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Roberta Flack, the celebrated singer and pianist who won multiple Grammys and whose heartfelt style distinguished her as a leading artist in the 1970s and a lasting influence, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, announced that she died peacefully at home with family. Flack had revealed in 2022 that she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which had taken away her ability to sing. Relatively unknown until her early 30s, Flack rose to prominence after Clint Eastwood featured "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" in a memorable love scene between himself and Donna Mills in his 1971 film, "Play Misty for Me." The gentle, hymn-like song, highlighted by Flack’s delicate soprano voice and soft instrumentation, reached the top of the Billboard chart in 1972 and earned her a Grammy for record of the year. Flack recalled in a 2018 interview with The Associated Press, "The record label wanted to speed it up, but [Eastwood] wanted it exactly as it was. Its use as the theme for his movie greatly increased its popularity and it really took off." In 1973, she achieved similar success with "Killing Me Softly With His Song," making her the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for record of the year. Jazz musician Les McCann discovered her in the late 1960s. He noted that "her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known." Trained as a classical pianist, Flack's versatility allowed her to deliver both passionate gospel performances reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and more introspective interpretations. To her many fans, Flack represented a sophisticated and courageous figure in both the music industry and the social and civil rights movements of the era. She counted among her friends figures like Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, whom Flack visited in prison during Davis’s trial for murder and kidnapping, charges for which she was later acquitted. Flack performed at Jackie Robinson's funeral, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and participated in Marlo Thomas’s feminist children’s project, “Free to Be … You and Me.” Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to musician parents, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia. A childhood gospel enthusiast, Flack's exceptional piano skills earned her a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15. Flack's other successes from the 1970s included the comforting "Feel Like Makin' Love" and two duets with her close friend and fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway, "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." Their collaboration ended tragically when Hathaway suffered a mental breakdown during the recording of a duets album in 1979 and later died from a fall from his Manhattan hotel room. Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of their million-selling "Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway" album in 2022, Flack told Vibe, "We were deeply connected creatively. He could play and sing anything. Our musical synergy was unmatched before or since." While she never quite replicated her initial success, she did have a hit in the 1980s with Peabo Bryson on "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," and in the 1990s with Maxi Priest on "Set the Night to Music." The Fugees' Grammy-winning cover of "Killing Me Softly" in the mid-90s brought Flack renewed attention, leading to a performance with the hip-hop group. In total, Flack received five Grammys (three for "Killing Me Softly"), eight additional nominations, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, with tributes from John Legend and Ariana Grande. “I love that connection to other artists because we understand music, we live music, it’s our language,” Flack shared with songwriteruniverse.com in 2020. “Through music we understand what we are thinking and feeling. No matter what challenge life presents, I am at home with my piano, on a stage, with my band, in the studio, listening to music. I can find my way when I hear music.” In 2022, Beyoncé honored Flack, along with Franklin and Diana Ross, as heroines in the Grammy-nominated "Queens Remix" of "Break My Soul." Flack was briefly married to Stephen Novosel, an interracial relationship that caused friction with their families. She also had a son, singer and keyboardist Bernard Wright. For many years, she resided in Manhattan's Dakota apartment building, on the same floor as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who became a close friend and wrote liner notes for Flack's album of Beatles covers, "Let It Be Roberta." She dedicated a significant amount of time to the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York, which primarily served students aged 6 to 14. Before her music career took off, Flack taught music in D.C.