Zelensky Awaits Putin in Turkey Amid Trump’s Push for Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will be waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, responding to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump urging Ukraine to engage in negotiations with Russia. Trump had emphasized the importance of talks to potentially end the conflict that has ravaged Ukraine under Putin’s command.

In a strong message delivered on Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration over the ongoing war and stressed the urgency for peace negotiations. “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH,” Trump wrote. He followed this with a demand directed at Ukraine: “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!”

Trump further commented on the possibility of Ukraine rejecting a deal with Russia. “I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”

Although it remains uncertain whether Putin himself will attend any talks in Turkey, Zelensky swiftly responded after Trump’s social media post. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Ukrainian leader confirmed his intention to be in Turkey for possible peace discussions. He wrote, “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”

The international community has not been informed whether representatives from the United States or the European nations commonly referred to as the “coalition of the willing” will attend the proposed talks in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the idea of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine has gained renewed attention following remarks from Putin earlier in the week.

In the early hours of Sunday, the Russian president offered a proposal for direct negotiations with Ukraine, aiming for what he called a lasting and comprehensive peace. Putin stated that the talks, planned for May 15 in Istanbul, would focus on addressing the root causes of the war, not merely establishing a temporary pause that would allow for future conflict.

“We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said. “We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.” He went on to emphasize that the initiative was already presented to Ukraine, placing the onus on its leadership. “Our proposal, as they say, is on the table. The decision is now up to the Ukrainian authorities and their curators, who are guided, it seems, by their personal political ambitions, and not by the interests of their peoples.”

Putin’s comments came in the aftermath of a stern demand made by European powers during a meeting in Kyiv on Saturday. Leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom urged Putin to accept an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger “massive” new sanctions against Russia. However, Putin rejected what he described as “ultimatums” from Europe.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was among the European leaders in Kyiv, joined French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for discussions with Zelensky. The group also held a phone conversation with Trump, who, like them, had previously called for a short-term truce.

During his visit to Kyiv, Starmer reinforced the unity of the Western allies and their shared commitment to peace. “Together with the US,” he said, “we are calling Putin out” and pledged that if the Russian leader “turns his back on peace,” sanctions would be increased. Starmer added that the European coalition was determined to uphold the principles that were defended during World War II. “It was important to demonstrate that the values that underpin what was being fought for 80 years ago were the same values now, that we will step up and play our part to preserve the peace and bring about that ceasefire.”

In response to Putin’s Sunday announcement regarding the proposed direct talks, Macron welcomed the gesture but maintained skepticism. He labeled the Russian president’s offer as “a first step, but not enough.” Speaking to France 24 during his return journey from Kyiv, Macron explained that while Putin might be searching for an exit strategy, he was likely also trying to buy time. “An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations,” Macron said, dismissing Putin’s plan as insufficient for a real breakthrough.

As both leaders prepare for what could be a significant diplomatic moment, questions remain about the sincerity of Putin’s offer and the likelihood of reaching any meaningful resolution. For now, Zelensky has made clear his willingness to attend and participate in the talks, awaiting his Russian counterpart’s arrival in Turkey on Thursday. The global community watches closely, hoping that diplomacy might finally offer a path toward peace after months of devastation and loss.

Trump Faces Declining Public Support on Immigration Amid Shifting Voter Sentiments

Immigration, a defining pillar of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and a topic on which he previously enjoyed strong public support, is now emerging as a point of vulnerability. Recent polling data reveals a noticeable dip in Trump’s approval ratings on immigration, signaling possible dissatisfaction with his approach among voters and highlighting evolving public attitudes.

A new Morning Consult survey, conducted from May 9 to 11 among 2,221 registered voters, indicates that Trump’s approval on immigration has dropped to the lowest level since he began his second term. According to the poll, 51 percent of respondents approved of his immigration stance, while 44 percent expressed disapproval. Notably, enthusiasm for mass deportations as a top policy priority has waned, with only 35 percent in favor.

