Overview
- Trump told reporters he authorized the CIA for covert action in Venezuela, confirming New York Times reporting of expanded authorities as U.S. naval interdictions off Venezuela have left at least 27 dead since August.
- Following a lengthy call, Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed to prepare a second summit in Budapest, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to lead high‑level preparatory talks next week.
- At the White House, Volodymyr Zelenski pressed for long‑range Tomahawk missiles and additional air defenses, proposing advanced Ukrainian drones in exchange for the cruise missiles.
- After engaging Putin, Trump signaled reluctance to provide Tomahawks, citing U.S. stockpile needs and saying he hopes to end the war without them as Moscow warned such a transfer would be a grave escalation.
- Zelenski said discussions on long‑range weapons will continue and noted the U.S. does not want an escalation, while Russian and Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure underscore the urgency around negotiations.