Capital News

  By Charles Hawes Capital News Munich - In a significant diplomatic meeting in Munich, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg. The discussions marked a critical step forward in strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States, with a focus on economic cooperation and the ongoing conflict with Russia. The two nations' teams reached a consensus to continue drafting a comprehensive document on economic partnership, signaling their commitment to deepening bilateral relations. Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding Kellogg’s upcoming visit, which is expected to provide further clarity and insight into the situation on the ground in Ukraine. A core element of the discussions revolved around Ukraine’s path toward peace, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the country's readiness to move swiftly toward a "real and guaranteed peace....

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressing his gratitude for Italy’s unwavering support of Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. During their conversation, Zelenskyy provided Meloni with an update on his recent diplomatic engagements, including a meeting earlier today with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and a prior discussion with President Donald Trump. These contacts mark some of the first high-level dialogues between Kyiv and the new U.S. administration, as Ukraine works to ensure continued Western backing in its defense efforts. A key focus of the call was the coordination of international efforts to secure a just and lasting resolution to the war. Zelenskyy and Meloni emphasized that before entering negotiations, Ukraine, the United States, and European allies must first develop a unified strategy and action plan. This collective approach, according ...

  By Charles Hawes Capital News Washington DC - President Donald J. Trump and his administration have embarked on a series of assertive actions aimed at enforcing federal laws and challenging policies they deem non-compliant. This initiative spans multiple sectors, including education, immigration, environmental oversight, and communications. Education Sector Interventions The Department of Education has initiated investigations into the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the Minnesota State High School League. These probes focus on policies that allow transgender athletes to participate in female sports teams, which the administration contends violate President Trump's executive order titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports." This order seeks to prohibit transgender females from competing in girls' and women's sports nationwide, a stance that has ignited legal debates due to conflicts with state laws protecting transgender students' rig...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, D.C. – In a historic diplomatic engagement, President Donald J. Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for an Official Working Visit at the White House today. The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between the world’s two largest democracies, built upon shared values of freedom, rule of law, human rights, and pluralism. During their discussions, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Their talks emphasized mutual trust, shared interests, and the dynamic engagement of citizens from both nations, reflecting a steadfast commitment to furthering diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation. In a landmark announcement, the two leaders launched the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century initiative. Designed to drive transformative c...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s latest move to implement reciprocal tariffs in response to foreign trade imbalances was met with immediate praise from industry leaders, lawmakers, and administration officials. The "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" aims to correct longstanding disparities in U.S. trade relations by ensuring that any country imposing tariffs on American goods will face equal tariffs on their exports to the U.S. Industry Leaders Applaud the Plan The Renewable Fuels Association commended the decision, citing the ongoing battle against Brazil’s tariff regime on U.S. ethanol imports. “For almost a decade now, we have spent precious time and resources fighting back against an unfair and unjustified tariff regime imposed by Brazil’s government on U.S. ethanol imports,” the association stated. “We thank President Trump for taking this action and hope this reciprocal tariff will help encourage a return to free and fair ethanol tra...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News KYIV – In a decisive step to reinforce sanctions against Russia, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, met with the Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine, Jonathan Conlon, to discuss further pressure measures on the Kremlin. The meeting focused on Ireland’s proposals for the European Union’s forthcoming 16th sanctions package, with particular emphasis on targeting the Russian energy sector and dismantling the so-called 'shadow fleet'—a network of vessels facilitating Moscow’s oil exports despite Western restrictions. Both parties also stressed the urgency of the EU’s complete cessation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Beyond energy-related measures, the officials addressed a crucial security concern: the presence of Irish-manufactured components in Russian weaponry. Ambassador Conlon affirmed that Ireland had rigorously reviewed intelligence provided by Ukraine and had taken steps to enhance ov...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has announced key appointments to the newly established White House Faith Office, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to faith-based initiatives and religious outreach. Pastor Paula White-Cain will return to the White House as a Special Government Employee and Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office. White-Cain, a globally recognized evangelical leader, has spent four decades ministering in nearly 200 countries, advocating for religious freedom, humanitarian rights, and the voiceless. She is the founder of Paula White Ministries and the National Faith Advisory Board and serves as president of City of Destiny and a teaching pastor at StoryLife Church in Florida. White-Cain, who previously advised President Trump in the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative , also chaired the Evangelical Advisory Board in 2016. A New York Times best-selling author and well-known television perso...