air Force refueling tanker narrowly avoided colliding with a JetBlue passenger jet after the military aircraft failed to properly communicate its position, forcing the commercial pilot to take evasive action shortly after takeoff from Curaçao. JetBlue Flight 1112 was en route to New York when the encounter occurred roughly 20 minutes into the flight. The JetBlue pilot immediately reported the incident to air traffic control, expressing alarm over the tanker’s apparent lack of visibility on radar. “They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous. We almost had a midair collision up here,” the pilot said.

Air traffic controllers confirmed they were unable to see the tanker on their radar systems and noted that similar issues involving unidentified military aircraft had recently been reported in the area. Curaçao air traffic control subsequently warned other pilots operating in the region about the aircraft.

U.S. Southern Command acknowledged the reports and said it is reviewing what happened. “Safety remains a top priority, and we are working through the appropriate channels to assess the facts surrounding the situation,” Colonel Manny Ortiz said.

JetBlue confirmed that it has reported the incident to federal authorities and said it will cooperate fully with any investigation.

The near miss occurred amid increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, linked to efforts targeting drug traffickers and possibly Venezuela‘s Marxist dictator, Nicolás Maduro. Recent operations have included the seizure of a stateless oil tanker, which Maduro described as an “act of piracy.” U.S. military operations in the region have also included strikes on drug-smuggling vessels, which have reportedly resulted in more than 80 deaths.

The incident adds to a growing list of recent aviation safety concerns involving both military and commercial aircraft. Earlier this year, an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a passenger jet near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Investigators later determined that the helicopter pilot ignored critical flight instructions in the moments before the crash.

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11 hours ago
Politics

Bessent Replaces Biden-Era DEI Coins for America’s 250th Birthday.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Mint revealed new coin designs for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring eagles, pilgrims, and George Washington, while dropping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes selected by the former Biden government.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the U.S. Mint, the Trump administration, and the former Biden government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced December 2025 by the U.S. Mint.

💬KEY QUOTE: The Trump administration noted the Biden-era designs “did not feature a single Founding Father but instead emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes.”

🎯IMPACT: The redesign shifts focus back to America’s Founding Fathers and traditional symbols, moving away from DEI-centric themes.

IN FULL

The U.S. Mint has dropped diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes selected by the former Biden government to adorn coins commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Instead, new designs have been chosen that feature traditional American symbols, such as eagles, pilgrims, and President George Washington.

Notably, the Biden-era coin designs—which were never publicly released—focused heavily on DEI-related imagery and omitted the Founding Fathers entirely. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly scrapped those plans under the guidance of the Trump White House.

The U.S. Mint has not officially commented on or released images of the Biden-era concepts. However, the Trump White House has criticized the previous designs for sidelining America’s historical figures and traditional values in favor of a DEI-oriented narrative. The new designs appear to reflect a return to celebrating the country’s founding and heritage.

The National Pulse reported in early October that the U.S. Mint was considering a $1 commemorative coin celebrating the United States of America’s 250th birthday that will feature an image of President Donald J. Trump. The U.S. Treasurer, Brandon Beach, revealed the proposed design, stating, “No fake news here. These first drafts honoring America’s 250th Birthday and [President Trump] are real.”

The front of the coin features President Trump in profile, like other presidents appearing on U.S. currency. On the back of the coin is an engraving of Trump standing in front of an American flag, raising his fist into the air—a reference to him raising his fist after being shot in the ear by a would-be assassin during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Notably, U.S. law technically prohibits living presidents from appearing on the country’s currency. However, commemorative coins struck by the U.S. Mint are allowed to feature living presidents while also retaining their denominated value.

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11 hours ago
News

Trump to Declare Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced plans to classify fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” to intensify his fight against drug smuggling.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, U.S. troops, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday, in the Oval Office, Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There’s no doubt that America’s adversaries are trafficking fentanyl into the United States in part because they want to kill Americans. If this were a war, that would be one of the worst wars.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The classification could lead to harsher penalties for traffickers and increase efforts to curb fentanyl smuggling.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced on Monday that he will move to designate fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” as part of his intensified campaign against drug smuggling. Speaking from the Oval Office, where he was presenting medals to U.S. troops patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump emphasized the deadly impact of fentanyl and its role in harming Americans.

