NPR News: 07-07-2026 3AM EDT

Giles Snyder· Host0:00

Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is denying allegations of sexual assault reported Monday by Politico.

Graham Platner· Soundbite0:11

I wanted to directly address the troubling, serious, and false allegations against me. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false. Over the last ten months, I have been deeply humbled.

Giles Snyder· Host0:24

In a social media video, Platner said he is reflecting on the best path forward. Democrats have been pulling their endorsements, and party leaders are urging Platner to withdraw as the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins. President Trump is on his way to a NATO summit in Turkey. He left aboard Air Force One late Monday night. Earlier Monday, Trump said he spoke about the war in Ukraine with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the Fourth of July weekend. As NPR's Franco Ordoñez reports.

Franco Ordoñez0:57

President Trump says he plans to discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine during his trip to Ankara, Turkey, for the NATO summit. He's also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Donald Trump· Soundbite1:09

I think we're getting much closer than people realize, and, uh, President Putin wants it to end. I will tell you that very strongly. We had a good call, and, uh, President Zelensky actually wants it to end now.

Franco Ordoñez1:21

The president has said he's ready to focus more of his attention on helping end the war in Ukraine after signing a peace agreement with Iran. Zelensky