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In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
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Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and energy infrastructure, amid ongoing peace negotiations. The U.S. and Ukraine are revising a 28-point peace plan, while regional airspace breaches prompt NATO and Romanian military responses. Diplomatic talks continue with uncertain outcomes.
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Ukraine is developing and deploying new drone interceptors amid ongoing Russian drone attacks. NATO allies are training with US-made systems like Merops to bolster Eastern European defenses. Russia continues testing advanced drone tactics, including armed and operator-controlled models, intensifying the conflict's technological arms race.
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Russian forces continue to push towards Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, employing encirclement tactics amid ongoing Ukrainian resistance. Moscow claims control of parts of the city, while Kyiv reports fighting and counterattacks. The situation remains fluid as peace negotiations and battlefield developments unfold.
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U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in ongoing negotiations with Russia, with recent talks indicating progress on a peace framework. The U.S. has sent envoys to Moscow to discuss recognition of occupied territories, while Russia maintains maximalist demands. Fighting continues in Ukraine as diplomatic efforts intensify.
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Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's top negotiator and Zelenskyy's key ally, is being investigated following searches at his home linked to a $100m nuclear energy kickback scheme. The move risks disrupting peace negotiations and intensifies political tensions amid ongoing war with Russia.
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On November 28, 2025, Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's powerful chief of staff and key peace negotiator, resigned following anti-corruption raids on his home amid a $100 million graft investigation linked to the state nuclear energy sector. His departure comes amid intense US pressure on Kyiv to reach a settlement with Russia, risking disruption to Ukraine's negotiating stance during ongoing conflict.
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On December 3, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began a three-day state visit to the UK, the first by a German leader in 27 years. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the visit highlights renewed UK-Germany ties post-Brexit, including the Kensington Treaty, and features commemorations of WWII tragedies and cooperation on Ukraine and migration.
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On November 29, 2025, Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and critical infrastructure. The strikes killed at least three civilians, wounded dozens, and caused widespread power outages. Ukraine's negotiators are heading to Washington amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.
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Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube released their annual listening and content lists, revealing popular artists and trends. The New York Times highlights the cultural significance of these catalogs, questioning their role in decision-making and cultural validation amid a busy year of media and entertainment highlights.
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Kyiv is resisting a US-backed peace plan that aligns with Russia's demands. Talks in Florida and Geneva involve Ukrainian, US, and Russian officials aiming to find a pathway to peace and security guarantees amid ongoing conflict and recent military attacks. Zelenskiy emphasizes Ukraine's commitment to diplomatic efforts today, December 2, 2025.
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U.S. diplomatic efforts continue to advance peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with talks in Florida involving U.S. officials, Ukrainian representatives, and discussions on a revised peace plan. The negotiations follow Ukraine's internal political turmoil and recent military attacks, highlighting ongoing instability and diplomatic complexity.
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Russian forces announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation highlights Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. US peace talks are ongoing, with recent claims timed to influence negotiations.
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On December 4-5, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India for the 23rd Russia-India Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit focused on deepening defense, energy, and economic ties despite US sanctions targeting India's purchases of Russian oil. The leaders agreed on a $100 billion trade target by 2030 and discussed military hardware deliveries, labor mobility, and cooperation amid ongoing Ukraine war tensions.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin accused European nations of obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine, claiming they lack a peace agenda and are 'on the side of war.' US negotiators are in Moscow discussing a draft plan to end the conflict, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and military developments.
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Leaders from Ukraine, France, Germany, and the US are engaging in high-level discussions to broker a ceasefire and peace agreement in Ukraine. While diplomatic efforts advance, Russia continues missile strikes, complicating negotiations. The US emphasizes security guarantees and European involvement in the process.
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Russia and the US have held high-level talks over Ukraine, but no breakthrough has been reached. Russia remains firm on territorial demands, while Ukraine insists on maintaining control. Ongoing fighting and diplomatic efforts continue as both sides explore potential compromises, with key issues including territory and security guarantees.
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Russia aims to fully control Ukraine's Donbas region, including key cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, amid ongoing conflict. Ukraine opposes ceding territory without a referendum, and peace talks remain stalled. Russian President Putin insists on military force if necessary, while Ukraine and its allies resist territorial concessions.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited China for a three-day trip focused on trade and diplomacy. Key topics included involving Beijing in pressuring Russia for a Ukraine ceasefire, strengthening bilateral ties, and addressing trade imbalances. Xi pledged support for peace efforts and announced economic cooperation, while trade disputes and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.
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Turkey warns Russia and Ukraine to protect energy infrastructure amid recent Black Sea drone attacks. Kyiv claims responsibility for some strikes, while Russia warns of retaliatory measures. Turkey seeks to keep energy flows stable amid escalating regional tensions, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
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U.S. officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. While Putin expressed interest, no agreement was reached, and ongoing fighting continues with Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. The diplomatic effort aims to find a resolution amid persistent tensions.
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Christopher Harborne, a Thai-based investor, donated £9m to Reform UK in August, marking the largest ever single donation from a living person to a UK political party. His wealth stems from cryptocurrency, aviation, and defense sectors, raising questions about influence and transparency in UK politics.
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Unidentified military-type drones flew near a naval vessel and Zelensky’s flight path during his visit to Ireland. Irish authorities are investigating whether these incidents are part of a hybrid attack linked to Russia, amid ongoing European security concerns and recent drone disruptions across Europe.
