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Trump addresses Ukraine-Russia peace talks, says Zelenskyy will be involved

President Donald Trump spoke about his plans to end the Russo-Ukrainian War during a press gaggle on Sunday, stating that he believes the leaders of both countries “want to stop fighting.”

Speaking on the tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday afternoon, Trump said that he’s currently in the process of “trying to get peace with Russia, Ukraine.”

“And we’re working very hard on it,” he said. “It’s a war that should have never started.”

When asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to be involved in the conversations, Trump replied in the affirmative.

TRUMP DETAILS HIS RECIPROCAL TARIFF PLANS, ASKS FOREIGN COUNTRIES TO ‘TREAT US FAIRLY’: ‘DELIVER RECIPROCITY’

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters upon arrival in West Palm Beach, Fla., U.S., Sunday. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

“He will be involved, yes,” Trump said. When asked by a reporter, Trump also said he would allow Europeans to purchase American-made weapons sold to Ukraine.

The Republican president went on say that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin, who began the war in February 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and escalated it in February 2022 by invading Ukraine, wants to bring the war to an end.

“I think he wants to stop fighting,” Trump said. “They have a big, powerful machine, you understand that? And they defeated Hitler and they defeated Napoleon. You know, he’s been fighting a long time…I think he would like to stop fighting.”

EMMANUEL MACRON CALLS ‘EMERGENCY MEETING’ FOR EUROPEAN LEADERS TO DISCUSS TRUMP: REPORT

President Donald Trump steps from Air Force One upon arrival in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

“Zelenskyy wants to end it, too.”

Trump’s comments came shortly after a “Meet the Press” interview with Zelenskyy aired on NBC, in which the Ukrainian leader discussed Putin and claimed that he “fears” Trump.

“I said that [Putin] is a liar,” Zelenskyy said of a recent phone call to Trump. “And he said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’ And I said to him, ‘No, he’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.’”

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President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in West Palm Beach, Fla, Sunday. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

“But I think he’s really a little bit scared about the President Trump,” Zelenskyy added. “And I think the president has this chance, and he’s strong. And I think that really, he can push Putin to peace negotiations. Yes, I think so. I think he can, but don’t trust him. Don’t trust Putin. Don’t trust just words about ceasefire.”

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton and Brooke Curto contributed to this report.

Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to [email protected].

February 16, 2025
US Ukraine envoy pulls no punches with Europe on Ukraine, Russia peace talks

President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia hinted that there might not be a place at the table for Europe during peace negotiations with Russia.

Asked if Europeans had a role in talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, said at a security conference in Germany over the weekend that he was “from the school of realism, and that is not going to happen.”

The comments come as Trump presses ahead with plans to negotiate peace between Ukraine and Russia, which includes planned meetings between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia this week.

But European allies might not be included in future talks, Kellogg made clear during his remarks in Munich, arguing that too many voices adds to the risk of derailing negotiations for peace.

EMMANUEL MACRON CALLS ‘EMERGENCY MEETING’ FOR EUROPEAN LEADERS TO DISCUSS TRUMP: REPORT

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“What we don’t want to do is get into a large group discussion,” Kellogg said, noting that Trump is pressing to have a deal done within “days and weeks” and not on a longer timetable.

“You got to give us a bit of breathing space and time, but when I say that, I’m not talking six months,” he said.

The comments come just a day after Vice President JD Vance ripped into European leaders during a speech at the same conference, arguing that European domestic policies limiting free speech were a bigger threat to the continent than Russia.

“The threat that I worry the most about vis-à-vis Europe is not Russia, it’s not China. It’s not any other external actor,” he said. “What I worry about is the threat from within the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.”

The remarks by U.S. leaders at the conference have left their European counterparts in shock, according to a report from Reuters, which noted that many European delegates were left worrying about continued U.S. military protection of the continent and the details of a deal brokered in Ukraine with little European involvement.

‘BREATHTAKING SPEED’: TRUMP’S PARIS TRIP MARKS RETURN TO GLOBAL STAGE AS LEADERS TURN ‘THE PAGE’ ON BIDEN

Speaking to Newsweek, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir said she was still “trying to decipher” the meaning of Kellogg’s remarks over the weekend, though admitted that she found them a “concern.”

“This is about Russia, but this is also about Europe,” she said. “It’s also difficult for foreign leaders to be reacting constantly to unsure comments.”