This shift comes as additional surveys reveal growing disapproval of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which include widespread deportations and a reduction in legal immigration opportunities. A Fox News poll conducted in April found Trump with a negative approval rating on immigration for the first time: 47 percent approved of his performance, while 48 percent disapproved. However, Trump still received better marks for his handling of the border, where 55 percent expressed approval.

Similarly, the most recent AP-NORC poll, carried out between May 1 and 5 among 1,175 adults, reported that 49 percent approved of Trump’s immigration policies, while 51 percent disapproved. This showed a slight improvement from April, when the approval rating stood at 46 percent and disapproval at 53 percent.

Another survey, conducted in April by Atlas Intel, showed a net approval rating of minus 6 points for Trump on immigration. In that poll, 52 percent rated his performance as “terrible” or “very poor,” compared to 46 percent who said it was “excellent” or “good.” This marked a notable drop from March, when 51 percent viewed Trump’s immigration policies positively and only 43 percent negatively.

This decline in approval is occurring against a backdrop of increased legal scrutiny and mounting criticism over Trump’s deportation agenda. One case drawing particular attention is that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported from Maryland. The Department of Justice referred to his removal as an “administrative error.” Although Trump’s administration identified Garcia as a member of MS-13, a gang now classified as a terrorist organization, Garcia’s legal team and family deny any such affiliation.

Trump’s current immigration plan calls for the deportation of millions of undocumented individuals through expanded operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and involvement of the National Guard. His strategy involves reviving and intensifying first-term policies, constructing large detention centers, and accelerating deportations by limiting judicial review.

What stands out about the current enforcement is that it targets undocumented immigrants without criminal records. During Trump’s first 50 days back in office, ICE arrested over 32,000 people, nearly half of whom had no prior criminal record. A report by El País also revealed that by mid-February 2025, over 40 percent of deportees had no criminal background.

Public support for deportation of non-criminal undocumented immigrants appears weak. A Pew Research Center survey found that while a slim majority—51 percent—of Americans support the deportation of at least some undocumented individuals, only around one-third support mass deportation. Notably, there is overwhelming support for removing violent criminals, but approval sharply declines when it comes to deporting individuals married to U.S. citizens or those brought to the country as children.

Trump’s declining approval on immigration mirrors broader polling trends showing a general downturn in public support since the start of his second term, even though he entered it with record-high approval levels. According to Morning Consult, Trump’s overall approval rating dropped one point since April to 45 percent, while 52 percent disapproved of his performance.

Echelon Insights also documented a one-point drop in Trump’s approval between April and May, falling to 46 percent, with disapproval climbing to 52 percent. Similarly, Big Data Poll found that Trump’s approval now stands at 48 percent, down from 56 percent in January. Meanwhile, disapproval has risen to 47 percent, compared to just 37 percent in January.

Nonetheless, some recent surveys indicate a slight rebound in Trump’s approval. Newsweek’s approval tracker currently shows Trump at 46 percent approval with 50 percent disapproval. This marks a marginal improvement over the previous week, when he had a 45 percent approval rating and disapproval was firmly in the 50s.

A compilation of various polls paints a mixed picture:

Rasmussen (May 12): 52% approve, 46% disapprove

Morning Consult (May 9-11): 46% approve, 52% disapprove

Echelon Insights (May 8-12): 46% approve, 52% disapprove

YouGov (May 6-8): 42% approve, 50% disapprove

Quantus (May 5-7): 48% approve, 48% disapprove

Big Data Poll (May 3-5): 48% approve, 47% disapprove

YouGov/Economist (May 2-5): 42% approve, 52% disapprove

AP-NORC (May 1-5): 41% approve, 57% disapprove

RMG Research (April 30-May 8): 49% approve, 49% disapprove

TIPP Insights (April 30-May 2): 42% approve, 47% disapprove

While these polls show Trump’s approval rating holding relatively steady, they also reveal a subtle but consistent uptick in disapproval. For instance, the YouGov poll conducted from May 6 to 8 among 1,143 adults showed a 42 percent approval rate—unchanged from previous polling—while disapproval rose by 2 points to 50 percent. A similar pattern was seen in the Quantus Insights poll, conducted between May 5 and 7.

