Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 3h

Trump is looking for new foreign policy wins: he meets with Volodymyr Zelensky, who said the breakthrough offers “hope.” Trump also offered an olive branch to Iran, suggested intervening in fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the US may facilitate a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia

From Peacemaker to Power Broker: Trump’s Diplomatic Blitz Turning Into a Global Shakedown

A fragile Gaza truce, a looming Zelensky meeting, illegal strikes in the Caribbean — and whispers of deals with Iran. Trump’s new world tour of diplomacy blurs the line between negotiation & shakedown

open.substack.com

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 6h

"Today I remain the mayor of the city. Until this information is adopted by the deputies at the session, I will remain the mayor of the city and fulfill my duties” - defiant Odesa mayor Trykhanov after being stripped of #Ukraine citizenship by Zelensky for allegedly holding Russian passport

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 10h

After Stripping Mayor Of Citizenship, Zelensky Says Odesa To Be Put Under Military Administration: locals say they fear a Kyiv appointee loyal to the President will replace the beleaguered Hennadiy Trukhanov. More in World Briefing

open.substack.com/pub/worldbri... #Ukraine️

Reposted by Michael Bociurkiw

Scott Nover @scottnover.bsky.social · 1d

NEW for @washingtonpost.com:

Fox News will not sign the Pentagon's press policy.

The broadcaster joins ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN in condemning the Defense Department for a policy they say violates their "core journalistic protections.”

Fox News among broadcasters refusing to sign Pentagon press pledge

Fox News, along with ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN, said that the Pentagon policy violates their “core journalistic protections.”

www.washingtonpost.com

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 1d

Whether a person, business, university, law firm, media company or country, Trump has used the power of the presidency to exact a price, often in dollar terms, from whoever he interacts with. It’s the unifying theme of his leadership and his approach to the world. Trump - the “Shakedown President.”

Donald Trump, the shakedown president

Soon, everyone will get wiser and realize they have alternatives — and that when they unite, the U.S. president will be unable to continue his shake down operations.

www.politico.eu

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 1d

Fresh off a stunning diplomatic win in the Middle East, Donald Trump now faces a tougher challenge — convincing Vladimir Putin to come to peace talks. Could the same blend of bravado, chutzpah & back-channel diplomacy that worked in Gaza bring an end to Europe’s bloodiest war in decades in #Ukraine️?

From Gaza to Kyiv: Trump’s “Peace Momentum” Meets the Limits of Power

As jubilation sweeps Tel Aviv & Gaza over the release of hostages & detainees, attention shifts to whether Trump can turn his Middle East breakthrough into a diplomatic victory - this time in Ukraine

open.substack.com

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 1d

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky revokes the citizenship of the mayor of the southern port city of Odesa, Gennadiy Trukhanov - ostensibly on the basis the official holds Russian citizenship. The move would force Trukhanov, who’s fighting a host of corruption charges, out of office #Ukraine

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 1d

Russian forces have attacked four @unocha.org trucks in the Kherson region of #Ukraine with drones and artillery. One vehicle was burned, and another was damaged. There were no casualties or injuries, reported officials

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 2d

World Briefing: Can this fragile peace hold? Who will rebuild and govern Gaza? And will Hamas truly disarm as agreed? There are far more questions than answers — but for one extraordinary day, hope broke through the rubble #Gaza #Israel

Trump’s Middle East Moment: Hostages Freed, Crowds Jubilant, Peace in Motion

As President Trump’s long-shot peace plan takes its first real steps, Israelis celebrate the return of hostages while thousands of Palestinians walk free — and a fragile calm settles, for now.

open.substack.com

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 2d

Trump referring to ending the war in #Ukraine: “We’ll get that one,” he tells Israel’s Knesset. Repeated that he originally thought Ukraine war would’ve been easier to settle than Gaza-Israel war #Gaza #Israel

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 2d

#BREAKING: Cairo just announced that both Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, will participate in a high-level regional summit about Gaza being convened later today - NYT #gaza #Israel

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 3d

Despite all the jubilation from the Middle East peace deal, mediators still have to secure a longer-term political solution that will see Hamas hand in its weapons and step aside from governing Gaza. The second phase contains “many complexities and difficulties,” a senior Hamas official said #Gaza

From Rubble to Reunions: A Fragile Dawn in Gaza as Trump Heads to the Middle East

