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Putin Engages with U.S. on Ukraine Peace Proposals, Kremlin Confirms

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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide held discussions with members of the U.S. administration after Moscow received American proposals for a possible Ukrainian peace deal, the Kremlin confirmed on December 26. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the proposals, brought to Moscow by Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev following a weekend meeting in Miami, are being carefully analysed, and dialogue between Russian and U.S. representatives will continue.

While Peskov did not disclose details of the conversations, he noted that public comments on the documents could undermine ongoing negotiations. Reports suggest that Putin may be open to swapping some territory controlled by Russian forces in Ukraine, but he remains firm on retaining the entire Donbas region. Discussions at a State Council meeting touched on the peace proposals in general terms without further specifics.

The engagement marks a continuation of diplomatic communication between Russia and the United States amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized that analysis of the U.S. proposals is underway, and both sides have agreed to maintain dialogue to explore potential pathways toward a resolution.

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Kremlin Dismisses European, Ukrainian Changes to U.S. Peace Proposals

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The Kremlin said on Sunday that recent changes proposed by Europe and Ukraine to U.S.-drafted plans aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have not improved the prospects for peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, said Moscow remains unconvinced that the revised proposals would help achieve a lasting settlement, reflecting Russia’s continued scepticism toward European and Ukrainian involvement in shaping the peace framework.

The original U.S. proposals, which were leaked last month, sparked concern among European and Ukrainian leaders who feared they were overly favourable to Russia and could pressure Kyiv into excessive concessions. In response, European and Ukrainian negotiators have held talks with envoys from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to introduce their own amendments, though the precise details of the updated proposals have not been made public. Ushakov said he had not yet seen the full documents but was confident the changes would not enhance the chances of long-term peace.

His remarks came after Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev held talks in Florida with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Dmitriev is expected to report back to Putin on the discussions, after which Moscow will decide its next steps in contacts with Washington. The talks underscore the high stakes surrounding whether the war—the deadliest in Europe since World War Two—can be brought to an end, the future of Ukraine, and whether any U.S.-brokered deal would be durable.

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Kremlin Rejects Claims Putin Wants Soviet Revival or NATO Attack

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The Kremlin has dismissed European accusations that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to restore the Soviet Union or launch an attack on NATO. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that such claims were false and disrespectful, insisting that Putin has repeatedly stated it is impossible to recreate the U.S.S.R. Putin, who once described the Soviet collapse as a major geopolitical catastrophe, has long argued this view relates to the hardship faced by Russians at the time, not a desire to rebuild the former bloc.

The remarks came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed Putin seeks to revive the “old Soviet Union” and posed a threat to NATO. Western leaders have frequently warned that a successful Russian campaign in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to target NATO member states. Putin, however, has repeatedly called the idea irrational, pointing to NATO’s military superiority.

Peskov rejected Merz’s statements as misguided and offensive, saying the allegations misrepresent Russia’s intentions. He reiterated that suggestions of Moscow preparing to attack NATO are “complete stupidity,” accusing critics of misunderstanding or deliberately twisting Russia’s official positions.

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Kremlin’s Ushakov Says He Will Discuss “Unacceptable” Leak With U.S. Envoy Witkoff

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Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said he would speak with U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the leak of an October phone conversation between the two officials, calling the disclosure “unacceptable.” Ushakov confirmed he would address the matter directly with Witkoff during upcoming communications, ahead of the American envoy’s planned visit to Moscow next week to meet President Vladimir Putin.

The leak, published by Bloomberg, claimed Witkoff suggested cooperation on a Ukraine ceasefire proposal and encouraged Putin to raise it with U.S. President Donald Trump. Ushakov dismissed parts of the leaked transcript as “fake” and refused to comment further, stressing that the discussion was confidential. He suggested the leak may have been intended to hinder ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Speaking to Kommersant, Ushakov noted that high-level talks are often conducted via encrypted channels that are rarely compromised unless intentionally leaked. However, he acknowledged that conversations over platforms like WhatsApp could be vulnerable to interception, while firmly ruling out the possibility that participants themselves leaked the discussions.

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Russian Court Imprisons Theatre Figures for Play About IS Wives

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A Russian playwright and a theatre director have been convicted of “justifying terrorism” by a Moscow military court. Director Yevgenia Berkovich and playwright Svetlana Petrichuk received six-year sentences for their play, The Brave Falcon Finist. The play, loosely inspired by real events, depicts Russian women traveling to Syria during the civil war to marry Islamic State fighters.

Their defense lawyer has pledged to appeal the verdict. The trial, held partially behind closed doors, has raised concerns about artistic freedom in Russia. In addition to their prison sentences, both women are barred from “administering websites” for three years post-release. They have been in custody since May 2023 and will now be sent to a penal colony, as reported by RBC.

