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Trump Administration Planning Review of Refugee Admissions?; DOJ Appeals Dismissal of Comey and James Cases; Progress in Ukraine- Russia Peace Talks?. Aired 11-11:30a ET

Aired November 25, 2025 - 11:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

PAMELA BROWN, CNN HOST: Breaking news. A U.S. official says Ukraine has agreed to the framework of a peace deal to end Russia's war just days before the deadline set in place by President Trump.

Still some questions, though, on what's going on here, the new details. We're learning more this morning.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST: We want to welcome our viewers here in the United States and around the world. I'm Wolf Blitzer with Pamela Brown, and you're in THE SITUATION ROOM.

We begin this hour with the breaking news. An end to the war in Ukraine, god willing, could be in sight. A U.S. official tells CNN that Kyiv has agreed to the framework of a peace proposal with Russia, the officials saying -- and I'm quoting now -- "There are some minor details to be sorted out, but they have agreed to a peace deal" -- end quote.

BROWN: But a senior Ukrainian official says Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has said that more work needs to be done. He could visit the United States in the next few days to finalize the deal with President Trump.

We have got full coverage for you. CNN correspondent Paula Hancocks is in Abu Dhabi, where those talks are taking place, and CNN White House reporter Alayna Treene is in Washington.

So, Alayna, let's start with you because we just heard from the White House. What are officials there saying?

ALAYNA TREENE, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yes, we have this statement from the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, here, a little bit less, I would argue -- a little bit different, I should say, from what we're hearing from this U.S. official, saying that they agreed to a peace deal with minor details to be discussed. The statement from her is still very optimistic, but argues that

there's still work to be done. I'm going to read it for you in full.

She wrote -- quote -- "Over the past week, the United States has made tremendous progress toward a peace deal by bringing both Ukraine and Russia to the table. There are a few delicate, but not insurmountable details that must be sorted out and will require further talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States."

So there you can see kind of taking the temperature a bit more on where things stand, arguing that there's still much that needs to be worked out. But, look, I can tell you, there's no question that the White House and the Trump administration overall is trying to project this air of confidence, this optimism that they are closer than they have ever been on a peace deal.

This is what we heard as well from the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, when he was in Geneva on Sunday following talks with the Ukrainians. I think a key question, of course, is whether or not the details that were massaged and worked through in those discussions with Ukraine are something that Russia will also agree to, because, remember, what we saw last week was essentially a draft, a 28-point plan that was mainly worked out between Steve Witkoff and other Trump administration officials and the Russians.

And there was a lot of skepticism, Wolf and Pam, about whether or not it was just conceding too much to Russia, that it was essentially a Russian wish list. Of course, following those discussions in Geneva with the Ukrainians, they have come to a point now where I think they have the broad strokes of an agreement of where they believe they can really use as a jumping-off point.

But there's still so much work to be done, and that's why you're also seeing the Army secretary, Dan Driscoll, in Abu Dhabi today meeting with the Russians. I will just say, overall, though, I think they're trying to use the momentum, the Trump administration, of these negotiations to really kind of get this as close to the finish line as possible as they can.

But be wary, because there's still not a document. We're still learning of exactly all of the details. This is still just a proposed framework at this point.

BLITZER: I want to bring in Paula Hancocks, who's in Abu Dhabi for us, where a lot of these talks are going on. What are we hearing, Paula, from both Russia and Ukraine?

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, we're hearing at this point that Dan Driscoll is here in Abu Dhabi. It's the second day, we understand, of these talks, so yesterday and today, meeting with a Russian delegation.

It's not even clear who is in that Russian delegation. But we have heard from Driscoll's spokesperson, saying: The talks are going well and we remain optimistic. That's all we're hearing at this point from these talks here. But it

just adds to this burst of diplomatic activity that we have been seeing. Now, what we're hearing from that U.S. official, as you mentioned, saying that there has been the Ukrainians agreeing to this peace deal, we're not seeing the Ukrainian side be quite as far forward publicly when it comes to this agreement.

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We did hear from the national security secretary, saying they have reached a common understanding on the core terms. I want to read you the rest of his statement, saying -- quote -- "We now count on the support of our European partners in our further steps. We look forward to organizing a visit of Ukraine's president to the United States at the earliest suitable date in November to complete final steps and make a deal with President Trump."

We have heard from Zelenskyy that he wants to talk about the more sensitive issues with Trump itself, pointing out that there are and there is much work still lying ahead. But, of course, the key point is, with this deal being changed with the framework in flux at this point, going potentially from a 28-point deal to a 19 point deal, will Russia agree to it?

We did hear from the foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, a little earlier today. Let's listen to him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SERGEY LAVROV, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER (through translator): We have channels of communication with our American colleagues and they are being used. And we are awaiting their version, which they consider an interim version, in terms of completing the phase of coordinating this text with the Europeans and Ukrainians.

Then we will see, because if the spirit and letter of Anchorage are lost in the key understandings we have documented, then, of course, the situation will be fundamentally different. But, so far, I repeat, no one has officially communicated anything to us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HANCOCKS: So that key phrase there, if the spirit and letter of Anchorage are lost, meaning this 28-point plan, the original plan that really blindsided Ukrainian and European officials was the one that was favorable to Russia, they will see what is in this latest edition of this deal -- back to you.

BROWN: All right, Alayna Treene, Paula Hancocks, thank you both -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Good reporting indeed.

And joining us now is CNN military analyst retired U.S. Army Major General James "Spider" Marks.

General Marks, thanks so much for joining us.

The White House says there are a few delicate details that still need to be worked out. But based on what we all know right now, what do you know, what's your view of this pending peace deal between Russia and Ukraine?

BRIG. GEN. JAMES "SPIDER" MARKS (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, Wolf, I think the good news, obviously, is if there can be a secession to the hostilities, that's what everybody would prefer.

The challenge certainly is into the details, and the key one certainly being that Ukraine will have to give up territory. I think we have kind of anticipated that all along, and then you get into the details of what that really looks like on the ground. And we have a lot of historical perspective on how you draw lines and the real challenges associated with those.

Clearly, NATO not being -- or -- I'm sorry -- Ukraine not being able to join NATO, I think, is a real sticking point as well. And then, finally, the notion of the Ukrainian military being reduced in size, that's a challenge.

However, I think the way to look at this from a soldier's perspective, look, Ukraine has gathered some incredible lessons learned as a result of this fight. This is an opportunity, if there is a reduction in the hostilities, if there is a movement toward peace, this is an opportunity for Ukraine to really fully inculcate those lessons learned without having to simultaneously fight a war.

That's good news. So, amongst all the initial challenges -- and there are significant challenges -- I mean, let's look at the possibilities that there could be peace in Ukraine. Is there going to be a violation by the Russians? Of course, we have to anticipate that. But within this 19- or 28-peace point plan, let's see what that looks like, there clearly are indications that there would be security guarantees that the Ukrainians would have.

And Russia would be punished in some way, we would hope, if they violated their portions of this agreement.

BLITZER: How unusual is it for the U.S. Army secretary to have such a prominent role in these talks? The secretary, Dan Driscoll, is in Abu Dhabi meeting with Russian officials right now about this deal.

MARKS: Yes, unprecedented, I think. And it truly is. It must be an expansion of his scope of responsibilities, number one. Number two, it clearly indicates an increasing trusting relationship that he has with the president and his inner circle.

And what that portends going forward, I certainly -- it would be guesswork on my part. But it indicates that he's got a sense of what must be accomplished on the ground. And, clearly, this has been a ground fight.

[11:10:05] Our United States Army and our Marine Corps, all of our services have learned incredible lessons as a result of this fight. This is a ground fight. Our chief of staff of the Army, our senior leader in Europe, our supreme allied commander in Europe have been a part of the talks initially with Secretary Driscoll.

So I think this really indicates that he's got a pulse of what the president wants to try to achieve, and he's got a pulse of what Ukraine and our NATO partners would identify as red lines.

BLITZER: How important is it that the U.S. insist that Russia return the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped during the course of this war and taken to Russia?

