INTERNACIONAL
Trump meets with Zelenskyy; talks could unlock first Zelenskyy-Putin call in five years: source
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sunday’s talks between President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy could pave the way for the first call between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in more than five years, a source familiar with the discussions said.
And while the Mar-a-Lago meeting was framed as a step forward in the peace effort with Trump at the helm, the source also described how securing a direct Zelenskyy-Putin phone call would be a «diplomatic victory» for the president.
«If Putin had joined in a call Sunday, this would have been the greatest achievement in the preparation of the peace talks and the first real step in the peace process,» the source told Fox News Digital on condition of anonymity.
«This would be [a] diplomatic victory for President Trump.»
FINNISH PRESIDENT SAYS RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE DEAL CLOSER THAN ANY POINT DURING THE WAR
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House on April 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
«Trump seems to be the most successful mediator because the two of them, Putin and Zelenskyy, perceive each other emotionally, and it is a challenge.»
Trump confirmed Sunday that he had spoken with Putin ahead of the Zelenskyy meeting, calling the conversation «good and very productive» in a Truth Social post.
«I do believe that we have the makings of a deal,» Trump also told reporters as he stood next to Zelenskyy after he arrived in Florida on Sunday, adding he believes the process can «move very rapidly.»
«I think we’re in the final stages of talking, and we’re going to see,» Trump said.
«Otherwise, it’s going to go on for a long time. It’ll either end, or it’s going to go on for a long time, and millions of additional people are going to be killed,» the president added.
The Florida meeting came days after Zelenskyy also said he had had a «good conversation» with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, both of whom were also present Sunday.
ZELENSKYY SAYS HE WILL MEET WITH TRUMP ‘BEFORE THE NEW YEAR’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and European leaders pose for a photo during talks at the Chancellery in Berlin, Dec. 15, 2025. (Lisi Niesner/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
As Zelenskyy approached Sunday’s meeting, the source said the Ukrainian leader was likely feeling anxious.
«Zelenskyy is usually very nervous before such conversations with President Trump,» the source said. «He concentrates for a long time and studies the notes that the International Policy Department and the Foreign Ministry prepare for him.»
Sunday also marked the third in-person meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump returned to office.
At the center of discussions was a U.S.-backed, 20-point peace plan emerging from weeks of negotiations that would need compromise from Kyiv and Moscow to engage and perhaps speak directly with Zelenskyy, the source said.
TRUMP SUGGESTS HE’LL CALL FINAL SHOTS ON PEACE DEAL AHEAD OF ZELENSKYY MEETING: ‘WE’LL SEE WHAT HE’S GOT’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 19, 2025. ( Ukrainian Presidency / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
«The one difficulty they have is that Putin has refused to talk to Zelenskyy since July 2020, when they spoke over the Wagner scandal and the failed operation to detain Russian Wagner militants.»
«After that, Zelenskyy repeatedly tried to talk to Putin, but he refused.»
«There were windows of opportunity for a conversation in August and September 2024, but they disappeared again when Ukraine invaded the Kursk region,» the source said.
The last direct contact between the two leaders followed a botched Ukrainian operation targeting Russian Wagner mercenaries.
Ukrainian intelligence lured the mercenaries to Belarus and planned to intercept them on their way from Minsk to Istanbul, before the men were arrested, per The Kyiv Independent.
ZELENSKYY READY TO PRESENT NEW PEACE PROPOSALS TO US AND RUSSIA AFTER WORKING WITH EUROPEAN TALKS
Putin is testing the boundaries of NATO with aircraft incursions, allied states say. (Ramil Sitdikov/Pool/Reuters )
«That last call between Zelenskyy and Putin came as Ukraine was trying to capture a group of Russian Wagner fighters,» the source said. «The operation failed.»
Even before communications broke down entirely, relations between the two leaders were strained, the source said.
«Before that point in 2020, calls between Zelenskyy and Putin were never friendly, and there was always tension between them. During talks, Putin was always taciturn, and Zelenskyy tried to establish a rapport.»
«Zelenskyy always acted subservient toward Putin and pretended to be in a good mood, almost as if he was playing a role on stage,» the source explained.
«He talked a lot and read from his notes, afraid of forgetting something. Sometimes he would stumble over his words or lose track of punctuation.»
