Zelensky Claims Trump Is Considering US Boots On The Ground In Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has newly claimed that US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of deploying American troops to Ukraine as negotiations toward peace with Moscow stall. This is presumably connected with promises of future 'security guarantees'.

This is somewhat of a surprise, as the White House has made no indication of this in any statement whether public or based on anonymous officials. Throughout the nearly four-long war the question of Western 'boots on the ground' has been raised at various times. 

But the US - whether under Biden or Trump - has always denied that sending American troops into Ukraine is a solution. Instead, it's well understood that this could escalate things between Washington and Russia toward full-scale war.

Zelensky made the remarks during a WhatsApp conversation with journalists, according to Reuters national security correspondent Idress Ali, who then revealed his words on social media.

But the outlet has still stressed that Zelensky understands that the final decision rests with Trump.

"To be honest, this can only be confirmed by the President of the United States of America. These are US troops, and therefore it is America that makes such decisions. Of course, we are discussing this both with President Trump and with representatives of the Coalition [of the Willing]," Zelensky was quoted as saying.

And just like that, boots on the ground as a talking point is being echoed among EU leaders...

Russian media has also picked up on the remarks...

President Trump has regularly emphasized that he won't contemplate boots on the ground in Ukraine, for example last August:

President Donald Trump on Tuesday pledged that American troops would not be on the ground in Ukraine — but provided little other insight into the scale of U.S. security guarantees as he pushes to end Russia’s war on its neighbor.

"You have my assurance, and I’m president," Trump said on “Fox & Friends,” when asked what assurances he has that there won’t be American boots in the country to defend against another Russian incursion.

Needless to say such a moved, if he were to reverse his own policy, would be hugely unpopular among Trump's base. And broadly the American public would likely see such a risky move as recipe for another US troop quagmire abroad, and in a very complex battlespace.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/zelensky-claims-trump-considering-us-boots-ground-ukraine

RFK Jr. Drops 2026 MAHA Agenda To Banish Toxic Food Dyes And Kill Off Processed Poison

  by Steve Watson via Modernity.news,

In a game-changing move that’s set to shake up the corrupt food industry, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unveiled his 2026 MAHA agenda – a no-holds-barred assault on the chemicals and loopholes poisoning the health of America.

The agenda, highlighted during a Fox News broadcast, targets eight critical areas: GRAS reform to close loopholes for untested additives, updating dietary guidelines to prioritize real nutrition over junk science, defining ultra-processed foods, front-of-pack labeling for radical transparency, a chemical review overhaul to weed out toxins, banning petroleum-based food dyes linked to hyperactivity and worse, enhancing infant formula safety, and launching a nutrition regulatory science program free from Big Pharma influence.

As highlighted in the segment by FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Kyle Diamantas, “2026 will be a fundamental transformational year for the Trump administration,” with Secretary Kennedy’s team at the FDA leading the charge on food reform.

? JUST IN: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2026 MAHA agenda has been RELEASED ?

– Petroleum-based food dyes
– Dietary guidelines
– Define ultra processed foods
– Infant formula safety
– "Generally Recognized As Safe" reform for food ingredients
– Front-of-pack labeling
-… pic.twitter.com/u9MpK0Si8Z

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 30, 2025

Diamantas further urged, “This is an issue that has gone on for far too long in our country when you talk about our national nutrition crisis – 70% of Americans are overweight or obese, we have over half of young adolescents who can’t qualify for military service, and 15,000 new cases of diabetes each week. So we have deep problems in this country – we want to tackle those head on.”

This push comes amid broader MAHA victories, but not without resistance from entrenched interests. Just days ago, a federal judge blocked enforcement of H.B. 2354, calling it “unconstitutionally vague” and halting a state-level crackdown on seven harmful additives like FD&C Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey had championed the bill, stating, “West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there’s no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission. By eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, we’re taking steps toward improving the health of our residents and protecting our children from significant long-term health and learning challenges.”

Yet Kennedy’s federal agenda powers ahead, building on 2025 milestones like phasing out Red Dye No. 3 and reconstituting vaccine advisory committees with conflict-free experts.

The 2026 plan directly addresses the childhood chronic disease explosion – one in 31 kids now diagnosed with autism, allergies afflicting one in four children, and obesity rates that disqualify young people from defending the nation.

GRAS reform stands out as a major win against the “generally recognized as safe” scam that’s allowed over 1,000 untested ingredients into food since 1997 without proper FDA scrutiny. Kennedy’s team aims to slam that door shut, forcing real safety reviews instead of industry self-certification.

On dietary guidelines, due for a radical update in January 2026, expect a shift away from outdated saturated fat limits that have propped up processed garbage. As nutrition expert Jerold Mande noted in recent coverage, “They don’t see a strong future for animal products. They just keep getting more and more expensive,” pointing to a potential emphasis on whole foods over ultra-processed alternatives. School lunches and military meals could see massive improvements, with resources funneled toward fresh, untainted options.

