Author: joshua

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff said he is pushing for all hostages still held in the Gaza Strip to be returned this week, though negotiations with Hamas still appear to be at an impasse. 

“We adamantly want, and I’m following the president’s direction here when I say this, all of those hostages home this week,” Witkoff told Fox News’ Bret Baier on “Special Report” Tuesday night. 

“There’s been a deal on the table for the last six or seven weeks that would have released 10 of the hostages out of the 20 who we think are alive,” he said, noting that he believes Hamas is “100%” to blame for the hold-up.

“It was Hamas who slow played that process, and it is Hamas now who is saying we accept that deal,” Witkoff added.

NETANYAHU ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO ‘TRAGIC MISHAP’ AFTER REPORTS OF JOURNALISTS KILLED IN GAZA STRIKE

Witkoff did not go into detail on what specifically is holding up the return of the hostages who have been held captive in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. 

But reports on Tuesday suggested the Israeli security cabinet refused to review a deal that would see the partial release of hostages and Witkoff confirmed the “official position” of Jerusalem is a full return of hostages or no ceasefire deal as it pushes forward with its plans to take Gaza City. 

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Wednesday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group that represents the families of the hostages, said it is “hopeful that with this deal on the table, we will finally see our loved ones return.” 

“Time is running out, and we know that only by finalizing this deal can we bring all 50 hostages home – those who are alive to begin their healing journey, and those who were tragically lost to receive a dignified burial,” it added.  “We have no time left – let’s make this deal happen now.”

But the forum also issued a public statement on Tuesday after reports said Israel refused to review a partial return deal, and said, “It is deeply disappointing that on the very day when masses of Israelis take to the streets demanding the return of all hostages and an end to the war, the government continues to delay progress on the agreement, contrary to the people’s will.” 

ISRAEL SET TO LAUNCH GAZA CITY OFFENSIVE: HIGH STAKES, HIGH COSTS AHEAD

A demonstration of some 350,000 people took place in Israel’s Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, according to the Forum, just days after another massive protest took to the streets of Tel Aviv, in which the families of the hostages and supporters again called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas. 

Witkoff argued that there can be negotiations after the hostages are returned for “what next day…looks like in Gaza after this is all done and what the definition of Hamas is” – suggesting these issues remain major hurdles as Israel has repeatedly vowed the complete destruction of Hamas.

The special envoy said it wasn’t his “call” to say whether the terrorist network should be completely destroyed, but noted there was room for negotiations in returning the hostages as Palestinian prisoners would also be swapped in exchange. 

50 hostages continue to be held by Hamas, only 20 of whom are assessed to still be alive. 

President Donald Trump on Monday predicted there would be a “conclusive” end to the war in Gaza within the next “two to three weeks,” though he did not say how this would be accomplished. 

The Forum responded to the pronouncement and said, “We pray this is true and that you gave a deadline to end our suffering. You have committed directly to released hostages that you will bring all of the hostages home – now is the time to make that happen.” 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Witkoff also said Trump would be hosting a meeting at the White House on Wednesday to discuss a “day after” plan for Gaza, though it is unclear who will take part in this meeting. 

When pressed for details on the meeting, a White House official told Fox News Digital, “President Trump has been clear that he wants the war to end, and he wants peace and prosperity for everyone in the region. The White House has nothing additional to share on the meeting at this time.”

The top U.S. diplomat in Denmark was summoned by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen over intelligence reports that Americans had conducted covert influence operations in Greenland. 

Danish public broadcaster DR reported that at least three people with ties to the Trump administration were conducting the operations. The broadcaster cited unnamed security and government sources.

DENMARK PM SAYS ‘YOU CANNOT SPY AGAINST AN ALLY’ FOLLOWING REPORTS OF US SPYING ON GREENLAND

“We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead,” Rasmussen said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital. 

“Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will of course be unacceptable. In that light, I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the U.S. chargé d’affaires for a meeting at the ministry.”

Rasmussen also emphasized that the ties between Denmark and Greenland are “close” and “based on mutual trust.”

FROM GAZA TO GREENLAND, MACRON BREAKS WITH TRUMP ON GLOBAL FLASHPOINTS

Earlier in his second term, President Donald Trump repeatedly spoke about seeking U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, which is part of the Danish kingdom. In response to Trump’s remarks, both Denmark and Greenland have said that the island was not for sale.