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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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Russia continues its military push in Ukraine, with Kyiv facing intense fighting and strategic city threats. Western support and peace negotiations remain complex, as Kyiv resists territorial concessions. The conflict's future hinges on military resilience and diplomatic efforts, with ongoing risks of wider escalation.
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On December 6-7, 2025, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages, including at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Ukrainian forces intercepted most attacks. Concurrently, US-mediated peace talks continue, with progress dependent on Russia's commitment to peace.
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On December 6-8, 2025, the US released a National Security Strategy under President Trump, sharply criticizing Europe’s self-confidence and immigration policies, warning of 'civilizational erasure,' and signaling a pivot to the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. The strategy calls for ending the Ukraine war and restoring strategic stability with Russia, which Moscow welcomed. European leaders strongly rebuked the document, emphasizing alliance shifts and defending European sovereignty.
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As of December 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with European leaders in London and Brussels amid stalled peace talks driven by a US-backed plan requiring Ukraine to cede parts of the Donbas region to Russia. The US, led by President Trump, pushes for a deal, while Ukraine and Europe resist territorial concessions. Russia continues attacks, and funding Ukraine's defense remains uncertain.
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This week saw major geopolitical shifts, including Putin's return to Alaska, US diplomatic antics, and political upheavals across Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, US domestic politics remain volatile with controversial comments from Trump and rising support for unconventional candidates, reflecting a turbulent international and national landscape.
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Western leaders, including the UK, France, and Germany, reaffirm support for Ukraine amid ongoing peace negotiations. They emphasize security guarantees, military aid, and economic reconstruction, while discussions continue on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery. US and European efforts aim to bolster Ukraine's defenses and seek a just peace.
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In December 2025, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," blaming migration policies and political correctness for the continent's decline. He questioned Ukraine's democracy amid the ongoing war with Russia, urged elections despite martial law, and endorsed far-right European politicians, deepening transatlantic tensions.
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As of December 16, 2025, Ukraine, the US, and European allies are intensifying negotiations on a US-authored peace plan to end the war with Russia. Kyiv finds the draft "very workable" but rejects ceding Donbas territory. The US and Europe back security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia's demands and territorial claims remain major obstacles. Western leaders emphasize unity amid ongoing conflict.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky used group chat to answer reporters' questions mid-flight, emphasizing Ukraine's refusal to surrender land amid ongoing negotiations. He met European leaders to discuss security guarantees and territorial concessions, amid uncertainties over US support.
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U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. The talks follow a series of US proposals and Putin's warnings to Europe. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes the need for a definitive end to the war, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and Russian military advances.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced he is ready for elections within 60-90 days if security guarantees are provided, despite ongoing martial law and Russian occupation. The move follows criticism from U.S. and Russian officials questioning the legitimacy of his continued leadership during the war.
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Western allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, held a virtual summit with US President Trump to discuss Ukraine peace efforts amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. Zelensky opposes territorial concessions, while Trump urges realism and a quick resolution. The talks highlight the complex diplomacy shaping Ukraine's future.
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The US has revised its initial proposal for Ukraine to surrender land not yet captured by Russia, after Kyiv and European allies deemed the original too accommodating to Russia's demands. The new plan aims to reflect Ukraine's vision, with ongoing diplomatic discussions. US President Trump expressed impatience with European efforts and hinted at possible withdrawal from the conflict.
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European leaders warn of rising Russian threats, calling for increased defense spending and readiness. Dutch PM Rutte warns of potential conflict within five years, citing Russia's brazen actions and the need for urgent NATO action amid ongoing Ukraine peace talks.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky rejects US proposals for territorial concessions, emphasizing the need for a referendum. Recent military gains by Russia and ongoing negotiations highlight the complex and uncertain path toward ending the conflict, with Kyiv insisting on maintaining its territorial integrity.
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Russia launched a drone strike against a Turkish vessel, 'VIVA', in the Black Sea, en route to Egypt with sunflower oil. The ship was damaged but continued its journey. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack as a challenge to global food security, amid ongoing Black Sea tensions.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is participating in meetings in Berlin with US and European officials to discuss proposals for ending the Ukraine conflict. The talks include US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, ahead of a summit with European leaders on Monday. Details of the negotiations remain undisclosed.
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U.S. and European leaders, including Zelensky, met in Berlin to advance peace talks amid ongoing conflict. Trump claimed progress toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine, with discussions focusing on security guarantees and territorial issues. Russia remains opposed to key concessions, complicating negotiations.
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A deadly gun attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, has killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens. The incident, linked to rising antisemitism fueled by regional tensions, marks one of Australia's worst mass shootings and prompts international outrage and security concerns.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed readiness for dialogue with Western and European leaders amid ongoing Russian attacks. Talks in Berlin focus on a ceasefire and peace negotiations, with Kyiv seeking support from the US and allies. Recent Russian strikes have caused casualties and damage in Ukraine.
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Ukraine has agreed to seek legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and other allies instead of NATO membership, marking a major diplomatic shift amid ongoing peace negotiations and Russian aggression. The move aims to prevent further conflict but departs from Kyiv’s long-standing NATO aspirations.
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Ukraine's SBU announced it used underwater drones to damage a Russian Kilo-class submarine at Novorossiysk, marking a historic first. The attack damages Russia's Black Sea fleet amid ongoing tensions and Ukraine's efforts to weaken Russian naval capabilities.