World News in Brief
Emails and photos released regarding Epstein files
On Nov. 12, 23,000 pages of emails to and from the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released by the House Oversight Committee. These emails detailed conversations between Epstein and several political and public figures, including President Donald Trump. On Nov. 19, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed, requiring the U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ] to publish “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” to the public by Dec. 19. On Dec. 3, multiple images and videos of Epstein’s private island were released. According to the Virgin Islands DOJ, Epstein is said to have run an “expansive criminal enterprise” on the island where he raped and trafficked women and children.
Putin denies Russia-Ukraine peace plan
The long-standing war between Russia and Ukraine remains ongoing after a five-hour meeting between U.S Representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The meeting, held on Dec. 2, followed Putin’s statement of willingness to go to war with Europe if a peace plan is not accepted. “We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin said. President Donald Trump’s revised peace deal, attempting to end the war, was presented in the meeting, but was ultimately rejected by Putin. Yuri Ushakov, a Russian government aide, has spoken to Moscow reporters, stating that a peace plan was not decided upon. Further details about the meeting have not been disclosed, and no U.S. representatives have commented on the meeting.
Trump threatens strike on Venezuela
Since September, over 80 people have been killed by U.S. strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean Sea, in or near Venezuelan waters. Since these strikes, President Donald Trump has stated at White House press events that the U.S. is “at war” with Venezuelan drug cartels and has threatened further strikes against boats in the Caribbean. U.S. Naval forces are under investigation by committees in the House and the Senate for performing allegedly illegal military strikes. Trump has stated his intent to continue strikes on drug-carrying ships as well as his intent to advance strikes onto land in Venezuela very soon. Trump also expressed that military strikes will target not only Venezuela, but any other country producing illegal drugs for the U.S.