“We feel like Ukraine has to be at the table, and Europe does, too,” she added.

That sentiment was echoed by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who argued that Europe will have to “act more strongly” in response to the U.S. push.

“If Trump is negotiating with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin about Europe, then it is impossible to talk about Europe without us,” he told NewsWeek.

Macron has reportedly called a special meeting about Trump. (Getty Images | AP Images)

DAVID MARCUS: TRIUMPHANT TRUMP AT NOTRE DAME SIGNALS AMERICA AND THE WEST ARE BACK

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the developments by calling on European leaders to convene an emergency meeting in Paris, which is expected to center on U.S. efforts to exclude European countries from peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

Those expected to be in attendance at the Paris meeting include NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and the leaders of Germany, Italy, the U.K. and Poland, according to a report from the Guardian.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to attend the meetings, though he stressed the importance of keeping the European and U.S. alliance together.

“The U.K. will work to ensure we keep the U.S. and Europe together. We cannot allow any divisions in the alliance to distract from the external enemies we face,” Starmer said, according to the Guardian report.

Prospects for a peace deal to end Russia’s nearly three-year-old invasion in Ukraine have seemingly intensified in recent weeks, most notably after Trump held separate phone calls with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Keith Kellogg is the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. (Getty Images)

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At a later event at the conference, Kellogg made clear that European interests would still be considered at the bargaining table, noting that the U.S. would simply hope to serve as an intermediary in talks between Russia and Ukraine, the two main protagonists in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Rutte urged European leaders to get serious if they hope to be involved in the peace process.

“And to my European friends, I would say, get into the debate, not by complaining that you might, yes or no, be at the table, but by coming up with concrete proposals, ideas, ramp up (defense) spending,” the NATO secretary-general said at the conference.

The White House did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.

Michael Lee is a writer for Fox News. Prior to joining Fox News, Michael worked for the Washington Examiner, Bongino.com, and Unbiased America. He has covered politics for more than eight years.

February 16, 2025
Putin’s a ‘little bit scared’ of Trump as nations begin peace talks, Zelenskyy says

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “little bit scared” of President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview that aired Sunday.

Zelenskyy joined NBC’s “Meet the Press,” recounting that when he spoke to Trump by phone about a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, he told the president that he believes Putin fears the American leader.

“I said that [Putin] is a liar,” Zelenskyy recounted of his phone call to Trump. “And he said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’ And I said to him, ‘No, he’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.’

“But I think he’s really a little bit scared about the President Trump. And I think the president has this chance, and he’s strong. And I think that really he can push Putin to peace negotiations. Yes, I think so. I think he can, but don’t trust him. Don’t trust Putin. Don’t trust just words about ceasefire,” Zelenskyy told NBC’s Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.”

Zelenskyy’s interview follows Trump announcing last Wednesday that Putin had agreed to “immediately” begin peace negotiations to end the war. Trump tapped Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to lead negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.

TRUMP SAYS RUSSIA AGREES TO ‘IMMEDIATELY’ BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS TO END WAR IN UKRAINE

Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Pool via Reuters/Leah Millis/Alina Smutko)

PUTIN VIEWED AS ‘GREAT COMPETITOR’ BUT STILL A US ‘ADVERSARY’ AS UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS LOOM, LEAVITT SAYS

Zelenskyy said during his interview that he trusts Trump’s leadership amid negotiations to end the war that has raged between Russia and Ukraine since 2022, but that he won’t accept a deal that did not include talks with Ukraine.

“I believe and trust only in real steps. And I trust President Trump because he’s the president of the United States, because your people, your people voted for him, and I respect their choice, and I will work with President Trump with trust, which I have to the United States,” Zelenskyy told Welker when asked if he feels Trump values Ukraine at the same level as Russia.

FREED AMERICAN HOSTAGE MARC FOGEL LANDS IN US AFTER YEARS IN RUSSIAN CAPTIVITY

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting with members of the Security Council via videoconference at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 13, 2024. (Aleksey Babushkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo)

“But of course, I want to have [a] real meeting, productive, without just words, with concrete steps, and to hear us, to hear President Trump, to make a common plan, and to share it with allies, then with Russians, and stop this war. I think we need it urgently. We have to do it without basic things, where there are concrete steps.”

