Published Time: 08-20-2025, 17:10

President Donald Trump was caught in a hot mic moment during meetings with European leaders, telling French President Emmanuel Macron that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin may want a peace deal — and possibly one connected to Trump personally. The remark, which Trump himself described as sounding “crazy,” surfaced during a critical week of diplomacy in Washington focused on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The private aside came just hours after Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where discussions centered on security guarantees and potential pathways toward a negotiated settlement.

The Hot Mic Moment

According to a transcript reported by U.S. outlets, Trump whispered to Macron before a multilateral meeting:

“I think he [Putin] wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.”

The comment sparked immediate interest among reporters and policymakers, given its timing and Trump’s repeated assertions that he can achieve what his predecessors could not: bringing Putin and Zelenskyy together at the negotiating table.

European Leaders in Washington

Monday’s White House gathering drew several high-level European officials, including Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

The talks followed Trump’s one-on-one session with Zelenskyy earlier in the day. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described discussions on “security guarantees for Ukraine” involving commitments from European partners in coordination with the United States.

Macron Responds to Trump’s Remark

In a subsequent interview with NBC News, Macron downplayed any controversy, framing the exchange as evidence of Trump’s determination to secure an eventual peace.

“At the end of the day, if we have a deal which is compliant with long-standing and robust peace, this is great news,” Macron said. He added that Trump appeared “very confident about the capacity he has to get this deal done,” which Macron argued could help end “daily killings” in Ukraine.

White House and Trump’s Position

A White House spokesperson, responding to questions about the hot mic moment, underscored Trump’s unique role in opening channels with Moscow.

“As President Trump has said, he has a good relationship with President Putin, and only he was able to bring him to the table for a peace deal,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “European leaders recognize that after three years of deadlock under President Biden, there has been more progress toward peace than ever before because of this administration’s leadership.”

Trump, in a separate interview with Fox & Friends on Tuesday, outlined his next steps. He confirmed plans to let Putin and Zelenskyy meet one-on-one before advancing broader negotiations, suggesting talks could include discussions of a potential land swap arrangement.

“They haven’t exactly been best friends,” Trump said. “Maybe they’re getting along a little better than I thought. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have set up the two of them meeting.”

Excluding NATO Membership From Talks

Trump clarified that Ukraine’s admission into NATO would not be part of the current negotiation framework. Instead, several European nations have expressed willingness to provide NATO-like protections through direct security guarantees.

This approach, Trump argued, could offer Ukraine critical safeguards while avoiding one of the central points of contention between Russia and the West.

Previous Talks With Putin

The hot mic exchange followed Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska the previous Friday. While that encounter did not produce a formal agreement, both sides described it as opening the door for more detailed peace discussions.

Trump has repeatedly pledged on the campaign trail to end the war, which began in February 2022 and has stretched into its fourth year. His allies in Washington have portrayed this week’s diplomatic activity as evidence he is following through on that commitment.

Next Steps Toward Peace

On Monday evening, Trump confirmed via Truth Social that he had spoken directly with Putin after hosting European leaders.

“At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” Trump wrote.

He added that after the initial bilateral meeting, he envisions a “trilateral” format involving himself alongside both leaders. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are said to be coordinating with Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to prepare for next-stage negotiations.

Key Takeaways

• Trump told Macron in a hot mic moment that Putin may want a peace deal “for him,” calling the idea “crazy.”
• European leaders, including Macron, Meloni, Starmer, and von der Leyen, joined White House talks on Ukraine.
• Macron characterized Trump’s remark as evidence of confidence in reaching a long-term peace agreement.
• Trump said NATO membership for Ukraine will not be part of negotiations, but European nations may offer security guarantees.
• Plans are underway for Putin and Zelenskyy to meet, potentially followed by trilateral discussions including Trump.

Source: FOX News – Trump whispers ‘crazy’ Putin deal theory to Macron in hot mic moment

The post Trump’s Hot Mic Remark to Macron Reveals Theory on Putin Peace Deal appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

KYIV, Ukraine – A recent peace proposal from the Trump administration, which includes recognizing Russia’s authority over Crimea, has taken Ukrainian officials by surprise. They are adamant that they will not accept any formal surrender of the peninsula, even though some expect to temporarily concede the territory to the Kremlin as part of a broader peace agreement.

