US withdraws from Ukraine peace talks after Putin rejects ceasefire
In this episode of W News, presented by Leigh-Ann Gerrans, the United States pulls out of formal Ukraine peace negotiations after President Putin rejected a ceasefire, with the State Department shifting its approach and urging direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow. We also report on Donald Trump's approval of the first US weapons shipment to Ukraine since returning to office—just one day before the diplomatic withdrawal—amid warnings from Vice President JD Vance that the war is unlikely to end soon. In other headlines, Israel launches airstrikes near Syria's presidential palace following deadly clashes involving the Druze community, Germany officially labels the far-right AfD party as extremist, and Australians prepare for a federal election under the country's unique system of compulsory voting. Plus, comedian Russell Brand is granted bail after appearing in court over rape and sexual assault charges, and Reform UK's surprise by-election win in Runcorn sends shockwaves through Labour ranks.
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