Return to Transcripts main page
What We Know with Max Foster
Thousands Overrun Aid Site In Southern Gaza On First Days Of U.S.- Backed Distribution Effort; Suspect Arrested For Attempted Murder After Liverpool Crash; King Charles Opens New Session Of Canada's Parliament; Trump Moves To Cancel Remaining Federal Contracts With Harvard; Germany: No Range Restrictions On Weapons For Ukraine; . Aired 3-4p ET
Aired May 27, 2025 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[15:00:25]
ISA SOARES, CNN HOST: Utter desperation in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians overrun an aid facility after an almost three-month blockade.
I'm Isa Soares, in for Max Foster. This is WHAT WE KNOW.
And we'll begin with what the U.N. calls heartbreaking scenes at a new aid distribution site in Gaza. Thousands of people overran this site in Rafah
on the first day of operations for a U.S.-backed Israeli -- U.S.-Israeli backed, I should say, aid mechanism. Months of a total Israeli blockade
have pushed them closer toward famine.
And as you can see there on your screen, just utter desperation to get really their hands on any food. Only two of the new aid sites are up and
running for Gaza's 2 million people. The U.N. has repeatedly warned the new mechanism won't meet Gaza's overwhelming needs and will put civilians in
danger. And it's urging an immediate surge in aid to save lives.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEPHANE DUJARRIC, UNITED NATIONS SPOKESPERSON: We have been watching the video coming out of Gaza around one of the distribution points set up by
the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. And frankly, these video -- these images are heartbreaking, to say the least. As the secretary general noted last
week, we and our partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan supported by member states to get aid to desperate population.
We continue to stress that a meaningful scale up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians,
wherever they are.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Meantime, Israel and the U.S. say the new mechanism is meant to keep aid away from Hamas. The foundation says normal operations have now
resumed.
Jeremy Diamond is in Jerusalem with the very latest for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: Chaotic scenes at a newly opened aid distribution site in southern Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians
desperate for food overrunning this newly opened site, even prompting the withdrawal of the American security contractors who were manning this site.
You can see in videos from the scene as crowds of Palestinians go over some of the barriers, break down the fences, all in a bid to grab some of the
last remaining food parcels at this newly opened location.
This marks the first full day of operations for the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is a U.S. and Israeli approved aid mechanism
for getting aid into Gaza in a way that Israeli authorities will accept. Its only existence is because Israeli authorities won't let aid into Gaza
via the traditional humanitarian aid channels, accusing Hamas of stealing the aid.
That's an allegation that Hamas denies, and also that these humanitarian aid agencies say simply doesn't check out with the reality on the ground.
But nonetheless, this Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is beginning to ramp up. In fact, they say that they have control of this site once again, and they
plan to resume operations at that very same site on Wednesday. But major questions still remain about their ability to actually alleviate what is a
clear hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip.
In fact, even after one week of Israel allowing limited quantities of aid into Gaza in order to alleviate some of the pressure before this new
mechanism gets into place, we are seeing these scenes of chaos at this newly established site that show that hunger still grips so much of Gaza's
population in northern Gaza, the situation is even worse, as very few aid trucks have actually been able to make their way to the northern part of
the strip. The Gaza humanitarian foundation, their first four distribution sites will be in southern and central Gaza. They claim that they will have
two more sites in the northern part of the strip within their first month of operations, but that remains to be seen.
Jeremy Diamond, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: A 53-year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car struck a crowd Monday in Liverpool in England. At least
65 people were injured. It's believed the suspect was able to follow an ambulance into a closed off street, before colliding with dozens of fans
celebrating Liverpool football club's Premier League title. Police said 11 -- said 11 people remain in hospital and are recovering. They are not
treating this incident as terrorism.
[15:05:00]
We'll have more now from our Nic Robertson in Liverpool for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: A day later, Liverpool police searching for clues. Forensic teams scouring streets still littered
from the soccer cup celebrations abruptly ended as a vehicle plowed into the crowds. The police calling it attempted murder.