The idea of giving up Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, is both politically and legally impossible, according to experts. Such a move would require amending Ukraine’s constitution and holding a nationwide referendum — steps that would be deeply unpopular and could even be considered treasonous. Ukrainian lawmakers and the public have firmly rejected the idea.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” said Oleksandr Merezkho, a lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party. “We will never recognize Crimea as part of Russia.”

Unlike a simple territorial concession, a formal surrender would permanently cede Crimea, abandoning any hope of regaining it in the future. While many Ukrainians understand that land may need to be temporarily given up to end the war — since reclaiming it militarily is unlikely — they insist that such concessions are not final.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko echoed this sentiment, stating that Ukraine might have to temporarily cede land as part of a peace deal. Acknowledging permanent loss, however, would be politically disastrous, especially for Ukrainians living under Russian occupation, who hope for eventual liberation.

U.S. President Donald Trump reinforced the peace proposal in an interview with Time magazine on Friday: “Crimea will stay with Russia. Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.”

Trump further claimed that Zelenskyy was prepared to give up Crimea, stating, “That was 12 years ago. Obama gave it up without a shot being fired.”

These comments are the latest example of the U.S. pushing Ukraine to make concessions in an effort to end the ongoing war. Trump has also accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict by resisting negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Crimea, strategically located along the Black Sea, was seized by Russia years before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian takeover followed massive protests that ousted former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who had refused to sign an association agreement with the European Union.

While Ukrainian officials have privately acknowledged that Crimea may be among the territories they need to concede for peace, Zelenskyy has consistently drawn a hard line against formally surrendering the land.

Elements of the U.S. proposal would see the U.S. formally recognize Crimea as part of Russia, effectively accepting Moscow’s rule over the region and other occupied Ukrainian territories, according to an anonymous European official.

However, even under intense pressure, Zelenskyy cannot unilaterally agree to such a proposal. Experts point out that doing so would be politically dangerous and could result in legal action. A change of this magnitude would require a nationwide referendum, which is unlikely to pass.

Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics and a former Ukrainian economics minister, warned that any attempt to formally surrender Crimea could be viewed as high treason, making it an untenable option for Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government.

Ukrainian soldiers, particularly those on the front lines, have made it clear that they will never stop fighting for their country’s territorial integrity. Oleksandr, a soldier serving in the Donetsk region, shared his personal commitment: “We lost our best guys in this war. We won’t stop until all Ukrainian lands are free.”

As Ukraine navigates the complexities of peace talks and military strategy, the issue of Crimea remains one of the most contentious. Despite some recognizing the necessity of a temporary cession of land, many Ukrainians remain steadfast in their resolve to never formally relinquish Crimea.

Ukrainian officials have been candid about the challenges they face in any peace negotiations, especially regarding the territory lost to Russian control. But for Zelenskyy, the question of Crimea is a “big challenge” — and one that he will not compromise on, even under immense international pressure.

Ultimately, any deal that involves territorial concessions will need to ensure robust security guarantees for Ukraine, including NATO membership or significant military support from Western allies.

The future of Crimea remains uncertain, but the message from Ukraine’s leadership and military is clear: giving up the peninsula is not an option — not now, and not in the future.

Source: AP News – Shocked by US peace proposal, Ukrainians say they will not accept any formal surrender of Crimea

The post Ukraine Vows to Never Give Up Crimea Despite US Peace Push appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

In a striking moment of diplomacy amid solemn ceremony, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held urgent war talks inside St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, just minutes before the funeral of Pope Francis began.

Photos released by Ukraine’s presidency showed Trump and Zelensky deep in conversation, alone and without aides, surrounded by the grandeur of the Vatican.

Zelensky later posted on social media, calling it a “good meeting” and emphasizing their goals: protecting Ukrainian lives, achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, and securing a lasting peace to prevent future wars. “A symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if joint results are achieved,” he added.

