Vladimir Putin

Lawmakers sought to dispel Kremlin talking points echoed by the president that Ukraine was responsible for the war with Russia. But they said Trump should be given room to negotiate.

European leaders were hopeful they could work with the Trump administration on the Ukraine war and other issues. But comments last week by several U.S. officials have poured cold water on such hopes.

The vice president gave a blistering speech to allies, dispensing with national security issues to instead chide European leaders for censoring and excluding right-wing populists.

Several NATO allies stressed that Ukraine and Europe must not be cut out of any peace talks, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the U.S. is betraying Ukraine.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said Fogel was released in what he called "an exchange" with Russia and was on his way back to the United States. Terms of the exchange were unclear.

The war has reached a critical point. A real peace seems unlikely, but a ceasefire is possible, most experts agree. The question is whether it can be achieved without placing Ukraine in further peril.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, saying he is ready to engage with the United States.

The Kremlin will be able to talk to major players like India and China about expanding trade and bypassing Western sanctions.

Vice President Harris is criticizing Trump over the reported shipment, which is detailed in a new book by the journalist Bob Woodward. The president's campaign has denied the reporting.