Defining ultra-processed foods is another cornerstone, with Marlene Schwartz emphasizing, “If the dietary guidelines said something about ultra-processed foods that just got people paying attention, I think that would be great.” This could spark a nationwide awakening to the hidden dangers in everyday snacks, cutting into Big Food’s profits while slashing obesity and diabetes rates.

Front-of-pack labeling promises to empower consumers with clear warnings, bypassing the fine-print tricks that hide toxins. Coupled with the chemical review overhaul, this will expose and eliminate contaminants that have evaded oversight for decades.

The petroleum-based food dyes ban builds on Kennedy’s April 2025 pledge to eliminate six synthetic colors by year’s end, now extended into a full purge. Despite judicial roadblocks like the West Virginia ruling, federal action could override such hurdles, protecting kids from behavioral issues tied to these petroleum-derived poisons.

Infant formula safety gets a spotlight through Operation Stork Speed, reviewing options to ensure the youngest aren’t exposed to harmful additives. And the nutrition regulatory science program will rebuild trust by grounding policies in unbiased research, free from lobbyist corruption.

Kennedy’s 2026 blueprint is a declaration of independence from the forces eroding American vitality. By prioritizing clean food, transparent science, and family health, MAHA delivers on the promise of a stronger, freer nation.

https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/rfk-jr-drops-2026-maha-agenda-banish-toxic-food-dyes-and-kill-processed-poison

Iran and Russia discuss deeper ties in phone call

 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation to review the status of bilateral relations and the implementation of joint agreements, according to Iran's state media.

The leaders reiterated the strategic importance of their partnership and highlighted achievements in economic, political, and defense cooperation.

Both sides emphasized the need for continued consultations and stronger coordination to expand what they called "comprehensive relations."

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Iran-and-Russia-discuss-deeper-ties-in-phone-call/65411532

Iran lists Canada's navy as terrorist organization

 The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that it has designated the Royal Canadian Navy as a terrorist organization.

In its official statement, the ministry explained the decision as a reaction to Canada listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. It did not specify what the consequences of that move would be.

Back in June 2024, Canada designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, claiming that the evidence indicated that the corps "has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity." Previously, it designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Iran-lists-Canada's-navy-as-terrorist-organization/65410155

Fed minutes show some favor pause after December cut

 The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released its minutes from the December meeting on Tuesday, showing that some members suggested leaving interest rates unchanged after the last cut.

On the other hand, according to the document, "most participants judged that further downward adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate if inflation declined over time as expected." Additionally, some of the members who were in favor of the December cut implied that the move was "finely balanced."

Meanwhile, regarding inflation, a certain number of participants pointed out that additional cuts could be viewed as a "lack of commitment" to the 2% inflation target, since they saw the risk of higher inflation becoming "entrenched."

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Fed-minutes-show-some-favor-pause-after-December-cut/65411925

Sellas Leukemia study awaits 80th death to trigger final analysis

SELLAS Life Sciences (NASDAQ: SLS) provided an update on the pivotal Phase 3 REGAL trial of galinpepimut-S (GPS) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Dec 29, 2025. The contract research organization reported 72 pooled events (deaths) as of Dec 26, 2025; the trial requires 80 events to trigger the event-driven final overall survival analysis. SELLAS remains fully blinded to efficacy and survival data and says this aggregate update does not affect planned statistical analyses. The company will announce when the 80th event occurs.

Additional context: the Independent Data Monitoring Committee previously recommended continuing the trial without modification.

https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SLS/sellas-life-sciences-provides-update-on-pivotal-phase-3-regal-trial-42cvdnc17bmu.html

'Jyong: Technical rebound and short covering after lock-up expiry fueled 34.53% intraday gain'

 

The sharp rise in Jyong Biotech Ltd.'s stock price on December 30, 2025, during regular market hours stems from a technical rebound following intense selling pressure triggered by the mid-December lock-up period expiration. This event unlocked shares held by insiders and early investors, leading to a multi-day price collapse and heightened volatility in the low-float biotech stock. Traders appear to be engaging in short covering and bargain hunting as the stock stabilizes off recent lows around $2.78, amplified by the company's supportive fundamentals like recent Phase II trial enrollment completion. Trading volume spiked alongside the move, reflecting opportunistic positioning in a thinly traded name sensitive to sector flows and year-end dynamics. 

https://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=MENS&p=d

'AFJK: Low-float squeeze amid SPAC merger speculation drives sharp intraday rally'

 