DETECTIVE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT KAREN JAUNDRIL, MERSEYSIDE POLICE: We have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted
murder, dangerous driving offenses and driving whilst unfit through drugs. He remains in custody where he is being interviewed.
ROBERTSON: Hundreds of thousands of fans crowded the streets as their team aboard an open top bus took a ten mile tour, showing off their latest
trophy. How the driver got among them answered by the police.
ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTANBLE JENNY SIMS, MERSEYSIDE POLICE: It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to
follow an ambulance onto water street after the roadblock was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public
who was having a suspected heart attack.
ROBERTSON: The city still in shock.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it was a terrible thing. What happened yesterday shouldn't happen anywhere, in any event or celebrations, and I'm
just getting text messages from people back home to see if they're safe, felt disgusted after it when I heard because you didn't know it was women
and kids and if anybody was dead.
ROBERTSON: Firefighters pulled four victims, including a child, from under a vehicle. Sixty-five people injured. Police say 50 of them taken to
hospital, 11 of them remain there they say for treatment.
They describe their condition as recovering. The British prime minister among many to pay their tribute to the victims.
KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: My thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected. Liverpool stands
together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.
ROBERTSON: The police now do seem to have a good sense of how this happened and who was responsible. Less so why. But what is clear, it's
going to be long after this police tape comes down, the crime scene is cleared, the street is open before the people of Liverpool can really come
to terms with the terrible tragedy that unfolded here.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Liverpool.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Britain's King Charles says he's deeply shocked and saddened by the events in Liverpool. In a statement, he said it is truly devastating to
see what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances, adding: I know that the strength of
community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort as well as support to those in need.
The king, meanwhile, is in Canada for a deeply symbolic visit, opening a new session of parliament today following the election, of course, of Prime
Minister Mark Carney. King Charles receiving a royal salute and 100-person guard of honor on arrival as you can see there. His visit coming as U.S.
President Donald Trump expresses his desire to make Canada the 51st state. In a speech to Canada's parliament, the king emphasized the country's
sovereignty.
Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KING CHARLES, UNITED KINGDOM: Today, Canada faces another critical moment - democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are
values which Canadians hold dear and ones which the government is determined to protect.
The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada's
relationships with partners are also changing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Let's get more on this. Well, Paula Newton was listening and she's standing by.
And, Paula, good to see you.
I think we cannot underestimate I think the symbolism of this moment and really an exercise in soft power right there. Talk us through what we
heard.
PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah. You know what's so struck me, Isa, even more than the speech itself, which well get to in a moment. The crowds
that turned out for King Charles and Queen Camilla would have been something uncommon to them, especially as he has not traveled that much
given his cancer diagnosis. And again and again when I was watching this, they thanked them for coming.
Canadians just said to him and her and they did lots of walkabouts. Thanks for coming. And that is the symbolism of what it means to have a king and
his queen here in Canada, at a point that no one will dispute, is critical for Canada, not least because President Trump has not just damaging the
economy, but asserting that it would be better off -- Canada would be better off as the 51st state.
[15:10:05]
The speech itself was in fact quite bold, if quite subtle and diplomatic. It was bold in its action, in talking about Canada as a country that can do
ambitious things. I will note as well that in the beginning of the speech, Charles had a personal note saying that every time he comes to Canada, he
gets more of Canada in his bloodstream and it goes straight to his heart.
It was certainly a success, not least because of the weather. So, we have not had a good spring here. The sun was shining, it was warm, and I think
the prime minister, Mark Carney, that is, remember, he's the one who extended this invitation.
King Charles did not have to accept, it is historic. He accepted. And I'd imagine both Buckingham Palace and the prime minister's office quite
pleased with themselves at this hour.
SOARES: Yeah. If you don't like the weather there, you should have come here. It has been chucking it down here, as you would expect.
But look, let's talk about what we heard, because I heard that line too. I thought it was really moving to hear that from him. But also, I thought it
was interesting that he recognized pretty early on the indigenous communities.
