Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to his nation about the implications of a U.S. peace proposal that may favor Russian interests. In a recent address, Zelenskyy highlighted the difficult decision facing Ukraine: to uphold its sovereignty or risk losing essential American support. The proposal, which includes a range of concessions to Russia, has raised concerns among Ukrainian leaders about its potential impact on the ongoing conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautiously welcomed the U.S. initiative, suggesting it could form the basis for a final peace settlement. The plan reportedly requires Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, a condition that Kyiv has firmly rejected. Furthermore, it proposes a reduction in the size of Ukraine’s military and restricts its aspirations for NATO membership. These terms have sparked significant debate within Ukraine, as leaders assess the ramifications for national security and international support.
In a separate political development, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced her resignation from Congress, effective January. Greene, who once stood as a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, cited a desire to spare her congressional district from a “hurtful and hateful primary.” Her decision follows a public fallout with Trump, who has criticized her on various fronts, including her views on foreign policy.
In Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested by federal police just days before he was set to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a coup attempt. The arrest, carried out in Brasilia, followed a request from Brazil’s Supreme Court and reflects the ongoing legal challenges facing Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022.
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked a ruling that deemed Texas’ 2026 congressional redistricting plan likely discriminatory. This intervention, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, aims to prevent confusion ahead of upcoming congressional primary elections. The court’s conservative majority has historically intervened in similar cases to maintain electoral stability, particularly as elections approach.
In health news, a resident from Grays Harbor County, Washington, is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, known as H5N5. The Washington State Department of Health reported that the individual had underlying health conditions and was being treated for the virus after becoming infected. Despite the death, health officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low.
In Nigeria, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community, abducting over 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the incident, which reflects the ongoing threat of kidnappings in the region, typically conducted by gangs seeking ransom. Security forces have been deployed to respond to the situation and search for the abductees.
Additionally, the widow of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called for the release of a transcript from a 2019 phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This request follows Trump’s dismissal of U.S. intelligence findings, which implicated the crown prince in Khashoggi’s death. The call for transparency comes amidst growing scrutiny over U.S.-Saudi relations.
Finally, in Ohio, a police officer was acquitted of all charges in the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother accused of shoplifting. The verdict, delivered by a Columbus jury, sparked emotional reactions from Young’s family, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding police conduct and accountability in similar incidents. Bodycam footage showed Young refusing to exit her vehicle before the officer shot her, emphasizing the complex nature of such confrontations.