As a blank check company pursuing a business combination with a hydrogen-focused entity, the stock's limited public float—reduced to under 4 million shares following heavy redemptions noted in recent SEC filings—amplified buying pressure during regular trading hours. This dynamic, combined with ongoing retail chatter about proxy approvals and deadline extensions from mid-December, triggered volatile spikes as traders bet on potential short-term squeezes. Volume surged alongside the move, reflecting speculative positioning rather than new operational news, though post-merger dilution risks from planned share issuance loomed large. Based on available reports, this extends momentum from the November shareholder vote greenlighting the complex merger structure.

https://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=AFJK&p=d

Profusa revamps debt terms to reduce share dilution

 

Digital health firm Profusa restructures senior secured convertible notes, ending 2026 amortization, raising the conversion floor to $0.35 and boosting ELOC.

https://www.stocktitan.net/news/PFSA/profusa-restructures-senior-secured-convertible-notes-only-glf9he6hfeud.html

Ekso Bionics Soars After Applied Digital Proposes Cloud Spin-Out

 Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (EKSO) shares jumped 102.93%, closing at $11.08, up $5.62, after Applied Digital announced plans to spin out its cloud business, a move investors interpreted as potentially unlocking value for affiliates, including Ekso.

The stock rallied following news that Applied Digital is pursuing a separation of its cloud segment into a standalone business, with proposed strategic actions aimed at sharpening operational focus and capital allocation.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/ekso-bionics-stock-soars-103-after-applied-digital-proposes-cloud-spin-out

NY snowbirds on hook for $60K in NYS taxes after panel doubts their move to Florida

 A pair of Empire State snowbirds just learned it’s not easy to fly the coop.

An upstate couple who relocated to Florida is still on the hook for a $60,000 New York tax bill because they didn’t prove their Sunshine State pad was their main residence, the state tax panel ruled in a recent bombshell decision.

John Hoff and his wife, Kathleen Ocorr-Hoff, kept cashing paychecks here and didn’t give up their local country club memberships, the tax panel found in the decision — which could give pause to snowbirds splitting time between the Empire State and Florida.

The couple decided to retire to the warmer climes of Naples, Florida, and plunked down money for a ritzy $1 million three-bedroom, three-bath condo in the Sunshine State — but kept too many ties to Canandaigua, the Oct. 9 decision determined.

5

John Hoff and Kathleen Ocorr-Hoff relocated to Florida, but New York said they’re on the hook for a $60,000 tax bill.Facebook/Kathleen Hoff

Hoff and Ocorr-Hoff contended the proof of their move was they had registered vehicles in Florida and had bank accounts there, the 24-page ruling by the State of New York Tax Appeals Tribunal said.

Hoff also got a hunting and fishing license while Ocorr-Hoff said she started a business with a Florida address, the ruling said.

“We disagree that any of these factors are persuasive here, as each is unsubstantiated, not established to have occurred during the period in issue or contrary to the record,” the decision said.

Hoff, the founder of Global Point Technology, a successful upstate tech import/export company, and his graphic designer wife, married in 2008, according to the document.

In 2011, the couple bought the upstate home on Poplar Beach for $907,000 and settled in.

5

The Hoffs fell in love with Naples, Florida, and plunked down for a luxury condo with this stellar view, a new ruling said.Facebook/Kathleen Hoff

But Hoff and Ocorr-Hoff later “fell in love with the Naples area,” and planned an “exit strategy” to relocate to Florida, including Hoff planning to turn over the business to his grown son.

They bought the condo on Gulf Shore Boulevard in Naples in 2014 for $935,000 and even made another $200,000 in improvements, planning to make it their retirement home — and listed it as their primary residence in their 2018 and 2019 tax returns, the decision said.

The Hoffs moved their ski equipment and a valuable Waterford crystal collection into the condo, and signed up to vote, drive and hunt in Florida, and opened bank accounts as they began the transition.

They even joined a local country club, despite keeping two memberships in New York, with plans to spend winters down south and summer months back in their upstate ‘burb.

5

The Hoffs lived in upstate New York until deciding to move to Florida — but state officials said they still owe taxes.Google Maps

5

John Hoff and Kathleen Ocorr-Hoff turned in upstate New York for the warmer climes of Naples, Florida.Facebook/Kathleen Hoff

In 2018, they said they spent 186 days in New York, 131 in Florida and 48 days elsewhere, with the numbers going up to 164 days in New York, 153.5 in Naples and 47.5 somewhere else in 2019.

New York State tax officials said it wasn’t enough to make them legit Floridians.

Hoff’s plans to turn the business over to his son fizzled due to newly imposed tariffs on Chinese products, affecting the company’s bottom line, and despite reducing his work load he continued to play a key role in the company, the tax tribunal said.

More importantly, the two continued to earn income from their New York companies, including Ocorr-Hoff’s graphic design business, despite opening a new company in Florida.

In 2021, state tax officials hit the pair with a $59,648 tax bill for 2018 and 2019, with penalties.