A White House spokesperson described the meeting as “very productive,” noting it lasted about 15 minutes. Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue in the coming days.

Saturday’s meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between Trump and Zelensky since a rocky session at the White House in February, where Trump had publicly criticized Zelensky’s government and briefly suspended military support.

Interestingly, this latest conversation wasn’t announced in advance. It took place near the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, just outside the Baptistry Chapel, taking advantage of the gathering of world leaders and the looser formalities around seating arrangements.

While the White House had downplayed the possibility of any sideline diplomacy during the trip, the death of Pope Francis shifted Trump’s travel plans — originally set to begin in Saudi Arabia — and opened the door for unexpected high-level interactions in Europe.

Trump also briefly engaged with other global figures during the funeral, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, amid ongoing tensions over trade and defense matters.

Behind the scenes, the U.S. is turning up the pressure on Ukraine to strike a peace deal. Trump warned last week that the U.S. could walk away from negotiations “within days” if no progress is made.

Landing in Rome, Trump posted on Truth Social:

“A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off.’”

Adding to the momentum, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff spent three hours in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, discussions described by Moscow as “constructive and very useful.”

Meanwhile, before departing Kyiv, Zelensky signaled openness to negotiations — but with conditions. He stressed that Ukraine would only engage after a full and unconditional ceasefire, and that future security guarantees would be critical, possibly involving European troops or advanced U.S. defense systems like Patriot missiles.

Zelensky also acknowledged a tough reality: Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership is not imminent. He called for pragmatic security guarantees, rather than relying solely on alliance membership.

Talks are also being shaped by a new draft plan, the “Ukraine Deal Framework,” drawn up in London between Ukrainian and European officials. A copy obtained by Reuters proposes a full ceasefire across land, sea, and air — monitored by the U.S. and other partner countries.

The framework envisions:

• Strong U.S.-backed security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5 protections.
• No restrictions on the presence or operations of foreign allied forces inside Ukraine.
• Negotiations over disputed territories starting after the ceasefire, based on current frontlines.

Ukraine would also regain control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and the U.S. would gain access to valuable Ukrainian rare earth minerals — compensated through frozen Russian assets.

However, the framework faces significant obstacles. Russia is likely to oppose many of its provisions, especially those allowing foreign military presence in Ukraine.

One particularly thorny issue remains Crimea. Although Witkoff’s private proposal reportedly suggests the U.S. could recognize Crimea as Russian territory, Zelensky firmly rejected that idea, calling it non-negotiable and unconstitutional under Ukrainian law.

“There’s nothing to talk about when it comes to Crimea,” Zelensky said bluntly. Instead, he pushed for more economic pressure and sanctions as alternatives to military force.

As talks inch forward, tensions on the ground remain high. On Thursday, Kyiv suffered its deadliest missile attack since July, leaving 12 dead. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Saturday that Russia had regained full control of the Kursk border region — a claim that Ukraine has yet to confirm, and which independent media have not yet verified.

Inside the Vatican, the quiet, hurried conversation between Trump and Zelensky offered a rare glimpse of high-stakes diplomacy unfolding during one of the world’s most solemn ceremonies. Whether this historic setting helps bring an end to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II remains to be seen.

Source: CNN – Trump and Zelensky hold war talks inside St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of pope’s funeral

The post Trump and Zelensky Hold Surprise War Talks at Pope Francis’s Funeral appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Israel is preparing to receive four female soldiers held captive by Hamas on Saturday, marking another phase in the ongoing hostage release under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The release follows intense negotiations and expectations of continued action for the return of hostages from both sides.

The Four Women Set to Be Released

Hamas announced the names of the four women scheduled for release: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy—each 20 years old—and Liri Albag, 19. These young women were among the seven female soldiers kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

The Israeli government had hoped to see the release of another female civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud, 29, in this round of releases. Yehud, taken from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, is believed to be held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, not Hamas. This difference may be a factor in the timing of her release.

Expectations and Challenges Around the Release

In exchange for the four female soldiers, Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 with life sentences and 80 with lengthy sentences. The Israeli government had agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female soldier returned. However, the exclusion of Yehud from the list raised concerns and delayed final confirmation, leading to discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defense officials.