Speak to some of the points he made. Obviously, he was it was a very fine line to tread on the politics front, but speak to how the message was
received at home.
NEWTON: Yeah. You know, it has been so interesting because not only have indigenous peoples, first nations peoples here in Canada had, you know, a
very difficult relationship with the crown, but also the people of Quebec. And I was in Quebec last week, and I spoke to some people who said they do
not have a lot of fondness for the monarchy, even though they respected Queen Elizabeth.
And yet this time, it doesn't mean that they want Canada to remain a constitutional monarchy. It doesn't mean that they do not believe the crown
has work to do. But in this moment of need, they admired the king for coming.
I will say the governor general here, the queen's representative in Canada, is Mary Simon. And she is indigenous by birth. And for that reason, it was
also special to see all of that come together on the tableau, if you will, today for Canada.
Listen, King Charles, this is a good bit of branding for him as well. Many people have speculated that since the queen passed away, how would he
reaffirm himself as a king, not just in Britain, but to the realm, as they say in his realms? And this was definitely a good starting point. I'll
point out it was his first visit to Canada as king, his 20th in general.
And again, it was those authentic things that I heard in those walkabouts as well, from the very authentic thanks and gratitude I heard from
Quebecers last week that I think will resonate not just here, Isa, but continue to resonate at the White House where president Trump is supposed
to have his welcome to Britain, I believe, in September. And again, it will stick in his mind that Canada is separate and apart and truly still at this
point, sovereign and a part of the commonwealth.
SOARES: Thanks very much, Paula. Good to see you as always. Thank you.
And coming up, the future of thousands of international students and billions of dollars, by the way, in federal funding are now in limbo as the
legal fight between Harvard university and President Trump intensifies. We'll bring you the very latest. That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:16:20]
SOARES: President Donald Trump is escalating his fight with Harvard University in a big way. Mr. Trump is ordering agencies to cancel $100
million in federal contracts with Harvard. He is also threatening to pull $3 billion in grant money from the school over its handling of anti-Israel
protests. The two sides faced off in court earlier today after the president demanded Harvard turn over the names, as well as countries of its
international students.
I want to bring in Katelyn Polantz. And Katelyn joins me now.
And, Katelyn, apology. I had to interrupt the last hour, so I'm hoping that you can give me some clarity here in terms of what happened today at court
to speak to that, because today was about Trump's efforts to ban, of course, international students.
What did we hear?
KATELYN POLANTZ, CNN CRIME AND JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: It is. But in that court case, it's still ongoing. And what the hearing today was, it was very
short and it was setting up for a major hearing on Thursday arguments where the judge in this case, in federal court in Boston, is going to look at the
possibility of permanently or indefinitely telling the administration they cannot ban international students or revoke the student visa program from
Harvard University.
But this case, it's one of a couple where the people of Harvard, the faculty, Harvard itself, they're trying to go to court to fight what they
say is a pattern of retaliation from the Trump administration, something that they believe is not just about what the administration says it is. The
administration is accusing Harvard of being -- allowing antisemitism to fester on campus and to not following their policies on diversity.
What Harvard says is that this is a much bigger thing, that this is an issue of free speech and their ability to operate their campus, to bring in
the students they want to hire, the faculty that they want, and to teach how they want to have academic autonomy in the way that they always have
since they were founded more than 200 years ago. That's what they're fighting for in court.
So, in the next 24 to 48 hours, we're going to see a couple things in this particular case over student visas. We're going to hear more very likely
from both the Justice Department on their arguments about what they're doing here and from Harvard. Summing up for the judge, everything that's
going on in this last week, they told her they want to tell her more, including very likely pointing out that the Trump administration wants to
revoke the ability of Harvard to have any government contracts to the tune of about $100 million, a small amount of money for Harvard. But something
that goes into this larger pattern, it's going to be a very big hearing on Thursday. And so, we await to see what happens there and what Judge
Burroughs in Boston does next.
SOARES: In the meantime, we know that he is threatening to cut off, what, 3 billion or so dollars in federal grant funding. Where, Katelyn, if we
know at this stage, where these cuts could have the biggest impact, if it does, go ahead?