5

John Hoff and Kathleen Ocorr-Hoff have to pay off a New York tax bill despite moving to Florida, state officials said..Facebook/Kathleen Hoff

The Hoffs challenged the bill, with the dispute ending up before an administrative judge.

“The administrative judge concluded that petitioners have not met their burden of proof to show that they changed their domicile for purposes of the tax law for the years at issue,” the judge ruled.

They appealed to the tribunal, which upheld the judge’s ruling in the October decision.

The couple could not be reached for comment Monday, and their attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.

https://nypost.com/2025/12/29/us-news/nys-snowbirds-lose-bid-to-migrate-to-florida-and-dodge-state-tax-bill/

Yemen declares state of emergency amid escalation

 Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on the country's port city of Mukalla, which targeted armored vehicles and weapons for the separatist forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to Al-Alimi's decree, the decision to impose the state of emergency was made "due to the necessity of confronting the ongoing coup against legitimacy since 2014, and the internal strife led by military rebel elements who received orders from the United Arab Emirates to take military action against the eastern governorates with the aim of dividing the Republic of Yemen."

The chairman also stated that the Joint Defense Agreement with the UAE was cancelled and that the 90-day state of emergency would also include a 72-hour air, sea, and land blockade.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Yemen-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-escalation/65409301

China: Drills punishment for Taiwan's separatists

 The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the country's latest military drills around Taiwan represent "severe punishment" for the island's "separatist" forces' efforts to seek independence.

The ministry's spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that the military exercises were needed to "safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

China started the two-day live-fire drills on Monday in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, with the island placing its military on "high alert" and urging Beijing to "immediately halt irresponsible provocations." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about the exercises as China has been conducting such drills for years and added he does not think it will attack the island.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/China:-Drills-punishment-for-Taiwan's-separatists/65409561

JD.com, Huawei reach technical cooperation deal

 JD.com Inc. shared in a statement on Tuesday that it reached a "deep technical cooperation" agreement with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

According to the statement, the two companies will set up a joint innovation project, focusing on the core technology of "low-latency inference for advertising." JD.com and Huawei will work together on intelligent advertising, large-scale models, and cloud computing.

Under the initiative, the businesses will be optimizing not only hardware and software, but applications as well, with an aim to ensure greater stability of advertising services under extreme traffic conditions, such as peak sales periods.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/JD.com-Huawei-reach-technical-cooperation-deal/65409208

Lung Cancer? Alarming Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods Even Worse Than Previously Thought

 A large U.S. cohort study has found that individuals consuming the highest levels of ultra-processed foods face a significantly greater risk of developing lung cancer, even after adjusting for smoking and other factors.

Research published in the journal Thorax analyzed data from more than 101,000 participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, researchers identified 1,706 incident cases of lung cancer, including 1,473 cases of non-small cell lung cancer—the slower-growing form—and 233 cases of the more aggressive small cell variant.

Participants in the top quartile of ultra-processed food consumption, adjusted for energy intake, showed a 41% higher risk of lung cancer compared with those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio 1.41). The associations held for both non-small cell (37% higher risk) and small cell (44% higher risk) subtypes.

Ultra-processed foods typically include items formulated with multiple industrial processes and additives, such as preservatives, emulsifiers and artificial flavors. Examples in the study ranged from ice cream, packaged sauces and confectionery to soft drinks, ready-made burgers, pizza and processed meats. On average, the energy-adjusted ultra-processed food consumption was 2.8 servings per day, with lunch meat contributing 11.1% to total UPF intake, diet or caffeinated soft drinks 7.3%, and decaffeinated soft drinks 6.6%, the study found. UPFs are described as nutritionally poor, with high energy density, low fibre, fewer micronutrients, and excessive sugars, sodium, fats and additives.

Examples: 

• Sugar-sweetened beverages
• Processed meats
• Packaged snack cakes & pastries
• Instant noodles & boxed meals
• Frozen prepared pizzas & entrées
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Flavored/sweetened dairy products
• Reconstituted meat products
• Packaged refined breads & buns
• Processed cheese products

The findings build on prior evidence linking ultra-processed foods to a range of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and reduced life expectancy. In the U.S. and Britain, such foods comprise more than half of daily caloric intake for many individuals.

“You can’t say from this study that UPFs cause cancer as it’s observational, so we’re looking at associations, not direct effects. But it does strengthen the case for looking more closely at the food environment many people are living in, where UPFs are cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed, making them a go-to for many,” Rob Hobson, author of Unprocess Your Family Life, told The Independent.

“That might mean cooking more from scratch where possible, adding in more whole foods like vegetables, beans and grains, or just becoming more aware of how often UPFs show up in your day,” Hobson added. “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about balance and understanding how your food choices could be supporting or undermining your long-term health.”

https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/lung-cancer-alarming-study-finds-ultra-processed-foods-are-even-worse-previously-thought