Zelenskyy added in his interview that he will not accept any negotiation hashed out by just the U.S. and Russia.

‘NO REASON’ FOR NEW NUKES: TRUMP FLOATS DISARMAMENT TALKS WITH CHINA, RUSSIA

“I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.… The war in Ukraine is against us, and it is our human losses. And we are thankful for all the support, unity between USA – in USA around Ukraine support, bipartisan unity, bipartisan support, we’re thankful for all of this. But there is no… leader in the world who can really make a deal with Putin without us about us,” he said.

Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, Sept. 27, 2024. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo)

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Witkoff joined Fox News earlier on Sunday and reported that he and Waltz are heading to Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening to begin negotiations on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

February 16, 2025
How Saudi Arabia’s crown prince became a central player in US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a central player in the pursuit of a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, in large part due to the political capital it wields with its massive oil reserves.

President Donald Trump suggested Riyadh as a meeting place to kick off face-to-face talks between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin agreed the location was acceptable. To some it might seem a curious choice, but the Middle Eastern kingdom has reasons to involve itself in finding an end to the conflict happening thousands of miles from its borders.

For Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, mediating peace negotiations would help to solidify his standing as a global leader. It also offers him a leg up on Qatar, which was heavily involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Qatar has also, since 2023, helped facilitate the return of dozens of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the war.

Trump cited both his and Putin’s relationship with the Saudis in his remarks. “We know the crown prince, and I think it’d be a very good place to be,” he said.

RUSSIAN-AMERICAN BALLERINA ‘IN TRANSIT’ AFTER US SAYS SHE WAS WRONGFULLY DETAINED, BOYFRIEND SAYS

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

It’s why Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has taken a front-row seat to the U.S. dealings in Eastern Europe. Witkoff jetted off to Moscow this week and returned home with Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been detained by the Kremlin on charges of bringing medical marijuana into Russia in 2021. Witkoff credited Prince Mohammed for his “instrumental” role in mediating the release.

Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday he’d designated Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Witkoff to lead peace negotiations but failed to mention the special envoy he originally hired for the task, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg. The post came after he spoke by phone with both Putin and Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy.

The Saudi kingdom is the largest exporter of oil in the world and plays a critical role in setting global prices. Higher oil prices generate more revenue for the Kremlin from Russia’s own exports.

In 2024, Russia made $108.22 billion from oil and gas sales, 26% more than the previous year, according to Reuters.

Trump suggested Riyadh as a meeting place to kick off face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Mikhail Metzel/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump has repeatedly pressed nations in the OPEC alliance to flood the market with oil and lower the global price, believing Russia would be more open to negotiations if its war coffers are hit.

“Right now the price is high enough that that war will continue,” Trump told executives at the World Economic Forum at Davos last month.

“You got to bring down the oil price,” he said. “That will end that war. You could end that war.”

The Trump team is far closer to the Saudis than the Biden administration was, though relations may strain over Trump’s plan to move Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip and into neighboring nations and take over the territory. Still, bin Salman has pledged to invest as much as $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

FREED AMERICAN HOSTAGE MARC FOGEL LANDS IN US AFTER YEARS IN RUSSIAN CAPTIVITY

Trump and Zelenskyy (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump, who spoke to bin Salman just ahead of his Davos remarks, said he would be asking “the Crown Prince, who’s a fantastic guy, to round it out to around $1 trillion.”

The Saudis and Ukraine have a common enemy in Iran, which has long been providing Russia with Shahed drones and other munitions.

“The [Iran-backed] Houthis have deployed Iranian weaponry against Saudi Arabia, targeting critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines and airports,” said Daniel Balson of the advocacy group Razom for Ukraine. “In fact, repeated Houthi attacks against highly urbanized targets like Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia have served as a prelude for Russia’s use of drone warfare against Ukrainian cities.”

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In May 2023, bin Salman invited Zelenskyy to speak at a meeting of Arab leaders in Jeddah. Later that year, Zelenskyy and bin Salman held closed-door talks with diplomats from 40 countries on ending the war, but Russia did not participate.

Putin thanked Saudi Arabia in August for its role in negotiating the most extensive prisoner swap since the Cold War, securing the release of 26 people.

February 14, 2025
‘No reason’ for new nukes: Trump floats disarmament talks with China, Russia

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President Donald Trump floated a joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he wants all countries to move toward denuclearization.