POLANTZ: Yeah, there's been a lot of different accusations or threats that the Trump administration has made. They've even threatened to pull up. I
believe the number is around $9 billion. But what has been blocked so far, the vast majority of that the biggest pot of money it's around research
funding specifically related to National Institute of Health grants. So, science and health research that the university does, a lot of money coming
in from the federal government supporting those faculty, those labs that research.
That's only one of the things, though, that the Trump administration wants to do. They're also going to Harvard and saying, we don't want
international students on your campus anymore, we want to revoke that visa program. That would affect about a quarter of Harvard's student population,
many graduate students, the type of people that may work in those research labs.
And then in addition to that, there's the federal contracts. Those are contracts that Harvard has with the U.S. government that the U.S.
government says they want those contracts to go to other places than Harvard. And then on top of that, there are threats about Harvard
maintaining its tax-exempt status, essentially making it a big money saver to be a tax-exempt university operating in the United States. So, we're
waiting to see what the next shoe to drop is here. But all of this is going to be discussed in court.
SOARES: I know you'll be across it for us. Katelyn, as always, thank you very much indeed. Katelyn Polantz there.
Well, U.S. public broadcaster National Public Radio is suing the Trump administration over the president's executive order to slash its federal
funding. NPR argues President Trump's attempt to defund it is, quote, a clear violation of the Constitution and freedom of speech. Mr. Trump has
accused American public broadcasters of, quote, being biased.
NPR calls the president's actions, quote, textbook retaliation. U.S. President Donald Trump's frustration with his Russian counterpart could
evolve into new sanctions on Russia, sources tell CNN options have been drawn up for Washington to apply new measures punishing Moscow. But so far,
Mr. Trump has not approved them.
While Donald Trump is one of the many world leaders who are wondering what will it take for Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a ceasefire
deal, American-led peace talks have failed, as you all know, to reach a breakthrough. This as the Kremlin intensifies its aerial bombardment on
Ukraine.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz says his country and other Ukrainian allies have lifted restrictions on Ukraine firing long range missiles into
Russia. The Kremlin is slamming Chancellor Merkel's decision as, quote, dangerous.
Our Clare Sebastian is tracking the story for us.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're hearing that from the European leaders, they are resurfacing calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine, reiterating
their support for Ukraine. We even heard from the German chancellor on Monday, who said that Ukraine no longer had any restrictions on using long
range Western missiles in Russia. That we understand is not a new policy, but certainly hearing him voice that not only shows that this new German
chancellor is willing to risk Russian red lines to show just how much he supports Ukraine, but also raises speculation that German long range
missiles with a range much longer than the U.S. and British missiles, that Ukraine has already been supplied with, might be in play.
Certainly, Chancellor Merz has made it clear that he's in favor of that. So that's what we're hearing from the Europeans. The Kremlin, though, in the
face of those comments from Trump, absolutely crazy, maintaining a very calm exterior, perhaps in part to disprove the absolutely crazy allegation.
The Kremlin, as you noted on Monday, saying that this was, you know, emotional, emotional overload of everyone. So not specifically even naming
Trump.
And again, this morning, we've heard from Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, saying the U.S. and Russia cannot agree on everything he
said. But there is a political will to continue working together.
So, I think, look, despite those comments, despite the fact that we've seen Trump's frustration bubble over a number of times towards Putin in recent
weeks, the kremlin is still relatively confident here, relatively emboldened, because while there's been a lot of talk out of Washington,
there hasn't actually been any action yet. No new sanctions have been put in place, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked about this publicly in
those congressional hearings last week, saying that the calculation is still that not putting more sanctions on Russia is the best way to keep
Russia at the table.
And secondly, that same Truth Social post on Monday that described Putin as absolutely crazy, also criticized President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, saying
that everything that comes out of his mouth causes problems.