“There’s no doubt that America’s adversaries are trafficking fentanyl into the United States in part because they want to kill Americans. If this were a war, that would be one of the worst wars,” Trump said. He compared the current crisis to the Opium Wars of the 19th century, when China suffered from widespread drug addiction and foreign exploitation.

Fentanyl, despite having legitimate medical uses, is lethal in small doses and is often smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border or through international mail systems. Nearly 330,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses in the five-year period ending in April, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Trump noted that China is the primary source of illegal fentanyl. He previously met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who pledged to work on limiting fentanyl trafficking. The President did not specify the immediate effects of the new classification but indicated that it could result in tougher criminal charges for traffickers and bolster efforts to combat the influx of the deadly drug.

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12 hours ago
Election Integrity
Politics

DOJ Accuses Democratic Campaign Arm of Obstruction in California Redistricting Case.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) of withholding key redistricting documents related to California’s Proposition 50.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The DOJ, the DCCC, consultant Paul Mitchell, and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The allegations surfaced ahead of a three-day federal court hearing beginning Monday in California.

💬KEY QUOTE: A source familiar with the DOJ’s thinking described the redistricting effort as a “brazen power grab” and accused the Newsom administration of “covering up the racially driven design” of the map.

🎯IMPACT: The DOJ claims the map prioritizes racial considerations, potentially violating constitutional protections, and has asked the court to block Proposition 50.

IN FULL

In a new federal court filing, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) contends the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)—the House Democrats’ official campaign arm—worked to actively obstruct and interfere with the discovery process in a lawsuit concerning California’s Proposition 50. The DOJ alleges that the DCCC, along with consultant Paul Mitchell, withheld key documents and provided a massive data dump of files just days before a federal court hearing began—in an apparent attempt to prevent DOJ attorneys from having enough time to review the evidence.

According to the DOJ, Mitchell’s records included evidence that racial considerations were prioritized in the redistricting process. One slide deck reportedly promoted how the map would increase voting opportunities for Latino residents. The DOJ further stated that the DCCC misled the court by claiming it lacked control over Mitchell’s records, despite having a contractual right to access them.

The lawsuit, which the DOJ joined alongside the California Republican Party, alleges that Proposition 50 constitutes unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. The ballot measure, passed in November, allows for a new congressional map to be drawn in time for the 2026 midterms. The DOJ argues that the map was designed to favor Democrats and cancel out likely Republican gains from redistricting efforts in Texas.

A source familiar with the DOJ’s position criticized Governor Gavin Newsom‘s (D-CA) administration, telling media it appeared to be “covering up the racially driven design” of the map. The source described the plan as a “brazen power grab” that divides voters based on race and undermines the electoral process.

The DCCC has denied the allegations, claiming the DOJ is overstating its access to Mitchell’s files and attempting to “slam square pegs into round holes” to bolster its case. The DOJ has requested that the court find race to have been a significant factor in the drawing of the map, which would support the broader claim that Proposition 50 violates constitutional protections.

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12 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Obama Judge Faces Backlash for Praising Convicted Illegal Immigrant Rapist.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An illegal immigrant convicted of raping a woman with cerebral palsy could walk free sooner than expected after a judge reduced his sentence.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Honduran illegal immigrant Edys Renan Membreño Díaz and U.S. District Court Judge Judith Levy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Sentencing occurred in August, with appeals filed in October, in Michigan.

💬KEY QUOTE: “You’ve taken responsibility for that, expressed remorse for that, and you are serving a lengthy state sentence as punishment for that conduct.” – Judge Judith Levy

🎯IMPACT: Federal prosecutors are appealing the judge’s decision to reduce the sentence, citing its leniency and lack of weight on the violent crime.

IN FULL

U.S. District Court Judge Judith Levy, appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama, is facing significant backlash over an inexplicable decision granting a light sentence to illegal immigrant Edys Renan Membreño Díaz, a 30-year-old Honduran national, convicted of raping a woman with cerebral palsy and cognitive delays. Membreño Díaz has faced multiple deportations and illegally re-entered the United States at least seven times.

