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U.S. president also wants to conduct denuclearization talks with Russia and China

A decade after Russia was expelled from the Group of Eight for invading and illegally annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, President Donald Trump says he wants to reverse the decision and permit Russia to rejoin the group of the world’s major industrialized democracies, while also slashing America’s defense budget by 50 percent.

“I’d love to have them back, I think it was a mistake to throw them out,” said Trump, who blamed then-president Barack Obama for the collective decision by the world’s largest industrialized economies to exclude Russia from what had become the Group of Seven, of G7, after the fall of the Soviet Union, when Russia was invited to join in an attempt to integrate it more tightly with the global economy.

The American president made the shocking declaration in the Oval Office during a marathon question-and-answer session with reporters, telling the assembled press that he blamed his predecessor, former president Joe Biden, for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to order a large-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago.

Trump and Putin, pictured at a press conference in Helsinki, Finland, in 2018 spoke on the telephone on Wednesday (AFP via Getty Images)

He falsely suggested that Biden had provoked the war by supporting a path to NATO membership for Kyiv even though NATO membership has been on the table for Ukraine since 2008, when then-president George W. Bush said he “strongly supported” Ukraine as a future candidate to join the defensive alliance.

“I don’t see any way that a country in Russia’s position could allow them, just in their position, could allow them to join NATO. I don’t see that happening,” he said.

Trump, who spoke to Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, also told reporters he believes Putin “wants peace” and said he trusts the Russian leader, who according to a Senate intelligence committee report ordered Russian intelligence to interfere in the 2016 election on Trump’s behalf.

He said he wants to restart denuclearization and arms control talks with Russia and China with the aim of reducing American defense spending by 50 percent.

Trump blamed his own predecessor as U.S. president for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (AP)

“At some point when things settle down, I’m going to meet with China, and I’m going to meet with Russia, in particular, those two, and I’m going to say there’s no reason for us to be spending almost a trillion dollars on military,” he said.

He added that he’d like to come to an agreement between all three countries to cut existing military spending by 50 percent.

“I want to say, let’s cut our military budget in half. And we can do that,” he said.

Trump has frequently blamed the Biden administration and the prior Obama administration for the conduct of the war that Putin started by invading Ukraine.

Pressed on what Russia should have to give up in any negotiated settlement, Trump declined to say that Moscow should give up anything at all and instead cast yet more blame on prior presidential administrations.

“Russia has gotten themselves into something that I think they wish they didn’t. If I were president, it would not have happened, absolutely would not have happened, and it didn’t happen for four years. If you look at what has taken place under President Bush, they lost a lot under President Obama. They lost Crimea. Under Biden, it looks like they could lose the whole thing. Under Trump, they lost nothing. Ukraine lost nothing. They didn’t give up anything,” he said.

“Now, Russia has taken over a pretty big chunk of territory, and they also have said from day one, long before President Putin, they’ve said they cannot have Ukraine be a NATO. They said that very strongly. I actually think that that was the thing that caused the start of the war. And Biden said it, and Zelensky said it, and I think that was one of the reasons, one of the starts of the war. But from long before Putin, they said you cannot have, you cannot have Ukraine going in, in any way, into NATO. And I start from that standpoint. I think everybody knew that now, if a better deal can be negotiated, if they’re able to make a deal where they can do that, that’s fine with me. I really don’t care.”

The retired comedian recently relocated to the English countryside

Ellen DeGeneres has responded to reports that her home in England had flooded.

The retired comedian, 66, took to Instagram on Sunday (December 1) to honor her 20th anniversary with wife Portia de Rossi. DeGeneres posted a selfie with de Rossi as they posed in front of a typical British countryside scene, where the couple recently relocated.

“20 years ago today we began this relationship not realizing what a long beautiful adventure this would be,” the former talk show host began the caption. “You are the best thing that ever happened in my life. You take care of me. You help me see the good in everything. You help to guide me and pick me up when I feel off or down.

DeGeneres continued: “You are a beautiful soul that I am so very grateful to have as a partner to navigate this crazy life with. My wife. My best friend. The love of my life. Thank you for being you and loving me.

“So happy we get to travel and explore the world together in the next 20 years, and looking forward to our first snowy Christmas,” she wrote.

