Russia’s Vladimir Putin indicated readiness to consider a modified U.S. proposal on ending the war in Ukraine and is set to receive Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow next week. The original plan, seen by Kyiv and European capitals as too favorable to Moscow, was adjusted during talks in Geneva, but allies remain wary that any deal could cement Russian gains.
Source: Washington Post
Royal Navy shadows Russian spy ship near NATO waters amid undersea security concerns
Britain’s Royal Navy intercepted and monitored a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel as it transited near NATO waters along international routes. The incident underscores heightened maritime competition and persistent worries over the security of critical undersea infrastructure across Europe.
Source: The National Interest
Moscow confirms state visit to India as Russia deepens Asian partnerships
The Kremlin announced President Putin will make a state visit to India on December 4–5 to discuss a wide agenda spanning defense, energy and strategic stability. The trip highlights Russia’s pivot toward Asian partners and could complicate Western efforts to isolate Moscow while reinforcing longstanding Russia–India defense and nuclear cooperation.
Source: TASS
Belarus’s Lukashenko begins first official visit to Myanmar, tightening ties with fellow pariah state
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Myanmar for his first official visit, marking a deepening alignment between two governments ostracized by the West. The relationship—likely to encompass defense, technology and industrial cooperation—raises concerns over sanctions evasion and military support for Myanmar’s junta.
Source: The Diplomat
Rocket attack on Iraqi gas field cuts power to most of Kurdistan
A rocket strike on a major gas facility in Iraq triggered widespread power cuts across the Kurdistan Region, exposing the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure. The disruption risks inflaming political tensions in Baghdad–Erbil relations and undermining investor confidence in Iraq’s energy sector.
Source: New York Times
Russia designates Navalny’s anti-corruption group a terrorist organization
Moscow labeled the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation a terrorist organization, effectively criminalizing its supporters and further shrinking space for dissent. The move is likely to deepen Russia’s rift with Western governments and provide a legal pretext for broader crackdowns on civil society.
Source: New York Times
Argentina puts IAEA chief Rafael Grossi forward for UN Secretary-General
Buenos Aires formally nominated Rafael M. Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to serve as UN Secretary-General for the 2027–2031 term. Grossi’s track record mediating nuclear disputes could inject nonproliferation expertise into UN leadership, with major-power reactions likely to shape the race.
Source: MercoPress
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