Trump on Thursday told reporters he plans to advance these denuclearization talks once “we straighten it all out” in the Middle East and Ukraine, comments that come as the U.S., Russia and Ukraine are actively pursuing negotiations to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“There’s no reason for us to be building brand new nuclear weapons, we already have so many,” Trump said Thursday at the White House. “You could destroy the world 50 times over, 100 times over. And here we are building new nuclear weapons, and they’re building nuclear weapons.”

“We’re all spending a lot of money that we could be spending on other things that are actually, hopefully, much more productive,” he said.

The U.S. is projected to spend approximately $756 billion on nuclear weapons between 2023 and 2032, according to a Congressional Budget Office report released in 2023.

PUTIN VIEWED AS ‘GREAT COMPETITOR’ BUT STILL A US ‘ADVERSARY’ AS UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS LOOM, LEAVITT SAYS

President Donald Trump floated a joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, claiming he wants all countries to move toward denuclearization. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via Reuters)

Additionally, Trump said that he was aiming to schedule meetings with Xi and Putin early on in his second term and request that the countries cut their military budgets in half. The president said he believes “we can do that,” and remained indifferent about whether he traveled to Xi or Putin, or if they visited the White House.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has dramatically reduced its nuclear arsenal since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

The U.S. maintains 3,748 nuclear warheads as of September 2023, a drop from the stockpile of 22,217 nuclear warheads in 1989, according to the Department of Energy. The agency reported the U.S. owned a maximum of 31,255 nuclear warheads in 1966.

In comparison, Russia has an estimated stockpile of roughly 4,380 nuclear warheads, while China boasts an arsenal of roughly 600, according to the Federation of American Scientists.

Trump on Thursday announced plans to pursue denuclearization talks with Russia and China. (AP/Alex Brandon)

Trump’s remarks build on previous statements he made in January at the Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland, where he signaled interest in talks on denuclearization with both Russia and China.

“Tremendous amounts of money are being spent on nuclear, and the destructive capability is something that we don’t even want to talk about today, because you don’t want to hear it,” Trump said on Jan. 23.

Previous talks between the U.S., Russia and China fell through in 2020 during Trump’s first administration after he refused to sign an extension of the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia to impose limits on each country’s nuclear arsenals. The treaty ultimately was renewed under the Biden administration and now expires in 2026, but Russia suspended its participation.

On Thursday, Trump accused these negotiations of falling apart due what he called the “rigged election” in 2020.

NO LONGER TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF: TRUMP SIGNS ORDER PRIORITIZING ‘UNIFIED’ US FOREIGN POLICY FRONT

Trump said that he was aiming to schedule meetings with Xi and Putin early on in his second term and request that the countries cut their military budgets in half. (Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Trump also said on Thursday that Putin wants peace after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, comments that followed back-to-back calls with the Russian leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also traveled to Kyiv on Wednesday.

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Trump, who met with Zelenskyy in New York in September 2024, urged Putin to cease the war — or face sanctions — in a post on Truth Social on Jan. 22.

“Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” Trump wrote. If we don’t make a ‘deal’, and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.”

February 13, 2025
Ukraine reports drone attack not long after Trump talks with Putin, Zelenskyy

Ukraine’s air force indicated in a Facebook post on Thursday that the Eastern European nation had been targeted in a drone attack overnight.

“85 ENEMY UAVS SHOT, 52 DRONES FAILED TO REACH THEIR TARGETS (LOCATIONALLY LOST),” the top of the post read, according to a Google translation of the Ukrainian text.

The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump noted on Wednesday that he had spoken to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

TRUMP SAYS RUSSIA AGREES TO ‘IMMEDIATELY’ BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS TO END WAR IN UKRAINE

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Kyiv on Feb. 10, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine (TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP via Getty Images)

In a Truth Social post, the president described his call with Putin as “lengthy and highly productive.”

During President Joe Biden’s White House tenure, the U.S. provided billions worth of assistance to Ukraine as the embattled nation has been contending with a Russian onslaught.

But Trump is pushing for an end to the years-long war between the two foreign nations.

UKRAINE REGAINING PRE-2014 BORDERS IS ‘UNREALISTIC OBJECTIVE,’ HEGSETH SAYS IN FIRST NATO VISIT

He said in the post that he and Putin “both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”

“We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” he noted.