Ellen DeGeneres denies reports her U.K. home flooded (Instagram / @ellendegeneres)

DeGeneres concluded the anniversary tribute with a message for fans who were concerned that their 43-acre property had reportedly flooded due to Storm Bert in the U.K.

“P.S. for those of you concerned, our UK farmhouse did NOT flood,” she said.Earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported that DeGeneres and de Rossi’s new home in the Cotswolds, about a two-hour drive from London, had flooded due to Storm Bert, which brought days of torrential rain and wind speeds of up to 80mph. During the storm, the River Thames broke its banks, which happened to be right next to DeGeneres’s and de Rossi’s mansion.“The flood waters are rising by the hour. This is the worst I have seen it in years,” a local resident told the Daily Mail about the aftermath of the storm.

A source previously confirmed to People that DeGeneres had relocated to the English countryside after she “fell in love” with a house abroad.

“Ellen was in England house hunting in the beginning of October. She ended up finding a house that she loved and purchased it shortly after,” the source said.

The move across the pond was rumored to be in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s second-term win, as a source told TMZ that DeGeneres and de Rossi were “very disillusioned” about the election results.

Since moving to the U.K., the comedian seems to have been sporting a brand new haircut. In an Instagram Reel shared by Jeremy Clarkson’s pub The Farmer’s Dog and singer Natalie Imbruglia on November 13, DeGeneres was spotted enjoying an intimate live music session alongside her wife and friends.

The clip showed Imbruglia singing with the crowd before panning to DeGeneres, who waved to the camera wearing a shorter, darker hairstyle instead of her signature platinum blonde hair.

Brechin City FC’s monument to William Wallace ridiculed on social media

(Rudolph Botha/CC BY-SA 3.0 (edited)/Getty)

A statue unveiled outside Brechin City Football Club’s stadium in Scotland has been criticised on social media, with many comparing it to the infamously awful bust of Cristiano Ronaldo at Madeira Airport.

The monument depicts the great Scottish hero William Wallace and is based on Mel Gibson’s performance as the warrior in the 1996 Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart, which the Australian also directed.

It was first built by sculptor Tommy Church in the year of the film’s release and originally leased to Stirling Council for installation at the National Wallace Monument, which stands on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig.

“The sun and crowds came out for a fantastic day to honour the craftsmanship of Brechiner Tommy Church and it was brilliant to see the community of all ages turn out in numbers to support the event,” the club wrote in a press release promoting Sunday’s unveiling.

Brechin, which plays its football in the fifth-tier Highlands League, had hoped to celebrate the 13th century knight who fought the English during the First War of Scottish Independence but, instead, many became preoccupied by the tribute’s similarity to the famously wonky Ronaldo monument.

Others relished the details, like Wallace opening his mouth wide to bellow “Freedom!” in the manner of Britain’s Got Talent winner Susan Boyle or as though he were in agony having just stepped on a Lego brick.

The beheaded foe at his feet was also thought by several commentator’s to resemble Spinal Tap’s moustachioed bass player Derek Smalls in the celebrated comedy This is Spinal Tap (1984).

The work was further ridiculed by being compared to Spanish pensioner Cecilia Gimenez’s notoriously botched attempt to restore a faded fresco of Jesus Christ at the Sanctuary of Mercy Church in Zaragoza in August 2012.

Princess Kate stepped out in a pair of Katherine James cluster studs. We’ve found a selection of affordable alternatives, starting from £12.

The Princess of Wales looked chic in a pair of cluster pearls

The Princess of Wales has been spotted in striking pearl earrings on her latest Royal outing. The 18-carat gold pair featuring a cluster of five gemstones are reported to be from London-based jeweller Katherine James, which specialises in vintage and antique jewellery. 

While Princess Kate often wears pearl accessories, this is the first time we’ve spotted her in this unusual set, which retailed at £995. They certainly make a chic addition to her private collection, reported to be worth over £68 million and includes many pieces she inherited from Queen Elizabeth II.

The Princess Of Wales Visits An ‘Action For Children’ Mother And Baby Unit

The sold-out Katherine James Pearl Earrings in 18ct Yellow Gold retail at £995

She kept the rest of her look simple on the visit to female prison HMP Styal, a female prison, opting for a favourite brown check Blazé Milano jacket – a coat she has been snapped in on four occasions – and a burgundy rollneck. 

Unsprisingly then, it was the earrings that caught public attention. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: “Those earrings are just stunning.”

“I love the whole look! I really like the earrings,” another user chimed in. A third shared, “I need those elegant earrings now.” 

While the Katherine James pearl earrings are no longer available, we’ve found some much cheaper alternatives that offer a similar look.

Jon Richard Gold Plated Clustered Pearl Stud Earrings, £12 – available at Debenhams

First up is the Jon Richard Gold Plated Clustered Pearl Stud Earrings from Debenhams and you will not believe the price. They have just been placed in their huge sale, and you can buy them here for just £12.

The style note says that they are a “stunning arrangement of lustrous pearls set in elegant gold plating. The cluster design creates a sophisticated, dimensional look, perfect for adding a touch of timeless elegance to any outfit. Ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions, these earrings offer a refined, feminine charm.”

These are similar to the design Princess Kate wore, as they feature five pearls in different sizes, forming a cluster.

Shrimp Pearl Flower Stud Earrings, by Daisy, £12

However, if you would prefer to splash out a little bit more but do not want to break the bank, why not take a look at the Shrimp Pearl Flower Stud Earrings from Daisy, which are just £69—click on the link here to buy them.

These are a playful take on an effortless classic style. Meanwhile, Princess Kate who is a huge fan of sustainable manufacturing would also be left impressed by them.

The creative director revealed they are “Made from 100% recycled silver and 18ct gold plate” and it has been said that this design “Will have you smiling all day every day.”

A customer who purchased the stud earrings shared: “Lovely everyday earrings that are simple and timeless, yet super stylish and different from the studs that you see elsewhere.”

The Freshwater Pearl Clip On Earrings are £75

Our final item is the Freshwater Pearl Clip On Earrings, which are £75 from Wolf and Badger – buy them here and click on this link.

Not only are they elegant but these beautiful freshwater earrings are lightweight and easy to wear. Their timeless charm will complement any outfit.

Before flying home, the former Suits star met with Team USA, made up of veterans and service people injured while serving, and shared a lighthearted moment with them.

Meghan flew home from the Invictus Games early.

Athletes competing in the Invictus Games have given their verdict on Meghan Markle as she left the competition early.

The Duchess of Sussex flew back to California from Canada to be with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, while Prince Harry remains there as the tournament is to end on Sunday.

Before flying home, the former Suits star met with Team USA and shared a lighthearted moment with them.

Leandra Moehring, who competes in skiing, rowing, skeleton, and swimming, said: “We told her we saw her on Suits. And she’s like, ‘I’m sorry I’m not wearing a pencil skirt.”

She told People magazine: “They [Harry and Meghan] really took the time with each and every one of us. And despite people who are trying to keep them on schedule, they just did not mind taking pictures at all. And it was just super neat.”

Prince Harry will remain in Canada until the end of the Invictus Games.

Bryce Ewing, who competes in snowboarding, rowing, and swimming, told the outlet: “When Meghan looks at you, she really looks at you, and you feel it in your soul.

“She’s really caring. She’s very intuitive. She’s so down to earth, and she looks like she really cares.”

Meghan leaving the event early means she and Harry will be spending Valentine’s Day apart. Aides said this was always the plan and pointed to the previous games, which Meghan also left early.

A source said: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children. Meghan left the games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home. This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him, but this was planned.”

The pre-planned arrangement ensured Meghan could be with the Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, while Harry could remain at the event he co-founded.

The couple knew this would be the case, so enjoyed an early Valentine’s Day celebration by having dinner together before the Duchess flew home.

While speaking to fans at a wheelchair basketball game in Vancouver over the weekend, the former Suits star said she missed her children, MailOnline reports.

Cynthia Phelps, who had breakfast with the couple on Saturday, told reporters: “She said she was a very happy baby. She said her kids were at home and she missed them and she was excited to see a baby that was so happy.”

Wendy Williams has formally made moves to end her guardianship while continuing to deny her frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

The former talk show host reportedly signed an affidavit Wednesday requesting that a judge remove her legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, sources tell TMZ.

The news outlet’s insiders further alleged that Williams, 60, claims she has “regained capacity” to function independently.

Wendy Williams has reportedly filed a legal document to end her guardianship Wednesday.

