U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has confirmed that Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East and close aide to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, has reached an agreement with Russian decision-makers to free detained American, Marc Fogel, who was detained by Russia back in 2021 for marijuana charges. Marc Fogel is now en route to the United States.

According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during his visit to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Germany, there are currently “no plans right now in the making to cut anything” in Europe, saying that a review of force posture in different combatant commands (COCOM) is underway but no decisions have been made at this time. “We would be remiss in not reviewing force posture everywhere.”

Early reports indicate that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi may postpone his planned trip to the U.S. Capital due to the impasse over U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s proposition to relocate the population of the Gaza Strip while reconstruction occurs. As reported earlier, the leaders of Jordan and Egypt have voiced their reticence to take on such a role as part of the U.S. president’s reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip.

Egypt has reportedly “closed the door” to any further discussions with the United States regarding the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip; with Egyptian Officials having presented several Plans for rebuilding Gaza without any kind of displacement, at least one of these Plans having been delivered to the Trump Administration. Cairo is said to be “outraged” by Statements from both Israel and the U.S. calling for the totally removal of the Palestinian Population from Gaza, sending a Message to Washington, demanding clarification on recent Comments made by U.S. President Trump, stating that Sanctions could be imposed against Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian Refugees.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a recent Interview with AFP, that he is willing to swap Russian Territory captured by Ukraine in the Kursk Region, for Ukrainian Territory captured by Russia in the East, in a negotiated Peace Settlement to end the ongoing War.

American Marc Fogel pictured onboard Steve Witkoff’s Gulfstream G650ER Business Jet on the way back to the United States, after being imprisoned in Russia for nearly 4 Years.

ISIS-K has accepted responsibility for a Suicide Attack on a Bank earlier today within the Northern Afghan City of Kunduz, resulting in the death and injury of roughly 50 Taliban Fighters who were waiting to receive their Paychecks. This same Bank was attacked by the Taliban several times during the 2010s, causing Dozens of Casualties.

Some additional context on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal:
It’s important to note that since the Ukrainian combined arms incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast began, Russian decision-makers have chosen to double down on offensive efforts along the southern axis of advance. Additionally, Putin has repeatedly said that Ukraine’s operation in Kursk will not serve to bring Russia to the table and more importantly, will not be swapped for other Ukrainian territory under Russian control, including Crimea. It still remains to be seen what worth Putin will put on the Ukrainian held territory in Kursk Oblast.

According to a press release from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt intends to present to involved parties a “comprehensive vision for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in a manner that ensures the Palestinian people remain in their homeland.” This statement compounds on past comments made by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that clash with U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s current outlook for the Gaza Strip.

Note:
The usage of the quote is by no means meant to tow a specific line and/or mantra on the control of territory for the local region and is merely used to provide adequate context.

According to a statement from the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) spokesperson, the former acting Director of the USSS, Ronald Rowe, has announced that he plans to retire. Current director Sean Curran, who lead U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s detail prior to him being elected, made a statement as well last week to the agency thanking Rowe for his “exceptional leadership [by] stepping into the role of Acting Director during a pivotal time in our agency."
(CBS)

The Inspector General for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Paul Martin was notified today by the Office of Presidential Personnel that he had been “terminated, effective immediately,” less than a day after his Office released a report expressing concern and criticizing recent changes made to USAID. Since entering the White House last month, the Trump Administration has removed roughly 20 Inspectors Generals from various federal agencies and departments; with all of the firings appearing to be violation of Congressional Law, which requires the President to notify Congress at least 30 days prior to the removal of an Inspector General.

Adam Boehler, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, just said on CNN that another American Hostage will be released on Wednesday, though he did elaborate where the Hostage would be released from.

Steve Witkoff’s Gulfstream G650ER Business Jet carrying Marc Fogel, an American who was released earlier today after 4 Years in a Russian Prison, has just landed at Joint Base Andrews near Washington D.C.