Comparing Trump’s current ratings with those from his first term provides additional perspective. On May 13, 2017, RealClearPolitics recorded Trump’s approval at 42 percent and disapproval at 53 percent, a net rating of minus 11 points. This suggests Trump is marginally less popular now than he was at the same point during his first term.

In comparison to Joe Biden, Trump’s current approval rating also falls short. On May 13, 2021, Biden enjoyed a 54 percent approval rating, with 42 percent disapproving, according to RealClearPolitics.

Even though Trump began his second term with his highest approval rating to date, Gallup’s initial poll for the term—conducted between January 21 and 27—showed him as the least popular incoming president since 1953, and the only one to start with an approval rating below 50 percent. Gallup noted that Biden started his presidency with a 57 percent approval rating.

Historical data from Gallup, analyzed by The American Presidency Project, underscores Trump’s low standing compared to previous presidents at the 100-day mark. Dwight Eisenhower held a 73 percent approval rating at that point. Other presidents also fared better: John F. Kennedy had 83 percent, Richard Nixon 62 percent, Jimmy Carter 63 percent, Ronald Reagan 68 percent, George H.W. Bush 56 percent, Bill Clinton 55 percent, George W. Bush 62 percent, and Barack Obama 65 percent.

Looking ahead, Trump’s approval ratings may fluctuate depending on several critical developments, such as the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, changing dynamics in international trade, and increasing economic uncertainty linked to potential recession fears.

Mohanlal’s Reign Continues: A Four-Decade Superstar Still Shattering Box Office Records in 2025

In a film industry where fame often fades as quickly as social media trends rise, one actor continues to rise above generational shifts and transient popularity—Mohanlal. Affectionately referred to as Lalettan by his fans, Mohanlal isn’t just a popular actor; he is an enduring symbol of Malayalam cinema itself. Over the past four decades, his name has become inseparable from the industry’s growth and transformation. And if anyone still doubts his box office might, a look at Malayalam cinema’s top-grossing films will quickly erase that skepticism.

Among the ten highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, Mohanlal headlines four—a distinction no other contemporary actor can match. Even more impressive is that two of these four blockbusters were released in 2025 alone. With an already illustrious career full of milestones, this new chapter confirms that Mohanlal is not merely preserving his legacy; he is boldly redefining it.

Here’s how Mohanlal ranks in the history of Malayalam cinema’s box office success in India:

  1. L2: Empuraan – Rs 105.25 crore (2025)
  2. Thudarum – Rs 101.65 crore (2025)
  3. Pulimurugan – Rs 76.67 crore (2016)
  4. Lucifer – Rs 65.21 crore (2019)

The two latest additions—L2: Empuraan and Thudarum—haven’t just entered the elite Rs 100 crore club; they’ve soared well past it. Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 political thriller Lucifer, is now the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, collecting an enormous Rs 268.05 crore worldwide. Hot on its heels is Thudarum, a compelling social drama that has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark—a number once thought impossible for Malayalam films.

Add to this list Pulimurugan, the first Malayalam movie to surpass Rs 100 crore globally, and Lucifer, which redefined the political thriller genre in Kerala, and a clear narrative emerges: Mohanlal is the unrivaled king of the Malayalam box office.

What makes this accomplishment all the more remarkable isn’t just the revenue these films have generated but the broad variety they represent. Pulimurugan thrilled audiences with adrenaline-filled action sequences and became a festive favorite. Lucifer delved into political intrigue and treachery, carried by Mohanlal’s restrained yet magnetic performance. Empuraan expanded that world with higher stakes and darker themes. Meanwhile, Thudarum offered a modern social thriller that allowed Mohanlal to embody a deeply emotional and layered character, proving once again that he can blend substance with star power effortlessly.