PUTIN CALLS TRUMP’S PEACE PLAN A ‘STARTING POINT’ AS HE WARNS UKRAINE TO PULL BACK OR FACE ‘FORCE’
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the 20-point plan, which U.S. officials say is about 90% complete, could include limited Ukrainian troop withdrawals from parts of eastern Ukraine. (Putin photo: Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via Reuters; Zelenskyy photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters)
«When Putin stayed silent, Zelenskyy would always ask politely, ‘What do you think, Vladimir Vladimirovich?’»
«Putin was just never talkative,» the source said.
The Florida talks came as Kyiv signaled a potential shift in its negotiating posture. Zelenskyy has said the 20-point plan, which U.S. officials say is about 90% complete, could include limited Ukrainian troop withdrawals from parts of eastern Ukraine without formally recognizing Russian control, along with the creation of demilitarized zones.
He also floated submitting the plan to a national referendum if Moscow agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.
Zelenskyy has drawn a firm line on security guarantees, insisting Ukraine needs legally binding assurances from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression.
TRUMP TOUTS ‘PROGRESS’ ON UKRAINE-RUSSIA DEAL, ADMITS IT’S ‘ONE OF THE MORE DIFFICULT’ CONFLICTS TO SOLVE
Rescuers work on the scene of a building damaged by a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)
«For us, it is very important that there is a signal that we want legally binding security guarantees,» Zelenskyy told Ukrainian journalists Saturday. «This primarily depends on President Trump,» he added.
«Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war,» Zelenskyy also wrote on X this weekend.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«For us, priority number one — or the only priority — is ending the war. For us, the priority is peace. We need to be strong at the negotiating table. To be strong, we need the support of the world: Europe and the United States.»
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Kremlin and President Zelenskyy’s office for comment.
volodymyr zelenskyy,vladimir putin,ukraine,donald trump
INTERNACIONAL
Minnesota Dem Senate candidate faces call from opponent to apologize over viral ‘pandering’ hijab video
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Minnesota Republican senatorial candidate David Hann is calling on one of his potential Democratic opponents to apologize after a video of her wearing a hijab and supporting the Somali community amidst a massive fraud scandal went viral on social media.
«It’s emblematic of the way she and other Democrat politicians in Minnesota have behaved over the past decade or so. They’re very political,» said former Minnesota state Sen. David Hann, who is running for Senate in the Republican primary, of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s video wearing a hijab and defending the Somali community amid a massive fraud scandal that has rocked Minnesota over the past several years.
«They just are pandering to political constituencies, and they’re not doing the job that they were elected to do.»
In the video, which was widely criticized by conservatives on social media last week, Flanagan can be seen donning a hijab while talking to Somali constituents.
MINNESOTA GOP LAWMAKERS CITE CONSTITUTION IN CALL FOR WALZ TO RESIGN OVER FRAUD CRISIS
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is facing backlash over a viral video defending Somalis amid a massive fraud scandal. (Getty)
«Salam alaikum,» Flanagan says in the video giving an Arabic greeting before saying, «The Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota.»
«I am here shopping today and just encouraging other folks to show up, support our Somali businesses, support our immigrant neighbors, and I know that things are scary right now,» Flanagan added in the video that was aired on Somali TV.
«Being part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota,» Flanagan added, while telling residents to «show up and support our Somali businesses and our immigrant neighbors.»
«We’ve got your back,» Flanagan said.
Flanagan, who has not spoken out in response to the viral investigation from journalist Nick Shirley highlighting the alleged fraud problem in Minnesota, faced criticism over the video from those who accused her of downplaying the scandal.
MEDIA ‘COMPLICITY’ BLAMED AS FEDS SAY MINNESOTA FRAUD CRISIS COULD REACH $9B: ‘SHOWN THEIR TRUE COLORS’
«This is what political performance looks like — symbolism over accountability — while billions in taxpayer dollars vanish,» Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham posted on X. «Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan wears hijab in solidarity with Somalis as feds probe multibillion-dollar fraud scandal.»
Hann told Fox News Digital that Flanagan should apologize for and retract the video.
«They did not do their duty out of concern that they would offend a political constituency,» Hann said. «So they haven’t done anything to take responsibility for what the public expects them to do. So yes, she should apologize.»
«She certainly should not be sent to Washington to oversee federal dollars being spent. But it’s emblematic of the way Democrats have governed in this state. They like to posture, they like to tell people how compassionate they are. They tell us our high taxes are helping people, but they really haven’t demonstrated a concern for helping people. They’re more interested in just spending.»