-area junior high schools for several years, while also performing in clubs. Although she sometimes sang backup, her own shows at the famous Mr. Henry's in Washington attracted celebrity guests like Burt Bacharach, Ramsey Lewis, and Johnny Mathis. The club owner, Henry Yaffe, even converted an apartment above the club into a private studio called the Roberta Flack Room. “I wanted to be successful, a serious all-round musician,” she told The Telegraph in 2015. “I listened to a lot of Aretha, the Drifters, trying to do some of that myself, playing, teaching.” Flack signed with Atlantic Records, and her debut album, "First Take," which combined gospel, soul, flamenco, and jazz, was released in 1969. It included a love song by English folk artist Ewan MacColl called "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which he wrote in 1957 for his future wife, singer Peggy Seeger. Flack was familiar with the song and used it while working with a glee club during her teaching years. “I was teaching at Banneker Junior High in Washington, D.C. It was part of the city where kids weren’t that privileged, but they were privileged enough to have music education. I really wanted them to read music. First, I’d get their attention. (Flack starts singing a Supremes hit) ‘Stop, in the name of love.’ Then I could teach them!” she told the Tampa Bay Times in 2012. “You have to do all sorts of things when you’re dealing with kids in the inner-city,” she said. “I knew they’d like the part where (‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’) goes ‘The first time ever I kissed your mouth.’ Ooh, ‘Kissed your mouth!’ Once the kids got past the giggles, we were good.” ```

The political nature of celebrities at award shows often draws complaints. While generic appeals for causes or vague criticisms of Washington policies may be tiresome, knowing that Jane Fonda has consistently combined acting with activism, her acceptance speech at Sunday's SAG Awards was unsurprisingly political, yet also intelligent, brave, insightful, and fitting for the event. Her passionate defense of empathy made it an instant classic, deserving wider attention than just those who viewed it on Netflix. Fonda, age 87, received a standing ovation and approached the stage with infectious energy. She joked that the enthusiasm made her feel like it was not the twilight of her life, but rather a call to action. She then proved how active she remains. Despite some audio issues during the broadcast, Fonda handled it professionally, even improvising about conjuring voices when interrupted. She briefly reflected on her unusual career, including a 15-year break and a . However, she quickly moved past her personal accomplishments to highlight the most significant contribution of Hollywood: the creation of empathy. Fonda noted that SAG-AFTRA differs from most unions because actors "don't manufacture anything tangible." Instead, "what we create is empathy," understanding others so deeply as to touch their souls. Citing her role as Bree Daniel in Klute, she spoke of how actresses can portray the suffering of women who have endured abuse, incest, or self-harm. Addressing her male colleagues, she noted that many have played bullies and misogynists, and that they likely understand how those characters were traumatized by their own fathers. While actors might despise the behavior of their characters, they must still understand and empathize with the trauma they experienced. Fonda even referenced Sebastian Stan's performance as Donald Trump in without naming the President. These examples led to the core of her speech: connecting actors' ability to reveal the humanity of all people to the current crisis, where empathy for marginalized groups is being eroded by those in power. She stated that "empathy is not weak or ‘woke,’" adding that "'Woke' just means you give a damn about other people," a remark that quickly gained traction on social media. Implicitly referencing the policies of the new , Fonda cautioned her peers and viewers about the potential harm to come. However, she didn't advocate for increased partisanship. Instead, she urged them to "call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent—because we are gonna need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us," even towards those of different political persuasions. She then challenged her fellow actors, reminding them of the resistance mounted by their predecessors in Hollywood against during the Red Scare of the 1950s, and urging them to find the same courage and community spirit. Fonda asked if anyone had watched documentaries about great social movements like or and wondered if they would have been brave enough to face the hoses, batons, and dogs. She asserted that "we don’t have to wonder anymore, because we are in our documentary moment." The speech was remarkable, not just for Fonda's words or eloquence, but for the depth of experience drawn from over six decades of often-controversial activism. She's not known for simply writing checks or promoting popular causes during awards shows. She for her anti-Vietnam War stance, which has aged well even if some supporting actions haven't, such as her 1972 visit to North Vietnam. She leveraged her celebrity to support films like Coming Home, which addressed the struggles of Vietnam veterans; China Syndrome, which warned of nuclear power dangers; and 9 to 5, a feminist comedy about workplace sexual misconduct. She has continued this work alongside acting, demonstrating with Indigenous Water Protectors at the and and in support of the Green New Deal in D.C. When she discusses her cancer experiences, it's to emphasize the interconnectedness of public health and environmental crises. At a time when faith in American pop culture's political influence is low, Fonda's consistent actions—putting her body and money where her mouth is—offer a path forward for her peers. Her statement on Sunday, "This is big-time, serious, folks," earns her, and us, attention. Ultimately, Fonda's message was clear: "We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future." And that is exactly what she did on the SAG Awards stage.