In a post later on Wednesday, Trump said his talk with Zelenskyy had gone “very well.”

PUTIN VIEWED AS ‘GREAT COMPETITOR’ BUT STILL A US ‘ADVERSARY’ AS UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS LOOM, LEAVITT SAYS

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“He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE,” Trump noted.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Ukraine advocates tear into Hegseth for giving Russia ‘concessions’ at start of peace talks: ‘Biggest gift’

Ukraine advocates are up in arms after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a return to the Eastern European country’s pre-war borders with Russia is “unrealistic.”

Hegseth, speaking to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Belgium on Wednesday, said “returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective.” He also called for Europe to offer Ukraine security guarantees after the war – not the U.S.

Pro-Ukraine voices accused the secretary of giving up leverage before the start of peace negotiations with Russia.

“Putin is gonna pocket this and ask for more,” Brett Bruen, director of Global Engagement under the Obama White House, told Fox News Digital.

RUSSIAN MISSILES RAINED DOWN ON KYIV JUST AHEAD OF TREASURY SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT’S VISIT

Ukraine advocates are up in arms about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments they believe give up leverage before the start of peace negotiations. (DefSec Hegseth on X)

Hegseth said Wednesday that “durable peace” for Ukraine must “ensure that the war will not begin again.”

“The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement. Instead, any security guarantee must be backed by capable European and non-European troops,” he said.

“If these troops are deployed as peacekeepers to Ukraine at any point, they should be deployed as part of a non-NATO mission and not covered under Article 5. There also must be robust international oversight of the line of contact. To be clear, as part of any security guarantee, there will not be U.S. troops deployed to Ukraine.”

While it is little surprise the Trump administration does not currently support Ukraine’s NATO membership, or believe Ukraine can take back all of its territory including Crimea, Ukraine advocates argue that Hegseth vocalizing these beliefs just as President Donald Trump fired the opening salvo in peace negotiations took them off the table as leverage.

“Why would you unilaterally surrender on some of those key strategic issues? Even if Trump ultimately wants to give ground, at least get something in return,” Bruen said.

‘NO BETRAYAL’ IN TRUMP MOVE TOWARD UKRAINE WAR NEGOTIATIONS, HEGSETH SAYS

“Anyone with any diplomatic experience would have said it is critical that we use this as part of our negotiation, as President Trump wants to have with Moscow. But the idea that we’re simply going to announce all of the things that we are not going to do goes against 70 years of our diplomacy and our military strategy.”

Michael McFaul, ambassador to Russia under the Obama administration, asked why the Trump administration appeared to be giving Russian President Vladimir Putin wins for free.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, center, made the comments while meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (Johanna Geron/Pool Photo via AP)

“Why is the Trump administration giving Putin gifts – Ukrainian land and no NATO membership for Ukraine – before negotiations even begin?” he asked on X. “I’ve negotiated with the Russians. You never give up anything to them for free.”

Alexander Vindman, former Europe director at the National Security Council, characterized Hegseth’s comments as “complete capitulation to Putin” that justifies Russia’s wars of aggression going back to Georgia in 2008.

“This will embolden Putin and undermine the interests of peace in Ukraine and Europe. A major blow to U.S. national security,” Vindman said.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., chimed in that Hegseth’s comments show, “Trump’s foreign policy has always been Russia First. Never America and its allies first.”

The defense secretary also called on Europe to “take ownership of conventional security on the continent.”

HEGSETH WARNS EUROPEANS ‘REALITIES’ OF CHINA AND BORDER THREATS PREVENT US FROM GUARANTEEING THEIR SECURITY

“European allies must lead from the front,” Hegseth said. “Together, we can establish a division of labor that maximize our comparative advantages in Europe and Pacific, respectively.”

His comments came just before Trump called both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv.

On Friday, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

The Putin conversation came one day after the release of American Marc Fogel, who had been detained by the Kremlin, which Trump said he saw as a sign of “good faith” by the Russians.

Trump, meanwhile, has begun pressuring Ukrainians to turn over access to rare Earth minerals in exchange for security aid. Bessent presented Ukraine with a draft deal exchanging aid for minerals on Wednesday in Kyiv, according to Zelenskyy.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments came just before President Donald Trump called both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pictured here, and as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv. (Photo by Bonnie Cash/Getty Images)

“We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations,” Trump posted to Truth Social on Wednesday of his call with Putin. “We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.”