Fox News Digital has extensively reported in recent weeks on the Minnesota fraud scandal, including concerns that the fear of being called «racist» helped provide cover for the fraud, which primarily occurred within the state’s Somali community.
LAWMAKERS PROBE SBA LOANS LINKED TO MINNESOTA’S $9B FRAUD SCANDAL: ‘RECKLESS DECISION MAKING’
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan speaks as Gov. Tim Walz, right, listens. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
«The Somali voting block is significant in the Minneapolis area, of course, and they’re concerned about that,» Hann told Fox News Digital. «And yes, I’ve seen those reports as well, that there were concerns about how this would appear. Most of the fraud was conducted by Somalis who put up these shell companies and looted the public treasury and I think the Democrats were concerned that if they went after that, they would appear to be picking on the Somali community when, in fact, they needed to enforce the law.»
«I think every community wants to see the laws enforced and people in Minnesota want to see laws enforced. And this is why this is so terrible. They are just failing to do the duty that they were elected to do.»
The lieutenant governor, who has been in office since 2019, is challenging two other Democratic candidates in the Senate primary race to fill the seat of outgoing Democratic Sen. Tina Smith. Former Democratic presidential candidate and current Sen. Amy Klobuchar serves as the other senator from the state.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Flanagan spokesperson Alexandra Fetissoff said the focus should be on the Trump administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants in Minnesota.
«While the Lt. Governor was showing her support for small businesses and communities being terrorized by ICE, she was handed a scarf by a friend and briefly wore it out of respect,» Fetissoff said. «The real outrage should not be a scarf, but masked men throwing American citizens into vans and violating the constitution.»
Flanagan’s team also clarified that while many on social media have claimed she said Somalis «built» Minnesota, «she does not say that in the video.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Senate candidate David Hann speaks to Fox News Digital in a 2024 interview when he was chair of the Minnesota GOP. (Fox News Digital)
Last week, Fox News Digital first reported on legislation introduced by GOP Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks named after Tim Walz that is aimed at addressing future fraud like what has occurred in Minnesota and could total as much as $9 billion, according to federal prosecutors.
If elected to the Senate, Hann told Fox News Digital he would push for more «safeguards.»
«But I think we should also be looking at, how can we reform the whole welfare establishment?» Hann explained.
«Are there better ways to help people? We should be more concerned about trying to make sure people’s lives are improved, rather than just spending money. It seems to me that the Waltz administration has been focused on just handing out money, Democrats in Washington just hand out the money and no accountability and no attempt to figure out the effectiveness of the programs that we have, we need to take a hard look at that.»
Fox News Digital’s Preston Mizell contributed to this report.
minnesota fraud exposed,politics,minnesota
INTERNACIONAL
Eurostar forced to cancel all services to and from London after ‘major disruption’ in Channel Tunnel
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The international high-speed passenger rail service that connects the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands was forced to cancel all services to and from London after experiencing a «major disruption.»
«Eurostar services to and from London are suspended until further notice due to overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel, followed by a failed LeShuttle train,» Eurostar said in a statement emailed to Fox News Digital.
«We advise our customers to rebook their journey for another day, with free exchanges available,» the statement added. «We apologize for the disruption and will continue to keep customers updated with the latest information.»
YOUR HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS COULD BE RUINED IF YOU WEAR ONE PARTICULAR ITEM TO THE AIRPORT
Travelers queue for Eurostar services at St. Pancras International station in London, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Alberto Pezzali/AP Photo)
Eurotunnel said that «LeShuttle service resumed very gradually» just before 3:00 p.m. CET. The company noted that service was «operating alternatively in both directions with significant delays.» Shuttles will be added Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
Eurostar told Fox News Digital that its services to and from London would resume at approximately 6:00 p.m. GMT. The company is urging travelers to rebook their trips, as the power issues are still impacting service.
«As the overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel still remain, only one line is available to run trains on. This means there will continue to be delays and longer journey times than usual this evening,» Eurostar said in a statement.
Customers whose trains have been canceled are advised not to come to the station, as those trains are not slated to be reinstated.
Eurostar told Fox News Digital that passengers whose travel has been canceled can, within three months of their original travel date, choose from a variety of compensation options. This includes a free exchange for a ticket on another day or an e-voucher for the unused ticket that will be valid for 12 months. Additionally, they may request refunds for their unused tickets.
