President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is facing a critical moment due to Donald Trump’s demand for a US-backed peace plan with a deadline of Thanksgiving. This plan requires Ukraine to concede territory to Russia, among other concessions, which Zelenskyy viewed as potentially jeopardizing national interests. He has been given an impossible choice of retaining its national dignity or risking the loss of US support and facing a harsh winter. Meanwhile, European leaders expressed opposition to the proposal, emphasizing that any peace agreement must be fair and uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, in contrast to the plan’s call for major concessions.
Read More
General Fabien Mandon, France’s new army chief, sparked controversy with a warning to mayors that France must prepare to “lose its children” in a potential war, citing a lack of national will as the country’s greatest weakness. The comments, advocating for psychological, economic, and military readiness against a possible Russian confrontation, drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with some labeling the remarks as warmongering and others supporting the call for preparation. The warning aligns with previous statements by Mandon, who has emphasized the need for France to be ready for conflict within the next few years, and was defended by the Defense Minister. Notably, other European defense officials have echoed the need for preparation, with the German Defence Minister suggesting a potential timeframe for Russian aggression as early as 2028.
Read More
Despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Canada’s tourism sector experienced a remarkable boom, largely at the expense of its neighbor. The article suggests that due to the political climate and increased border security, U.S. tourism has declined, leading to fewer Canadian visitors. Simultaneously, Canada has seen a surge in domestic and international tourism, with many choosing Canada over the U.S. due to perceptions of safety and friendliness. While the U.S. Travel Association forecasts a decline in international tourism spending, Canada’s tourism revenue has surged.
Read More
A leaked peace proposal drafted by the US and Russia shows evidence of having been influenced by Russian language. Journalist Luke Harding pointed out that the passive construction “it is expected” in the third clause, along with other word choices like “ambiguities” and “enshrine,” sound more natural when translated directly from Russian. Furthermore, the use of “the new territory” to describe occupied regions of Ukraine also supports this claim. The settlement, which was reportedly drafted in secret talks, has been met with criticism from Kyiv and its allies, who view it as a concession to Moscow’s demands.
Read More
The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, stated that moving the capital is no longer a choice but an obligation due to the severe ecological strain on Tehran, citing sinking land and shrinking water supplies as evidence of a looming catastrophe. The government is considering moving the capital to the Makran coast, a remote area, to alleviate overcrowding and resource stress. This plan, which has been proposed before, faces challenges including high costs and political resistance, while critics also question the area’s readiness and security.
Read More
In Nigeria’s latest incident of mass abduction, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding school, seizing 215 students and 12 teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria. The attack occurred despite prior intelligence warnings of potential threats, with authorities noting the school had reopened without government clearance. The Niger State Police Command has deployed military and security forces, and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora reported a security staffer was injured. This follows a pattern of abductions, with schools, travelers, and remote villages frequently targeted by gangs, prompting the closure of numerous federal unity colleges and President Bola Tinubu to cancel his trip to the G20 summit.
Read More
President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is facing a critical moment, with the US and Russia proposing a 28-point plan to end the war. The plan reportedly includes concessions from Ukraine, such as ceding territory and scaling down its military, while Russia demands recognition of its control over certain regions and an end to NATO aspirations. Moscow also seeks reintegration into the global economy, the lifting of sanctions, and amnesty for all parties involved, including its troops. In return, Russia offers vague assurances of non-aggression towards other countries and desires a comprehensive non-aggression agreement with Europe.
Read More
A grizzly bear attacked a group of students and teachers near a river in the Bella Coola Valley of the Nuxalk Nation on Thursday, resulting in several injuries, some critical. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is working to locate and capture the bear, while authorities have urged residents to avoid the area. According to reports, teachers intervened using bear spray and bear bangers. The Nuxalk Nation chief warned people to stay indoors. The Acwsalcta School announced its closure on Friday due to the incident, and expressed support for those affected.
Read More
The recent wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has inflicted significant damage on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, impacting all major thermal and hydroelectric power plants. This has resulted in a substantial decrease in electricity generation capacity, while consumer demand remains high. Consequently, all available power is being allocated solely for domestic consumption, leading to emergency power cuts in several regions. Furthermore, the IAEA confirmed that Ukrainian nuclear power plants have been forced to reduce electricity production due to the attacks, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Read More
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed unwavering support for Ukraine amid a looming deadline imposed by the US. A meeting of European leaders is scheduled for Saturday in Johannesburg to discuss the situation, reaffirming the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” The US has proposed a 28-point plan for ending the war, which Ukraine is reportedly preparing to counter with its own alternative developed in collaboration with key European allies. Russia, under the US plan, would retain territory and be reintegrated into the global economy, prompting a stern warning from the Kremlin to Kyiv to negotiate or face further losses.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker