Ukraine peace talks, Putin-Modi summit, EU corruption probe, climate impacts...

Negotiations to end the war in Ukraine remain deadlocked as President Trump’s Thanksgiving peace deal deadline passes without agreement. The NY Times reports that the White House is now weighing whether an accord is still feasible. Meanwhile, Politico Europe offers an in-depth analysis of the chaotic and informal U.S. policy process, highlighting the absence of structured interagency coordination and the resulting confusion among both American officials and foreign interlocutors. This lack of process has contributed to repeated breakdowns in talks and uncertainty over the U.S. position. The Guardian adds that Europe continues to resist settlement terms largely shaped by Trump and Putin, but warns that its leverage is limited and may erode if U.S. policy remains unpredictable. The NY Times Politico Europe The Guardian

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India for a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to reinforce a partnership critical for Moscow amid Western sanctions and shifting global alliances. The World Street Journal emphasizes the strategic dimension, noting that the relationship has drawn criticism from the Trump administration, which is closely monitoring the talks after curtailing Russia’s oil sales to India. The Guardian notes that both Russia and India are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by rising Chinese power and Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy, making their cooperation more vital than ever. The NY Times further underlines the visit’s significance as Putin seeks to reduce Russia’s isolation. World Street Journal (International) The Guardian The NY Times

The European Commission is set to investigate Meta’s integration of artificial intelligence into WhatsApp, responding to concerns that the company’s practices may exclude other AI assistants from the platform. Politico Europe details that competition chief Teresa Ribera confirmed the imminent probe, following similar actions by the Italian competition authority. The Financial Times adds that the investigation is part of the EU’s broader scrutiny of Big Tech’s dominance in digital services. Politico Europe

Beijing is “actively” issuing general licenses for rare earth exports, according to the Financial Times, amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and EU over access to critical minerals. The move comes as Western countries seek to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which has imposed tight export controls in recent years, straining international economic relations. Financial Times

A sweeping corruption investigation is engulfing the EU’s diplomatic service following Belgian police raids and the detention of former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and ex-secretary-general Stefano Sannino. Politico Europe reports that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is distancing herself from the scandal, underscoring that the probe is limited to the External Action Service. Current EEAS boss Kaja Kallas has also emphasized her role in launching anti-fraud reforms since her appointment. The incident has intensified scrutiny over institutional accountability within EU structures. Politico Europe

In a significant development in Yemen’s protracted conflict, separatist forces backed by the UAE have marched into a key oil-rich region, reports the NY Times. Their swift advance may mark a turning point, as control over oil fields could shift the balance of power in the country’s decade-long civil war. Residents and officials say the move is part of a broader struggle for resources and influence. The NY Times

Uganda, once seen as a model for progressive migration policy, has stopped granting refugee status to new arrivals from Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia, citing severe aid cuts. According to The Guardian, the government now excludes those from countries “not experiencing war,” signaling a major policy shift and reflecting broader funding shortfalls affecting refugee-hosting nations globally. The Guardian

Thailand has seized more than $300 million in assets and issued 42 arrest warrants in a sweeping operation targeting regional cyberscam syndicates, according to The Guardian. The crackdown involves high-profile figures, including Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, head of the US-sanctioned Prince Group, and highlights the region’s emergence as a hub for sophisticated online fraud and human trafficking. The Guardian

The World Street Journal details a new push by the EU to eliminate barriers in trading and asset management as part of its effort to create a unified savings and investment market. The proposed measures are expected to encourage cross-border investment and boost the bloc’s economic competitiveness. World Street Journal (International)

There are now more billionaires worldwide than ever before, with the World Street Journal attributing the surge to soaring technology company valuations and robust stock-market performance. This growing concentration of wealth has fueled debates about economic inequality and the societal impact of tech-driven fortunes. World Street Journal (International)

A Pesticide Action Network Europe study has found that breakfast cereals across Europe contain average concentrations of toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) 100 times higher than in tap water. The Guardian highlights the role of pesticides in contaminating the food supply, raising new concerns about public health and regulatory oversight. The Guardian (Environnment)

Record heat and drought have cost UK arable farmers over £800 million in lost production in 2025, making it one of the worst harvests on record, reports The Guardian. The mounting financial pressure is forcing many farmers to reconsider the viability of their livelihoods amid accelerating climate impacts. The Guardian (Environnment)