As bulldozers clear debris and prisoners prepare for release, Washington’s high-stakes diplomacy shifts to Israel andEgypt — where President Trump hopes to seal a deal that could end two years of war.

open.substack.com

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 3d

Now that Donald Trump has managed to nudge warring sides towards a fragile peace deal in the Middle East, might he equip Ukraine with everything it needs to decapitate the Russian war machine? I break it down on Times Radio

US ready to give Ukraine weapons 'to finish the job' as Trump forces Israel into peace

YouTube video by Times Radio

youtu.be

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 4d

Southern #Ukraine port city of Odesa currently under Russian drone attack. Central part of city without power. Series of loud explosions

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 4d

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Predictably, the Trump White House blasted the decision - saying the Nobel Committee “proved they place politics over peace.” #nobel #nobelpeaceprize

“A Signal of Strong Support”: Nobel Goes to Venezuela’s Machado, Not Trump

From hiding to the global stage, the Venezuelan opposition leader is recognized for her decade-long struggle against Maduro’s autocracy. Praise from region ensures it reverberates far beyond Caracas

open.substack.com

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 5d

#BREAKING: Winner of 2025 Nobel Peace Prize is Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Donald Trump led a public campaign to win the award, but didn’t make it. Hard for him to criticize this win as his administration been coming down hard on President Nicolás Maduro
#NobelPeacePrize

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 5d

At night, the Russian army launched 465 strike drones, two aeroballistic, 14 ballistic, 12 cruise, and four guided aviation missiles on the territory of Ukraine. Kyiv was heavily targeted - especially energy facilities. Widespread power outages

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 5d

Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have reached the first phase of a peace deal. Has he earned a Nobel Peace Prize? We break it down on Times Radio… #gaza #israel

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 5d

World Briefing: “To say that this is a historic achievement is an understatement considering the severity of the Israeli war on Gaza and the number of those killed, injured, and displaced. The world should celebrate the end of the most horrific wars of the 21st century….”

Gaza Ceasefire: "To say that this is a historic achievement is an understatement..."

An uneasy calm may be taking shape in the Middle East after months of bloodshed - Israel’s cabinet prepares to approve a US-brokered truce that could see hostages freed and troops pull back from Gaza

open.substack.com

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 6d

Israel & Hamas agree to 1st phase of US-brokered peace plan. Plenty of moving pieces in a deal where the devil in the details. Might it end the death, destruction, massive displacement & starvation in Gaza? Has Trump bagged a Nobel Peace Prize? Tune in today to Times Radio where we break it all down

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 6d

World Briefing: Europe Edition- Pressure is increasing in response to a series of unprecedented U.S. military strikes on alleged drug traffickers at sea ordered by President Donald Trump

Challenges to Trump’s “War on Narco-Terror” as Questions Mount Over Venezuela Strikes

Democrats move to curb US attacks, as evidence remains thin. As I told CBS News, the first strike may not have targeted a narco vessel — and U.S. forces aren’t configured for an assault on Venezuela

open.substack.com

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 7d

As Europe moves to tighten the net around Russian influence, Canada via @globalaffairs.canada.ca risks being seen as the weak link in the Western security chain. It’s one thing to preach solidarity with Ukraine — it’s another to act like it.

Europe Moves to Tightens Screws on Russian Diplomats — Canada Hits Snooze

Brussels considers travel restrictions on Russian envoys as part of its 19th sanctions package, underscoring a widening gap with Ottawa’s risk-averse approach to Moscow.

open.substack.com

Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 8d

Canada-US leaders summit gets off on positive note with host Donald Trump calling PM Mark Carney “a world class leader.” Hopefully will bring Ottawa what it’s after: tariff relief and positive grounding for review of Canada-US-Mexico Agreement for next year #cdnpoli

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 8d

Trump does it again: subjects a foreign leader and ally to an impromptu press scrum ahead of bilat- blaming alleged crime wave on Biden. Canada PM Mark Carney nodding politely. Trump says 100K lives saved on both sides of border due to interdiction efforts #cdnpoli

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Michael Bociurkiw @michaelbociurkiw.bsky.social · 8d

Was interviewed on sidelines of #UNGA2025. Main message? When the supposed leader of the free world continuously refers to the media ‘fake news,’ it places journalists at risk

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