The former talk show host signed an affidavit to end the guardianship while claiming that she has “regained capacity” to function independently, sources told TMZ

Williams (pictured here in 2020) is also continuing to deny her frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

Although Williams’ doctors diagnosed her with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in early 2024, she claims that she does not have the medical condition.

The sources also claimed that Williams is set to be “re-evaluated by a doctor” on Feb. 18.

This evaluation would take place nearly two weeks after Morrissey requested a new medical exam for Williams.

The tabloid’s sources further alleged that Williams will be “re-evaluated by a doctor” on Feb. 18.

The move for Williams to be re-evaluated comes one week after the TV personality’s guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, requested a new medical evaluation for her.

The doctor has allegedly been selected by the attorney that Williams hired to help her end the guardianship.

This move comes after she fired her court-appointed attorney, Linda Redlisky, on Jan. 29.

Additionally, insiders tell the outlet that Williams’ lawyer plans to file an “Emergency Order to Show Cause” the day after her medical evaluation.

The legal petition will “force the issue” with the judge who will ultimately decide whether or not Williams’ guardianship should be terminated.

If the judge denies Williams’ request, sources claim she will “demand” a trial by jury where jurors will decide if the guardianship should end.

On Feb. 5, Williams called into “The Breakfast Club” where she slammed her FTD diagnosis as “disgusting” and “fake.”

Should the judge deny Williams’ request, TMZ’s sources said that she plans to “demand” a trial by jury where jurors will decide if the guardianship should end.

Hours before Williams signed the legal document, she appeared on “TMZ Presents: Saving Wendy” where she claimed that she’s only been outdoors “twice” in the last 30 days.

“In the last 30 days I went out twice,” the former radio personality said in the documentary. One of those times was for a dentist appointment.

Before she signed the legal document Wednesday, Williams appeared on “TMZ Presents: Saving Wendy” where she claimed she has only been outside “twice” in the last month.

Morrissey has said that Williams’ condition will “only get worse and there is no cure.”

Williams appeared on “The Breakfast Club” on Feb. 5 and slammed her FTD diagnosis as “disgusting” and “fake.”

“That’s a very rare thing for anybody to have,” she said after calling into the radio show. “I’m not incapacitated. I am not a baby.”

Morrissey’s court filing, which comes after Williams’ appearance on the radio show, says that Williams’ condition will “only get worse and there is no cure.”

Kate Middleton gives special nod to William, Harry’s mom as she prepares to become future Queen

Kate Middleton honours Princess Diana with significant gesture

Kate Middleton has been gradually returning to work but the Princess now had new priorities especially after her cancer journey last year.

The Princess of Wales has reportedly been making significant changes at the Palace as she continues to make meaningful appearances representing her position as the future Queen.

Kate has often used her style choices to send hidden messages and give tributes to key figures in the royal family. However, it was implied by a Kensington Palace official that the outfit details of the Princess would no longer to be shared in order to keep the focus on her work.

However, that claim was clarified by the spokesperson that it was not a decision made by the Princess herself.

Despite the details of Kate’s outfits would be revealed or not, a designer expressed that the Princess of Wales will have the ‘Kate effect’ on brands regardless.

“We are used to working with Hollywood celebrities, but she is not that sort of celebrity,” Petar Petrov the Austrian-based designer told People Magazine.

“Kate is a very different thing entirely, she is truly one of a kind. She is not a movie star or a top model, she is an amazing addition for us.”

She also noted that Kate channels her late mother-in-law Princess Diana in a special way.

“I think she looks much more modern in the way she dresses now,” Petar continued. “She looks relaxed, and I think she can win the hearts of people even more because she feels like a real person that people can connect with, like Princess Diana.”

The designer suggested it makes Kate “special and makes her even more relevant than ever.”

Kate had made waves as she wore the designer’s chocolate brown wool-blend blazer during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery earlier in February.

Grimes thinks son X Æ A-XII ‘should not be in the public’ after White House appearance

Grimes on Elon Musk bringing son X Æ A-XII to White House

Grimes is not happy.

The singer has voiced her concern after her ex-partner, Elon Musk, brought their 4-year-old son, X Æ A-XII, to a press conference at the White House.

On Tuesday, Musk arrived at the Oval Office with their son, commonly known as X, to meet with President Donald Trump as he signed an executive order expanding the powers of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. 

