New: In a voice memo sent to reporters just now, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasts Trump as "weak" and accuses the US leader of using the Ukrainian negotiators who are meeting their American counterparts in Miami today "as a smokescreen." @FT "At this very moment—while our team is speaking with the American team in Florida—the President of the United States is talking to the Kremlin leader, the leader behind this war and this aggression, and is reaching an agreement allowing Russia to export diesel. This means additional funds for the war, additional funds to fuel the suffering inflicted upon us. Undoubtedly, this only emboldens Putin and enables them to continue fighting. It is happening right now, just as we are discussing peace: America is allowing Russia to export diesel. This means millions, billions. Ultimately, it all goes towards the war against people, against Ukraine—against all of us. I believe our team is simply being used as a smokescreen. This is certainly dishonest; it is certainly not how partners should act. And, in my view, it is a weak decision—sadly, a weak decision made by strong partners." ft.com/content/84ca76fd-0eed…

Q: Did you personally authorize or approve the livestreamed execution? TRUMP: Did I approve? Absolutely I did

Pete Hegseth says Americans will be able to watch a Trump-approved firing-squad execution. If he follows through, the U.S. could join a disturbing club of countries known for public executions—including Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea. meidasnews.com/news/hegseth-…

.@JamesTalarico on Texas officially banning THC: “This bill is insane. Texans aren’t going to stop smoking weed and eating edibles because politicians in Austin say so. Texans will still use THC — but instead of getting it safely from a local small business, they’ll go back to getting it from the black market. From the drug cartels. This ban is a gift to the cartels. We are now telling full-grown adults how to live their lives. This is the nanny state at its worst; this is big government at its worst. Instead of fully funding our schools, guaranteeing healthcare, or making childcare more affordable — this Legislature is focused on banning a product that gives people a little peace. We’re making people’s lives harder, not easier. I want to leave you with a quote: ‘It is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use.’ That wasn’t a Democrat. That was President Donald Trump. To my Republican colleagues, I’m asking you to oppose the cartels, stand with President Trump, and vote no on this insane bill.”

For context: In just over 7 months of war with Iran, the U.S. has already lost or damaged 81 military aircraft—fighters, tankers, helicopters and drones. It took multiple years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan to reach comparable aircraft losses. Whatever else you think about this war, the rate at which we're losing American airpower is extraordinary.