South Korea conducted the first private launch of the Nuri rocket from the Naro Space Center. This is a key milestone in Seoul's ambitions to strengthen its position in the global space race, aiming to increase its share of the global space economy to 10% by 2045.
Donald Trump Jr. responded to criticism of US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who had a phone conversation with Putin's aide regarding "peace deal" proposals. Trump Jr. stated that Witkoff's critics want the war to continue indefinitely.
The Trump administration is trying to protect Elon Musk from testifying in a lawsuit related to his work at the U. S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The lawsuit concerns allegations of "unconstitutional seizure of power" and "dismantling" USAID, an international aid agency.
Apple plans to overtake Samsung and become the world's largest smartphone manufacturer thanks to the success of the iPhone 17 and high demand. iPhone shipments are expected to grow by 10% in 2025, and Apple's share will reach 19.4%.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided not to suspend Cristiano Ronaldo from the 2026 World Cup matches, despite his red card. The footballer served one match of punishment, and the rest of the disqualification has been postponed for a one-year probationary period.
US President Trump expressed confidence in progress towards a peace deal for Ukraine, speaking in the White House Rose Garden. He noted that he had expected an easier end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Talks between the US and Russia on a peace plan are ongoing, with optimism about further steps. The US delegation, led by Dan Driscoll, is negotiating with the Russians.
Romania will receive the American Merops drone defense system to deter Russian airspace violations. The system is almost ready for deployment, confirmed the commander of the US Army in Europe and Africa.
TikTok Shop is expanding its assortment by offering luxury goods such as Hermes and Chanel bags, rare Louis Vuitton and Nike sneakers, and Rolex and Cartier watches. Most items are sold through second-hand resellers who use AI to confirm authenticity.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping could hold up to four meetings next year. This will help maintain the stability of the trade truce between the two countries.
An EU loan of 140 billion euros, which Ukraine may receive, backed by frozen Russian assets, does not pose a threat to the sovereign ratings of EU countries. Leading rating agencies S&P and Fitch stated minimal risks for EU members, despite concerns about possible Russian lawsuits.
Russian oil supplies are declining for the fifth consecutive week, and Urals prices have fallen to their lowest levels in two years. This is happening against the backdrop of new US sanctions and the reformatting of sales markets, which has led to a decrease in Russia's oil export revenues.
Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal with the US, although some details still need to be clarified. The Ukrainian delegation contacted US Army Secretary Driscoll, who met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held successful talks with Russian officials in the UAE. Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov is also in Abu Dhabi for meetings.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe should not count on negotiations with Russia, as its elites seek Russia's "strategic defeat. " He also noted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his entourage are making contradictory statements regarding the US peace plan.
France will allocate 130 million euros ($150 million) for vineyard uprooting due to falling demand, climate change, and trade wars. Agriculture Minister Enny Genever said the funds would go to finance a new permanent plan for vineyard elimination.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi for the second time. This happened against the backdrop of a reduction in the US peace plan between Ukraine and Russia from 28 to 19 points, which the Russian side called a non-starter.
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Sergiy Kyslytsya reported that copies of the peace agreement were taken from all participants in the Geneva negotiations, except for the heads of delegations. This was done to prevent information leaks, while national security advisers made progress in reducing the plan to key points.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is awaiting a detailed report from the Ukrainian delegation on the results of the meetings in Geneva. He emphasized the importance of involving Europeans in contacts with the American team and thanked them for their support of Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Donald Trump expressed readiness for a jointly developed peace plan for Ukraine. The talks in Geneva have concluded, but a breakthrough is not expected this week, adds the German leader.
The US peace proposal for Ukraine removed a clause on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction under American leadership. European countries opposed this provision.
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump discussed the war in Ukraine, where China expressed support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace.
European defense company stocks reached a nearly two-month low on November 24. This happened amid progress in negotiations on a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, discussing the status of Taiwan as a key element of the post-World War II international order.
Yuriy Ushakov, aide to the head of the Kremlin, stated that the provisions of the European peace plan are not suitable for Russia. At the same time, Russia is familiar with one of the variants of the US peace plan, many provisions of which are acceptable.
The initial 28-point US peace plan between Ukraine and Russia was reduced to 19 points following negotiations on Sunday. European leaders expressed concerns about some parts of the plan, particularly the demands for sanctions against Moscow and the freezing of Russian sovereign assets.
At Sunday's talks, the list of key points of the US peace plan was shortened. Discussions on territorial issues will likely take place at the meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and the United States.
Ukraine's dollar bonds due in 2029 rose 3 cents on the dollar, exceeding 72 cents, their highest level since February. This followed signs of progress on a US-backed peace plan that could end the fighting.
A new study confirms the high effectiveness of HPV vaccination, reducing the risk of cervical cancer by 80% in those vaccinated before the age of 16. This study refutes misinformation about vaccine side effects circulating online.
Despite the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU until March 2027, Great Britain, Poland, and Germany have already announced restrictions on social assistance. UNHCR emphasizes the importance of supporting vulnerable groups and providing accessible information for refugees.
