Negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war involving US representatives have hit a snag due to Vladimir Putin's stance. The Russian dictator has effectively rejected the agreement and is also unwilling to see US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads for Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste in Britain. The brands misled customers by using the term "sustainable" without proper evidence of environmental friendliness.
In New Zealand, a man swallowed a Fabergé pendant worth 33,000 New Zealand dollars in a store. Police are waiting for the jewelry to pass naturally, and the suspect will appear in court on December 8.
At Christie's auction in London, Faberge's "Winter Egg" was sold for 22. 9 million pounds sterling (approximately 30.2 million dollars), setting a new world record for Faberge items. This imperial egg, commissioned by Nicholas II in 1913, became the most expensive Faberge work sold at auction.
Ireland will provide Ukraine with an additional €100 million for non-lethal military aid and €25 million for energy supply. This was announced by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Dublin.
US officials intend to return Russian assets after a peace treaty is concluded. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes using them to support Ukraine.
The United States and Great Britain have reached an agreement on zero tariffs for British drug exports to the US. The NHS will increase the net price for innovative drugs by 25%, which could increase NHS costs by £3 billion.
Kaja Kallas expressed concern about possible pressure on Ukraine in peace talks and emphasized the importance of reparations credits from frozen Russian assets. She also supported Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions, stressing the importance of trust during the war.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for close relations with Poland, emphasizing European unity and a common stand against threats from Russia. Deeper cooperation in defense was discussed, including the protection of NATO's eastern flank and plans to sign a new defense agreement in 2026.
The European Commission is actively, though not publicly, participating in peace consultations on Ukraine, maintaining constant contact with Kyiv and the United States. Brussels ensures that the EU's interests are taken into account in the discussions and supports Ukraine's sovereignty.
A new analysis of two decades of satellite data has revealed the depletion of freshwater reserves in Southern and Central Europe. Scientists note that this is a consequence of climate change and an "alarming signal" for politicians.
American analysts have identified little-known sanctions that could harm the Russian war machine, focusing on chemicals for lubricants and tires. Blocking the Chinese company Xinxiang Richful and other suppliers could create a shortage of these critical materials.
Frozen Russian assets could be the only way to end the war in Ukraine and prevent its spread to Europe. Europe must demand a just peace for Ukraine, using confiscated assets to save it.
French law enforcement has arrested four more individuals in connection with the €88 million crown jewels robbery from the Louvre. The detainees are two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, all from the Paris region.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer downplayed reports of Ukraine's agreement to a peace deal, stating that it confirms satisfaction with the Geneva draft, which does not cover territorial issues. He emphasized that a just and lasting peace is only possible if Ukraine's sovereignty and its ability to defend itself are preserved.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed his readiness to deploy troops in Ukraine if hostilities cease. Great Britain is ready to send troops to defend Kyiv.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin must be forced to sit down at the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. He also emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia by confiscating Russian assets in Europe.
EU leaders at an informal meeting in Angola discussed peace talks on Ukraine, agreeing that the 28 points proposed by the US and Russia need to be revised due to the unacceptability of some proposals. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that no agreement should weaken the security of Poland and Europe, nor should it benefit the aggressor.
Russian troops destroyed one of the last power units in Chernihiv region two weeks ago. The 110 kV substation is beyond repair, as it was not fully protected in time.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in Geneva to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. Italy will also send its representative to participate in the negotiations.
At the G20 summit, Western leaders emphasized their readiness to contribute to lasting peace, stressing that borders must not be changed by force. They also expressed concern about the proposed restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces.
US officials, at a meeting with NATO ambassadors in Kyiv, stated that the US plans to push for Ukraine to sign a peace agreement as soon as possible, otherwise Kyiv will face a "much worse deal. " The proposed agreement involves Ukraine ceding territories occupied by Russia, as well as amnesty for war crimes.
Donald Trump has appointed Dan Driscoll as special envoy, who visited Kyiv to discuss the US peace plan. Driscoll, a friend of Vice President J.D. Vance, plans a visit to Moscow for further negotiations.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will publish the book "Prisoner's Diary" about his 20-day imprisonment in La Santé. He describes the conditions of his incarceration, the constant noise, and his stay in a nine-square-meter solitary cell.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Russia has no right to receive concessions from Ukraine, as this provokes aggression. She emphasized that lasting peace requires certain elements, and succumbing to aggression is dangerous for everyone.
The Élysée Palace emphasized that all decisions regarding the peace plan for Ukraine require common support and consensus from European partners and NATO allies. The statement reiterates key provisions about "unwavering commitment to a just and lasting peace" and the need for "full involvement of Ukraine, preservation of its sovereignty, and ensuring its future security."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine and discussed US efforts to end the war, emphasizing the need for European partners' approval for any peace agreement.
Kaja Kallas stated that a peace agreement for Ukraine cannot come at the cost of abandoning its own state. No government would agree to a deal that benefits the aggressor.
The world's largest review links ultra-processed food (UPF) to harm to all major human organ systems, posing a "seismic" threat to global health. UPF displaces fresh foods and is associated with an increased risk of a dozen diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Eminem's lawyers have accused the owners of Sydney-based brand Swim Shady of alleged trademark infringement. The rapper's lawyers claim that the Sydney brand creates a "false association" with Slim Shady – the musician's alter ego.