While most actors rely on one genre for their commercial success, Mohanlal’s true strength lies in his versatility. He effortlessly transitions between intense thrillers, emotional dramas, and grand-scale action films. This ability to adapt while staying true to his artistic roots is part of what sustains his enduring appeal.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of Mohanlal’s recent success is his role in creating Malayalam cinema’s first full-fledged franchise. With Lucifer and Empuraan, he has ignited a level of fan excitement usually reserved for big-budget franchises like Baahubali or KGF. These aren’t just films; they have become cultural spectacles. The anticipation is already high for the third installment, L3: The Beginning, which will also feature his son, Pranav Mohanlal. In many ways, the Lucifer universe is Kerala’s homegrown reply to the epic cinematic universes crafted in other Indian film industries.

Beyond his superstar image, Mohanlal holds a special place in the hearts of Keralites. He’s more than a celebrated actor; he’s like family. His roles resonate with people from all walks of life—from college youth to elderly viewers. Whether he’s playing a rebellious youngster, a tormented father, a humble village savior, or a strategic political player, his performances always strike a chord with the Malayali audience.

Even now, young audiences are discovering his classic films like Kireedam, Bharatham, Chithram, and Vanaprastham, and finding the same depth and magic that captivated their parents’ generation. This generational bridge is what keeps his fandom both loyal and ever-expanding.

Mohanlal’s lasting relevance doesn’t come from blindly chasing modern trends. While Malayalam cinema evolves with new-wave, content-rich films like 2018, Manjummel Boys, and Premalu, Mohanlal continues to deliver massive hits that cater to both mass and niche audiences. His 2025 filmography is testament to this balance. Alongside massive commercial hits like Empuraan and Thudarum, he’s also set to appear in a wide range of upcoming projects that span different genres and character arcs.

His journey is nothing short of a textbook example in how to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. Mohanlal collaborates with new-age directors, explores fresh storytelling methods, and yet never lets go of the core essence that made him a beloved figure in the first place.

Even with the rise of OTT platforms and younger stars making their presence felt, Mohanlal’s films still manage to attract packed theatres, pre-release fan celebrations, and phenomenal ticket sales on a global scale. His screen presence and popularity remain untouched by age or changing audience dynamics.

As 2025 unfolds, Mohanlal has not only secured four positions in the list of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, but also delivered two of the biggest hits in the same year. That achievement alone cements his status not just as a superstar but as a symbol of Malayalam cinema’s legacy, evolution, and promise for the future.

Mohanlal’s continued success is more than just a nostalgic celebration of a beloved actor; it’s a reaffirmation that genuine talent, adaptability, and emotional connection with the audience can withstand the test of time. As Malayalam cinema continues to grow and diversify, Mohanlal remains its most towering, enduring figure—someone who doesn’t merely represent its history but actively shapes its future.

GOP’s Tax Bill Sparks Internal Rift as House Moderates Clash Over SALT Cap and Trump Priorities

The House Ways and Means Committee on Monday unveiled a more comprehensive version of its section of the Republicans’ extensive legislative package, dominated by priorities associated with President Donald Trump. This 389-page document sets the stage for an intense debate over the tax provisions embedded in the sweeping bill, which serves as the GOP’s legislative centerpiece.

Among the bill’s most anticipated components is the revision of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. The measure proposes raising the cap from $10,000 to $30,000 for both single and joint filers. However, this increased threshold would begin to phase out for higher income levels. Notably, this proposal falls short of the levels that some key stakeholders had earlier recommended.

Just prior to the bill’s release, a group of moderate Republicans representing high-tax blue states proposed that the SALT deduction cap should be elevated to $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for joint filers. These lawmakers had rejected an earlier offer to raise the cap to $30,000, making it clear that they considered the figure insufficient.

These moderates were quick to voice their dissatisfaction with the latest proposal. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), a vocal advocate for increasing the SALT cap, made his stance clear, stating, “Still a hell no.”

The SALT deduction cap, originally implemented as part of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, remains one of the most divisive issues in the broader tax reform debate. Republicans from states like New York, New Jersey, and California have been campaigning to raise the cap, while fiscal conservatives, often referred to as deficit hawks, have strongly opposed such changes.

The full text of the legislation had been eagerly awaited since Friday night, when a partial version of the bill was made public. With the committee set to debate and potentially advance the bill during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. EDT — a session expected to extend into the night — all eyes are now on how the internal disputes will play out.

