International Edition - Voice of America

NATO Secretary-General mark Rutte visits U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. A look at the diplomacy as well as the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. Trade tariffs appear imminent on many popular goods and a tropical cyclone ravages southeastern Africa.

Following the meeting in Riyadh in which Washington and Kyiv repaired their diplomatic relationship and agreed to terms for a potential ceasefire, all eyes are on Moscow for a response; but who would benefit more from a halt in the fighting? The latest on trade tariffs plus an update from Syria following last week's massacre. Plus, the American military needs more boats to fulfill its missions.

The U.S. will resume military support for Ukraine after it agreed to a ceasefire plan. European leaders hold their own meetings on defense as U.S. priorities shift. The latest on U.S. trade tariffs and a look at the Economy following another day of losses on Wall Street. The impacts of foreign aid cuts are felt in Africa, and a visit to a remote island in the Indian Ocean at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war.

Major stock markets lost value on Monday after President Donald Trump declines to rule out a recession. This as threats of trade wars with allies appear imminent. Russia makes further military advances in Kursk, as U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators meet in Saudi Arabia. Syria's interim president speaks out against sectarian violence. Plus, an introduction to the next prime minister of Canada.

Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending Russia's war on Ukraine as protesters at pro-Ukraine rallies in the U.S. and Germany express their concerns about recent souring of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Negotiations between the U.S. and U.S.-designated terror group Hamas were “helpful,” and Israel sends another delegation for ceasefire talks. Hundreds killed in Syria in violence between Assad-loyalists and the country's new leadership. Reactions to America's on-again, off-again trade tariffs with Mexico. A unique educational initiative in Estonia, and a documentary about making art during wartime in Ukraine.

Hamas dismissed President Donald Trump's latest threat, saying it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire. The U.S. will revoke the legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees, potentially leading to their deportation. European leaders meet in Brussels to discuss a potential future with less involvement from the U.S. Plus, International Women's Day in Cambodia.

The world reacts to President Donald Trump's address to Congress. A look at the impact of halting military aid to Ukraine and what it means to Kyiv. Russia is watching closely as the American relationship with Europe changes. Tariffs on imports into the United States are now in place, and the Supreme Court deals a defeat to Trump in his bid to cut foreign aid spending.

Now that President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Kyiv, Europe must decide how to handle security for itself and Ukraine. A look at trade tariffs imposed by Trump. Negotiations in Cairo for a Gaza rebuilding plan as Israel is preventing aid from entering the area. Plus, academic exchanges between the U.S. and China amid growing hostility.

Europe is scrambling to take the lead in planning an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday doubled-down on his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, soldiers are on trial for desertion and other crimes following the M23 rebel advance. A look at the measles and bird flu and how to stay safe. In Illinois, a guilty verdict was announced in the trial of man accused of murdering a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy. Plus, humanitarian aid to Gaza.

European leaders meet following a volatile meeting last week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Trump is preparing to address the U.S. Congress on Tuesday. Israel is blocking aid trucks from entering Gaza, and the aftermath of airstrikes in Darfur.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. On the streets of Moscow, many Russians welcome what they see as a thaw in relations with Washington. Explosions killed several people and wounded dozens at a rally held by M23 rebels in the eastern Congo city of Bukavu on Thursday. A look at the impact of cuts to the U.S. federal government; plus; the G20 summit in South Africa.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to discuss, and perhaps sign, a deal on rare-earth minerals. Despite rising uncertainty over waning U.S. support, growing existential questions, and Russian advances polls find Ukrainians remain generally optimistic. A recent study shows that 1 in 100 Americans sell their home after a neighbor with opposing political views moves in.

The United States and Ukraine are reportedly close to signing an agreement giving American companies access to rare earth minerals inside Ukraine in exchange for security assistance and American investment in Ukraine. The increasing Israeli military presence in the West Bank. The White House wants to narrow the field of journalists who can cover the president. Friedrich Merz, who will likely be the next chancellor of Germany, has warned that the United States "does not care much" about the fate of Europe. Freezes in federal funding are impacting the U.S. agricultural industry. Plus, a visit to a unique radio station in Washington, D.C.

Ambassadors squabble over competing resolutions at the U.N. Monday mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron visits President Donald Trump in Washington. How are Americans feeling about the economy now that Trump has been in office for a month? Plus, the prime minister of the DRC spoke to a meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday about the violence in her country's east.