Appointed as the first openly lesbian U.S. district judge in the Eastern District of Michigan by Barack Obama, Levy reduced Membreño Díaz’s sentence by two years, sparing him additional time in prison. During his sentencing in August, Levy praised the illegal immigrant, calling him an “ambassador for living up to our immigration restrictions.” Membreño Díaz was convicted of dragging his cognitively impaired victim into the laundry room of her apartment building before committing the sexual assault.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the decision, describing it as “unspeakable depravity” and “truly wicked.” Federal prosecutors have since appealed the ruling, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Sweeney Bean arguing that the sentence was “substantively unreasonable” and failed to address the severity of the crime adequately.

Membreño Díaz, who pleaded guilty to three sex crimes in Michigan in 2022, claimed during his sentencing. “I was drunk, and I apologize to everybody, to all the American citizens. I wish to go back to my country and not to come back to the United States.” He also claimed he would discourage others in Honduras from entering the U.S. illegally.

Judge Levy defended her decision, commending Membreño Díaz for supposedly taking responsibility for his family and for his work in the United States. “I commend you for supporting your family, for expressing your devotion to them, and for working here in the United States in jobs that Americans apparently do not want to work in,” Levy stated. Prosecutors say that the ruling downplays the gravity of his crimes.

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12 hours ago
War
World

White House Strongly Rebukes Israel for Breaking Gaza Ceasefire.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The White House reprimanded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly breaking a ceasefire with Hamas after the killing of a senior Hamas military commander, Raed Saad, on Saturday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ceasefire breach occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2025, following the killing of Raed Saad, with reactions unfolding in the U.S. and Israel.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If you want to ruin your reputation and show that you don’t abide by agreements, be our guest, but we won’t allow you to ruin President Trump’s reputation after he brokered the deal in Gaza,” the White House message reportedly stated.

🎯IMPACT: Concerns have been raised about the potential harm to U.S.-brokered peace efforts, including the Abraham Accords, and the perception of Israel’s actions in the Arab world.

IN FULL

The White House has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel killed Hamas military commander Raed Saad. According to reports, the U.S. views the action as a breach of the ceasefire agreement negotiated by President Donald J. Trump in August.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner have reportedly grown increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu over issues related to Gaza. One U.S. official, speaking with the media, stated that Witkoff and Kushner are “pissed by Israeli inflexibility around several Gaza-related issues.”

A senior U.S. official reportedly conveyed a strong message to Netanyahu, saying, “If you want to ruin your reputation and show that you don’t abide by agreements, be our guest, but we won’t allow you to ruin President Trump’s reputation after he brokered the deal in Gaza.”

An Israeli official, however, pushed back on the claims, arguing that the killing of Raed Saad was a response to Hamas violations of the ceasefire, including attacks on soldiers and weapons smuggling. “The killing of Raed Saad, an arch-terrorist who worked day in and day out to violate the agreement and renew the fighting, was carried out in response to these violations and was intended to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire,” the Israeli official said.

The White House is also reportedly concerned about Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, which it believes could hinder efforts to expand the Abraham Accords to countries like Saudi Arabia. A U.S. official emphasized the importance of de-escalation, stating, “The Trump administration is doing a lot of hard work to fix it. But if Netanyahu doesn’t want to take the steps that are needed to de-escalate, we are not going to waste our time trying to expand the Abraham Accords.”

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13 hours ago
News
Politics

Kamala Harris Is Preparing for 2028 Presidential Bid: Dem Insiders.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly preparing for a 2028 White House run, despite her previous loss to President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kamala Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff, Democratic Party insiders, and Harris’s spokeswoman Kirsten Allen.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Harris’s book tour stops in 2026 will include South Carolina, Detroit, Jackson, Memphis, and Montgomery. She also spoke at the DNC winter meeting in Los Angeles.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Both parties have failed to hold the public’s trust. Government is viewed as fundamentally unable to meet the needs of its people…. People are done with the status quo, and they’re ready to break things to force change.” – Kamala Harris

🎯IMPACT: Harris remains a top Democratic contender for 2028, with notable support among black Democrats, as she positions herself for another presidential campaign.