During the event, X captured attention by making playful faces and sitting on his father’s shoulders while Musk addressed reporters.

While the moment sparked mixed reactions online, Grimes expressed worry over their son’s public exposure. After a fan alerted her to X’s appearance, she responded on Musk’s social media platform, X, saying:

“He should not be in public like this. I did not see this, thank u for alerting me.”

She added in a follow-up post:

“But I’m glad he was polite. Sigh.”

The response came after a user praised the toddler for being “very polite” during the meeting.

Musk, 53, and Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, began dating in May 2018 and welcomed their son in 2020. 

The couple largely kept their relationship private and quietly expanded their family with the birth of their daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, known as Y, via surrogate in December 2021. They did not publicly share the news until March 2022.

In June 2022, they had a third child, Techno Mechanicus, nicknamed Tau, but the birth remained undisclosed until September 2023. 

By the end of 2022, Musk and Grimes had officially ended their relationship and have since been embroiled in an ongoing custody dispute.

Valerie Bertinelli

Valerie Bertinelli has Drew Barrymore’s back when it comes to criticisms over the TV host’s “touchy-feely” interview style.

During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on Friday, January 31, Barrymore, 49, Bertinelli, 64, and Ross Mathews, 45, spoke about the E.T. actress’ trademark hosting technique.

Barrymore referenced a 2017 Wired article about studies that claimed human touch has a number of benefits including increasing happiness and success as well as minimizing stress.

“I may or may not have brought this story to the news desk because I’m known to glom on to other humans,” Barrymore said. “I also just may not be your cup of tea and you may not want at all to be touched. And I’m so sorry for that.”

However, Bertinelli rebuffed her apology, reassuring Barrymore that it was unnecessary.

“Do not apologize for being so authentic,” Bertinelli told Barrymore. “I mean, touch is what keeps us connected. Communication is what keeps us in. You are communicating and touching. You are doing your job. That’s what you’re here on this Earth to do.”

Echoing the sentiment, Matthews agreed that there was no need for Barrymore to apologize for being overly touchy.

“It’s so authentically you,” Matthews told her. “This is how you are. You couldn’t change you if you tried.”

Admitting that not every guest is as comfortable with being touched, Barrymore explained that she is just naturally a touchy-feely person.

“But I also know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea,” the actress added. “I was just happy to find out that there is scientific, neurological benefits.”

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore has received backlash in the past for her friendly and tactile interview style, including when Martha Stewart appeared as a guest on the show in November 2024.

During Stewart’s appearance on the show, Barrymore looked to get a little touchy when discussing what made the celebrity cook “soft and gooey” on the inside.

“Soft and gooey treatment?” Stewart, 83, responded before Barrymore clarified, “When you’re treated like a lady.”

As Barrymore touched Stewart’s shoulder, the lifestyle guru playfully pushed her away while telling her, “You’re the wrong gender.”

In response, Barrymore joked, “I know! Although, the way it’s going with men, Martha, I’m not so sure anymore.”

Barrymore also referenced her tendency to touch people during an episode of her show in December 2024.

“I’m so touchy,” the host admitted. “People have to warn me, they’re like, ‘Back off a little bit.’ And I’m like, ‘Why?’”

Barrymore went on to explain that perhaps her current relationship status was behind the desire for human touch.

“Because physical connection — you know, I’m single, I’m not dating anyone,” Barrymore added. “I don’t have that in my life but I don’t know how I would ever hold back from holding hands, hugging, snuggling.”

Prince William skips BAFTAs to champion young filmmakers at London Screen Academy

The Prince of Wales engaged with students working on their latest projects

Prince William recently visited the London Screen Academy, immersing himself in the world of budding filmmakers as part of his ongoing commitment to the British creative industries. 

His visit, which comes just days after Kensington Palace confirmed that he and Princess Kate would not be attending this year’s BAFTA Film Awards, underscored his focus on nurturing emerging talent rather than walking the red carpet.

At the academy, which was founded to bridge skill gaps and improve diversity in the UK’s film sector, the Prince of Wales engaged with students working on their latest projects. 

He observed their creative process firsthand, learning about the challenges and opportunities they face in the evolving entertainment landscape.

As BAFTA President, Prince William remains dedicated to supporting the next generation of industry professionals, reinforcing his commitment to fostering new talent and breaking down barriers in British film, television, and gaming.