While the families of the four women received confirmation from Israeli officials that the release would proceed, there was no clear public information from the Justice Ministry regarding the exact number and identity of the Palestinian prisoners to be released.

The Hostages’ Stories and Their Impact

The four women slated for release on Saturday were serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as part of their compulsory military service when they were kidnapped. Albag, the youngest of the group, was only 18 at the time of her abduction. Her friends and family describe her as a joyful person with a love for singing, photography, and cooking.

Ariev, Gilboa, and Levy, who all turned 20 while in captivity, have left lasting impressions on their families and communities. Ariev is known for her compassion and dreams of becoming a psychologist, while Gilboa aspires to pursue a career in music. Levy, a triathlete and tennis player, is remembered for her quiet strength and determination.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed relief at the release, highlighting the nation’s collective effort to secure the return of the captives. The forum stated, “An entire nation has fought for them and anxiously awaits their longed-for return to their families’ embrace.”

Progress Under the Ceasefire Agreement

This release is part of a broader ceasefire deal that began on Sunday, which includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners over the next several weeks. In the first phase of the deal, three hostages were freed: Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, alongside the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners.

The ceasefire is expected to last for five more weeks, with more hostages and prisoners set to be released during this period. As of now, 91 hostages are still being held by Hamas and its allies, and there are three additional hostages who have been in captivity since 2014.

Looking Ahead

As the negotiations continue, the focus remains on the ongoing release of hostages and the broader implications for peace efforts in the region. The terms of the ceasefire also include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid to the region, signaling some progress toward alleviating the humanitarian crisis.

With the expected release of these four female soldiers, Israel and Hamas continue to negotiate, aiming for the safe return of all hostages still held.

Source

The post Four Hostages Set for Release from Hamas Under Ceasefire Agreement appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A ceasefire has come into effect following a brief delay on Sunday morning, after Hamas provided Israel with the names of three female hostages to be released. The hostages, Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Steinbrecher (31), are set to be freed later in the day, marking the first hostage swap since the brutal October 7 attack in 2023.

The families of the three women confirmed their release, with the hostages expected to be returned to Israel by the afternoon. This is a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as 94 hostages remain in captivity, and the agreement is part of a broader deal aiming to end the war and free other hostages.

A Delayed Agreement and Ceasefire

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed late Sunday that Israel received the names from Hamas, allowing the ceasefire to go into effect at 11:15 a.m. Israeli officials reviewed the list before the ceasefire could commence.

The ceasefire and hostages’ release are part of a deal brokered in Doha, which is a culmination of months of international efforts. The deal envisions the release of 33 hostages over the next 42 days, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, there are concerns on both sides that the agreement might unravel before its completion, leaving many still in captivity and plunging Gaza into further conflict.

Initial Delays and Tensions

Tensions arose leading up to the ceasefire due to delays in Hamas providing the hostages’ names. Hamas missed two deadlines for the list, and Israeli officials refused to halt fire until the list was delivered. At one point, Israel warned it would continue fighting until it had the necessary details from Hamas.

By 10 a.m. on Sunday, Hamas provided the names of the three women. Israeli airstrikes continued early Sunday morning, killing at least eight people according to Hamas-controlled health authorities, though the exact identity of the victims remains unclear.

The Hostage Release Process

After the names were received, Gal Hirsch, the Israeli government’s point person for the hostage return, spoke with the families of the three women. The hostages will be brought to one of three IDF facilities near Gaza for initial treatment and debriefing before being transferred to hospitals to meet with their families.

The women had been kidnapped during the October 7 assault. Gonen was abducted while fleeing the Nova music festival, Damari was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Steinbrecher was also kidnapped from Kfar Aza.

The Broader Deal and Ongoing Concerns

In exchange for the release of the three hostages, Israel will free 95 Palestinian prisoners. Over the course of the deal’s first phase, Israel will release up to 1,904 prisoners in return for the full release of 33 hostages. This deal, ratified on Friday by Israel’s security cabinet, follows a failed hostage swap in November 2023 and aims to bring an end to the ongoing violence.

