Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a counter to the US’s original plan for ending the Russia-Ukraine war on Wednesday, one that includes several concessions. Among them are allowing the US to recognize Russian-occupied territory, and granting the US and Russia control over the fate of frozen Russian assets. Still, US President Donald Trump isn’t happy: he had a heated phone call with European leaders yesterday, arguing Zelensky needs to be “realistic” about a deal. On the other hand, the Ukrainian public has indicated they don’t want Zelensky to make major territorial concessions. Ukrainian, US and European officials will put their heads together in Paris on Saturday to try to reach consensus on a peace plan.
After weeks of street protests over graft and wasteful spending, Bulgaria’s government has resigned. The unrest was touched off in November by a proposed budget that increased taxes and boosted social spending. Bulgarians, unwilling to hand over any more of their income to the EU’s most corrupt member state, poured into the streets. Although Prime Minsiter Rosen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet scrapped the proposal, the demonstrations continued, forcing him to resign Thursday, just before a no-confidence vote that he was sure to lose. Bulgaria, which is set to adopt the Euro as its currency in January, has already been through seven national elections in the past four years. Another now seems likely.
The US military seized a Venezuelan oil tanker off the coast of the country on Wednesday. The ship, which was delivering oil from a state-owned company to Asia, has frequently faked its location on trips to countries under US sanctions like Iran. The Venezuelan government has accused the US of “blatant theft,” but a federal judge in the US issued a seizure warrant for the ship’s link to Iranian oil smuggling. Venezuela’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, and the move marks an escalation in the US’s pressure campaign to oust Nicolas Maduro.
Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.
In this Quick Take, Ian Bremmer examines the second week of the US-Israel war with Iran and warns that the conflict risks spiraling into a longer and more destabilizing situation.
Center-right Colombian Sen. Paloma Valencia will head into May’s presidential election with some momentum, after 83% of voters opted to vote in the right-wing primary on Sunday – which she won comfortably.