He announced that he would asked Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead negotiations.

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Trump also said his call with Zelenskyy went “very well.”

“It is time to stop this ridiculous War, where there has been massive, and totally unnecessary, DEATH and DESTRUCTION. God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine!”

February 13, 2025
Trump meets with Jordan’s king amid tense talks about resettling Palestinians

President Donald Trump welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House Tuesday, a visit that comes amid contentious discussions between the U.S. and Arab nations about relocating Palestinian refugees to Jordan and other neighboring Arab countries to rebuild Gaza.

Trump unveiled plans on Feb. 4 that the U.S. would seek to “take over” the Gaza Strip in a “long-term ownership position” to deliver stability to the region during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But Trump’s proposal prompted swift backlash from Arab countries including Jordan, and Egypt announced plans on Sunday for an emergency Arab Summit to discuss “new and dangerous developments” regarding the resettling of Palestinians on Feb. 27.

Trump doubled down on his plans though in an interview that aired Monday with Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier, and said that he expects Abdullah ultimately will choose to let in Palestinians.

“I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also,” Trump told Baier. “They have good hearts.”

TRUMP NOT COMMITTING TO PUTTING US TROOPS ON THE GROUND IN GAZA, WHITE HOUSE SAYS

President Donald Trump welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II, pictured here, at the White House Feb. 11, 2025. (Li Rui/Xinhua via Getty Images)

But Trump also issued a warning that withholding aid to Jordan could happen, should Jordan refuse to take in Palestinian refugees. The U.S. distributed nearly $1.7 billion in foreign aid to Jordan in fiscal year 2023, according to the State Department.

“Yeah, maybe, sure why not,” Trump said when asked. “If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.”

Trump welcomed Netanyahu to the White House on Feb. 4 and disclosed his plans to turn Gaza into the “riviera of the Middle East.”

“We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Trump told reporters.

“Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” Trump said. “Do a real job. Do something different. Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to end up the same way it has for 100 years.”

He also said “all” Palestinians would be removed from Gaza under his plan, although White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the next day their removal would be “temporary” during the rebuilding process.

Even so, Trump told Fox News on Monday that Palestinians would not return to Gaza under his plan.

TRUMP SAYS US WILL ‘TAKE OVER’ GAZA STRIP, REBUILD IT TO STABLIZE MIDDLE EAST

Sen. John Thune, S.D., didn’t appear publicly startled by President Donald Trump’s proposal for Gaza. (Getty Images)

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill shared mixed reactions to the plan.

“I’m speechless, that’s insane,” Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told Jewish Insider on Feb. 4.

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But Sen. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., didn’t appear fazed by the remarks.

“I think he wants to bring a more peaceful, secure Middle East and put some ideas out there,” Thune told reporters on Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.

February 11, 2025
Saquon Barkley talks ‘dynasty’ after Eagles end Chiefs’ valiant bid at NFL history

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had a dynasty on his mind after the team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

The Eagles took down the Chiefs’ dynasty and nixed any chance of Kansas City making history as the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. He reflected on the accomplishment in the postgame.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley carries the ball during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

“I mean, yeah, it took seven years to get here – some ups and downs, some injuries,” he said, via Pro Football Talk. “But coming here and being a part of this team, I remember the first time I was in the huddle, and I looked to my left and looked to my right and could see all the Pro Bowlers and all the All-Pros on the roster and on the offense.

“The defense, I ain’t gonna lie, I didn’t know we would have the No. 1 defense. It kind of makes sense now because with all the talent that we had, they gave us hell in practice in camp. But it’s a team effort, so just Year 1, why not? Why not start our dynasty now?”

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley smiles after Super Bowl LIX, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Barkley set the record for most rushing yards in a single season when counting regular-season and postseason stats. He had 57 yards in the win with 2,504 total rushing yards, beating the mark set in the 1998 season by Denver Broncos legend Terrell Davis.

Both running backs finished the season with the Lombardi Trophy in their hands.