Passengers who were left stranded by the disruption are eligible to have Eurostar cover a variety of expenses, including hotel accommodations up to approximately $199 per room, per night, taxi costs of up to around $70 per journey and food and drink expenses up to approximately $47 per person, per day.
Passengers wait after a Eurostar spokesperson said they were suspending its cross-Channel train services to and from London until further notice following a power supply problem in the Channel Tunnel that links Britain and France, at St. Pancras International station in London, Britain, Dec. 30, 2025. (Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters)
MILLIONS AFFECTED AS MAJOR AIRLINE ENDS ADVANTAGE MILES PROGRAM ON BASIC ECONOMY TICKETS
Earlier on Tuesday, Eurostar issued a warning to travelers to postpone their journeys due to a power supply issue. The company said passengers could see severe delays and last-minute cancellations as a result. Customers were instructed not to go to the station unless they already had a ticket, according to the BBC.
The U.K.’s National Rail issued a similar statement urging passengers to postpone their travel amid delays and cancellations between London St. Pancras International and Paris Nord, the BBC reported.
«An incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night in part of the Channel Tunnel, affecting train and shuttle traffic. A technical intervention is required, which is currently underway,» Eurotunnel said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. «The service is temporarily suspended in both directions.»
Eurostar told Fox News Digital that no passengers were stranded in the tunnel and that the broken shuttle, known as LeShuttle, had been removed.
LeShuttle, which is separate from Eurostar’s passenger-only rail service, runs between Folkestone, U.K., and Calais, France, bringing passengers and their vehicles through the Channel Tunnel in just 35 minutes.
People gather near a Eurostar train at Gare du Nord station, after Eurostar announced a power supply problem in the Channel Tunnel that links Britain and France, in Paris, France, Dec. 30, 2025. (Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) told Fox News Digital that customers with tickets for Dec. 30 whose travel was affected by the Eurostar disruption could travel to their home station on an alternative LNER train for no additional fee.
«Any LNER customers who have had to abandon their journey in London King’s Cross are able to return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no additional cost,» LNER told Fox News Digital. «LNER customers who choose to defer their Eurostar travel to a different day may use their existing LNER ticket to travel on that same day.»
In response to a request for comment, National Rail referred Fox News Digital to Eurostar’s media center.
LeShuttle did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
world,travel,holiday occasions lifestyle,united kingdom,france,europe
INTERNACIONAL
Gustavo Petro anuncia un aumento histórico del salario mínimo en Colombia y desata una lluvia de críticas en plena campaña electoral
Críticas
Una protesta contra el gobierno de Gustavo Petro, en Bogotá, en 2024. El presidente termina su mandato en 2026. Foto: EFE Rechazo en el mundo empresarial
Minnesota Dem Senate candidate faces call from opponent to apologize over viral ‘pandering’ hijab video
Javier Milei congelará su sueldo y el de Victoria Villarruel por tiempo indefinido
El crudo relato de una leyenda del tenis sobre las adicciones que pusieron en riesgo su vida: “Estaba perdido en este mundo”
Pericia oficial: la mansión de Pilar que se adjudica a autoridades de la AFA fue valuada en 20 millones de dólares
Eurostar forced to cancel all services to and from London after ‘major disruption’ in Channel Tunnel
Arranca el dólar versión 2026: cómo impactarán en su precio las tres medidas clave que se vienen
Una legisladora de izquierda enfrentará un juicio oral por expresiones antisemitas
Calendario de pagos de ANSES de enero 2026: cuándo cobran jubilados, pensionados y beneficiarios de planes sociales
Patricia Bullrich destacó la aprobación del Presupuesto 2026 y la ruptura del peronismo en el Senado
Milei logra su primera ley de Presupuesto: dólar e inflación en 2026 y una herramienta para Caputo
ECONOMIA2 días agoCalendario de pagos de ANSES de enero 2026: cuándo cobran jubilados, pensionados y beneficiarios de planes sociales
- POLITICA2 días ago
Patricia Bullrich destacó la aprobación del Presupuesto 2026 y la ruptura del peronismo en el Senado
- DEPORTE2 días ago
Jana Maradona, hija de Diego: «Toda la vida estuve en juicio con mi papá»