So I think the kremlin is probably holding out some hope that that relationship, the breakdown of which, of course, led to the suspension of
U.S. military aid temporarily in March, is also still on unsteady ground and are continuing, I think, to do just enough to try to keep the U.S.
engaged and keep that promised reset in relations on the table without, of course, compromising in its pursuit of its goals in Ukraine where we see a
significant escalation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: And that Clare Sebastian reporting there.
And still ahead, a U.S. special envoy says a ceasefire is on the table for Gaza, even as Israel warns of an unprecedented attack to come. That is
next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:27:53]
SOARES: Welcome back, everyone.
A U.S. special envoy says a ceasefire deal is now on the table for Gaza. Steve Witkoff says it says it calls for the release of half of the living
hostages and half of those who've died in exchange for a temporary truce. He did not say how long the truce would last. Witkoff says Israel will
agree to the deal and urged Hamas to accept it.
Israel, meantime, is facing increasing pressure over the war at home and as well as abroad. One former Israeli prime minister says enough is enough.
Ehud Olmert is accusing his own country of, quote, indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians in Gaza. He says Israel
is committing war crimes.
Olmert spoke earlier to CNN. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EHUD OLMERT, FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: I criticize the Israeli government and particularly the lack of any vision about what comes next,
what are we going to do in order to end the war, release the hostages and start to move towards some kind of a political horizon that will start,
perhaps a process that will end the military confrontations?
What happened, particularly in the last few days, was the statements made by Israeli cabinet ministers, the leading cabinet ministers that say we
should starve Gaza. What is it if not a war crime? I mean, how can a serious person representing the Israeli government can spell it out in such
an explicit manner that we should starve Gaza, that there should be no supply of basic, fundamental humanitarian needs to a couple of millions of
people living there.
They are terrorists that we need to fight. But this is not a war against Hamas. This looks more and more like a political war of the Israeli prime
minister and the cabinet and the group of thugs which are now representing the Israeli government inside Israel, and across the world are committing
actions which can't be interpreted in any other way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[15:30:07]
SOARES: Former Israeli prime minister speaking there.
We're also hearing more and more criticism of Israels war from leaders in Europe. In a phone call with the king of Jordan, European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen called Israel's expanded operation targeting civilian infrastructure abhorrent. She also said, quote, the
disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law. Von der Leyen repeated the E.U.'s call
for Israel to lift its aid blockade.
And then last week, if you remember this dramatic moment in the European parliament, Slovenia's president received sustained applause when she said,
quote, we are witnessing genocide. Some members even gave her a standing ovation, as you can see there. Spain's prime minister has used a similar
term referring to Israels genocidal state.
Let's get more on all these strands. Of course, we're joined now by another former Israeli prime minister, Ehud Barak. He also served as Israeli
defense minister and IDF chief of staff.
Prime minister, welcome back to the show.
As we just showed viewers there, we are starting to see a growing number, a growing chorus, I should say, of criticism, and not just domestically,
directed at Netanyahu in what relates to the handling of the war in Gaza. Do you think that any of the comments that we've heard, be it from Ursula
von der Leyen or European allies, do you think that has any bearing on Prime Minister Netanyahu's decisions?
EHUD BARAK, FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: I think it should have. Europe is our kind of natural, reference group of nations in the -- just beyond
the region, and our major trading partners and cultural values, everything is the same, I think.
But, you know, it's -- the main issue is to Israelis. It's our challenge to impose more rational position on our government, not the role of the
Europeans. Netanyahu, in fact, torpedoed hostage deals several times in the last 18 months, 80 percent of Israelis believe hostage release should be
the number one priority of the whole world. And you know, its time -- the time to realize Netanyahu in Israel or another, Netanyahu is acting upon
personal interests, not the national security ones.
And my personal judgment, if President Trump would raise the phone even without publicizing it and just tell Netanyahu in plain English, I strongly
recommend you release all the hostages and put an end to this war as soon as possible, the result will be that the hostages will be released, and the
war will end.
SOARES: And we have heard, I think it's fair to say some frustration from President Trump in what relates to the war. But that's all it is, is
frustration. We haven't heard -- we don't know if there's been any conversation in terms of redlines or any pressure on Netanyahu, although we
have seen in the last few weeks or so, especially from his trip to the Middle East, some sort of distancing of frosting, a frosty relationship of
sorts.