It's worth noting that the incoming German leader has no prior government experience. Friedrich Merz, whose Christian Democrats are poised to lead the next government, takes over during a period of widespread instability. He's inheriting an economy struggling from a decade of insufficient investment and entering its third year of economic downturn, a social climate worsened by individual acts of violence, and the growing influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Crucially, he also faces a breakdown in relations with the U.S., a long-time security partner since World War II. Merz likely identifies as a traditional conservative, similar to Ronald Reagan or George H.W. Bush, upholding traditional social values and the established post-war security and political structures that have kept Germany aligned with the Transatlantic alliance. After Trump's re-election in November, Merz expressed confidence in their ability to work together, envisioning two like-minded individuals focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and combating "woke" ideologies. However, the aggressive stance taken by Trump's representatives at the recent Munich Security Conference, including their praise for the AfD, has altered that perception. Merz, 69, who has combined his political career with a role as Chairman of Blackrock's German operations, is eager to act swiftly. As he stated during his campaign, "the world isn't waiting for us." He emphasized that Germany cannot afford to spend months debating coalition details while the future of Ukraine is being determined by Trump and, as some believe, his influencer, Vladimir Putin of Russia. Kaja Kallas, the E.U.’s chief diplomat, echoed this sentiment, hoping for a swift formation of the new government, stating the urgent need to "move on with decisions at the European level which requires German participation.” With Emmanuel Macron facing challenges and Keir Starmer's recent actions, Europe is trying to convince Trump to reconsider his apparent support for Putin's stance on Ukraine. The French and British leaders have been aligning their strategies, emphasizing the need for discreet diplomacy. However, immediately following his election victory, Merz seemed to adopt a more adversarial approach towards the White House. "My top priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, gradually, we can achieve genuine independence from the USA,” Merz declared on Sunday, even before the final vote count was in. Some questioned whether this was another instance of impulsiveness, a trait even those close to Merz recognize as a flaw. Yet, he doubled down on his position the following morning: “Now more than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength. For a just peace, the attacked country must be part of peace negotiations.” To give weight to these statements, Merz needs to demonstrate a willingness to increase Germany's defense spending through further borrowing. Despite NATO members agreeing a decade ago to allocate a minimum of 2% of GDP to defense, Germany has yet to comply. Raising this to 2.5%, let alone a higher figure, would require tens of billions. To achieve this, the incoming government would need to revise its "debt brake" that imposes strict limits on public borrowing. Merz seems prepared to do so, potentially with the backing of the center-left Social Democrats. The outgoing SPD suffered a significant defeat, falling to a historic low in third place. They are now expected to play a minor role in a center-right government. However, some of Merz's policies, particularly his economic reform plans involving welfare cuts, tax breaks, and stricter measures against illegal immigration, may face resistance from the SPD. In one aspect, the disagreement with Trump complicates Merz's job; it serves as a warning to mainstream politicians on both sides of the spectrum about the potential consequences of failing to form a stable coalition. Buoyed by their best-ever result, capturing 20% of the vote, and supported by endorsements from Elon Musk and figures within the Trump Administration, the AfD is poised to exploit any future crises the new government encounters. The far-right in Germany is confident that its moment will come, again.

Some years ago, my childhood home suffered extensive flood damage when a pipe burst in the attic during a frigid New England weekend. Water permeated the entire house, saturating carpets and walls, infiltrating kitchen cabinets, and damaging photos and paintings. While sifting through my old bedroom to salvage what I could, I was surprised by the number of carefully stored items I found: childhood charm bracelets, a cherished t-shirt, a small wooden jewelry box, a seashell necklace, two porcelain dolls, and various other keepsakes. Although we weren't wealthy growing up, I treasured everything I received. Each gift felt like a priceless, irreplaceable object. Every toy and trinket held the significance of that giant blue pendant necklace from the movie Titanic, because I knew my parents couldn't afford to replace it if it was lost or broken. My children are growing up in a vastly different environment. They often say, “Mom, this broke,” followed by, “I need another one ordered on Amazon.” In a household with two working parents juggling client travel, stocking