Monday marks three years since Russia invaded Ukraine as tensions still swirl around peace talks and American demands for access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals in exchange for military assistance – but no security guarantee. Israel pauses hostage and prisoner transfers, saying Hamas is making a spectacle out them by making hostages participate in a ceremony. Pope Francis remains in critical condition. The mayor of New York City faces legal pressure, German election results, and a look at the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

VOA speaks with Washington's former ambassador to Kyiv about the recent tension in the relationship and the way forward to a peace plan. Ukrainians react to President Trump's disparaging statements about President Zelenskyy. An update on the fragile peace between Israel and Hamas. The Conservative Political Action Conference is underway in the United States, and Germany prepares for an election.

U.S. President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator in a social media post on Wednesday, this after implying he was responsible for the war a day earlier. Russian disinformation is prevalent in Africa's Sahel region and may be one factor in France's departure. Inflation in the United States increased in January as prices of food, gasoline and housing, among others, continued to rise. Plus, a look at the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria.

Envoys from the United States and Russia met in Saudi Arabia to discuss, among other things, planning for peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war; however, Ukraine was not invited to the meeting. The African Union reacts to potential cuts in U.S. aid and the ongoing violence in Sudan and the DRC. Plus, activists in Uganda are calling on the government to release a jailed opposition leader.

There's been a plane crash in Toronto. European leaders hold a crisis meeting in Paris to discuss security concerns about an aggressive Russia and declining support from Washington. American senators are in Jerusalem to discuss Gaza. China is critical of new U.S. policy towards Taiwan, and an American icon turns 50.

In a stunning speech at the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance barely spoke of Russia and Ukraine, and instead admonished European allies, arguing that their governments are censoring far-right speech and failing to control migration. His remarks came amid allies' alarm over President Donald Trump's decision to begin peace talks with Russia. Ukraine eyes its reserves of rare earth minerals and what role they may play in a future security agreement. In the Middle East, Hamas has released hostages and Israel freed prisoners as part of the fragile ceasefire deal. Should the Federal Emergency Management Agency be eliminated? Plus, at least 18 people killed in a stampede at a train station in India.

European security is in the spotlight following Donald Trump's calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy and as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth continues his visit to NATO headquarters ahead of the Munich Security Conference. President Trump says he will impose reciprocal tariffs on all imports coming into the United States from all countries. Hamas says hostages will be released on time, averting a crisis and possible re-starting of hostilities. As part of new, stricter immigration policies, illegal migrants are being held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Plus, a look at the ongoing disagreements in the U.S. over foreign aid.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in Brussels that Ukraine returning to its pre-war borders is “unrealistic,” he also said that the U.S. does not support Ukraine joining NATO. President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone; they discussed, among other things: Ukraine and the Middle East. Israel mobilizes reservists as ceasefire deal is in doubt. Following the deaths of 16 young Pakistanis attempting to get to Europe, a look at why so many are trying to leave home. Plus, the Democratic opposition to President Trump.

President Donald Trump threatened cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refused his demand to permanently take in Palestinians from Gaza; meanwhile the agency that provides aid to Palestinian refugees - is still operating in East Jerusalem, even though Israel's ban on the agency went into effect last week. The U.S. has declared famine in part of Darfur; VOA talks with refugees who fled. Plus, a look at the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: what it means and why the president might have wanted to suspend it.

President Donald Trump is set to impose new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. from all countries, including allies. Trump also signs an order to return plastic straws to federal food service. In eastern DRC, volunteers were recovering bodies from a prison on Monday after clashes between rebels and the Congolese army resulted in a prison break. An end to the penny? And a look at how decisions about foreign aid expenditures in Washington can affect refugee families in Thailand.

The Israeli military has withdrawn from an area of Gaza known as the Netzarim corridor, which separates the enclave's north from south. The presidents of Ukraine and the United States are looking to make a deal. Plus, a new book chronicles the story of a Ukrainian soldier. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are cutting the cord and Afghan refugees in the U.S. face an uncertain future.

Plans to expel Gazans from their land make them even more steadfast in their determination to stay put, regardless of Donald Trump's ideas for redevelopment. A look at the planned meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday. A visit to Goma, in eastern DRC after fighting has stopped. An executive order signed on Wednesday prohibits transgender girls and women from female-designated sporting competitions and teams. Plus, a look at Elon Musk's controversial role in the U.S. government.

The world reacts to Donald Trump's plan for Gaza: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, and key European allies say they are opposed to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to “take over” Gaza and permanently move Palestinians elsewhere in the Middle East. A look at Democratic opposition to Donald Trump in Congress. Plus, the discovery of an illegal tunnel connecting Mexico with the U.S.

