Evening Report — Trump says Ukraine deal is close after Russia vote

Evening Report

TRUMP FIRST 100 DAYS

Trump says Ukraine deal is close after Russia vote

IT'S A CRITICAL WEEK for global diplomacy in Washington, with the fate of Ukraine and longstanding relationships between the U.S. and its European allies potentially hanging in the balance.

President Trump held a press conference Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, where he signaled a deal with Ukraine could be very close to getting signed.

Trump said he might meet with Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky in the coming days at the White House to finalize an agreement that would give the U.S. rare minerals in exchange for some kind of an implicit security guarantee.

“[Zelensky] may come in this week or next week to sign the agreement,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “They’re very close to a final deal. It’ll be a deal with rare earths and various other things. And he would like to come, as I understand it, here to sign it. And that would be great with me. I think they then have to get it approved by their council or whoever might approve it. But I’m sure that will happen.”

Zelensky said over the weekend that the U.S. and Ukraine are making progress in negotiations, although he said the original proposal of the U.S. getting $500 billion worth of rare minerals as repayment for aid is off the table.

The White House signaled over the weekend that the war between Russia and Ukraine could end as soon as “this week.”

Trump and Zelensky have a frosty relationship, with Trump recently calling the Ukrainian president a “dictator” and blaming him for Russia’s invasion.

Trump talked about the deal with Zelensky only hours after the U.S. voted against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia for invading Ukraine, sending a clear signal of weakening support for Ukraine and the U.S.’s Western allies who view Ukraine’s security as critical for stability in the region.

Trump's national security team, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have reestablished relations with Russia and have been negotiating an end to the war without Zelensky.

Last week, Trump drew pushback from GOP lawmakers after blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion.

“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Russia are very clearly the aggressor in this conflict,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told Fox News Radio. “That’s just a fact.”

EUROPE PLOTS A POST-U.S. FUTURE

Trump and Macron joined a call with the Group of Seven on Monday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war, among other things.

Trump and Macron left the meeting sounding positive.

“There was great unity in that room with those countries,” Trump said.

“I’m here as a friend because through centuries we’ve been friends, and we are personal friends and work very well together,” Macron added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit the White House later this week.

The sunny remarks from Trump and Macron were at odds with the Trump administration’s public posturing toward Ukraine, NATO and the European Union.

European leaders gathered in Kyiv on Monday to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and they’ll hold an emergency summit on Ukrainian and European security in early March.

The European Union is scrambling to come up with a security plan for Ukraine and its own members, with the U.S. planning to scale back its presence in Europe.

“My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA,” Germany's new chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said. “This [Trump] administration [is] largely indifferent to the fate of Europe.”

💡Perspectives:

• The Washington Post: Trump upends century-old approach to the world.

• Foreign Affairs: The Right U.S. strategy for Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

• Gideon’s: Trump is treating Ukraine like a bad private equity investment.

• The Hill: On trade, Trump is a Democrat.

• The Hill: Trump resistance 2.0 is even more obtuse.

Read more:

• Trump’s jabs at Ukraine divide GOP.

• Xi says China, Russia true friends as Trump pursues Putin talks.

• These 17 countries voted with US against Ukraine UN resolution.

CATCH UP QUICK

President Trump holds a 52 percent approval rating in new polling after his first month back in office, according to a new poll.
Apple plans to spend more than $500 billion in the United States and hire more than 20,000 people over the next several years.

NEWS THIS AFTERNOON

Rift in Trump World as Musk move draws resistance

Elon Musk’s email blast to federal employees demanding they defend their productivity by midnight tonight or lose their jobs has sown confusion within the government workforce and faced pushback from those President Trump tapped to serve in his Cabinet.

Several federal agencies, including the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, State and the FBI, told their employees to disregard Musk’s directive, which was passed through by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

OPM informed agency leaders Monday that responding to the email is “voluntary,” putting them at odds with Musk, who said previously that failure to respond will be taken as a submission of resignation.

It’s the first sign of a schism in Trump World over Musk’s chaotic style and his uncaring attitude toward the federal workforce.

Trump, however, is cheering Musk on.

“There was a lot of genius in sending [the email],” Trump said Monday. “We’re trying to figure out if people are working.”

The president is adopting a similar attitude toward government workers as Musk, posting a SpongeBob Squarepants meme on social media mocking them.