Prosecutors argued that the play conveyed a positive view of IS, with prosecutor Yekaterina Denisova highlighting “signs of justification of terrorism” in the content. At the trial’s outset, Berkovich, 39, and Petrichuk, 44, stated that they created the play to oppose terrorism, expressing strong condemnation of terrorists. Berkovich emphasized her lack of affiliation with any form of Islam, particularly radical forms.

Throughout the trial, both women asserted their innocence. Defense lawyer Ksenia Karpinskaya condemned the trial as “absolutely illegal” and “unfair,” committing to appeal despite having “little hope.” She emphasized the innocence of both women.

Supporters suggest Berkovich’s prosecution may be linked to her critical poems about Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s artistic community has faced growing pressure from the Kremlin. Notable Russian figures, including newspaper editor Dmitry Muratov and actress Yulia Peresild, have expressed support for Berkovich and Petrichuk.

The Brave Falcon Finist, which debuted in 2020, won two Golden Mask Theatre Awards for best playwright and best costumes. Recently, Russia has experienced deadly Islamist militant attacks in Moscow and Dagestan, with the Kremlin making unproven claims of Ukraine’s involvement.

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Germany: Far-right celebrate beating Scholz’s party

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Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), expressed on Monday that there is a growing demand for a vote of confidence and new elections, stating that the public is frustrated. The AfD is celebrating their unexpected success in the European Parliament elections, where they secured 16%, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD.

Despite facing numerous scandals, including allegations of money laundering, connections to the Kremlin, and espionage for China, the AfD’s campaign managed to perform well. Their two lead candidates, Maximilian Krah and Petr Bystron, were sidelined due to investigations into these allegations, with Krah further tarnishing the party’s image by downplaying Nazi crimes. Consequently, France’s hard-right leader Marine Le Pen distanced herself from the AfD.

In an effort to rehabilitate the party’s image, Weidel has excluded Krah from the AfD’s EU delegation. The party attributes the scandals to a “media campaign” and criticizes the judiciary and intelligence services for being politically biased. This narrative of victimization seems to have resonated with voters.

The AfD’s effective use of social media and direct slogans contrasted with the government’s more abstract campaign messaging about “defending democracy.” Co-leader Tino Chrupalla emphasized addressing real issues over engaging in mutual insults, which appeared to appeal to the electorate, especially in eastern Germany and among younger voters.

Meanwhile, the governing coalition is grappling with the poor election results, described as a “painful humiliation” by an SPD leader. Although the conservatives led with 30%, their performance was not seen as particularly strong given the government’s unpopularity. In eastern Germany, the AfD outperformed them, and the results complicate the formation of a stable coalition in the national parliament.

This outcome bolsters CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s efforts to steer his party towards a more conservative stance and supports his ambition to become Germany’s next chancellor. However, the real beneficiaries of the election are the populists.

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Vladimir Putin removes Sergei Shoigu from Russian defence ministry

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The Kremlin has announced the removal of long-time ally Sergei Shoigu from his position as defense minister, replacing him with Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, who lacks significant military experience. Shoigu will be appointed secretary of Russia’s Security Council. This move, a rare reshuffle in Russian politics, is seen as reflecting President Putin’s decision-making authority, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Belousov’s appointment surprises many due to his background as an economist. However, analysts suggest this decision aligns with Putin’s aim to integrate the Russian economy more closely with military efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for innovation in the defense ministry, comparing Russia’s situation to the mid-1980s Soviet Union when a large portion of GDP was allocated to military spending.

The decision to appoint a civilian to such a significant military role underscores the changing priorities within the Kremlin and the necessity to improve efficiency in the armed forces amid ongoing conflicts. Recent events, including the arrest of one of Shoigu’s deputies on corruption charges and prolonged military engagement in Ukraine, likely contributed to speculation about Shoigu’s weakening position.

While Shoigu will retain influence as secretary of the Security Council, his reassignment may be interpreted as a demotion. The future of Nikolai Patrushev, the council’s current head, remains uncertain. Shoigu, who has a civil engineering background, gained prominence in the 1990s as head of the emergencies and disaster relief ministry.

Belousov, described as a staunch defender of the state who believes Russia faces numerous external threats, shares a close relationship with Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church. He has practiced martial arts, including karate and sambo, and previously served as an aide to Putin. His support for the annexation of Crimea in 2014 aligns with Putin’s policies.

Putin’s recent reelection for a fifth term with an overwhelming majority solidifies his leadership position in Russia, which he has held since 2000.

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Putin’s Swearing-In: Continuity at the Kremlin

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Vladimir Putin is poised to embark on his fifth term as Russia’s president, a testament to his enduring influence over the country’s political landscape. However, this prolonged tenure has not been without controversy. Over the years, Putin’s leadership has undergone a noticeable shift towards authoritarianism, characterized by a tightening grip on power and a crackdown on dissenting voices.

One of the most notable manifestations of this shift is Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. What began as a territorial dispute over Crimea has escalated into a protracted conflict, with Russia backing separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. This aggressive stance has drawn condemnation from the international community and further strained Russia’s already tenuous relations with the West.

Fiona Hill, a former White House national security advisor, has remarked on Putin’s evolution from a pragmatic leader to an imperialist figure reminiscent of Russian tsars. This transformation has had profound implications for Russia’s domestic politics and its standing on the world stage. Putin’s consolidation of power has eroded democratic institutions and marginalized political opposition, leaving little room for dissent.

Despite mounting criticism of his leadership style, Putin has managed to maintain a firm grip on power, thanks in part to his dominance of Russia’s political landscape. His electoral victories, though marred by allegations of irregularities and lack of transparency, have only served to reinforce his position as Russia’s preeminent political figure.

Nowhere is Putin’s influence more evident than in places like Kashira, a town near Moscow, where a massive mural of the president adorns the side of an apartment block. This towering image serves as a constant reminder of Putin’s omnipresence in Russian society and the challenges of dissenting in a political climate increasingly hostile to opposition voices.

Despite the pervasive sense of resignation among many Russians, there lingers a palpable undercurrent of uncertainty about the future. As Putin prepares to embark on another term in office, questions abound about what lies ahead for Russia and how the country will navigate the era of Putinism in the years to come.

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France beefs up security as Paris Olympics approach

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Amid concerns over potential Islamic State (IS) threats to European sporting events, including a recent online warning, French authorities have intensified security measures in Paris. This move coincides with worries about the safety of upcoming events such as the Champions League quarter-final match and the impending Olympic Games.

While Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged the elevated threat level, he also emphasized France’s experience in countering extremist activities, citing recent foiled attacks. Despite the heightened security, some fans remain undeterred, expressing a determination not to let fear dictate their lives.

Across Europe, governments are grappling with the growing threat posed by IS-K, particularly in light of the upcoming European Football Championship. Germany, in particular, has ramped up security measures, including border checks, amidst concerns over internal security.

Balancing security concerns with maintaining a sense of normalcy presents a challenge for France, especially with the Olympics fast approaching. While some voices caution against overreacting to IS threats, others stress the importance of not yielding to fear and maintaining public confidence.

France’s extensive experience with Islamist incidents has led to the deployment of significant security forces, including Operation Sentinelle and military personnel. Despite assurances from security officials, concerns persist, compounded by tensions with Russia and its alleged efforts to undermine French credibility through cyber campaigns.

President Macron has warned of Russia’s potential to disrupt the Olympics through various means, including cyber operations aimed at spreading misinformation. The French government has publicly denounced attempts to manipulate public opinion, attributing such actions to Kremlin-backed efforts to sow discord.

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Putin finally names Navalny and claims he agreed prisoner swap

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Vladimir Putin, known for his reluctance to address his main opponent in Russia directly by name, notably changed his approach following the death of Alexei Navalny. After securing his fifth term as president, Putin acknowledged Navalny’s passing, describing it as a sorrowful event. He also hinted at a potential agreement for Navalny’s involvement in a prisoner exchange.

Navalny’s associates allege he was murdered while in custody in an Arctic jail by Russian authorities, whereas official Russian sources attribute his death to natural causes. US President Joe Biden condemned Putin’s regime, characterizing Navalny’s demise as further evidence of Putin’s brutality.

Putin recently disclosed that prior to Navalny’s death, he had been informed of a proposed swap involving individuals detained in the West. Putin claimed he had agreed to the swap on the condition that Navalny remained outside Russia, but the plan did not materialize due to unforeseen circumstances.

Some observers interpret Putin’s remarks as an effort to distance himself from Navalny’s death, while others see it as a sign that Putin no longer perceives Navalny as a significant threat. Previously, Putin had rarely mentioned Navalny by name, arguing that he was just one among many opposition figures.

Navalny’s associates assert that Putin’s recent acknowledgment of Navalny’s name signifies a shift in his stance, indicating that Putin no longer feels the need to avoid mentioning him. However, critics view Putin’s comments with skepticism, considering them as attempts to downplay his involvement or responsibility in Navalny’s demise.

The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death are intertwined with discussions of a potential prisoner swap, allegedly involving Navalny and individuals held in the West. Despite Putin’s acknowledgment of the proposed exchange, the Kremlin has not officially confirmed these negotiations. Additionally, Putin has refrained from directly naming Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman implicated in a high-profile murder in Germany, despite allusions to his involvement.

Overall, Putin’s remarks and the events surrounding Navalny’s death underscore the complex dynamics of Russian politics and international relations, with lingering questions regarding accountability and justice.

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