President Donald Trump says the U.S. will “own” Gaza during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ten people are dead in a rare mass shooting in Sweden. A look at the plight of refugees from the Sudanese civil war. Plus, the Trump administration has new plans for the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

President Donld Trump has said he will “pause” tariffs on Mexico for one month as Mexico agrees to send troops to the border to stem the flow of drugs and migrants to the U.S. and Washington agrees to try to stop weapons from entering Mexico. In a decision welcomed by human rights groups, Uganda's Supreme Court recently ruled that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. An update on the plane crash in Washington as recovery efforts in the Potomac River continue. Plus, a look at Elon Musk's role in government and how it is affecting the U.S. Agency for International Development – a small yet critical government agency that provides assistance the world over.

President Donald Trump says Americans could feel “some pain” from the emerging trade war triggered by his tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China. We talk to William Reinsch at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington this week. And the Grammys take place in Los Angeles.

All passengers are feared dead after an American Airline jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members and a U.S. Army helicopter with three soldiers onboard collided midair late Wednesday. President Donald Trump is widely expected to impose tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada as early as February 1 as part of a plan he says will boost the U.S. economy. Researchers at the University of Warwick are using a prototype headset to investigate the use of olfactory stimuli in a virtual racing game, allowing players to smell the burning rubber of car tires.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough questions from senators at his confirmation hearing Wednesday to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. has started a legal and political debate about the 14th Amendment and executive power. The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has formally recognized the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, after more than a year of diplomatic tensions.

Fighting intensifies in and around Goma in eastern DRC. The U.N. warns of a pending humanitarian disaster as M23 rebels have claimed control of the city. As foreign aid spending is put on hold by the Trump administration, Ukrainian charities need to adapt. The U.S. and Colombia avoid a trade war. Plus, a look at Syria's relationships with Israel and Jordan now that Assad is gone.

Authorities in Jordan and Egypt soundly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's call to resettle Palestinian refugees in their countries. However, analysts say Israeli officials hope his unconventional approach to foreign policy will get them the results they want on their top security priorities. The EU discusses putting more sanctions on Russia while removing them from Syria, and a Chinese startup has shocked the AI industry. A look at the new secretary of defense's plans for the U.S. military. Plus, a look at the ongoing hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

More Israeli hostages were returned from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners form Israel; U.S. President Donald Trump suggests resettling Palestinian refugees in other countries. U.S. troops have arrived at the border with Mexico, and the former president of South Korea is indicted. A look at the U.S. secretary of state's plans in Africa, and the search for an American journalist in Syria.

President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump is intensifying pressure on Russia to begin negotiations with Ukraine to end the war as many Internally Displaced People in Ukraine are returning to their homes in anticipation of the war ending soon. The latest on the LA fires and a look at Taliban leaders accused of crimes against humanity.

The United States is expected to reduce funding to U.N. agencies that do not align with the Trump administration's “America First” policy, and newly sworn in Secretary of State Marco Rubio spelled out his foreign policy priorities and met with Asian allies. A look at U.S. policy in the Middle East going forward now that Donald Trump has returned to the White House. A trip to Burkina Faso to examine how misinformation is a worldwide problem, and a look at what's new with the Indian navy.

President Donald Trump wasted no time in enacting his conservative “America First” agenda upon returning to the White House on Monday. He signed dozens of executive orders that will impact many aspects of life in America, from transgender rights to immigration and from energy policy to federal employment. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords and the World Health Organization, though many believe the U.S.' absence in these organizations will be advantageous to America's rivals, like China. Plus, a look at what we know about the president's immigration policy following the declaration of a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the U.S.

Donald Trump has taken the oath of office and says that America's “golden age” begins today; he called for a “revolution of common sense” in his inaugural address on Monday. Trump signed numerous executive orders intended to change American policy on issues such as transgender rights, energy, immigration and more. Reaction from Kyiv as Trump takes charge amid Russia's war of aggression. Plus, the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas appears to be holding, but is it enough?

Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday. A look at preparations as the ceremony is moved indoors due to cold temperatures. The president-elect faces many challenges upon taking office, notably in the Middle East where the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal went into effect on Sunday. Plus, a look at a religious festival in India that is the largest gathering of people in the world.

Concern is mounting as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a meeting of the Israeli Cabinet to approve the deal, raising questions about whether it would be implemented on Sunday as planned. A look at women soldiers killed in Ukraine and human rights abuses in Africa. A look at the career of J.D. Vance as the Trump/Vance administration prepares to take control on Monday, plus a look at the presidential inauguration and what to expect.

Despite a potential ceasefire deal, Israel plans to stay in parts of Gaza. There is optimism in Lebanon now that there is a new president and prime minister. President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Defense Department goes before the Senate as his confirmation hearings begin. The latest on the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, and a heavy metal singing school in The Netherlands.