How do you read that relationship?
BARAK: Look, Trump proved to be a very good kind of supporter of Israel, and I'm in no position to criticize this or that detail of the way he runs
his policies. But in fact, he visited the Middle East. And he, in a way, preferred Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, Iran, and almost everyone else over
visiting Israel.
And probably it sends a signal that Israel should do better. We have we -- Netanyahu faces a choice that he described as a binary one when it is not
the case. He says, either we capitulate to the Hamas or go to this absolute victory of Hamas, and there will be this worthless and totally unjustified
war that he claims.
And there is a third opening which even Prime Minister Olmert mentioned, he avoids from day one of this war to discuss what is the political objective
of this war. There is a famous Roman saying, if you don't know which port you want to reach, no wind will take you there.
[15:35:02]
We should discuss the day after, at the beginning. And I tell you, the only way for Israel to defeat Hamas fully is by replacing it by other force,
which is legitimate in the minds of the international law. International community the Arab neighbors and the Palestinians themselves. It couldn't
be Swedish or Israeli entity. It should be something related to Palestinian.
And the solution is on the table. Bring a inter-Arab force backed by Arab League decision and by the -- if necessary, even U.N. Security Council
resolution, finance it by the Emiratis and Saudis, create a government of technocrats and Palestinian bureaucracy gradually built a security force
which only two demands of Israel, number one, not a single person who was in the military branch of Hamas can participate in any part of the new a
new entity.
And number two, Israel will withdraw at the beginning only to the perimeter of the strip and only once all security are prior agreed arrangements are
set up. It will withdraw to the border.
SOARES: Yeah. Look, the day after, this is something that, of course, so many have been asking for. Even under the present former president, of
course, President Biden administration. And we never saw it. This is something -- one of the criticisms we have heard throughout.
But you mentioned there former Prime Minister Olmert, who, as you well know, you would have seen has written a pretty scathing opinion piece. I'm
sure you saw today, Prime Minister in Haaretz, accusing Israel of committing war crimes. We have also heard from Yair Golan, the leader of
the Democrats, who said that Netanyahu is turning Israel into a global pariah.
Can you speak to the mood at home? Are you seeing at all any sort of shift domestically? Give us a sense of what the mood is like.
BARAK: Look, they expressed their views, I believe, and hope we are not executing war crimes over there, but it is clear that we are to think of
the consequence. What exactly we aim to achieve from October 7th. October 7th, the barbarian attack. Unprecedented in all our history. This attack
created a compelling imperative to Israel to make sure Hamas will never, ever reign over the Gaza again and cannot threaten Israel from there.
The solution to this is what I have described. It's a -- it's a neighborhood, a neighborhood solution backed by the Americans. And of
course, we have to -- we will have a time. We want to establish inquiry committee, national inquiry committee, to get into all the details and
clarify what happened before October 7th and what happened after October 7th.
I'm sure this inquiry committee, which Netanyahu resists with all its. Power as prime minister because he understands that he might be found the
main responsible guy, responsible for everything. But it will be established, and we will know the truth. And Israel has to face whether we
do it right or wrong, we have to be able morally to face it.
SOARES: Ehud Barak, always great to get your insight. Thank you very much, prime minister. Appreciate it.
I want to turn now -- return now to the Kremlin's aerial bombardment as we've been telling you here on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials say overnight
attacks killed at least two people and wounded several more. And it comes as American-led peace talks have failed to reach a breakthrough.
Meantime, Germany and other Ukrainian allies say the restrictions are over and Kyiv can fire long range weapons into Russia.
My next guest is General Wesley Clark, the former NATO supreme allied commander, who joins me now.
General, great to have you back on the show.
Let me pick up with what we heard from Germany, really, Chancellor Merz and I wonder how significant you think it is -- this decision to -- from
Germany to remove range restrictions on its weapons. What would it mean for Ukraine's defense if it's getting the weapons it needs critically here?
