US holds secret meetings with Russians in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine, and the very idea sparks a flurry of questions and concerns. The fact that these discussions are happening behind closed doors, in a location like Abu Dhabi, immediately raises eyebrows. Why the secrecy? What exactly is being discussed? The situation is especially sensitive given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the complex geopolitical landscape it has created.
US holds secret meetings with Russians in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine, and the nature of these meetings becomes a focal point. Some suggest that the conversations might revolve around oil and money distribution.… Continue reading
Russia’s oil and gas revenue is anticipated to decrease by approximately 35% in November compared to the previous year, reaching roughly $6.6 billion, due to weaker crude prices and a stronger ruble. This decline, also reflected in a 7.4% decrease from October, places pressure on Russia’s budget, especially with elevated defense spending. For the first 11 months of 2025, oil and gas revenue is projected to total approximately $102 billion. Western sanctions, designed to limit Moscow’s war funding, have compounded the issue.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the United States cannot indefinitely supply weapons to Ukraine. Leavitt explained that former President Trump has dedicated considerable effort to ending the war and seeks to stop the killings. Although no longer providing funding directly, the US continues to provide significant amounts of weapons through NATO. Leavitt emphasized that the president wants the war to end, reflecting the sentiment of a frustrated American society.
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The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is facing criticism from the UK and other countries regarding the reinstatement of Russia and Belarus, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. IPC President Andrew Parsons stated the decision to lift the partial suspensions was not linked to participation in wars but instead based on the perceived reduction of promotion of the war through Paralympic sport. The IPC’s decision was influenced by a perceived inconsistency in applying sanctions, given other global conflicts. While the UK and a number of European countries expressed concern over the decision, the IPC has stated it will respond with the information they want regarding the consequences.
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Romania scrambled fighter jets after two Russian drones entered its airspace from Ukraine, as Moscow launched widespread attacks on its neighbor. Moldova also reported detecting six drones in its airspace, one of which traveled toward Romania. The Romanian Ministry of Defense confirmed that two German Typhoon fighter jets were deployed, followed by two Romanian F-16 jets, in response to the incursions near the Ukrainian border. These events occurred amid a broader Russian assault on Ukraine, which included strikes on Kyiv and Odesa, and involved a large number of drones and missiles.
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Russia bombards Kyiv hours after Trump voices hope for a Ukraine deal, and it’s almost as if the timing itself is a statement. It’s a cruel illustration of the reality that words, especially hopeful ones, often carry little weight in the face of brute force. The immediate response from the Russian side suggests a clear disregard for any diplomatic overtures, a brutal reminder of their approach to negotiations: actions speak louder, and often more destructively, than words. This is a pattern that’s unfortunately become all too familiar, a grim dance of pronouncements followed by the cold, hard facts on the ground.… Continue reading
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his approval of the amended peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, with the revised version incorporating “correct elements”. The initial 28-point plan, which was perceived as favoring Russia, was revised after objections from Ukraine’s European allies. While details of the new 19-point plan are still developing, sensitive issues, including territorial concessions, will be discussed by leaders. A virtual meeting of Ukraine’s European allies is scheduled to discuss the latest developments, with a focus on achieving a just and lasting peace.
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Ukraine’s leaders have established firm conditions for any peace deal with Russia, including no recognition of Russian land grabs, limitations on its defense forces, or vetoes on future alliances. President Zelensky highlighted the demand for recognition of stolen territory as the primary obstacle in negotiations, emphasizing that borders should not be altered through force. Amid intensive talks in Geneva, Ukrainian, US, and European officials have drafted a “refined peace framework” addressing key issues such as Ukraine’s army size and prisoner exchanges, but the critical matters of territory and NATO membership remain unresolved. The US has also proposed a 10-year security pact and is encouraging unity within Ukraine as the discussions accelerate, aiming to present the final plan to Moscow pending European backing.
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Following negotiations in Switzerland, Ukraine has significantly altered the US peace plan, reducing the initial 28 points to 19 and removing some of Russia’s maximalist demands. Kyiv insists the current frontline should serve as the starting point for territorial discussions and that it retains the right to decide on EU and NATO membership. While US officials have expressed optimism, Moscow indicated the plan requires further revisions, rejecting a European counter-proposal. European leaders emphasize the need for their full involvement and for Russia to participate in talks to achieve a just and lasting peace, while the situation remains volatile amid ongoing attacks.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker