Washington, Feb 27 (AP): President Donald Trump says Ukraine “could forget about” joining NATO military alliance as he prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.

Trump also said Wednesday that he hopes to soon speak face to face with Russian President Vladimir Putin in hopes of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine that began when Moscow invaded in February 2022.

The Republican president declined to detail what concessions he would ask the two sides to make, but he underscored his administration's position that Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO, the Western military alliance, is not tenable.

“NATO, you can forget about it,” Trump said. “I think that's probably the reason the whole thing started.”

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Bengaluru (PTI): A 45-year-old mechanic was allegedly beaten to death in front of his children following a quarrel over a trivial issue here, police said on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Rasheed, who worked at a garage in the Wilson Garden area of the city, they said.

Seven people, including the main accused Parvez, have been arrested in connection with the murder that occurred on Sunday evening.

A video of the alleged attack was widely circulated on social media platforms.

According to police, Rasheed and Parvez allegedly argued over some work related to construction. During the altercation, Parvez allegedly hit Ahmed on the leg with a bat. Ahmed fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in his death.

"A case has been registered in connection with the incident that occurred under the jurisdiction of Wilson Garden police station. Based on the complaint, statements of the complainant, eyewitness accounts, information from locals and other evidence, police have so far arrested seven accused," a senior police officer said.

Inquiry is on to ascertain the exact motive, but prima facia, it appears that the quarrel escalated over the construction of a concrete roof for the garage shop where he worked, he said.

Asked if it was related to demands for protection money, the officer said, "We have noticed certain claims appearing in some places, but we need time to confirm whether they are true or not. The verification process is ongoing," he said.