string cheeses, completing work proposals, searching for sports jerseys, answering work emails, and assisting with science fair projects that become personal endeavors, I often give in out of sheer exhaustion. My husband attempts to lecture them on the value of money (and the possessions it buys), while I rush on to the next task. I quickly order replacements for broken or lost items, or purchase duplicates, while simultaneously searching for the correct poster board size for yet another school project. As a child, I was aware that my parents often operated in survival mode. My father was the primary provider, working as a mechanical engineer. My mother was a stay-at-home parent, serving as our chef, teacher, chauffeur, nurse, cleaning service, and more. She also managed the finances meticulously, clipping countless coupons, paying in cash whenever possible, and waiting in long lines with her best friend in cold weather to secure the best Christmas toy deals. My Indian immigrant parents had left everything behind for a new life in a foreign country, lacking any support system in the U.S. They faced financial challenges without anyone to turn to for help. They worked tirelessly, often living paycheck-to-paycheck, and made numerous sacrifices for my younger brother and me. There were times when my dad nearly lost his job, we moved frequently (I attended four different high schools), and we were aware of financial constraints. While my parents were open about our finances, which sometimes caused me anxiety, it also set expectations, instilled a sense of value, and fostered a strong understanding of money. Finding my prized Benetton shirt and weathered seashell necklace in my damaged childhood bedroom reminded me that I was raising my children in the opposite manner. I was shielding them from all financial concerns. As filmmaker Ava DuVernay said, “I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams,” and I now live with a level of wealth and privilege unimaginable to many of them: a fully stocked refrigerator, closets overflowing with clothes and shoes, and a home with hot water, ample heating in winter, and air conditioning in summer. I wanted to spare my children from financial anxiety, but I inadvertently created the opposite effect: they didn't appreciate the value of possessions and had no concept of the cost of things or the effort required to earn money. Over the past few years, my efforts to teach my children about the value of things have manifested in various ways. We inform them when we order takeout more than twice a week, making exceptions only for emergencies (i.e., when my husband and I forget to prepare a meal). We’ve started discussing with our 9 and 12-year-olds how bird flu impacts poultry availability and prices. My husband gave them an age-appropriate lesson on stocks and bonds and how they function. We discussed the potential impact of tariffs on food items like maple syrup, avocados, strawberries, and tomatoes, and the possibility of buying less of them. Our children also take turns accompanying us to the grocery store each week to understand prices and what we are purchasing. As a family, we watched Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things on Netflix and discussed our addiction to buying things. I reminded them that when I was a child, we couldn't simply order items on our phones with a click. If we wanted new clothes, our parents had to drive us to the store, find parking, go inside, try on different sizes and colors, ask for assistance, and then decide whether to buy the item immediately or later. We also discussed how we are constantly persuaded to buy unnecessary items, where donated items actually end up, and the environmental impact of excessive consumption. I announced that I would not buy any new clothing for myself for an entire year, and I've kept that promise so far. Now, we offer them opportunities to earn extra money around the house. They don't get paid for basic tasks like making their beds, folding laundry, cleaning their rooms, or brushing their teeth, as my daughter suggested in an attempt to outsmart us. We won't pay them for maintaining their personal hygiene or keeping their spaces tidy. However, they can earn money by helping with larger tasks like shoveling snow, cleaning the car, clearing out the garage, and other significant chores at our home or their grandparents' homes. Finally, we inform them that if they lose something, they must replace it themselves using their earned money. If a toy breaks, we'll try to fix it together with duct tape or super glue. Or they can request a replacement for their birthday or a special occasion. It won't be immediately ordered and replaced from Amazon. If it's an essential school item, like winter gloves, they will receive a replacement, contingent on good behavior, which will be monitored, and punishments will be enforced if necessary. It has taken time, but I am gradually overcoming my personal anxieties about discussing money. Ultimately, shielding my children from the impact of money on our lives is not in their best interest. If I want to prepare them for success in life, I need them to understand and appreciate the value of things. And they need to realize that Amazon, with its one-click convenience, won't always be there to save the day.