In addition to modifying the SALT deduction, the legislation includes several other tax-related initiatives that were part of Trump’s campaign promises. These include eliminating taxes on tips and overtime income — though these changes would sunset at the end of 2028 — and offering a temporary exemption on interest payments for car loans, subject to specific conditions.

Another major feature of the bill is the permanent extension of the 2017 income tax rate reductions. The tax rates defined in that law include marginal rates of 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent, and 37 percent.

Although some lawmakers had discussed letting the top tax rate expire — which would have caused the highest income bracket to revert to 39.6 percent — this provision was ultimately excluded from the bill. Conservative tax advocacy groups had strongly opposed any such increase, even though Trump reportedly considered it earlier in the week. According to sources, he lobbied against the rate hike in private discussions. Nevertheless, he offered a more ambiguous public stance. In a Truth Social post Friday morning, Trump said he would be “OKAY if they do” increase taxes on the wealthy, though he expressed reservations due to potential political consequences.

As the legislation takes shape, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is determined to keep the process moving according to schedule. Johnson aims to pass the full legislative package by Memorial Day and appeared confident when asked about the deadline, saying, “Yes, I think we’re going to meet it.”

Meanwhile, Trump has taken to social media to urge GOP lawmakers to support the bill. On Monday morning, he posted on Truth Social, calling on Republicans to “UNIFY” behind the committee chairmen overseeing the markup process and described the legislation as “GREAT.” He concluded with, “We have no alternative, WE MUST WIN!”

The legislation also proposes increasing the deduction for pass-through businesses from 20 percent to 23 percent. These businesses include sole proprietorships, partnerships, S-corporations, and LLCs, which are typically taxed at the individual income level. Most American businesses fall into this category.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) welcomed this provision. NAM CEO Jay Timmons commented, “For the 96% of manufacturers that are organized as pass-through businesses, this bill is more than policy—it’s a path to growth. It means the ability to buy equipment, hire workers, increase pay and expand operations with greater certainty and confidence.”

However, critics argue that the bill exemplifies a form of trickle-down economics. This theory posits that benefits provided to businesses and wealthy individuals will eventually reach ordinary workers and consumers — a claim often challenged by economists and progressives.

Amy Hanauer, director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, voiced her concerns, saying, “So far this costly bill appears to double down on trickle down, with huge tax cuts that will further enrich the rich and not much for the rest of us.”

Another provision in the bill temporarily increases the child tax credit to $2,500 through 2028. While that might appeal to a broader group of taxpayers, it is only one part of a larger package that may be contentious in both chambers of Congress.

The committee’s text also proposes a $4 trillion increase to the national debt ceiling — a component that could provoke strong opposition if left unchanged in the Senate. The Senate’s budget resolution has already laid out plans for a $5 trillion ceiling hike, signaling a possible clash ahead.

Several provisions in the bill target climate and renewable energy programs championed by Democrats in their 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The GOP proposal would eliminate certain renewable energy incentives and drastically cut funding for the Department of Energy’s loan office, which supports the development of low-carbon energy technologies.

Additionally, the bill revokes a grant program designed to reduce air pollution and emissions in underserved communities, directly challenging climate justice initiatives. It also includes clawbacks for various Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs, including a $20 billion lending fund aimed at supporting environmentally friendly projects.

The bill also reinstates several business-friendly tax provisions from the 2017 Trump tax law that had since expired. These include immediate expensing for research and development, bonus depreciation, interest deductibility, and key components of the international tax regime. The latter has been a topic of global debate, with alternative proposals emerging from both the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

One notably unchanged aspect of the legislation is the preservation of the so-called carried interest loophole. This tax provision allows hedge fund and private equity managers to classify a portion of their earnings as capital gains, which are taxed at lower rates than regular income. Although Trump had criticized this loophole in the past, it remains untouched in the current bill.

As debate begins, the Republican Party faces the dual challenge of aligning internal factions while pushing forward a legislative agenda that remains closely tied to Trump’s economic vision. With deep divisions still unresolved, particularly over SALT and deficit spending, the coming days will determine whether the GOP can present a united front.

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