US and Russia Draft Ukraine Peace Plan Requiring Major Territorial Concessions from Kyiv
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1. 🇺🇦 US and Russia Draft Ukraine Peace Plan Requiring Major Territorial Concessions from Kyiv
The United States and Russia have developed a peace proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, but the plan requires significant concessions from Kyiv, including ceding territory to Moscow and abandoning certain weaponry. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff have spent the past month quietly negotiating terms acceptable to both sides, with the framework granting Russia effective control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. The proposal, which President Trump supports, includes promises from Moscow to halt further attacks and economic incentives for both nations, though European allies express alarm at being sidelined from negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting pressure as he navigates the peace proposal, a major corruption scandal threatening his government, and constitutional barriers that make territorial concessions illegal under Ukrainian law. European Union diplomats, caught off guard by the US-Russia negotiations, insist that any viable peace plan must include Ukrainian and European input. The framework represents the Trump administration’s most aggressive diplomatic push yet, coming as Russian forces claim territorial gains in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, though Ukrainian military officials dispute these assertions.
2. 🇮🇱 Israeli Settlers Torch 150 Cars in West Bank Scrapyard as Netanyahu Convenes Security Meeting on Extremist Violence
Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle scrapyard in the town of Huwara in the occupied West Bank, destroying or damaging approximately 150 cars in the latest escalation of extremist violence against Palestinians. The attack occurred the same evening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security meeting to address the surge in settler violence that has intensified in recent weeks and months. Scrapyard owner Mohammed Dalal, who depends on the business to support his children in university and grandchildren, witnessed more than a dozen settlers descend on the site, smashing vehicles and starting fires that sent thick black smoke into the night sky.
The Huwara arson represents the second major settler attack in days, following a similar incident south of Bethlehem where settlers torched Palestinian homes and vehicles. The Israeli military dispatched soldiers after receiving reports of civilians throwing rocks at Palestinian vehicles and damaging property, though no suspects were found. The escalating violence occurs against the backdrop of Defense Minister Israel Katz’s decision last year to end administrative detention for Israeli settlers, eliminating a key enforcement tool while continuing to use it against Palestinians. Huwara previously suffered a large-scale settler attack in June 2023 that killed one Palestinian and wounded hundreds in what Israel’s former military chief described as a pogrom.
3. 🇺🇸Federal Agents Arrest More Than 250 in Charlotte During Trump Immigration Crackdown Operation
Federal immigration enforcement agents have arrested more than 250 people in Charlotte, North Carolina, since Saturday as part of President Donald Trump’s escalating immigration crackdown dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” The Department of Homeland Security maintains those detained are criminals and gang members convicted of crimes including assault on law enforcement, driving while intoxicated, theft, and document tampering. Charlotte becomes the latest city targeted with federal troops following similar large-scale operations in Chicago and Los Angeles earlier this year, with DHS officials characterizing the detainees as “some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens.”
North Carolina’s Democratic Governor Josh Stein has sharply criticized the operation, accusing masked federal agents in paramilitary gear and unmarked vehicles of racially profiling residents and targeting American citizens based on skin color. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles echoed these concerns, expressing alarm over videos showing enforcement tactics and urging federal agents to operate with respect for the city’s values. The crackdown has prompted fear among immigrant communities, with many staying home to avoid encounters with federal agents, while Stein monitors reports that similar operations may expand to Raleigh. The duration of Charlotte’s enforcement operation remains unclear, though Chicago’s crackdown has continued since September.
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4.🇿🇦 Starmer Defends South Africa G20 Trip as Trump Skips Summit Days Before UK Budget Announcement
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his decision to travel to South Africa for the G20 summit despite the planned absence of Donald Trump and with Chancellor Rachel Reeves finalizing a potentially controversial budget just days away. Starmer arrives in Johannesburg Friday for weekend bilateral discussions focused on securing investment, creating jobs, and addressing cost-of-living concerns for British citizens. The prime minister emphasized that discussions with G20 partners and allies translate to “real jobs back in the UK” and remain critical when economic issues dominate domestic concerns, though he will be unable to meet with Trump, who announced he would skip the summit after accusing South Africa of racially discriminating against white Afrikaners.
The summit faces unprecedented absences among major world leaders, with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping also staying away, raising questions about the gathering’s effectiveness. South Africa has responded sharply to Trump’s decision, with President Cyril Ramaphosa condemning what he called US “coercion by absentia” and insisting that sovereign nations deserve equal treatment without bullying. British officials indicate Starmer will use the trip to shore up European support for Ukraine as Trump develops a peace plan requiring significant Ukrainian concessions. Meanwhile, Reeves works to finalize a budget expected to include billions in tax increases, including an income tax threshold freeze, after Starmer and Reeves abandoned plans last week to raise income tax rates directly.
5.🇧🇷 Fire Forces COP30 Climate Summit Evacuation in Brazil as 13 Treated for Smoke Inhalation
Attendees at the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference were forced to evacuate Thursday after a fire broke out at the COP30 venue in Belem, Brazil, sending thick black smoke through the Blue Zone pavilion where negotiators and accredited media conduct official business. Officials contained the blaze within six minutes, and thirteen people received treatment for smoke inhalation, though no serious injuries occurred. Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino downplayed the incident as a “small fire” possible at any large event, while state governor Helder Barbalho indicated authorities suspect a generator failure or short circuit sparked the flames.
The Blue Zone remained closed until 8pm local time for safety inspections, while the Green Zone continued normal operations throughout the incident. Social media videos captured scenes of panic as security officials ordered immediate evacuation, with independent journalist Fernando Ralfer Oliveira describing people running and shouting warnings about fire. The incident comes just one week after UN Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell sent Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva a letter raising safety concerns including faulty doors and water leaks near light fixtures. Brazil responded that same day claiming all UN safety requests had been met, including expanded police presence between conference zones.
Check this Out
Can Black Friday be sustainable? Here’s how to shop smarter this year
Black Friday isn’t just a shopping day anymore. It’s a season. What started as one day of doorbuster deals has stretched into weeks of “early access” events and month-long markdowns. The message is everywhere: Buy now, buy fast, buy more. But behind the excitement lies a bigger story about the culture of more, and the toll it takes on both people and the planet.
In 2024 alone, Americans spent over $10.8 billion online during Black Friday. Many of those purchases were made on impulse, driven by scarcity language and flashy discounts. The result? A cycle of overconsumption that fuels waste, fast production and carbon-heavy shipping (not to mention countless returns that often end up in landfills).
Watch This
Australian airlines will ban portable power banks after a string of events, including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July.
From December 1, Virgin Australia passengers must keep power banks visible and accessible. Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar will enforce similar rules starting December 15.
Pick of the Day
Nike Returns to Amazon With Up to 43% Off Sneakers and Activewear in Rare Sales Event
Nike has returned to Amazon after a five-year absence, marking the occasion with a significant sales event offering up to 43% off sneakers and activewear across men’s and women’s categories. The athletic retail giant’s comeback to the e-commerce platform represents one of its first major Amazon savings events since rejoining the marketplace, with many items hitting all-time low prices. Deals range from 25% to 43% off popular items including the brand’s Club Joggers, Dri-Fit workout gear, Air Max sneakers, and performance leggings, though stock levels are declining rapidly on bestselling styles as consumers capitalize on the rare discount opportunity.
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