The hostage situation and shooting at a Pennsylvania hospital, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to five others, underscores the increasing danger faced by healthcare workers in the U.S. and the difficulty in ensuring their safety. According to authorities, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, entered the intensive care unit at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, southern Pennsylvania, on Saturday with a pistol and zip ties. He took hospital staff hostage before being killed in a police shootout. A doctor, nurse, custodian, and two police officers were also injured in the incident. Police reported that officers fired their weapons while Archangel-Ortiz held a female staff member at gunpoint, with her hands restrained by zip ties. The York County district attorney stated that the man appeared to have specifically targeted the hospital, having previously been in contact with the intensive care unit earlier in the week regarding medical care for someone else. Hospital security consultant Dick Sem noted that violence in hospitals is becoming more frequent, occurring not only in emergency rooms but also in maternity wards and intensive care units. Sem stated, “Many people are more confrontational, quicker to become angry, quicker to become threatening. I interview thousands of nurses and hear all the time about how they’re being abused every day.” While Archangel-Ortiz’s motives are still unknown, Sem, former director of security and crisis management for Waste Management and vice president at Pinkerton/Securitas, mentioned that nurses are reporting increased harassment from the public, especially since the coronavirus pandemic. Sem pointed out that, unlike random mass shootings, hospital attacks often involve the shooter targeting a specific individual, sometimes due to resentment over the care given to a deceased relative. Sem said, “It tends to be someone who’s mad at somebody. It might be a domestic violence situation or employees, ex-employees. There’s all kinds of variables.” Megan Foltz, a nurse at WellSpan Health, a nearby hospital where some victims were treated, stated that she has been concerned about violence since she began her nursing career nearly 20 years ago. Foltz said, “In the critical care environment, of course there’s going to be heightened emotions. People are losing loved ones. There can be gang violence, domestic violence. Inebriated individuals.” Nurses also worry about leaving their patients unattended in addition to the risk of personal injury. She stated, “If you step away from a bedside to run, to hide, to keep safe, you’re leaving your patient vulnerable.” According to the , healthcare and social assistance employees experienced nearly three-quarters of nonfatal workplace assaults in the private sector during 2021 and 2022, a rate more than five times the national average. Other recent attacks on U.S. healthcare workers include: Last year, a man shot two corrections officers in the ambulance bay of an Idaho hospital while freeing a white supremacist gang member before he could be returned to prison. They were caught less than two days later. In 2023, a gunman killed a security guard and wounded a hospital worker in a Portland, Oregon, hospital’s maternity unit before being killed by police in a confrontation elsewhere. Also in 2023, a man opened fire in a medical center waiting room in Atlanta, killing one woman and wounding four. In 2022, a gunman killed his surgeon and three other people at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, medical office because he blamed the doctor for his continuing pain after an operation. Later that year, a man killed two workers at a Dallas hospital while there to watch his child’s birth. The shooting is part of a recent surge in gun violence affecting U.S. hospitals and medical centers, which are struggling to adapt to these increasing threats. In response to the rising violence, more hospitals are implementing measures such as metal detectors and visitor screening at entrances, including emergency departments. Many hospital workers express surprise at being targeted after an attack. Sem emphasized that training can be vital in enabling medical staff to recognize potentially violent individuals. He said, “More than half of these incidents I’m aware of showed some early warning signs from early indicators that this person is problematic. They’re threatening, they’re angry. And so that needs to be reported. That needs to be managed.” “If nobody reports it, then you don’t know until the gun appears.” —Associated Press writer Chris Weber contributed to this report from Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON — Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, author of bestselling books, and conservative media personality with television shows and a popular podcast, has been nominated for the position of FBI deputy director. President Trump announced the selection on Sunday night via his Truth Social platform, lauding Bongino as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” He described the announcement as “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.” This selection places two committed Trump supporters in leadership positions at the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency, raising concerns among Democrats who fear the President may target political opponents. Bongino would report to , who was sworn in as FBI director on Friday and has expressed intentions to reform the bureau, including relocating staff from the Washington headquarters and prioritizing traditional crime-fighting efforts. The deputy director is the FBI's second-highest-ranking officer, typically a career agent overseeing the bureau's daily law enforcement activities. Bongino, 49, served in the presidential protection details for Presidents Obama and George W. Bush before rising to prominence as a right-wing figure. He became a key figure in the Make America Great Again movement, often spreading misinformation regarding the 2020 election. Following Rush Limbaugh’s death in 2021, Bongino was chosen to host a radio show in the same time slot formerly held by the renowned commentator. Bongino was a member of the New York Police Department from 1997 to 1999 before joining the Secret Service. He began providing commentary on