IN FULL

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is signaling a possible return to presidential politics in 2028, according to recent reporting and her expanding public schedule, despite her historic defeat by President Donald J. Trump in both the Electoral College and the popular vote in 2024.

Democratic Party insiders claim that Harris’s recent actions suggest she is laying the groundwork for another White House run. Central to that effort is an extended promotional tour for her memoir, 107 Days, which recounts her 2024 campaign. Upcoming stops include early primary states such as South Carolina, along with cities that have large black voter populations, including Detroit, Jackson, Memphis, and Montgomery. Harris continues to perform well among black Democrats in early primary polling, a factor that has kept her near the top of lists of potential 2028 contenders.

Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, recently attended the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting in Los Angeles, California, where they met with national and state party officials. While addressing the gathering, Harris delivered a broad critique of the current political system, saying, “Both parties have failed to hold the public’s trust. Government is viewed as fundamentally unable to meet the needs of its people… People are done with the status quo, and they’re ready to break things to force change.”

Her spokeswoman, Kirsten Allen, said Harris would approach the coming election cycles with a continued emphasis on public engagement, stating that Harris is focused on “listening to the American people, reflecting where leadership has fallen short, and helping shape the path forward beyond this political moment.”

Harris is also scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of her ongoing media outreach, adding to speculation that she is maintaining a national profile for future campaigns.

Earlier this year, Harris announced that she would not run for Governor of California in 2026, ending speculation that she might pivot to state politics.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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14 hours ago
News
War

Zelensky Ready to Drop NATO Bid for Peace Deal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is dropping its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership bid as part of ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump evoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Sunday during peace talks in Brussels, Belgium.

💬KEY QUOTE: “From the very beginning, Ukraine’s conditions—or perhaps more accurately, our ambition—was NATO membership. And that would have provided real security guarantees. Some partners from the United States and Europe did not support this direction,” said Zelensky.

🎯IMPACT: Dropping the NATO bid aligns with a key Russian demand and could move peace negotiations forward.

IN FULL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer pursue membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance, describing the move as part of a compromise tied to ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The talks have involved several international intermediaries, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Trump administration representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Speaking to journalists via WhatsApp, Zelensky said Ukraine’s long-standing goal of joining NATO had not received full backing from its partners. “From the very beginning, Ukraine’s conditions – or perhaps more accurately, our ambition – was NATO membership. And that would have provided real security guarantees. Some partners from the United States and Europe did not support this direction,” he said.

Zelensky explained that Kiev is now seeking bilateral security guarantees from Western allies such as the United States, some European countries, Canada, and Japan as an alternative. He said these guarantees are intended to deter future Russian aggression, but described the shift away from NATO as a significant concession. “This already is a compromise on our part,” he added.

Ukraine’s NATO aspirations have been central to its foreign policy, particularly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moscow has consistently demanded that Ukraine abandon its bid to join the alliance, with Russian President Vladimir Putin framing NATO expansion as a direct threat to Russia’s security. Renouncing designs on NATO membership has therefore been a recurring Russian condition in peace discussions.

The announcement comes despite previous statements from NATO leadership that Ukraine’s path toward membership was “irreversible.” While NATO officials have repeatedly emphasized political support for Ukraine, alliance members have also been divided on the timing and feasibility of accession, especially during an active conflict. Public opinion and political resistance in parts of Europe have further complicated Ukraine’s broader integration with Western institutions, including the European Union (EU).

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, speaking after meetings in Brussels, Belgium, said that “a lot of progress was made” in the negotiations, though he offered no details. Talks are scheduled to continue on Monday, when both sides are expected to present updated proposals.

The development comes as the United States continues to support Ukraine militarily through indirect means, including arms sales to NATO allies who then transfer weapons to Kiev. That approach has allowed Washington to maintain support for Ukraine while navigating political and strategic sensitivities surrounding NATO involvement.

Image via the Office of the President of Ukraine.

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