“Hell of a year, right? I couldn’t do it without the big boys up front, everyone on this team. I just appreciate them – the whole Eagles organization,” Barkley said. “Of me being a newcomer, welcoming me in with open arms and helping build confidence back in me too. That was definitely helpful.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl LIX, Sunday in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

“It was a hell of a year, but all of the numbers and stats or records are cool, but the best thing is to be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 10, 2025
Craig Carton talks ‘normalized’ sports betting, being open with friends and family about gambling addiction

Each year, millions place bets on the Super Bowl, and sometimes bettors take things too far.

Thirty-nine states — Missouri just approved it to become the 40th — and the District of Columbia allow wagers to be placed legally.

Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles is the perfect time for Craig Carton, a recovering gambling addict and FanDuel responsible gaming consultant, to share his message about betting responsibly.

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Craig Carton, WFAN sports radio personality and an outspoken recovering gambling addict, tapes his weekly gambling show, “Hello, My Name is Craig,” in New York City May 22, 2022. (Imagn)

Carton, who is also the co-host of Fox Sports’ “Breakfast Ball,” has been open about his gambling addiction. He says it’s been seven years since he’s gambled, and his work with FanDuel, in its fifth year, has a message that has helped many.

“I get people reaching out to me all the time now after hearing my story and hearing about the partnership I have with FanDuel asking how we can help,” he told Fox News Digital on Radio Row ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.

“Because there’s a small percentage of people that are going to need help that can’t unfortunately gamble responsibly and recreationally. I think we’re starting to see the fruits of the labor after the last four years where people are now aware. Like, ‘Hey, this is what it looks like, this is how it feels. These are the warning signs if someone in my life is gambling uncontrollably.’

“I’m blessed that we’re together year five now, me and FanDuel, and to see that the messaging is working, people are signing up for the tools FanDuel has to offer, and it’s been very rewarding.”

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Carton says this partnership doesn’t just help people who may be struggling with controlled gambling, it also helps him when he’s hearing stories from people being open.

“For a lot of people, (Gamblers Anonymous) is the only answer,” he said. “I went to GA, and it’s great for a majority of people. For me, getting to talk to new people I have not talked to for years about problem gambling and how to overcome it is absolutely therapeutic.

“When I do ‘The Comeback,’ a new show we’re premiering on FanDuel, or ‘Hello, My Name is Craig’ on Audacy and WFAN in New York City, that’s my GA. You’re getting to hear other people’s stories, share my story.

“It’s a good reminder for me, even though I’m almost seven years without gambling, so that will be smart. Hearing other people’s story of recovery, the worst moment of lives they’re willing to verbalize, is selfishly very healthy for me to hear.”

Craig Carton and Boomer Esiason pose for a photo before calling a game between the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins on WFAN at the Barclays Center Nov. 30, 2016, in Brooklyn. (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

Carton preaches responsible gaming because of how it has become so normalized throughout the country. And that means the next generation will be growing up in that world.

“That’s the biggest target group of people we worry about because 21-year-old kids are kids,” he said. “They’re still immature and don’t really get the full value of a dollar. So, you want to make sure those kids have enough information as possible, especially when you have certain states … I was just talking to a radio show in North Carolina today.

“Huge college basketball, college football state. So, if you’re a college kid, it makes sense. ‘Oh, I’m going to wager on North Carolina, Duke, N.C. State,’ whatever it may be. Those are the kids that are now legally allowed to do it that we’re worried most about.

“My kids, the next generation of gamblers, or just people that like sports, talking about gambling is now going to be a dinner table conversation.”

Carton isn’t saying the dinner table conversation is a bad thing. He feels, because sports gambling is normalized, that talking to friends and family about your problem, or speaking to somebody you love who is showing signs of problem gambling, won’t be stigmatized.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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“A good part of that is, if it’s normalized, if it’s mainstreamed, now it’s a lot easier to ask for help. Because when I went through it, it wasn’t. There was a great deal of shame associated with being an addict,” he said. “Nobody wants to admit they’re an addict. Your ego kicks in, ‘Screw you, I’m fine!’

“If you have a friend that you’re worried about, talk to them. That’s No. 1. You’re the first line of defense. Before family, it’s friends that will know their buddies are not themselves. They’re not acting normally. If you are gambling, it’s hard to win.

“So, do it, do it responsibly, earmark a responsible amount of money towards it like you would to go to the movies or a Broadway show. If you win, great. Put some of that money away. If you lose, don’t think the answer is, ‘Well, let me bet myself out of it.’ That’s when you start getting into trouble.”

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 9, 2025