The United States and Ukraine have officially signed a long-anticipated agreement on rare earth minerals, creating a Joint U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. This initiative aims to guarantee a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine in return for partial U.S. oversight of the nation’s mineral reserves and future resource development. In a statement, the U.S. Treasury Department highlighted the importance of the deal: “In recognition of the significant financial and material support the American people have provided for Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership enables our two nations to work jointly and invest strategically to harness our shared assets, expertise, and capabilities to accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.”

According to the New York Post, senior officials within the Trump Administration are reportedly expressing growing concern over White House Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, questioning his ability to effectively handle critical issues involving Iran, Hamas, and Russia. One former official from Trump’s first administration was quoted saying, “Nice guy, but a bumbling idiot — he shouldn’t be doing this on his own.”

Following yesterday’s announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls today with India’s foreign minister and Pakistan’s prime minister. Rubio urged both nations to deescalate tensions and specifically asked Pakistan to assist in investigating the recent terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. He also encouraged Islamabad to resume direct engagement with Indian leadership. Despite this, reports from yesterday indicated that the India–Pakistan hotline was recently used by both sides and is presumed to remain operational.

On Wednesday, the Trump Administration reportedly informed Congress of its intent to approve the export of over $50 million in defense-related goods to Ukraine through direct commercial sales. This marks the first such package since President Donald J. Trump took office in January and comes just a day after the long-anticipated U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement was signed.

Palestinians have ignited fires on land near Jewish agricultural areas situated between the valley and Mount Kabir in Samaria — approximately 65 kilometers from the ongoing forest fire near Jerusalem.

In a recent interview with The Atlantic, President Trump addressed the ongoing scandals involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including the alleged sharing of classified information via Signal and reports of a makeup studio being installed at the Pentagon. When asked about the controversies, Trump said, “I think he’s gonna get it together,” and noted, “I had a talk with him — a positive talk — but I had a talk with him.”

South Korean intelligence officials report that out of the 15,000 North Korean troops deployed to western Russia to support the war against Ukraine, at least 600 have been killed and over 4,000 wounded. However, since their arrival at the front lines, DPRK forces have reportedly demonstrated improved combat effectiveness, utilizing modern weaponry such as Russian-supplied one-way attack drones.

Moscow is gearing up for its Victory Day parade next week.

“Ukrainians just don’t understand how brilliant my peace plans are. I’m practically saving their whole country! But if they don’t get it soon — too bad. That country’s about to be steamrolled. Russia? It’s a massive military force. Let’s face it.” — Trump.

According to CNBC, after a report surfaced this morning suggesting Amazon would begin displaying a price breakdown showing how Trump-era tariffs impact certain products, President Trump personally called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to voice his strong opposition. The White House labeled the move a “hostile and political act.” Following the call and the White House’s remarks, an Amazon spokesperson clarified that the company had only considered showing tariff-related fees on select items for Amazon Haul, a niche service—not the main site used by most U.S. customers. About an hour later, Amazon issued a follow-up statement saying the plan had never been approved and confirmed it “is not going to happen.”