Hamas has held 251 hostages since the October 7 attack. Though some have been released, including 105 civilians in a brief truce in November, 94 hostages remain in captivity.

Aid to Gaza and Future Phases

Ahead of the ceasefire, hundreds of aid trucks were lined up at the Gaza border, ready to deliver essential supplies. Egypt has committed to sending 600 trucks per day, including fuel shipments, once the ceasefire is fully in effect.

The deal also promises the release of more prisoners, with the second and third phases scheduled to continue over the next several weeks. However, there is growing concern in Israel that the deal could falter before reaching its final stages, especially after some political figures suggested a return to military operations after the first phase.

International Role and U.S. Influence

The deal’s success is partly attributed to U.S. diplomatic efforts. President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, was instrumental in pushing for the breakthrough, with sources suggesting that Witkoff helped convince Prime Minister Netanyahu to support the agreement.

Trump himself expressed cautious optimism about the deal, signaling that he hoped it would hold through its three phases. His administration has assured hostages’ families that they will ensure the full implementation of the agreement.

Conclusion: A Fragile Peace

While the first step of the ceasefire and hostage swap is a hopeful moment, the deal’s future remains uncertain. The lives of many hostages still hang in the balance, and concerns about the stability of the agreement continue to overshadow the fragile peace. The coming weeks will determine whether this ceasefire leads to lasting resolution or if the cycle of violence will resume once again.

Source

The post First Hostage Swap Since October 7: Three Women to Be Freed appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Hamas is anticipated to release 33 hostages during the first phase of a ceasefire agreement currently being finalized in Doha, Israeli officials have reported. This development offers the first significant indication of progress toward ending the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict, which has persisted for 15 months and destabilized the region.

Highlights of the Emerging Agreement

• Hostages and Ceasefire: The deal, if finalized, would halt the fighting, enable the return of dozens of hostages, and significantly expand humanitarian aid to Gaza. This would mark a critical turning point since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, during which 251 hostages were taken.
• Hostage Numbers: Hamas and its allies currently hold 94 of the initial hostages, with at least 34 confirmed dead. Most of the 33 hostages expected to be released are believed to be alive, but some bodies may also be returned.
• Timeline: The first phase is set to unfold during a 42-day ceasefire period, with negotiations for the next phase commencing on the 16th day.

Global Reactions and Progress

• US Leadership Involvement: President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the deal, emphasizing its potential to secure hostages’ release, halt fighting, and deliver vital humanitarian aid. Former President-elect Donald Trump also commented, citing progress in the negotiations.
• Diplomatic Efforts: A final round of proximity talks is scheduled in Doha, with key players including Mossad Director David Barnea and negotiators from Hamas, mediated by Qatari officials.

Proposed Terms

• Military Presence: Israeli forces will maintain control along the Philadelphi Corridor and a buffer zone within Gaza, sparking some contention over the width and terms of this zone.
• Prisoner Releases: Palestinian prisoners involved in attacks on Israelis will be relocated to Gaza or third countries, rather than the West Bank.
• Return of Displaced Residents: Northern Gaza residents will be permitted to return under “security arrangements” yet to be detailed.

Challenges Ahead

A senior Israeli official noted a breakthrough in the talks but warned that the deal still requires approval from Israel’s security and full government cabinets. There may also be potential Supreme Court petitions from opponents of the agreement.

Concerns About Stability

Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed cautioned that the continued presence of both Israeli forces and Hamas during the ceasefire phase could lead to renewed hostilities. He highlighted the delicate balance needed to prevent flare-ups during the transition.

The Human Toll

The conflict has claimed devastating human lives. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli military reports approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health estimates over 46,565 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 100,000 injured in Gaza.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the fragile nature of the negotiations, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed cautious optimism. “We trust in those working tirelessly to bring our loved ones home and will not rest until the last hostage returns,” the group stated.

The coming days will be pivotal as negotiators in Doha work to finalize terms, raising the possibility of a truce and a gradual end to the devastating conflict.

Source

The post New Ceasefire Agreement Offers Hope for Hostage Release and Aid to Gaza appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.