The U.S.-drafted 28-point plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reportedly devised with Russian input, faced sharp criticism from European leaders. António Costa, President of the European Council, admitted the EU was excluded from consultations, while Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Ukraine's sovereignty in any peace process. The proposal, criticized for aligning with Kremlin demands, has strained transatlantic unity and prompted European leaders to hold urgent talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Critics, including Germany’s foreign minister, labeled the plan incomplete, stressing the need for Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength. Politico Europe The Guardian

Iran condemned a UN atomic agency resolution demanding transparency on its weapons-grade uranium stockpile. Tehran halted cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, citing Western bias and retaliatory strikes on nuclear facilities. This escalation risks undermining global nuclear non-proliferation efforts as Iran hinted at further uranium enrichment. bostonglobe.com

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet amid rising settler violence in the West Bank, which threatens a U.S.-led Gaza peace plan. Despite Netanyahu’s calls to prosecute “extremists,” critics argue settler attacks are systemic, with October recording the highest number of incidents since 2006. Singapore imposed sanctions on four settlers tied to violence, underscoring international concern. bostonglobe.com

A recent car bombing in Delhi tested India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, which treats such attacks as acts of war. Analysts questioned the policy's effectiveness, highlighting the complex geopolitical risks it could trigger with Pakistan. The incident underscores challenges in balancing national security with regional stability. Washington Post (World)

The World Chess Cup in Goa witnessed emerging talents dominate, with China’s Wei Yi and Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov securing semi-final spots. The event highlighted a generational shift in chess, as younger players challenged traditional strongholds. These developments signal evolving dynamics in the global chess scene. The Guardian

Amid efforts to reduce dependency on China for rare earth metals, the United States identified a Malaysian facility as a key alternative. However, Beijing’s influence in Malaysia complicates Washington’s ambitions, reflecting broader challenges in diversifying critical supply chains. Washington Post (World)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected demands to dismiss his top aide, Andriy Yermak, amid a $100 million corruption scandal. The controversy comes as Kyiv faces pressure over the U.S.-Russia peace plan, underscoring the need for transparency in wartime governance. Politico Europe

A UNEP report revealed that global efforts to reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, are falling short. Despite commitments under the Global Methane Pledge, emissions are set to rise 5% by 2030. Experts urge swifter action, emphasizing methane’s significant climate impact and the urgency of curbing industrial and agricultural sources. Inside Climate News