GEN. WESLEY CLARK (RET.), FORMER NATO SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER: Well, I think it's politically significant, number one. And number two, it depends
on U.S. intelligence and the number of long range weapons provided. Russia has redundant weapons depots. It's producing its glide bombs in numerous
places. And some of these are beyond the range of the longest Western weapons anyway.
[15:40:02]
But with enough firepower and the right intelligence -- yes, these forces, these weapons can be concentrated on the right forces and have a
significant impact on the battlefield. But it's not a one-shot going to fix this. There's no magic bullets in this. Europe and the United States have
to provide more of everything.
SOARES: And we know, and correct me if I'm wrong here, General. Several European countries had already lifted some of those restrictions on long
range, right? So, has that -- have you seen a shift at all in that?
CLARK: Well, I think there is a shift in some respect on this, and I think it's helpful at this point. Everything that's politically adding to the
pressure against Russia is helpful. So, if Russia says this is a dangerous move, that's a good sign.
We need a lot more of those moves that Russia condemns as dangerous, because it's those moves that can give the incentive to Mr. Putin to be
realistic about his prospects, as long as he thinks he's winning, as long as he thinks he's got the West divided and befuddled and afraid and
cautious and worried about nuclear and this and that, he's going to keep fighting on Ukraine.
He's got the forces to do it. He's got the manpower to do it. He's got the North Korean artillery and rockets, the Iranian drones, the Chinese spare
parts and chips and so forth he needs. This is a global effort against Ukraine and West and the United States. We can't hang back on this because
this is not going to go away.
Right now, Ukraine is fighting for the defense of Europe, where Ukraine does stumble and fall. Europe is woefully unprepared to defend itself.
SOARES: And I think that's why we have seen not just a decision from Merz, but also the language, very strong language from the German chancellor. And
what we don't know right now is whether Germany would supply Ukraine with its powerful long-range Taurus missiles. Merz hasn't been drawn on this,
but important to point out that President Zelenskyy is visiting Berlin tomorrow.
Do you see Germany committing to delivering tourists, or is this or is this just too provocative, you think?
CLARK: No, I see Germany providing tourist missiles, but the issue is how many is it? a dozen? That's not significant militarily. A hundred? That's
more significant militarily.
A guaranteed supply of 100 a month? Well, they're not producing that many. And so, this is the kind of quantities we're talking about to make a
difference. Russia has tremendously ramped up its drone production. It's firing dozens of ballistic missiles per week.
And so, it's not a matter of what it looked like a couple of years ago when you would say a few HIMARS, a couple of ATACMS would make a difference.
That's no longer the case.
SOARES: Let me turn to the United States, because we did hear we have been here, I should say, in the last 48 hours or so. Some really tough words
from President Trump today.
He said -- I think he said Putin is playing with fire. Yesterday, he said he was absolutely crazy. And then we're hearing from sources that the U.S.
is considering sanctions potentially.
Do you see this that President Trump is losing patience with Putin? He's seeing for what he is. Do you see the significance of this?
CLARK: Well, I hope he's losing patience because everyone around him and all the advice he's had from the beginning has been that you can't charm
Putin into giving up his objective of overrunning Ukraine and changing NATO in Europe. You all the charm, all the admission back into the G7 and so
forth is not enough.
And president Trump has been advised of this many, many times. So, I don't think yet were at the stage where you're going to see these sanctions
imposed. I wish we would. I hear that there's a wait for another meeting in Geneva, and then there'll be another recalibration, and there'll be -- this
is a game the Russians are playing.
They -- they've got -- they've got Mr. Trump, in their in their crosshairs. You know, he has said he has a special relationship with Mr. Putin, but it
seems that special relationships are working the opposite way. And that's the danger.
SOARES: And, General, that -- what I've been hearing, I suppose what I've been hearing from foreign ministers, European foreign ministers on my show,
there's an element, obviously, waiting for the U.S. diplomatic pressure to continue. Obviously, there have been no red lines from President Trump. But
at the back of their minds is this fear, of course, that the U.S. will back away from it, that President Trump will lose interest and will forget about
Ukraine.