Musk has defended the ultimatum, saying responses he likes could lead to a promotion and insisting that he’s merely seeking to root out “outright fraud.”

Federal employee unions expanded their lawsuit against Musk to challenge the OPM email.

GOP lawmakers are growing tired of what they view as civil servants getting pushed around.

“Please put a dose of compassion in this,” Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “These are real people… real lives. These are mortgages.’”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was more pointed.

“Our public workforce deserves to be treated with dignity and respect for the unheralded jobs they perform,” Murkowski posted on X. “The absurd weekend email to justify their existence wasn’t it.”

EUROPE PLOTS A POST-U.S. FUTURE

Trump’s pick of conservative podcaster Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, to serve as the No. 2 at the FBI behind Kash Patel could further strain the administration’s relationship with GOP senators.

The Hill’s Alexander Bolton reports that Bongino has a long history of attacking the Republican senators that he views as insufficiently loyal to Trump.

In one of his final podcasts before being tapped as a top leader at the FBI, Bongino promised to investigate Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and other lawmakers who participated in the investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.

ICYMI ...

Trump late last week fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., and appointed Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to serve in that role.

Here’s what you need to know about Caine.

💡Perspectives:

• Sasha Stone: How far is too far for DOGE?

• The Hill: Musk may be the wedge Democrats need to take Trump's base.

• The American Prospect: Trump’s coup has failed.

• The Hill: Democrats need to make a compelling case to win back America.

• The Hill: Opposition to Trump shakes off its slumber.

Read more:

• Trump’s control over independent agencies tees up test of power.

• FBI told to transfer 1,500 personnel from headquarters.

• 2,000 USAID staff to be cut, others put on administrative leave.

• The FDA plans to ask around 300 fired civil servants to come back.

• Judge blocks DOE, OPM from disclosing personal data to DOGE.

IN OTHER NEWS

Washington roundup: House GOP plan to pass Trump agenda faces key test

Can House Republicans unite around a plan to pass President Trump’s agenda and avoid a government shutdown?

That question is weighing on Washington, with key tests for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) coming this week.

On Monday afternoon, the House Rules Committee will consider its budget resolution. If the measure advances out of committee, it could get a full floor vote as soon as Tuesday.

However, at least four Republican moderates are on the fence and could sink the measure, given the House GOP’s ultra-narrow majority. Republicans can only afford to lose one vote if all Democrats vote against it.

Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) said over the weekend she’s “a no on the current version,” while at least three other GOP moderates remain on the fence.

The Hill’s Mike Lillis reports on the dynamics after Trump endorsed Johnson’s one-bill approach, even as Senate Republicans moved more quickly in passing their budget resolution:

“Trump’s surprise endorsement of the House package — which came amid the Senate process and blindsided GOP leaders — has heightened the stakes for Johnson and other top Republicans, who are now under even greater pressure to unite their divided conference behind the massive spending plan in order to secure an early win for the president, who’s facing mounting criticism for rising inflation and efforts to gut the federal bureaucracy.”

Johnson made a "prayer request" to those who attended an Americans for Prosperity event on Monday.

“Pray this through for us, because it is very high stakes and everybody knows that,” Johnson said.

House Democrats are united against the GOP plan, but Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is taking nothing for granted. Jeffries wrote in a letter to Democratic lawmakers saying it’s “pivotal” they’re in attendance for the budget vote so as not to give Johnson any additional leeway.

• Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) barnstormed the Midwest over the weekend, attracting thousands to overflow events in Nebraska and Iowa as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.

Sanders held rallies in swing-districts held by vulnerable Republicans, showing he’s still a draw on the trail and in tune with the liberal base at a time when Democrats are seeking a message that resonates with working class voters.

“We are living in two Americas,” Sanders said to the more than 2,500 who gathered to hear him in Omaha. “What we do now will impact our lives. [Americans] need a grassroots movement that says no to oligarchy.”

💡Perspectives:

• New York: The media is now part of Trump’s War against the Deep State.

• After Babel: The price of mass amusement.

• The Liberal Patriot: Escaping the simulation.

Read more:

• Angry Dem donors turn off the flow of money.

• Trump asserts dominance as GOP senators come to heel.

• Newsom requests nearly $40 billion in disaster aid for wildfires.

• DOGE cuts pose potential liability for GOP in Virginia elections.