MARKS: That's a humanitarian disaster of unspeakable terms.

I can't imagine the suffering that those families have felt. And I just simply don't understand how this could be accomplished. Russia has made some incredible demands and has really looked at Ukraine -- I mean, Putin's narrative is that Ukraine has always been a part of the Russian landscape.

Its dissolution and departure from Russia as a result of the collapse of the Soviet Union is something he simply cannot live with. And so Putin has spent a ton of time rewriting history. So I just -- I can't imagine how this gets reconciled, and I also can't imagine the suffering that those families are feeling.

Wolf, I simply don't know how this is going to turn out, but the humanitarian face is just heartbreaking.

BLITZER: Yes. And I don't see that demand in these latest U.S. proposals in what Russia needs to do, because these kids, we are now told, in Russia, thousands of Ukrainian kids, they're being brainwashed, they're being told they're really Russians and they deserve to be in Russia, not in Ukraine, Ukraine is part of Russia.

It's an awful situation that's unfolding. And I'm surprised that the Trump administration hasn't made a bigger issue of this in these negotiations with the Russians right now.

Let me get to another subject while I have you, General, on Senator Mark Kelly and the news that the Pentagon is now investigating him and could even recall him to active duty. He's retired, and, if he's recalled, he would face a court-martial.

I want you to listen to his reaction first.

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SEN. MARK KELLY (D-AZ): I have had a missile blow up next to my airplane. I have been shot down -- nearly shot down multiple times. I have flown a rocket ship into space four times built by the lowest bidder, and my wife, Gabby Giffords, meeting with her constituents, shot in the head, six people killed around her, a horrific thing. She spent six months in the hospital. We know what political violence

is, and we know what causes it too. The statements that Donald Trump made is inciteful, incites others. He's got millions of supporters. People listen to what he says more so than anybody else in the country. And he should be careful with his words.

But I'm not going to be silenced here. Is it stressful? I have been stressed by things more important than Donald Trump trying to intimidate me into shutting my mouth and not doing my job. He didn't like what I said. I'm going to show up for work every day, support the Constitution, do my job, hold this administration accountable, hold this president accountable when he is out of line.

That's the responsibility of every U.S. senator and every member of Congress. He's not going to silence us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: So what do you make of the situation right now and Kelly's response?

MARKS: Well, good for the senator to say what he said.

But let me take a step back and indicate that what he and his colleagues did was inappropriate. They didn't have to remind service members that they have an obligation to support the Constitution, and realizing, of course, that officers and enlisted personnel take two different oaths.

And the enlisted personnel, this is a message that those congressmembers and members of the intelligence, former intelligence community, sent to the service members. And it was to those enlisted folks, which is you can disobey your bosses. You can do that.

Well, the point is, the fact of the matter is, when Senator Kelly and his colleagues made the comment, the message to me was we, this collection of folks, we don't trust the military, the uniformed leadership, and we think that they have been taken over by the administration.

I would completely disagree with that underlying assessment, which brought them to make these statements. That's my view of all this. God bless Senator Kelly and what he's accomplished in his life and where he has been. Totally agree with everything he just said.

However, he could have taken a step back and said, why am I making -- why am I sending this message, which clearly is an insult to our chain of command, those in uniform, folks that I have had the privilege of serving with and training and growing into the positions that they're in today?

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And I don't -- I think he could have made a better decision, but God bless him in terms of where he stands today.

BLITZER: Retired Major General James "Spider" Marks, thanks very much for joining us.

MARKS: Thanks, Wolf.

BROWN: All right, still ahead here in THE SITUATION ROOM: Charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James have been dismissed, but they may not be in the clear just yet. The latest on the legal battle that could enter round two.

BLITZER: And after the government shutdown caused a delay, new numbers for inflation and spending are finally out -- the story the data reveals about the rocky U.S. economy right now.

Stay with us. You're in THE SITUATION ROOM.

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BROWN: Happening now: Attorney General Pam Bondi says the Justice Department is -- quote -- "going to keep going" with the two prominent cases that have taken a brutal hit.

