The US and Russia Sure Are Acting Like Allies

Good morning.

We’ve got our eye on a number of developing stories around the world: 

• At the Vatican: Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs. The longest-living pope of the past century, he has led a divided Catholic Church, advocating for reform and greater inclusivity throughout his papacy.

• In the Middle East: Hamas said that on Thursday, as part of the current phase of its cease-fire deal with Israel, it would release the bodies of four Israeli hostages whom Hamas kidnapped alive on October 7th, 2023. This is the strongest indication so far that hostages Ariel and Kfir Bibas, four-years-old and nine-months-old at the time of their abduction, and their mother, have been killed. Israel has yet to confirm their deaths. 

• In the US: On Tuesday afternoon, President Donald Trump signed an executive action directing federal agencies to explore ways to expand access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility treatments, including proposals to reduce costs. The order set a 90-day deadline for the Domestic Policy Council to issue its recommendation. The CEO for the National Infertility Association called the action a “good first step.” Congress has yet to pass legislation to protect IVF nationwide, and previous attempts were blocked by Republican lawmakers.  

In the rest of today’s newsletter, we’ve got the latest on the talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, and why the Trump administration is targeting antidepressants. Let’s get into it…

— The Editors

What's Happening

International

The US and Russia Sure Are Acting Like Allies

What's going on: If President Donald Trump’s early moves with Greenland and the Gulf didn’t raise eyebrows, his administration’s latest foreign policy shakeup will: A major US-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia yesterday, where both sides agreed to work together to negotiate the end of the war in Ukraine. Notably absent? Ukraine. Also missing? Any mention of Russia’s war crimes, Ukraine’s rights to its own territory, or the brutal toll of the war. With US-Russia relations frozen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago, the talks aimed to thaw things out. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a reset, while Russian officials hailed it as a breakthrough after years of being in political (and literal) Siberia under the Biden administration. 

What it means: The Biden era’s “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” approach to handling the most destructive conflict to hit Europe in decades is over. The talks also signal Trump’s willingness to forgo traditional allies to find a resolution he can call a win. EU countries are stunned, concerned that Trump might strike a deal allowing Russia to annex Ukraine’s sovereign territory — and possibly even renege on the US’s post-WWII security commitments. The controversial meeting follows Vice President JD Vance's fiery speech to EU leaders last week. All this has analysts questioning whether we’re on the brink of a new world order, where the US becomes Europe’s adversary and Russia’s ally.

Related: Why is Trump Seemingly Obsessed with Ukraine's Rare Minerals? (WaPo Gift Link)

Health

A Bitter Pill? The White House Eyes Psychiatric Medications 

What's going on: The Trump administration’s new MAHA-coded prescription for the US targets antidepressants and other mood disorder meds, claiming they might pose a “threat” to kids. Leading the charge? Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s launching a 100-day review despite his history of controversial comments about these drugs. He’s said antidepressants (specifically SSRIs) are "harder to quit than heroin" and linked them to school shootings — claims not backed by evidence, as most school shooters weren’t taking these meds. One addiction expert told NPR that comparing antidepressants to heroin is like comparing apples to opioids, noting they’re “in different universes when it comes to addiction risk.”

What it means: While the White House says the goal is to address overprescription, some doctors warn this move could worsen the country's mental health crisis. Their main concern? This could further stigmatize the medications, causing people to delay care or stop taking their prescriptions — even though SSRIs are proven to reduce suicide rates. A spokesperson for the American Psychiatric Association noted that the medications are already prescribed to kids “judiciously,” and, when needed, “can give children their lives back.” Analysts say this directive (which is likely to face legal challenges) could be the start of Trump-era changes to federal health policies, as the administration already moved to erase vaccine and abortion info from federal websites and restrict gender-affirming care.

Related: A Second State Is Targeting a New York Doctor for Allegedly Mailing Abortion Pills (The 19th)

Business

Big Soda Is Betting on Gut Health

What's going on: In case you haven’t been on social media lately (good for you), gut health is all the rage — and Coca-Cola wants a taste. The company announced yesterday that it’s rolling out its own prebiotic soda, Simply Pop, in select regions by the end of the month, while PepsiCo is launching its own gut soda later this year. Traditional soda sales have been fizzling out, but gut-friendly versions are on the rise, with that market projected to hit over $2 billion by 2029. So far, Olipop and Poppi are leading the pack, racking up more than $817 million in combined retail sales last year. That means Coca-Cola and PepsiCo (both of which have reportedly tried to buy Olipop) are scrambling to catchup. Let’s see if they can avoid repeating Poppi’s $25,000 vending machine fiasco.

What it means: Even though we’d all love to go to the bathroom more regularly, doctors have long warned that many of these “healthy” sodas are nothing more than good marketing. Most experts recommend getting fiber from actual food and not colorful drinks. There is also no clinical evidence that these sodas improve gut health. In fact, a former consumer is suing Poppi over its marketing tactics, saying the company’s soda doesn’t contain enough fiber to make a difference. Poppi has called the lawsuit “baseless.” Still, if there’s one thing consumers can’t resist, it’s a quick (and aesthetic) fix for complex health issues — which might just be the secret ingredient behind the probiotic drink boom. And PS: It's fine if you just like the taste.

Related: Why Is Everyone Eating Sea Moss? (Vogue)

Highlight Reel

BY SKIMM SPORTS

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Hang it in the Louvre: Team USA faced off against Team Canada in a hockey game, and things escalated quickly. Think it was the tariffs? 

Winning: LeBron James pulled a Ferris Bueller and called out of this weekend’s All Star Game. Hours later, he shared what it was that kept him away. We don’t blame him.

Dream Team?: Kim Kardashian and Nike are officially going into business together. But did ChatGPT come up with that name?

Love and Basketball: Winnie Harlow and Kyle Kuzma are engaged. That ring proves Kuzma really does have good taste.

Settle This

A new poll says 4 in 10 Americans have changed their shopping habits over political stances. Are you one of them?

Extra Credit

Eat

We firmly believe that any dip can become a satisfying meal — particularly when it's this Caramelized Onion Dip from cookbook author and GrossyWorld creator Dan Pelosi. Likened to “French onion soup meets French onion dip,” this gloriously gooey dish combines melty caramelized onions with a rich, tangy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, Gruyère, and all sorts of savory seasonings. Serve it alongside crusty bread, crinkly chips, and colorful crudités...or eat it straight from the skillet with a spoon.

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.