The U.S. does not currently have an ambassador to Denmark, leaving American diplomat Mark Stroh to serve as the chargé d’affaires. Stroh was summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

One of the people suspected in the alleged influence operation reportedly compiled a list of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders, collected names of Trump opponents and allegedly encouraged locals to highlight cases portraying the Danish government negatively in U.S. media, according to the Associated Press. Additionally, two others are suspected of trying to create relationships with politicians, businesses and locals.

DR cited eight sources who believe the goal was to weaken ties between Denmark and Greenland, the Associated Press reported. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service allegedly told the outlet that it believes “particularly in the current situation, Greenland is a target for influence campaigns of various kinds.”

In May, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” in response to reports that the U.S. was gathering intelligence on Greenland.

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen and the government of Greenland but did not receive responses in time for publication.

Reform UK said it’s prepared to deport 600,000 asylum seekers from Britain to prevent “civil disorder.”

Party leader Nigel Farage said the plan includes withdrawing Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and scrapping international treaties that block forced deportations, Reuters reported.

The ECHR, a cornerstone of UK human rights law, has repeatedly been used to halt deportations of migrants deemed to be in the country illegally, the BBC reported.

TRUMP PRAISES STARMER ON TURNING AROUND MIGRANT BOATS: ‘FANTASTIC THING’

“We are not far away from major civil disorder,” Farage told a press conference. “It is an invasion, as these young men illegally break into our country.”

Dubbed Operation Restoring Justice, the plan is the “only way” to stop small boats crossing the English Channel, Farage said, adding that migrants intercepted at sea should be detained and deported.

“If we do that, the boats will stop coming in days because there will be no incentive,” he claimed.

Labour Party Chairwoman Ellie Reeves criticized the announcement, saying it lacked detail.

“Today, we got none of those things, nor a single answer to the practical, financial, or ethical questions about how their plan would work,” she said.

FARAGE SLAMS SECRET AFGHAN REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT TO UK, CLAIMS SEX OFFENDERS AMONG ARRIVALS

The announcement followed weeks of small protests over mass migration and crimes committed by some asylum seekers.

Britain received a record 108,100 asylum applications in 2024, many from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Bangladesh.

Polling shows immigration has overtaken the economy as voters’ top concern. Reform UK, despite holding only four seats in Parliament, is leading in surveys of voting intentions, Reuters reported.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook dismissed the proposals as “a series of gimmicks” that would not work. Reform’s opponents and several charities said the plan would amount to Britain abandoning its human rights commitments.

A Russian software developer in Moscow on Tuesday was sentenced to 15 years hard prison time for donating roughly $500 to a Ukrainian defense fund, reporting by East2West confirmed.  

Sergei Irin, 45, who at one point worked for Russian tech giant Yandex, apparently refused to stand in court as he was issued his sentence, but held up a sign that read, “Putin is a “s—head.”

US-RUSSIAN BALLERINA REFLECTS ON RELEASE FROM RUSSIAN PENAL COLONY AFTER YEAR-LONG ORDEAL

Irin, according to footage given to Fox News Digital, was arrested on the suspicion of treason, and was handed a 15-year sentence in a maximum-security prison for his “act of defiance,” according to the report. 

Though it is unclear if either his prison placement or the amount of time he was handed was affected by the sign he held while in court, or merely for donating to a Ukrainian defense fund. 

In the video, a man who is allegedly Irin those whose face is blurred out, is seen being tackled and handcuffed by masked police officers. 

Irin was apparently visiting his mother after having fled Russia sometime prior.

RUSSIA CLAIMS NAVALNY DIED FROM ARRHYTHMIA, COMBINATION OF DISEASES AS WIDOW ALLEGES ‘PATHETIC’ COVER UP

He is then questioned in a van by the men, at which point he admits that within days of Russian President Vladimir Putin launching his illegal and deadly invasion of Ukraine, Irin donated funds to Ukraine’s Come Back Alive charity, which supports Kyiv’s defense forces. 

The donation was made on Feb. 27, 2022, according to Irin.

The 45-year-old also said he feels “negatively” towards the Putin regime and admitted to having participated in opposition rallies.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The report by East2West said he was later “interrogated with a stun gun and sent by plane to Moscow, to the Lefortovo [notorious pretrial detention center].”

Irin was also issued a roughly $62,000 fine by the Russian court on Tuesday. 

It is unclear which maximum-security prison he will be sent to, to carry out his sentence.  

A United Nations-backed report declaring famine in areas of Gaza has sparked a war of words over the conditions in the enclave. 

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released a report on Friday in which it declared for the first time that the Gaza Governorate is experiencing a famine. Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis are meanwhile in severe crisis. Conditions in Northern Gaza are estimated to be as severe as those in the Gaza Governorate or worse. The IPC report does not touch on conditions in Rafah, as it is largely considered to be depopulated.

The IPC, a U.N.-backed initiative involving U.N. agencies, NGOs and technical experts, has been widely considered to be the global standard for classifying food crises.

Israel has fiercely pushed back against the report’s findings, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying it was “an outright lie.” While Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein claimed the report was “tailor-made” based on “Hamas lies laundered through organizations with vested interests” and denied that a famine exists in Gaza.

ISRAEL SAYS UN MISLEADS WORLD AS GAZA AID STOLEN AND DIVERTED FROM CIVILIANS

“Israel does not have a policy of starvation. Israel has a policy of preventing starvation,” the prime minister’s office wrote in a thread on X that included Israeli data on the situation in Gaza.

Marmorstein also claimed that IPC “twisted its own rules and ignored its own criteria just to produce false accusations against Israel.”

In its Aug. 22 report, the IPC projected that by the end of September the famine will expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, leaving 641,000 people in famine conditions. The report predicts that the number of people in IPC Phase 4 (emergency) conditions will rise to 1.14 million while 198,000 will be in crisis.

In its recommendations, the IPC calls for an immediate ceasefire, a guarantee of unconditional and safe humanitarian access, protection of civilian infrastructure and large-scale humanitarian assistance. 

APP USERS READ THE IPC REPORT HERE

GAZA HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE US-BACKED AID GROUP

After the report was released, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Jewish state on X.

“This is not a mystery — it is a man-made disaster, a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself. Famine is not only about food; it is the deliberate collapse of the systems needed for human survival,” Guterres wrote on X. “As the occupying power, Israel has unequivocal obligations under international law — including the duty of ensuring food and medical supplies of the population. We cannot allow this situation to continue with impunity.”

Guterres ended his message with calls for a ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access and the return of the hostages.

UNICEF OFFICIAL SAYS GAZA MALNUTRITION REACHES ‘FAMINE LEVELS’ AS HUMANITARIAN AID TRICKLES IN

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), all of which participate in the IPC, reiterated their call for an immediate humanitarian response and ceasefire.

Israel’s Coordination for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), slammed the IPC for relying on Hamas-run entities, UNRWA assessments and “unverifiable sources,” while ignoring the data from Jerusalem.

AS ISRAEL FACES BLAME FOR THE HUNGER CRISIS IN GAZA, UN’S OWN DATA SHOWS MOST OF ITS AID IS LOOTED

Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a former White House and National Security Council official during both Trump administrations, took issue with the report’s findings, calling them politically motivated. 

“The ideology of destroying Israel and saving Hamas is widespread within the U.N. and far-left NGOs, leading them to change their own guidelines for declaring a famine in Gaza while they ignore an actual famine in Sudan. The data doesn’t support a famine declaration in Gaza, but that doesn’t matter when the conclusion is politically pre-ordained,” Goldberg told Fox News Digital.

Goldberg also noted the timing of the report, which came just days after Israel said it would enter Gaza City — which is in the Gaza Governorate — was “the most telling part of it all.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee shared a statement from Netanyahu’s office and said that “tons of food has gone into Gaza but Hamas savages stole it, ate lots of it to become corpulent, sold it on the black market but they didn’t give it to the hostages.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fifty hostages have been held in Gaza for nearly 700 days. Of those, 20 are believed to be alive while the rest are confirmed dead. Hamas is holding onto their remains. Earlier this month, the terror group released a video of hostage Evyatar David who appeared extremely thin and said he had not eaten in days.

