Washington, D.C.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has removed US Army commander Dan Driscoll from participating in peace talks on Ukraine. This happened amid rumors of Driscoll's possible appointment as Secretary of Defense and his exceeding of authority.
In Washington, the idea of creating a new Core 5 group (USA, China, India, Japan, and Russia) was discussed, which would bring traditional adversaries closer together. The White House categorically denies the existence of a document about Core 5, but experts consider it expedient for the current administration.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with people's deputies regarding holding elections under martial law. He expects the deputies to offer their vision on this issue.
Andrius Kubilius, the EU's chief representative for defense, criticized the new US National Security Strategy, calling it antagonistic to the European Union. He claims that the document is aimed at preventing Europe from uniting into a single force.
The US proposes to introduce mandatory checks of social media history for the past five years for visa-free travelers. This concerns citizens of 40 countries who use the ESTA electronic system and raises concerns due to the predicted drop in the number of foreign tourists.
Mexico refused to expel more than two dozen Russian spies operating under diplomatic cover, despite their identification by the CIA. Russia has intensified its intelligence activities in Mexico since the invasion of Ukraine, leveraging its proximity to the US and weaker surveillance levels.
US President Donald Trump has expressed concern about Netflix's planned $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. He noted that the combined company's large market share could create antitrust issues.
British historian Timothy Garton Ash argues that only Europe can help Ukraine resist Russian aggression and US diplomatic betrayal. He emphasizes the need for military and economic support for Ukraine to change Putin's strategy.
People's Deputy Hanna Skorokhod stated that NABU published fake photos from the search of her apartment, which do not match the interior of her apartment. She considers this a manipulation and an attempt to disrupt her trip to the USA.
Hours after Congo and Rwanda signed a "peace treaty" in Washington with Trump's mediation, fighting on the ground resumed with significant force, with both sides blaming each other.
The icy air that came to the US from Canada caused a sharp drop in temperature in the northeastern US, setting a new temperature record in New York. The minimum temperature dropped below 1 degree Celsius, breaking the 1942 record.
The White House stated that Europe risks "civilizational destruction" due to decades of economic decline, political censorship, and immigration. This is outlined in the updated US National Security Strategy, signed by Donald Trump.
The United States is demanding that Europe take on a greater share of NATO's conventional defense capabilities by 2027, including intelligence and missiles. Some European officials consider this deadline unrealistic, as Europe needs time to build up its potential.
The United States has updated its national security strategy, which envisages the restoration of relations with Russia, the cessation of the war in Ukraine and preventing NATO expansion. The document also emphasizes the independent strengthening of Europe's defense and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region.
European leaders are warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to succumb to Russia's demands without ironclad security commitments from the United States. They advise clearly defining America's role in security guarantees for Kyiv before agreeing to Russia's demands.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kremlin head Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi, discussing peace efforts regarding Russia's war against Ukraine and expanding economic cooperation. Agreements on mobility, supplies of Indian products, and the leasing of a submarine are expected.
US President Donald Trump has hired a new architectural firm, Shalom Baranes Associates, to oversee the design of his new ballroom. This came after disagreements with the initial designer, McCrery Architects, regarding the project's size and timeline.
Iran's national football team coach, Amir Ghalenoei, will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. This will happen despite the country's football federation announcing a boycott of the event due to the US refusing to issue visas to its members.
The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, challenging new rules that prohibit most major media outlets from being in the building. The publication claims that these rules violate constitutional freedoms and restrict the work of journalists.
The planned meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Brussels has been canceled. This happened after their negotiations with Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The administration of US President Trump plans to expand the US travel ban to 30 countries after a shooting in Washington where a servicewoman was killed. The suspect is an Afghan citizen who arrived in the US in 2021.
Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, an Afghan national accused of assaulting and killing National Guard servicemen near the White House, pleaded not guilty. He participated in the first court hearing via video link from his hospital bed.
Exxon Mobil is in talks with Iraq to acquire Lukoil's controlling stake in the West Qurna-2 field. This field accounts for 9% of Iraq's oil production, and potential buyers can negotiate until December 13.
French President Emmanuel Macron will make his fourth state visit to China this week. Europe is seeking to strike a balance between economic and security threats from Beijing and its dependence on the world's second-largest economy.
Key issues, from territories to NATO, remain open, and the peace plan is just entering its most difficult phase.
US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff is holding talks with Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov in Florida. The meeting takes place after delegations discussed Washington's plan to end the war.
US-Ukraine talks focused on defining a de facto border with Russia under a peace agreement. The meeting was difficult, but productive, with a discussion of the territorial issue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This comes amid Donald Trump's optimism about a deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has suspended all asylum decisions following a shooting targeting members of the National Guard in Washington. This decision comes after Trump's announcement to suspend migration from certain countries and halt visa issuance for travelers with Afghan passports.
The presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda will meet with Donald Trump in Washington next week to conclude a peace agreement. The US is mediating the conflict and plans to attract investments in Congo's mining sector.