A judge tossed out the criminal cases against two of President Trump's main targets, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Comey was accused of lying to and obstructing Congress. James was charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. They both deny wrongdoing.

The judge ruled the Trump-picked prosecutor in this case was appointed illegally. Bondi says the appeal is coming.

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PAM BONDI, U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: We will be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal, to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful conduct. I'm going to keep going on this. I'm not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime.

His alleged actions were a betrayal of public trust. So...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: All right, let's bring in CNN senior justice correspondent Evan Perez.

What will an appeal look like here, especially given the statute of limitations as it pertains to Comey?

EVAN PEREZ, CNN SENIOR JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, the Justice Department will not see it that way. We're expecting that this appeal is going to come very, very soon.

And they are under the impression that there's a federal law that says that, when there are errors in indictments, that the Justice Department has time to fix that error and reindict if they have to. They can do a superseding indictment.

Now, we don't know whether that's going to win the day or whether what the judge said yesterday is the one that stands, right? The judge said that the statute of limitations has expired. There's five years from when Comey allegedly made those false statements to Congress, which was in 2020.

And the judge even addressed it and said, because this indictment was not valid, that tolling, that period where they can try to fix it, that is passed. And so that is the big question that now lies here. The Justice Department, we expect, is going to fight to try to preserve this case.

The Letitia James case is on a different level, because, that one, there's still a lot more time that they can use to try to bring that case. There's still a lot of uncertainties here, though, because Lindsey Halligan is still the supervising attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia.

If there are any new indictments, do they put her name on it? Do they put the deputy attorney general's name, as they have done in other districts where this issue has come up? We don't know. We will see what they do in the next couple of days.

But, certainly, I think, for the Justice Department, they believe that they have time to try to salvage the indictment. That is not the read, though, from Comey's attorneys, who believe that this is over with.

BROWN: Well, we shall see how it plays out.

PEREZ: Right.

BLITZER: Evan Perez, thanks very, very much.

PEREZ: Thank you.

BLITZER: And up next: More than 200,000 refugees entered the United States legally through an admissions process during the Biden administration, and now President Trump wants to review some of those applications.

We have details on why and what this means. We will share them with you right after the break.

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BLITZER: New this morning, a source tells CNN the Trump administration is weighing an unprecedented shift in its immigration approach.

An internal memo reveals officials are considering reinterviewing some refugees who have already gone through the vetting process during Joe Biden's presidency.

CNN's Priscilla Alvarez is here with us in THE SITUATION ROOM.

Tell us more about this plan, Priscilla.

PRISCILLA ALVAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, we're talking here about one of the world's most vulnerable populations, and those are refugees. They are all around the globe, and they go through a rigorous process to even be considered to come to the United States and then to actually get here.

And so the administration is now shifting its focus to this specific population. Again, to remind viewers, refugees have to show they were persecuted or face persecution in their home country to even be considered to come to the U.S.

Now, between the fiscal years of 2021 and 2025, which would cover the Biden administration, around 235,000 refugees entered the U.S. This is the pool of people that the administration is looking at, their argument being that these checks did not go as they should have or were not as robust under the Biden administration, although they did not provide evidence to that point.

Now, the anticipated interviews here would be looking at the basis of someone's admission, were they really meeting the definition of a refugee and saying that the agency, in this case U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, could terminate the status and not give them an option to appeal.

The other part of this memo that is equally important is, it orders the halting of pending applications for adjustment of status for refugees. This is something that is very unique to this population. According to U.S. law, refugees after being in the United States for a year have to apply for permanent status in the United States.

So, putting these applications on hold could leave many people in limbo. Now, the Department of Homeland Security just got back to me with a statement before coming on. And they said that: "Corrective action is now being taken to ensure those who are present in the United States deserve to be here."

This is a statement from a spokeswoman with the Department of Homeland Security. This is a stunning turn of events, because, again, this is a population that for years has to wait to even be approved to come to the U.S. and then has to go through medical checks, vetting, et cetera, to even come to U.S. soil and then has an entire process here to make sure they're stood up on their feet.