The Australian government says it is expelling two Iranian diplomats after alleging that the Islamic Republic was behind at least two antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. 

Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country’s main domestic spy agency, ASIO, had “gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion.” 

“The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks,” Albanese said, referring to recent attacks on a Sydney restaurant and a Melbourne synagogue. “Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks.” 

The Australian government informed Iran’s ambassador to Australia shortly before Albanese’s announcement that they would be expelled. It also withdrew Australian diplomats posted in Iran to a third country.

ANTISEMITIC ATTACKERS VIOLENTLY TARGET SYNAGOGUE, ISRAELI RESTAURANT IN AUSTRALIA

Antisemitic incidents in both Melbourne and Sydney rose steeply following the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in Israel that triggered Israel’s ongoing offensive on Gaza. 

The prime minister also said Australia plans to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

The move comes after Australia announced earlier this month that it plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September. 

The announcement triggered a scathing response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who accused Australia of betraying Israel. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” Netanyahu said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that an investigation is underway after reports said Israel struck a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, killing at least 20 people on Monday, according to reports.

Netanyahu said Israel regretted the deadly incident and reiterated that Israel does not intentionally target civilians in its war with Hamas. Reports said among the dead were five journalists who worked for outlets such as Reuters, The Associated Press, and Al Jazeera.

“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. 

“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”

NY TIMES’ ERRONEOUS COVER PHOTO OF GAZAN CHILD JOINS SERIES OF MEDIA BLUNDERS FRAMING STORIES AGAINST ISRAEL

Reports, citing medical officials, said two shells hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in quick succession. Israeli media reported that Israeli troops had fired the artillery rounds at the hospital to target a Hamas surveillance camera on the roof.

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was killed near a live broadcasting position on an upper floor just below the roof in the first strike, Palestinian health officials said.

Israel then struck the site again, killing additional journalists as well as rescue workers and medics who had rushed in to help, hospital officials and witnesses told Reuters.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin echoed Netanyahu’s comments, stressing that the military makes every effort to mitigate civilian harm while ensuring troop safety.

“We are operating in an extremely complex reality. Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields,” Defrin said in a video posted to social media. “They have even operated from the Nasser Hospital itself. Hamas began this war, created impossible fighting conditions and is preventing its end by still holding 50 of our hostages.”

NEWS AGENCY SAYS ITS GAZA JOURNALISTS SUFFERING HEALTH WOES AS UNION WARNS THEY WILL DIE WITHOUT INTERVENTION

Defrin said Israel will abide by international obligations and “investigate the deadly incident thoroughly and professionally.”

“Reporting from an active war zone carries immense risk, especially in a war with a terrorist organization such as Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian population,” he added. 

The other journalists killed were identified as Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for the Associated Press and other outlets; Mohammed Salama, who worked for Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer who contributed to several news organizations, including Reuters; and Ahmed Abu Aziz.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Photographer Hatem Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

Fox News’ Yael Kuriel, Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

France has summoned American ambassador Charles Kushner to Paris, after the diplomat accused the country of not doing enough to combat antisemitism in a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron.

France’s foreign ministry said in a statement issued Sunday that Kushner’s allegations “are unacceptable,” and announced it had summoned the U.S. diplomat to appear Monday at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Kushner, who is Jewish, wrote in the letter that antisemitic incidents in France have been fueled by French government statements about recognizing a Palestinian state.

“Public statements haranguing Israel and gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France. In today’s world, anti-Zionism is antisemitism – plain and simple,” Kushner wrote.

TRUMP REJECTS MACRON MOVE AS US SKIPS UN SUMMIT ON PALESTINIAN STATE

Kushner further urged Macron “to act decisively: enforce hate-crime laws without exception, ensure the safety of Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses … and abandon steps that give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies.”

The French foreign ministry said in its statement that “France firmly rejects these allegations” from Kushner, adding that French authorities have “fully mobilized” to combat a rise in antisemitic acts since Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The ministry further deemed antisemitic acts “intolerable.”

The ministry said Kushner’s allegations violate international law and the obligation not to interfere with the internal affairs of another country, adding that they “also fall short of the quality of the transatlantic partnership between France and the United States and of the trust that must prevail between allies.”

FROM GAZA TO GREENLAND, MACRON BREAKS WITH TRUMP ON GLOBAL FLASHPOINTS

The U.S. State Department, however, said it backed Kushner and his comments, department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Sunday evening.

“Ambassador Kushner is our U.S. government representative in France and is doing a great job advancing our national interests in that role,” Pigott said.

Macron has been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the war in Gaza continues, while President Donald Trump has been a staunch supporter of the Israeli leader.

Kushner, a real estate developer, is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

At the end of his first presidential term, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, who pleaded guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Thousands of people poured into Lithuania’s capital this weekend for Corgi Race Vilnius, where 120 teams of furry competitors and their owners from around Europe went nose-to-nose.

Corgi Race Vilnius — a two-day event held in Lithuania’s capital — allowed Welsh Pembroke and Cardigan corgis to show their skills in races, a solo sprint, puzzle and costume contests and a “mightiest voice” competition, according to the event’s website.

Teams traveled from countries all across Europe — including Latvia, Poland, Austria, Italy and Germany — to take part in the event, The Associated Press reported.

“Vilnius will transform into the center of corgi universe, and we want every dog lover to be a part of it,” as noted on Corgi Race Vilnius’ website.

2 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS ACCUSED OF ETHIC VIOLATIONS IN NORWAY’S SKI SUIT CONTROVERSY

The event wrapped up on Sunday with the World Corgi Meetup, where Lithuanian corgis connected virtually with fellow pups in Ireland, the United States and Poland, according to the AP.

PGA STAR’S DAD SKIPPING ‘UNWATCHABLE’ RYDER CUP AT BETHPAGE BLACK: ‘AFRAID OF WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN’

“This is so much fun and great emotion for the entire family, something bright that many people are craving for these days,” Janina Stoniene, a retired teacher who brought her three grandchildren to the event, told AP.

A corgi named Amigo, who sported a factory-themed costume, claimed first place in the costume contest. Other four-legged competitors were dressed as a princess, Batman and even an airplane, according to AP.

MAN CONFRONTS WOMAN OVER LARGE DOG IN FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT, SPARKING ONLINE DEBATE

A corgi named Mango was the winner of the solo race, AP reported.

“So this is a mango, like a fruit mango, and we are participating (for the) second time in Corgi Race 2025,” Ignas Klimaika, a Corgi lover from Vilnius, told AP. “Last year we didn’t manage to end the race perfectly. We had really good training. We had trained every day, but this year we decided we just go without training, just to participate, just to enjoy all the lots of corgis.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Klimaika added, “He knows what he did, and he’s really proud of himself.”

Last year, Corgi Race Vilnius brought together 100 corgis from five countries and drew close to 7,000 fans, according to the event’s website.

Russian officials said Ukrainian drones ignited an overnight fire at a nuclear plant in Russia’s Kursk region.

The strikes coincided with Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, marking its 1991 break from the Soviet Union.

Russia said the strikes hit several power facilities. The plant fire was quickly extinguished. A transformer was damaged, but radiation levels remained normal, and no injuries were reported.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog said it was aware of media reports of a transformer fire “due to military activity,” but had not independently confirmed them.

RUSSIAN DRONE CRASHES IN POLISH FIELD AS WARSAW PROTESTS AIRSPACE VIOLATION AND PLANS FORMAL COMPLAINT

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”

A fire also broke out at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region, home to a major fuel export terminal.

The regional governor said about 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down in the area and that debris sparked the blaze.

BATTLE OVER THE BLACK SEA: RUSSIA, UKRAINE STRIKE TOP RESORT CITIES

Russia’s Defense Ministry said air defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory Sunday.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 72 drones and decoys and a cruise missile overnight; 48 drones were shot down or jammed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke in a video from Kyiv’s Independence Square.

NATO JETS SCRAMBLED AMID RUSSIA’S LARGEST DRONE ATTACK ON UKRAINE

“We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” he said, calling for a “just peace.”

“What our future will be is up to us alone,” he said, while acknowledging the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska earlier this month, which many worried would sideline Ukrainian interests.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“And the world knows this. And the world respects this. It respects Ukraine. It perceives Ukraine as an equal,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.