Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, pose with other G20 leaders during an event launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty at the G20 Summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Xi is ramping up diplomatic efforts at international summits in anticipation of potential tariffs from Trump

In his initial global engagements following Donald Trump‘s reelection as U.S. President, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a diplomatic initiative aimed at countering anticipated new tariffs and positioning China to take advantage of possible future divisions between Washington and its allies. Throughout a series of meetings, from APEC in Peru to G20 in Brazil over the past week, Xi aimed to differentiate himself from Trump’s … Continue reading Xi is ramping up diplomatic efforts at international summits in anticipation of potential tariffs from Trump

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Kremlin dismisses the possibility of a ‘freeze’ in the Ukraine conflict

Any proposals aimed at freezing the conflict in Ukraine are deemed unacceptable by Russia, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who addressed journalists on Wednesday. Peskov’s comments came in response to a Reuters article that explored potential solutions to the ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The report indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be willing to discuss a ceasefire with incoming US President … Continue reading Kremlin dismisses the possibility of a ‘freeze’ in the Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva Yevheniia Filipenko

Ukraine warns against the dangers of ‘appeasement’ towards Putin amid ongoing conflict

A senior Ukrainian diplomat cautioned against any form of appeasement towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that the recent lethal assaults on Ukraine indicated his lack of interest in achieving peace. She urged allies to provide additional support. On Sunday, Russia launched its most extensive airstrike in nearly three months, targeting Ukraine’s power infrastructure. Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva remarked that this … Continue reading Ukraine warns against the dangers of ‘appeasement’ towards Putin amid ongoing conflict

Protesters gather to participate in a demonstration marking the upcoming anniversary of 1,000 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near the Russian Embassy in Rome, Italy.

Ukraine marks 1,000 days since the Russian invasion and hopes for a resolution by next year

Ukraine commemorated 1,000 days on Tuesday since the onset of Russia‘s full-scale invasion, with fatigued troops engaged in combat across multiple fronts. Kyiv continues to endure frequent drone and missile assaults, while officials brace for the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House in January. In a significant development for the beleaguered nation, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of U.S. missiles … Continue reading Ukraine marks 1,000 days since the Russian invasion and hopes for a resolution by next year

Ukraine’s allies face turmoil as diplomacy led by Trump approaches

After nearly a thousand days of Europe’s most intense conflict since the Nazi era, the prospect of peace negotiations in Ukraine seems to be emerging. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz‘s recent decision to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin has ended a prolonged period during which major NATO leaders largely isolated the Kremlin leader. This development was particularly disappointing for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, occurring … Continue reading Ukraine’s allies face turmoil as diplomacy led by Trump approaches

Poland's President Andrzej Duda speaks during a press conference

Poland’s President Duda says the U.S. arms decision could be vital for Ukraine

Polish President Andrzej Duda stated on Monday that the U.S. decision to permit Ukraine to utilize American-made weapons for strikes deep within Russia could represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. On Sunday, two U.S. officials and a source familiar with the matter disclosed this significant shift in Washington’s stance regarding the Ukraine-Russia situation. “This decision was essential… Russia recognizes that Ukraine has robust … Continue reading Poland’s President Duda says the U.S. arms decision could be vital for Ukraine

Trump may mark the end of Zelensky’s military campaign and political ambitions

How can one effectively manage damage control after significant harm has already been done? This is the dilemma currently confronting Western and Ukrainian leaders. With the recent resurgence of former president and now president-elect Donald Trump in the United States, it appears he may fulfill his campaign pledge to swiftly conclude the proxy conflict involving Ukraine. This development is promising, particularly for many Ukrainians—and Russians as … Continue reading Trump may mark the end of Zelensky’s military campaign and political ambitions

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Germany’s Scholz defends his talks with Putin ahead of snap elections

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that his recent discussion with Vladimir Putin did not reveal any change in the Russian President’s stance regarding the war in Ukraine. However, he defended his controversial choice to reach out to the Kremlin. The hour-long conversation, which marked their first direct interaction in nearly two years, took place just three months ahead of snap elections. Scholz faces significant challenges … Continue reading Germany’s Scholz defends his talks with Putin ahead of snap elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting

Putin told Scholz that Russia is open to energy collaboration, per the Kremlin

President Vladimir Putin informed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday that Russia is open to discussing energy agreements if Berlin expresses interest, according to a statement from the Kremlin. This marked their first phone conversation since December 2022. The Kremlin reported that the two leaders engaged in a “detailed and frank exchange of views” regarding Ukraine, with Putin reiterating his long-standing position that any peace … Continue reading Putin told Scholz that Russia is open to energy collaboration, per the Kremlin

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appears at a joint press conference

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy advised Scholz to be cautious in talks with Putin, a Kyiv source said

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy advised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on Friday, warning that it would diminish the Russian leader’s isolation and prolong the conflict, according to a source from Ukraine’s presidential office. A spokesperson for the German government stated that Scholz encouraged Putin to initiate discussions with Kyiv to pave the way for a “just and lasting peace.” … Continue reading Ukrainian President Zelenskiy advised Scholz to be cautious in talks with Putin, a Kyiv source said