The Evening: Trump’s call with Putin

Also, scientists suggest that Ozempic can curb drinking.

View in browser|nytimes.com February 12, 2025 By Matthew Cullen Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Wednesday. Trump's call with Putin Worsening inflation Plus, last-minute Valentine's Day gifts President Vladimir Putin in a photo released by Russian state media. Kristina Kormilitsyna/Sputnik Trump and Putin discussed ending the war in Ukraine President Trump held a phone call today with Vladimir Putin that he described as "lengthy and highly productive." He characterized the conversation — the first confirmed talks between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House — as the beginning of a negotiation to end the war in Ukraine. The president had promised on the campaign trail that the war would end within "24 hours" of him taking office, and he has told advisers that resolving the conflict is a priority for his administration. For Putin, today's call marked the collapse of Western efforts to isolate him diplomatically after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, said he had his own call later with Trump about "charting our next steps to stop Russian aggression and ensure a lasting, reliable peace." However, the Ukrainians appear to have limited leverage. Earlier today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a NATO meeting that it was an "unrealistic" objective for Ukraine to restore its borders as they were before 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed a pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Hegseth also said that the U.S. does not support Ukraine's desire to join NATO as part of a realistic peace plan. In related news, the fiercest fighting of the war may now be in Russia, where Ukraine clings to a sliver of Kursk as a bargaining chip. The Times interviewed Russian soldiers near the front line. Work to turn a church into an emergency shelter in Jackson, Miss., is on hold. Imani Khayyam for The New York Times Many grant recipients still have no funds and no answers After two courts ordered the Trump administration to end its freeze on more than $3 trillion in federal grants, some recipients regained access to the money they had been promised. They were the lucky ones. Many other funds — for school buses in Missouri, wildfire prevention in Montana, solar panels in Massachusetts — remain frozen. The administration has changed its rationale to align with the court rulings, saying it is now blocking specific projects rather than issuing a broad hold. But those details have not been communicated to the nonprofits that are counting on the funds. Republican lawmakers have mostly praised Trump's spending cuts, but some have quietly moved to seek exemptions for their constituents. Here's a look at the agencies where the cuts have affected workers. In other politics news: The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence. Here's what we learned during her confirmation process. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved one step closer to confirmation, despite criticism from the public health world. Defying House Republicans, Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing his own budget plan. Trump was officially elected chairman of the Kennedy Center, solidifying his hold over the arts organization. Eight inspectors general fired by Trump filed a lawsuit asking the government to reinstate them. A top N.I.H. official abruptly resigned after Trump ordered deep cuts. New York got $80 million for migrants. The White House took it back. The president nominated an oil and gas advocate to run the Bureau of Land Management. Trump's order to exit the W.H.O. threw smallpox defenses into upheaval. Karl Russell Inflation increased more than expected Consumer prices rose 3 percent in January compared with a year earlier, fueled in part by increases in food and energy prices. The rise in grocery prices was driven in large part by a nationwide egg shortage caused by an outbreak of bird flu. Restaurants are struggling with the cost. In related news, Trump promised to lower costs on "Day 1." But since taking office, his aides have adopted a more measured approach. Ricardo Tomás Scientists suggest that Ozempic can curb drinking A research paper published today offered the strongest evidence to date that semaglutide — a substance in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy — can help reduce alcohol cravings. Many people had reported such an effect, but the new study offered the first randomized controlled trial on the subject. More top news Diplomacy: As part of a swap that led to the release of the American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, the U.S. is preparing to release a Russian cybercriminal. Sports: Two transgender high school athletes filed a lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order that would ban trans women and girls from women's sports teams. Weather: More than 180,000 customers in about 30 counties across Virginia were without power today after a winter storm. Air safety: Recent crashes, equipment malfunctions and fatalities have raised profound concerns about the F.A.A. Health: Flu cases are surging in the U.S., with at least 24 million reported since October. Science: A telescope under the sea found what might be the most energetic neutrino ever recorded on Earth. Scientists don't know where it came from. Recall: Canned tuna sold in 26 states and in Washington, D.C., was recalled because of botulism risks. Philadelphia: The city's schools will be closed on Friday for the Eagles' Super Bowl victory parade. Entertainment: An intern found a lost silent film from 1922 about Abraham Lincoln by the pioneering director Francis Ford in a stock footage library on Long Island. TIME TO UNWIND Brian F. O'Byrne and Ralph Fiennes in "Conclave."  Focus Features It's been a tumultuous awards season We're about halfway between the announcement of Oscar nominations and the actual Academy Awards, and industry predictions have already changed several times. A controversy around old tweets hobbled the apparent front-runner, "Emilia Pérez," and "Anora" has re-emerged as a real contender for best picture. Our award season columnist Kyle Buchanan explains where the race stands, including an attempt by "Conclave" to win by accumulating second-place votes. For more: We talked to Sebastian Stan, whose portrayal of Trump in "The Apprentice" made him an unlikely nominee, as well as Gints Zilbalodis, whose wordless, animated cat movie is up for two Oscars. Adrienne Grunwald for The New York Times Last-minute Valentine's Day gifts still count My colleagues at Wirecutter know that a lot of people leave their Valentine's Day shopping until the final days before the holiday. So they put together a list of the best last-minute gifts. And as relationship experts told my colleague Jancee Dunn, it's really the thought that counts. Consider, for example, making breakfast for your partner, or a chocolate cheesecake. Maybe even pick out a movie that reminds you of why you love (or hate) the holiday. Your Valentine's Day read: We found out what happened to the iconic heart-shaped tubs when a Poconos hotel closed last year. Graham Dickie/The New York Times Dinner table topics Westminster Dog Show: Monty, a dignified giant schnauzer, won best in show. All of the finalists brought unforgettable looks. Are the resorts ready? "The White Lotus" is coming to Thailand. So are the tourists. A final performance: After 25 years of triumphs and troubles, a ballerina bids farewell. The power of not being "nice": Janet Malcolm is remembered for her ruthlessness. The reality is much more complicated. WHAT TO DO TONIGHT Linda Xiao for The New York Times Cook: This easy chicken sheet-pan supper brings bold flavors with minimal fuss. Watch: "I Have Nothing" is a wacky and moving docu-comedy. Read: "Stone Yard Devotional" is an exquisite, wrenching novel about leaving your life behind. Listen: Check out some of Sly Stone's best hits. Take care: Experts offered advice for staying healthy while working a night shift. Prepare: Here's how to get ready for your digital afterlife. Garden: You may have seen one snake plant. You almost certainly haven't seen them all. Play: Here are today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. Find all of our games here. ONE LAST THING Iris Apfel on her 100th birthday in September 2021. Noam Galai/Getty Images Own a bit of fashion history Iris Apfel, the interior designer who became a late-in-life style icon, had a maximalist approach to art and fashion. She wore elaborate outfits and giant glasses, and she encouraged others to express themselves unabashedly. Now, a year after she died at 102, many of her devotees are flocking to her estate auction. The ongoing sale features huge bangle bracelets, chunky necklaces, a Dior couture coat with feathers and a life-size carved ostrich that doubled as a bar. Fern Mallis, the fashion industry stalwart who introduced the auction, described it as "a reflection of a woman who has lived a life full of bold choices." Have a stylish evening. Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. — Matthew Sean Kawasaki-Culligan was our photo editor today. We welcome your feedback. Write to us at evening@nytimes.com. Writer: Matthew Cullen Editors: Carole Landry, Whet Moser, Justin Porter, Jonathan Wolfe Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Evening from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Evening, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018