Fox News over a decade ago and hosted a Saturday night program on the network from 2021 to 2023. He currently hosts The Dan Bongino Show, a popular podcast, according to Spotify. Bongino ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland in 2012 and for congressional seats in Maryland and Florida in 2014 and 2016, respectively, after relocating in 2015. He was unsuccessful in all three campaigns. Last fall, Bongino requested Trump to pledge to establish a commission for Secret Service reform, calling the agency "failed" and criticizing it for the two assassination attempts that had occurred the previous year. "That guy should have been nowhere near you," Bongino stated regarding the individual who, according to authorities, was camping outside Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, before being discovered with a rifle. During the same interview, Trump commended the Secret Service agent who spotted the rifle's barrel protruding from a bush. —Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report. ```

KYIV, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Sunday that a controversial proposal from the Trump Administration, which would have given the U.S. $500 billion in profits from Ukraine's rare earth minerals as repayment for wartime aid, is no longer under consideration. He suggested a fairer agreement is being developed. Zelensky had previously rejected a U.S. draft agreement concerning the exploitation of Ukraine's valuable minerals, including lithium used in the aerospace, defense, and nuclear sectors. His reasons were the absence of security guarantees and the $500 billion price tag. "The $500 billion issue is now off the table," Zelensky stated at a press conference during a government officials' forum in Kyiv, commemorating the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian President argued that treating aid as a debt requiring repayment would establish a "Pandora's box" precedent, obligating Kyiv to reimburse all its supporters. "We do not acknowledge the debt," Zelensky asserted. "It won't be part of the final agreement." Further details regarding the negotiation status were not disclosed. Ukraine has been adamant about obtaining security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, said on CNN’s State of the Union that he anticipates a deal this week, enabling the U.S. to have a more prominent role in utilizing Ukraine's mineral resources. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the administration's mineral plan as a U.S.-Ukraine partnership, calling it mutually beneficial. "We profit when the Ukrainian people profit," Bessent stated on Fox News Channel’s Sunday Morning Futures program. Zelensky's chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, along with Economic Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, departed the Kyiv forum early for discussions with U.S. officials about a potential agreement, according to Yermak. Later on Sunday, Yermak posted on social media that he had spoken with U.S. officials, including Bessent and Trump’s national security advisor Mike Walz, describing it as a "constructive conversation." "We are making headway," Yermak wrote. "The USA is our partner, and we appreciate the support of the American people." Zelensky says he’d give up presidency for NATO membership When questioned by a reporter about whether he would relinquish his presidency for peace in Ukraine, Zelensky responded that he would, provided it led to a lasting end to the conflict under NATO's security umbrella. "If my resignation is genuinely necessary to achieve peace, I am willing to step down," he stated. "I would trade it for NATO membership." His remark appeared to be a response to recent suggestions from President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that elections should be held, despite Ukrainian law prohibiting them during martial law. Ukraine fears Trump’s policy shift toward Putin Trump's interactions with Russian officials and his recent decision to restore diplomatic ties and economic cooperation with Moscow represent a significant reversal in U.S. policy, alarming leaders in Ukraine and across Europe. Zelensky has voiced concerns that Trump's push for a swift resolution could result in Ukraine losing territory and being vulnerable to future Russian aggression. U.S. officials have maintained that the Ukrainian leader would be involved when peace talks commence. However, Trump sparked concern and anger in Ukraine this week when he suggested that Kyiv had initiated the war and that Zelensky was acting as a "dictator" by not holding elections. On Sunday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov informed the state news agency TASS that Moscow and Washington would continue bilateral talks at the end of next week. Ryabkov stated that the discussions would involve department heads from both countries' foreign ministries, adding that there was "quite a lot" of ongoing communication between the Russian and American sides. European leaders prepare for talks with Zelensky and Trump European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior EU officials were en route to Kyiv on Monday for discussions with the Ukrainian government, as Europe strives to formulate a response to the Trump Administration's U.S. policy changes and to sustain support for Kyiv if aid from Washington ceases. The U.K. announced it would impose new sanctions against Russia on Monday, describing them as the most substantial package since the war's early stages. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the measures would target Russia's "military machine and reducing revenues fueling the fires of destruction in Ukraine." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were scheduled to visit Washington this week as Europe attempts to persuade Trump not to abandon Ukraine in pursuit of a peace agreement. Russia launches record drone strikes on eve of anniversary Earlier on Sunday, Zelensky reported that Russia had launched 267 drones into Ukraine overnight, the most in any single attack during the war. Ukraine’s air force reported that 138 drones were intercepted over 13 Ukrainian regions, with 119 others lost en route to their targets. The air force also reported that three ballistic missiles were fired. One person was killed in the city of Kryvyi Rih, according to the city military administration. Responding to the latest Russian attacks, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s minister of foreign affairs, stated on social media: “No one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead.” —Associated Press writers Thomas Strong and Will Weissert in Washington contributed. ```