Then if he's losing patience with President Putin, how do you see them, the next move? Is it more support for Ukraine? Continued support for Ukraine?
Or is in washing his hands from Ukraine?
CLARK: Well, first of all, for the Europeans, I think there's a dilemma. If they move forward without the United States, there's a fear that the
United States will then turn its back on Europe. If they wait for the United States, then there's impatience as to what's the United States going
to do.
So I think in the case of the United States, I think it's going to be impossible for President Trump actually to walk away and turn his back.
Theres very, very strong sentiment among the American people. And in the U.S. Senate that the United States not only must stay engaged, but must do
much more to counter Russia.
I think it's a matter of how President Trump is able to calibrate this with his special relationship with Mr. Putin, and I think he's using the Senate
right now. And the move to put sanctions on. It's rolling up through the Senate as a way of showing Mr. Putin that he could put pressure on, but
he's got to pull the trigger.
SOARES: General Wesley Clark, really appreciate you coming on. Thank you very much, sir.
CLARK: Thank you. We're going to take a short break. Be back on the other side.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: A second suspect has been arrested in the alleged kidnapping of an Italian cryptocurrency trader. A short time ago in New York, William
Duplessie turned himself into police. This comes after Friday's arrest of suspect John Woeltz. The two are accused of holding a man hostage in order
to get his bitcoin password.
Let's get more on this. Gloria Pazmino joins me now.
Gloria, just bring us up with the very latest.
GLORIA PAZMINO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right. Police sources here in New York City yesterday that police were waiting for another un-apprehended male to
turn himself into the authorities. And that is exactly what happened early this morning. The police commissioner here in New York City describing this
man as an associate of John Woeltz.
[15:50:04]
He's the man that was arrested on Friday in relation to this incident. Now, who you're seeing there on your screen is the man who turned himself in
this morning. His name is William Duplessie. He's 33 years old and he's been charged with assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and criminal
possession of a fireman.
That's all according to a law enforcement official who tells us that he and John Woeltz, who was the man who was keeping the victim hostage inside that
Manhattan apartment over the last several days, were essentially working together to torture and hold this man hostage.
That's John Woeltz that you're seeing there. He was arrested last Friday.
Now, Isa, all of this is apparently part of an alleged scheme to obtain the victim's bitcoin password. John Weltz is a known cryptocurrency bitcoin
businessman. And he and this other suspect, William Duplessie, are suspected of having kept the victim inside this Manhattan apartment for
several weeks as they were trying to get him to give up his bitcoin password.
The man was held there for several days. At one point, he was tied to a chair. He said that they threatened to kill him and his family if he did
not give up this password. It was during a brief period of time last Friday that the victim was able to escape from the apartment, flagged down a
traffic officer for some help that he was able to actually get away.
So I think it's going to be interesting in the next several hours to learn exactly what relationship these two men had and what relationship they had
with the victim, and whether or not if there are any other people who might have been involved in this scheme.
SOARES: Yeah, I know you'll be across it for us. Gloria, thank you very much. Gloria Pazmino there.
We're going to take a break. We're back on the other side.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: A scary moment is now the story of a lifetime for one homeowner in Norway. A salvage crew was able to refloat a large container ship and pull
it back into the water after almost hit his home. Police say a crew member fell asleep while navigating the ship. Despite the danger and near-miss,
the homeowner says the incident has been a fun adventure.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHAN HELBERG, HOMEOWNER: I doubt I'll ever experience anything quite like this again. I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything. I wish
more people could experience something like this, get a ship in your garden and you'll find life worth living.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: And that does it for this hour.
This is WHAT WE KNOW.
We'll be back covering for Max this time tomorrow.
"QUEST MEANS BUSINESS" with Richard. Quest is up next. Have a wonderful day. I shall see you tomorrow.
END
TO ORDER VIDEOTAPES AND TRANSCRIPTS OF CNN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS