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Ukraine, US Hold Christmas Day Talks to Advance Peace Deal

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a “very good” conversation on Christmas Day with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as negotiations toward a possible peace deal with Russia continued. Zelensky said the talks covered substantive aspects of the negotiations and generated new ideas aimed at achieving “real peace,” describing the engagement as constructive and timely. Senior Ukrainian officials, including Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, also participated in the discussions.

Zelensky said further talks were planned between Umerov and the US representatives, stressing the importance of seizing every opportunity to move closer to a settlement. The diplomatic push comes amid gradual progress in US-led peace efforts, including recent meetings between Ukrainian, Russian, and American negotiators. Zelensky has outlined a 20-point framework for ending the war, which includes troop withdrawals, security guarantees involving the US and Europe, and the creation of a demilitarized zone in parts of eastern Ukraine.

Despite ongoing negotiations, fighting has continued on the ground. Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Odesa, causing power outages and civilian damage, while Ukrainian forces have conducted drone and sabotage operations against Russian military targets. Russian officials say they are reviewing Ukraine’s proposals, though President Vladimir Putin has reiterated demands that Ukraine cede all of Donetsk. International figures, including Pope Leo, used Christmas messages to call for an end to the violence and renewed diplomatic engagement.

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Lukashenko Says US Acknowledgment of 2020 Election Outcome Could Reset Ties

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said relations with the United States could improve if Washington acknowledges that efforts to overturn his 2020 re-election had failed. In an interview with U.S. outlet Newsmax, Lukashenko suggested that such an admission could serve as a starting point for renewed dialogue between the two countries.

Official results declaring Lukashenko re-elected to a sixth term in 2020 triggered mass protests in Belarus, with demonstrators alleging electoral fraud. Western nations refused to recognise the result, while Russia backed Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader responded to the unrest with widespread arrests, deepening tensions with the West.

The United States and its allies later imposed sanctions on Belarus over the election, human rights concerns and Minsk’s role in allowing Russia to use its territory to launch the invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, U.S. officials have engaged Belarus in recent years, including efforts to secure the release of detainees. Lukashenko said Belarus wanted constructive relations with Washington and even suggested the two sides could cooperate on international issues such as Venezuela.

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Ukraine–US Ceasefire Talks Continue in Berlin as Washington Signals Progress

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Ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and the United States continued for a second day in Berlin, with Washington saying “a lot of progress was made.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov held extended talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, also attended, while more European leaders are expected to join later discussions.

Zelensky indicated he was ready to give up Ukraine’s ambition to join Nato in exchange for strong security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5 mutual defence clause, calling it a significant compromise. The talks centre on a 20-point Ukrainian peace proposal aimed at countering an earlier US plan seen as favouring Russia. While details remain undisclosed, Kyiv says the plan would form the basis for reconstruction and long-term security assurances.

Discussions also touched on sensitive territorial issues, including the Donbas region, where Zelensky said Ukraine could consider freezing the conflict along current front lines but would not withdraw troops unless Russia did the same. Any agreement reached by Ukraine, the US and Europe would still need to be presented to Moscow, which continues to oppose Nato membership for Kyiv. The talks come as Ukraine faces renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and as EU states debate using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s economy.

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Rubio Calls Geneva Talks on Ukraine Peace Plan the ‘Best Meeting So Far’

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that closed-door peace discussions in Geneva on Sunday marked major progress towards a draft U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters after meeting a Ukrainian delegation, Rubio described the session as the most productive since the administration took office, calling it “probably the best meeting and day we’ve had so far in this entire process.”

The talks are ongoing in Geneva and involve collaborative efforts to refine joint proposals, with participation expected from European partners. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called the discussions “very productive,” confirming that another round of meetings would continue later on the same day. He expressed appreciation for U.S. support and diplomatic engagement.

Yermak publicly thanked the United States and President Donald Trump for their commitment to pursuing peace, echoing Zelenskiy’s earlier message of gratitude. The acknowledgment followed recent comments by Trump on social media suggesting Kyiv had shown insufficient appreciation for U.S. assistance. Both sides signaled optimism about advancing negotiations that could shape the next phase of diplomatic efforts.

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U.S. Urges China to Halt Support for Russia’s War Effort at U.N. Meeting

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At a United Nations Security Council session on Ukraine, the United States directly called on China to cease enabling Russia’s military operations through the export of dual-use goods. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, stated that Chinese-manufactured components are consistently found in Russian drones, weapons, and vehicles deployed against Ukraine, despite Beijing’s claims of strict export controls.

Responding to the accusations, China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Geng Shuang firmly denied any involvement in the conflict, emphasizing that China has neither supplied lethal weapons nor violated international controls on dual-use materials. Geng accused the U.S. of attempting to deflect responsibility and urged Washington to contribute more constructively to peace efforts rather than fueling confrontation.

The exchange followed a Reuters report revealing that Chinese-made drone engines are being secretly routed to Russia under the guise of “industrial refrigeration units,” allegedly in violation of Western sanctions. Shea asserted that if China genuinely supports peace, it must stop aiding Russia’s aggression, highlighting growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the Ukraine war.

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Europe risks dying and faces big decisions – Macron

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In a significant speech at Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning to Europe, stating that the continent must shed its self-imposed naivety or risk its demise. Macron emphasized the urgent need for Europe to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, highlighting challenges such as Russian hostility, diminishing US interest, and Chinese competition that could marginalize the EU.

Macron urged European leaders to make decisive moves toward bolstering defense and the economy, advocating for increased protectionism and the development of an independent defense capability. He stressed the importance of Europe asserting itself in international trade, particularly as major players like China and the US disregard established norms.

Addressing concerns over Russia’s actions, Macron defended his stance of strategic ambiguity regarding potential military involvement in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to assert its independence from the US and reject a bipolar world order.

Macron also warned against Europe’s internal demoralization, urging a reconnection with the values that distinguish the continent. He highlighted the dangers of online disinformation and advocated for stricter regulations, including imposing a minimum age for social media access.

While Macron’s speech aimed to position France at the forefront of European leadership and boost his party’s electoral prospects, it also underscored concerns about the party’s dependence on Macron’s leadership.

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Apple, Meta and Google to be investigated by the EU

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The European Union has initiated investigations into major tech companies such as Meta, Apple, and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) over potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If found guilty, these companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager and industry head Thierry Breton announced the investigations, focusing on allegations of anti-competitive practices by these tech giants. The DMA, which targets companies considered to be digital gatekeepers, aims to foster fair competition in the digital market.

The investigations are particularly focused on whether these companies are impeding fair competition, such as by limiting app communication with users, restricting user choice, or favoring their own services in search results. For instance, Apple faces scrutiny for its App Store policies, while Meta is being investigated for its advertising practices.

These investigations come shortly after Apple was fined €1.8 billion for competition law violations related to music streaming, and amid a landmark lawsuit in the United States accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market.

Both Apple and Meta have responded, expressing willingness to engage with the investigation and asserting their compliance with the DMA. However, Alphabet has yet to comment on the matter.

The EU aims to complete the investigations within approximately 12 months, with a focus on ensuring open and contestable digital markets in Europe. The timing of these actions, just ahead of European Parliament elections, underscores the EU’s commitment to consumer protection and fair competition in the digital sphere.

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Director Roman Polanski goes on trial for defamation

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In Paris, a defamation lawsuit against the long-standing filmmaker Roman Polanski was scheduled to commence on Tuesday, brought forward by British actress Charlotte Lewis.

The lawsuit stems from Polanski’s remarks to Paris Match magazine in 2019, where he accused Lewis of fabricating a sexual assault allegation against him from four decades ago. Polanski, now 90, had fled the United States in 1978 after admitting to unlawful sexual activity with a thirteen-year-old girl. Despite numerous allegations of abuse from other women, Polanski has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Polanski, residing in Paris, has opted not to attend the trial personally, with his legal representation handling the proceedings. On the other hand, Lewis, currently living in the UK, was expected to be present.

Lewis initiated the legal action four years ago, expressing her readiness for the trial despite the prolonged and distressing process. In 2010, she had accused Polanski of assaulting her at the age of 16 during a casting trip to Paris in 1983, although she later appeared in one of his films.

Polanski’s defense in the defamation case refers to a 1999 article in a now-defunct British tabloid, where Lewis allegedly expressed admiration for him. However, Lewis maintains that the quotes attributed to her were inaccurate.

The defamation complaint led to automatic charges against Polanski under French law. The filmmaker, celebrated for works like “Chinatown” and “The Pianist,” has remained a controversial figure, evading extradition attempts by US authorities due to his French and Polish citizenship.

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Alexei Navalny: Putin critic about to be freed in prisoner swap when he died, says ally

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Maria Pevchikh, an ally of Alexei Navalny, revealed that plans were underway for Navalny’s release in a prisoner exchange deal. The exchange was intended to involve Vadim Krasikov, a Russian serving a life sentence in Germany for murder, along with two detained US citizens in Russia. Negotiations for this swap had been ongoing for two years but gained momentum after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Concrete plans for the exchange were reportedly made in December, with American and German officials involved in the talks.

However, according to Pevchikh, Russian President Vladimir Putin changed his mind at the last minute, leading to Navalny’s sudden death in prison. Pevchikh claimed that Putin’s deep-seated animosity towards Navalny, driven by the perceived threat he posed to Putin’s power, motivated the decision to sabotage the deal. Despite the existence of a firm agreement, Putin allegedly opted to eliminate Navalny rather than allow him to be released.

These revelations come amid continued speculation and international scrutiny surrounding Navalny’s death. While the German government has refrained from commenting on Pevchikh’s claims, the Kremlin has yet to provide an official response. However, Dmitry Peskov, President Putin’s spokesperson, had previously dismissed allegations of government involvement in Navalny’s death as absurd.

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France bans 28 Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

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France has taken decisive action by announcing the ban of 28 Israeli settlers who stand accused of perpetrating attacks against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. This move aligns with similar measures enacted by other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have also imposed restrictions on individuals involved in comparable activities. The French government’s decision comes amidst escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting a firm condemnation of such actions.

In a statement issued by the French foreign ministry, the country emphasized the gravity of the situation, denouncing the unacceptable violence perpetrated against Palestinian civilians. France, along with Poland and Germany, collectively announced sanctions against Israelis implicated in attacks within the West Bank. This concerted effort underscores the international community’s recognition of the need to address the escalating tensions and safeguard the rights of Palestinians in the region.

The French government reiterated its stance on the illegality of colonization under international law, emphasizing the imperative to halt such activities. It emphasized the necessity of ending colonization to pave the way for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, thereby enabling Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely. France also expressed its intention to pursue sanctions at the European level, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach among European Union member states in addressing the ongoing conflict.

While the individuals affected by these measures have not been publicly named, the broader context underscores the gravity of the situation. The imposition of sanctions by France and other nations reflects a concerted effort to address the escalating violence and promote stability in the region. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such actions serve as a testament to the importance of upholding human rights and seeking avenues for peaceful resolution.

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