Stay Engaged

Someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up to get your own copy: TheHill.com/Evening. Did I miss a story? Drop me a line. See you next time!

Topics

Trump: We're getting 'very close' to Ukraine agreeing to mineral deal

President Trump told reporters the United States was getting "very close" to reaching an agreement with Ukraine on a mineral rights deal for continued support.
NBC News - 6h
In reversal, Trump says Russia attacked Ukraine

President Donald Trump reversed course on Friday and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine, and that Kyiv would soon sign a minerals agreement with the United States as part of efforts to end the ...
NBC News - 2d
Russia Closes In on Another Ukrainian Region, Even as Peace Talks Pick Up

Russian troops are three miles from Dnipropetrovsk, a region they have never invaded. If they cross into it, the advance would be a morale blow to Ukraine and complicate any territorial negotiations.
The New York Times - 3d
Ukraine is close to signing rare earth minerals deal with U.S., White House official says

Beneath the battle-scarred fields of Ukraine lies a hidden treasure -- rare earth minerals used to power the world's most advanced technologies. White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz ...
CBS News - 2d
Ukraine should 'tone it down,' sign Trump mineral deal, Waltz says

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said Thursday that officials in Kyiv "need to tone it down" after a fierce back and forth Trump and Zelenskyy.
ABC News - 4d
Van Hollen says Trump's approach to Ukraine and Russia is "terrible negotiating"

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland faulted President Trump for undermining Ukraine in any eventual peace talks with Russia, saying that taking several Ukrainian demands off the table is ...
CBS News - 1d
Two Trump officials decline to say Russia started the war in Ukraine

Two Trump administration officials publicly declined to say Russia started the war in Ukraine in 2022, despite Russia launching a full-scale invasion.
NBC News - 1d
Trump calls Zelenskyy a "dictator" after blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion

"A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left," President Trump wrote.
CBS News - 5d
US votes against UN resolution condemning Russia for Ukraine war

The U.S. voted against a resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in the war in Ukraine that passed the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, marking three years since Russia’s launched ...
The Hill - 7h
Ukraine or Russia: Whose Side Is Trump On?

Nick asks former UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt.
BBC News - 4d
As Trump Courts Putin, China’s Leader Xi Emphasizes Close Ties With Russia

The Chinese and Russian leaders reaffirmed their relationship in a video call on Monday, an apparent rebuff to the idea that the Trump administration could drive a wedge between them.
The New York Times - 8h
Trump, Macron take questions on Ukraine-Russia war

President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the Oval Office and took questions about the future of Ukraine and the possibility of a deal with Russia. Mr. Trump also took questions ...
CBS News - 5h
Ukraine war briefing: Trump turnaround as he acknowledges Russia invaded Ukraine

US president earlier drew criticism after saying Kyiv ‘should have never started’ war; Trump predicts Ukraine will soon sign minerals deal with US. What we know on day 1,095. Europe live: latest ...
The Guardian - 2d
US says revenue from minerals deal will fuel Ukraine’s postwar growth

Kyiv remains sceptical of plan as Treasury secretary Scott Bessent denies it is ‘coercive’ in FT opinion article
Financial Times - 1d
Bessent says US-Ukraine deal has 'implicit' economic security guarantee

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a U.S.-Ukraine deal featuring “strategic minerals, energy and state-owned enterprises” has an “implicit” economic security guarantee. “This deal is part of ...
The Hill - 1d
Evening Report — Hegseth moves to shake up Pentagon

{beacon} Evening Report TRUMP FIRST 100 DAYS © Virginia Mayo, Associated Press Hegseth moves to shake up the Pentagon DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH is moving to overhaul the Pentagon through ...
The Hill - 3d
ESPN says it will end MLB broadcasts after striking out on deal

ESPN will likely hang up its baseball mitts after 36 seasons. The cable sports giant failed to renegotiate contract terms with the league.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
ESPN says it will end MLB broadcasts after striking out on deal

ESPN will likely hang up its baseball mitt after 36 seasons. The cable sports giant failed to renegotiate contract terms with the league.
Los Angeles Times - 3d
3 Years Into Russia-Ukraine War, Trump Ushers in New World for Putin

Fresh possibilities have emerged for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia with a change of power in Washington.
The New York Times - 5h
Trump and Macron discuss way forward for Ukraine and Russia at press conference