BERLIN — Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's conservative opposition, secured a weak victory in Sunday's national election. Meanwhile, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) saw its support double, marking the strongest performance for a far-right party since World War II, according to projections. Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged defeat for his center-left Social Democrats, describing the election result as "bitter." Projections from public broadcasters ARD and ZDF indicated his party would finish third, achieving its worst postwar result in a national parliamentary election. Merz expressed his hope to form a coalition government by Easter, a task that is expected to be challenging. A discontented nation The election was held seven months ahead of schedule after Scholz’s unpopular coalition fell apart in November, following three years of increasing internal conflict. Widespread dissatisfaction and a lack of enthusiasm for any candidate characterized the political landscape. The campaign was largely focused on concerns about the prolonged stagnation of Europe’s largest economy and the pressure to control migration – an issue that caused disagreement after Merz recently advocated for a stricter approach. The election took place amidst growing uncertainty regarding the future of Ukraine and the relationship between Europe and the United States. Germany, the most populous nation in the 27-member European Union and a key NATO member, has been Ukraine's second-largest supplier of weapons, after the U.S. It will play a crucial role in shaping the continent's response to upcoming challenges, including the Trump administration's assertive foreign and trade policies. Projections, based on exit polls and initial counting, showed support for Merz's Union bloc at approximately 28.5%, while the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) garnered about 20.5% - roughly twice its 2021 result. Scholz's Social Democrats were projected to receive just over 16% of the vote, significantly lower than the previous election and below their previous post-war low of 20.5% in 2017. The environmentalist Greens, the remaining partner in the outgoing government, were projected to receive about 12%. Among three smaller parties, the hard-left Left Party improved its position, potentially winning up to 9% of the vote after a notable recovery. The pro-business Free Democrats, who were the third party in the collapsed government, appeared likely to lose their parliamentary seats with about 4.5%. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, or BSW, was near the 5% threshold required to secure seats. A difficult task for the winner Whether Merz will have a majority to form a coalition with Scholz’s Social Democrats, or whether he'll need a second partner (likely the Greens), depends on the BSW's success in entering parliament. The conservative leader stated that "the most important thing is to re-establish a viable government in Germany as quickly as possible.” “I am aware of the responsibility,” Merz said. “I am also aware of the scale of the task that now lies ahead of us. I approach it with the utmost respect, and I know that it will not be easy.” “The world out there isn’t waiting for us, and it isn’t waiting for long-drawn-out coalition talks and negotiations,” he told cheering supporters. The Greens’ candidate for Chancellor, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, suggested that Merz should moderate his tone after a contentious campaign. “We have seen the center is weakened overall, and everyone should look at themselves and ask whether they didn’t contribute to that,” said Habeck. “Now he must see that he acts like a Chancellor.” The Greens suffered the least from being part of Scholz’s unpopular government. The Social Democrats’ general secretary, Matthias Miersch, implied that their defeat wasn't surprising: “this election wasn’t lost in the last eight weeks.” A delighted far-right party doesn’t have a partner AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla told cheering supporters that “we have achieved something historic today.” “We are now the political center and we have left the fringes behind us,” he said. The party’s strongest previous showing was 12.6% in 2017, when it first entered the national parliament. The party’s candidate for Chancellor, Alice Weidel, stated that it is “open for coalition negotiations” with Merz’s party, and that “otherwise, no change of policy is possible in Germany.” Merz has consistently ruled out working with AfD, as have other mainstream parties—and he reiterated this in a televised post-election exchange with Weidel and other leaders. Weidel suggested AfD wouldn’t have to make many concessions to secure a theoretical coalition, arguing that the Union largely copied its program and deriding its “Pyrrhic victory.” “It won’t be able to implement it with left-wing parties,” she said. If Merz ends up forming an alliance with the Social Democrats and Greens, “it will be an unstable government that doesn’t last four years, there will be an interim Chancellor Friedrich Merz and in the coming years we will overtake the Union.” Merz dismissed the idea that voters wanted a coalition with AfD. “We have fundamentally different views, for example on foreign policy, on security policy, in many other areas, regarding Europe, the euro, NATO,” he said. “You want the opposite of what we want, so there will be no cooperation,” Merz added. Scholz condemned AfD’s success, stating, “that must never be something that we will accept. I will not accept it and never will.” More than 59 million people in the nation of 84 million were eligible to elect the 630 members of the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, who will take their seats under the glass dome of Berlin’s landmark Reichstag building. —Associated Press journalists Kirsten Grieshaber, Vanessa Gera and Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed. ```