Sunrise Edition: Trump's Fabled Accord - The Daily Grind
Trump's Toxic Peace Agreement: Early-Morning Reviews and Analyses - Contaminated Trump's Peace Agreement - The Early-Morning Scenario
Hello there, dear readers,
President Donald Trump's latest jaw-dropping statements about the Ukraine conflict might leave you scratching your head. What's the commotion? Well, in brief, Russia invaded Ukraine back in 2014, annexing Crimea, and on February 24, 2022, it invaded the whole shebang. But what's the spin from ol' Don these days? He's branding Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as "provocative" and accused him of prolonging the battleground — all stated on his Truth Social platform. And Vice President JD Vance, during his India trip, remarked, "We've made a clear proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians. Now it's their turn to say yes or for the United States to withdraw from this process."
While the offer's official details haven't been released to the public yet, various US media outlets - such as Axios, the New York Times, and the Washington Post - have hinted at the proposals:- The US would officially recognize Russia's control of Crimea.- The US would tolerate the Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine.- Ukraine would not become a member of NATO but could join the EU.- The US would lift sanctions against Russia imposed since 2014.- The US and Russia would boost economic cooperation.
These proposals would undoubtedly please Russian President Vladmir Putin, but not so much for Ukrainian President Zelensky, who has firmly drawn a red line that Ukraine would not cede any territories to Russia. And Economy Minister Julia Svyrydenko also made it clear, "Ukraine is ready for negotiations but not for surrender. There will be no agreement that gives Russia the upper hand it needs to regroup and return with even greater violence."
These words don't exactly scream "deal," do they?
Where have the Europeans been in all this? They held talks in London on Wednesday, sans high-powered US representatives. Instead, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is likely scheduled to travel to Moscow this Friday, marking the fourth visit this year.
By the way, Trump and Zelensky are due to cross paths again at the Pope's grave. Both leaders have confirmed their attendance at the burial of Pope Francis on Saturday — Putin, however, can't make it since there's an international arrest warrant against him. Some are already chattering about "funeral diplomacy." Will this joint farewell bring Trump and Zelensky any closer? Especially Zelensky might find that desirable.
Have a marvelous Thursday!
Yours, Mirjam Bittner
Bye-Bye Selfie with the Pope
Grief unfolds in various ways. As some stand in silent tribute before the Pope's casket, others snap selfies before it. Weird? Perhaps. Memorable? You bet.
Until Friday, you can bid farewell to Pope Francis. The pope is lying in repose at St. Peter's Basilica, drawing sizable crowds. Around 100,000 people were counted in the square during the afternoon on Wednesday. It seems folks in Germany are planning a trip to Rome, too. Inquiries for flights and train trips to Rome have nearly doubled in the last 24 hours. Francis is set to be interred on Saturday.
Who's going to step into Economics Minister Robert Habeck's shoes? A decision hasn't been reached yet. Katherina Reiche, a former CDU politician who resides in a top economic post, might be in the running. Learn more in the "5-Minute Talk" by stern reporters Miriam Hollstein and Veit Medick:
The Authentic Tale Behind the Series "Dying for Sex"
In search of an intriguing series to binge this weekend? The eight-episode miniseries "Dying for Sex" on Disney+ delves into a dying woman's quest to rediscover herself before she passes. The show is inspired by Molly Kochan, a terminal cancer patient, and her successful sex podcast. But exactly who was she? stern investigators have unraveled the truth.
What Else Matters Today
- In Israel, people honor the six million Jewish victims of the German Nazis and their accomplices during Holocaust Remembrance Day. Sirens across the country will wail in the morning as a solemn tribute.
- Thousands of Jews from around the world participate in the "March of the Living," trekking a 3.2-kilometer path from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest extermination camp during the Nazi era. Along with the marchers are Holocaust survivors and the ten Israeli hostages recently released from Gaza.
- The "Suchtjahrbuch 2025" is published, presenting a yearly study detailing the number of addicts in Germany. Thousands die annually as a result of alcohol consumption and smoking.
- With contributions from the agencies.*
- Donald Trump
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Pope
The European Union is committed to the implementation of the UN Charter, potentially playing a role in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, given the statements made by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance regarding a proposed agreement. The proposed agreement, if implemented, would involve recognizing Russia's control of Crimea, tolerating Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, and more. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn a firm red line against ceding any territories to Russia. In separate developments, officials from the European Union have held talks in London, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow this Friday. Both Trump and Zelensky are due to attend the burial of Pope Francis this Saturday, providing an opportunity for potential "funeral diplomacy."