President Trump and French President Macron held a joint press conference at the White House that largely centered around the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine after Russia's invasion ...
NBC News - 4h
Trump, Macron project unity despite clear Ukraine-Russia divide

President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron sought to project unity during a White House meeting Monday, even as cracks opened further in the alliance between the U.S. and Europe over the ...
The Hill - 3h
Trump has changed Ukraine conversation, Starmer says

The PM suggests Trump has "created an opportunity" to end the war, ahead of a trip the the US.
BBC News - 11h
Trump changed conversation on Ukraine ‘for the better’, says UK

Sir Keir Starmer reiterates that Britain is ‘ready and willing’ to put troops on ground in Ukraine to secure peace
Financial Times - 6h
Trump says Putin will accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine

France’s Macron corrects US president’s claim that Europe has only loaned funds to Kyiv at White House meeting. Donald Trump has said the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin , would accept European ...
The Guardian - 4h
Trump says he’ll meet with Zelensky soon to sign minerals deal

President Trump on Monday signaled he could meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in the coming weeks to finalize a deal on critical minerals. Trump’s comments, which ...
The Hill - 6h
Preparations under way for meeting between Trump and Putin, Russia says

Russian and US leaders will meet face to face in move towards normalising relations, deputy foreign minister says. Preparations for a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin ...
The Guardian - 2d
Xi says China, Russia true friends as Trump pursues Putin talks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping says China and Russia are true friends after speaking on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi reportedly said history and reality show the two countries are ...
The Hill - 5h
Trump, Meeting With Macron, Says He Might Visit Russia

Meeting at the White House, President Trump declined to call President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia a dictator while President Emmanuel Macron of France stated flatly that “the aggressor is Russia.”
The New York Times - 5h
Trump says he is open to meeting Putin, visiting Russia

President Trump says he may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming weeks as part of his efforts to end the war with Ukraine. Mr. Trump also said he is open to visiting Moscow in ...
CBS News - 5h
Waltz insists Zelesnkyy will sign Russia war deal as Trump appears to walk back comments

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is adamant that Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will sign a deal to end the war with Russia. This comes as President Trump appears to walk back comments ...
CBS News - 3d
Trump Envoy Suggests U.S. Companies Could Do Business In Russia Amid Peace Deal

Steve Witkoff says in the event of a peace deal in the Ukraine war, U.S. firms could operate in Russa.
Inc. - 21h
Voting begins in high-stakes German election watched closely by Europe and US

Conservative Friedrich Merz is expected to win, but the far-right AfD is set for a strong second place.
BBC News - 1d
China supports 'recent consensus' between US and Russia on Ukraine war, foreign minister says

China supports “the recent consensus” between the U.S. and Russia on the war in Ukraine, said Wang Yi, the country’s foreign minister, amid ongoing discussions about bringing an end to the nearly ...
The Hill - 3d
Russia and US could meet again within weeks to discuss Ukraine, Moscow says – Europe live

Moscow and Washington held their first talks on ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine on Tuesday. Donald Trump’s shocking and mendacious attack this week on the Ukrainian president, ...
The Guardian - 2d
Senate adopts $340 billion budget blueprint for Trump's agenda after marathon 'vote-a-rama'

The Republican-controlled Senate on Friday morning adopted a $340 billion budget blueprint designed to boost funding for President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, energy production ...
NBC News - 3d
Ukraine Promises Swift Deal for Minerals as Trump Cuts Kyiv Out of Peace Talks

President Trump on Friday continued to bash President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and pressure him for mineral rights.
The New York Times - 2d
Sunday shows preview: Trump workforce cuts, Ukraine-Russia rhetoric have world on edge

President Trump’s agenda is in full effect with numerous cuts to the federal workforce and Pentagon staff rounding out his objective to slash government spending with a focus on stark reform. One ...
The Hill - 2d
Trump holds press conference with Macron, discusses efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war

President Trump held a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on Monday and touched on the future of Ukraine's war with Russia and how European countries are ...
CBS News - 4h
Live updates: Trump, Macron talk Russia-Ukraine war; Musk email reply now voluntary

President Trump appeared alongside French President Emmanuel Macron for a press conference Monday afternoon at the White House, after meeting on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of ...
The Hill - 3h