Capital News

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Kyiv, Ukraine —In a critical meeting focused on safeguarding Ukraine's national interests under martial law, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened with top law enforcement officials to discuss measures against internal threats and ensure the integrity of the nation's borders. The meeting was attended by key figures, including Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Maliuk, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, Head of the State Border Guard Service Serhii Deineko, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Semen Kryvonos, Deputy Prosecutor General and Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Oleksandr Klymenko, Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Oleksii Sukhachov, Head of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention Viktor Pavlushchyk, and Acting Director of the Economic Security Bureau Serhii Perkhun.     First and foremost, ...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, DC - In a high-level phone call today, President Joe Biden spoke with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi to discuss pressing issues in the Middle East. The leaders focused on the urgency of finalizing a ceasefire and hostage release deal that has been under negotiation, emphasizing the importance of implementing a comprehensive bridging proposal currently on the table.     This proposal aims to achieve three critical objectives: the safe release of hostages, the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and the de-escalation of escalating regional tensions. The leaders highlighted the need for swift action to address the ongoing crisis and bring stability to the region. The discussion also covered upcoming talks set to take place in Cairo, with both presidents emphasizing the importance of these discussions in removing any remaining obstacles to the proposed deal. President Biden expressed his grat...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Sumy, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a pivotal visit to the Sumy region's border area, where he convened with key military leaders to assess the current operational landscape and strategize on future actions. The meeting, which included Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Volodymyr Artyukh, focused on recent developments in the ongoing conflict and the defense measures being implemented.     General Syrskyi provided a comprehensive report on the operational situation, highlighting active engagements in the KA notable achievement was that Ukrainian forces secured control over another settlement in the Kursk region, contributing to the strategic exchange fund, which enhanced region and ongoing battles across key fronts, including the Kharkiv region, Donetsk region, and southern Ukraine. Specific emphasis was placed on the Tore...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, D.C. – In a significant development underscoring the deepening ties between the United States and the Philippines, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan engaged in a crucial conversation today with his Philippine counterpart, National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año. The discussions centered on the ongoing momentum in the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, highlighting a recent announcement of $500 million in U.S. Foreign Military Financing. This funding, derived from the FY 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, represents a critical step in modernizing the Philippine armed forces and Coast Guard.     Mr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of this additional security assistance, which is expected to strengthen U.S.-Philippines cooperation, particularly in upholding international maritime law in the increasingly contested waters of the South China Sea. The financial support from the United States, in collabora...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, DC — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared a major disaster in the State of New Hampshire, authorizing Federal assistance to aid in recovery efforts following a severe storm and subsequent flooding that impacted the region from July 10 to July 13, 2024.     The President's declaration allows Federal funding to be made available to state and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis. This support will be utilized for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities that were damaged by the severe storm and flooding in Coos and Grafton counties. In addition to immediate recovery efforts, Federal funding will also be provided on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures throughout the state. These measures aim to reduce the risk of future disasters and improve resilience in affected communities.    Mr. Robert V. Fogel of the Feder...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Doha, Qatar — In a pivotal development earlier today, the U.S. negotiating team on the ground in Doha has advanced a comprehensive bridging proposal aimed at securing a final agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal. This proposal, presented during the ongoing talks in Qatar, is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the region and bringing an end to the hostilities.     President Biden announced the update, emphasizing the importance of the progress made over the past two days. "I spoke separately with Amir Sheikh Tamim and President Sisi to review the significant progress made in Doha," the President said in a statement. "They expressed the strong support of Qatar and Egypt for the U.S. proposal as co-mediators in this process. The President's directive to his team underscores the urgency of the situation. "Our teams will remain on the ground to continue technical work over the coming days," he added. ...

By Charles Hawes, Capital News Rafah - In a series of precise, intelligence-based operations, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops have intensified their activities in the Rafah area. Early this morning, IDF troops identified a terrorist cell emerging from a tunnel shaft within Rafah's vicinity. In a coordinated effort, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) swiftly intervened, neutralizing the terrorists before they could pose a threat.     In a separate incident, IDF troops observed another terrorist cell infiltrating a military structure near IDF positions. Once again, in collaboration with the IAF, the terrorist cell was targeted and eliminated.     The IDF also conducted strikes in the area from which projectiles were recently launched towards Kibbutz Kissufim. Among the targets was a Hamas military structure, which was reportedly utilized by the group’s rocket unit. In addition to these operations, the IAF has carried out extensive strikes over the past 24 hours, hittin...