Donald Trump’s administration proposed a 28-point peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has sparked significant controversy. The plan requires Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, reduce its armed forces, and abandon its NATO membership ambitions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces immense pressure as Ukraine grapples with corruption scandals, battlefield setbacks, and energy grid destruction ahead of winter. Analysts suggest the proposal favors Russia, and European leaders, sidelined in the process, are pushing back to protect regional interests. Zelenskyy himself acknowledged the harsh choices involved, warning of the risk of losing a key partner in the U.S. . bostonglobe.com bostonglobe.com bostonglobe.com

European allies of Ukraine are scrambling to respond to the U.S. peace plan, convening on the sidelines of a G20 summit in South Africa. They reiterated the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” while reaffirming their support for Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian infrastructure, reflecting the ongoing tension on the battlefield. Russia, for its part, accused Ukraine of harboring unrealistic ambitions of a strategic defeat for Moscow. . bostonglobe.com bostonglobe.com

In Nigeria, gunmen abducted 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Niger state, marking a troubling escalation in the wave of school kidnappings. Authorities deployed tactical squads and hunters in response, but the situation highlights the broader insecurity in the country. The Christian Association of Nigeria criticized the lack of sufficient early warning systems in schools. The attack coincided with heightened international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, especially following U.S. officials’ condemnation of targeted violence against Christians and Muslims alike. . bostonglobe.com

Israel is reportedly preparing for a fresh offensive to neutralize the military capabilities of Hezbollah, following last year’s deadly conflict along the Lebanon border. Local communities in northern Israel are rebuilding amid ongoing security risks, with residents expressing concerns about the potential for renewed violence. Analysts suggest talk of escalation could be politically motivated, aimed at pressuring the Lebanese army to act more aggressively against Hezbollah. . The Guardian

The French parliament rejected a proposed budget draft, dealing a blow to efforts by Finance Minister Sébastien Lecornu to address the nation’s deficit. This political setback underscores the challenges for President Emmanuel Macron’s government as it navigates economic reforms in a polarized environment. . Financial Times

The Trump administration signed a law mandating the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, raising expectations for transparency regarding his alleged network of abuse. Survivors expressed cautious optimism but also voiced concerns over potential redactions or manipulation. The files could reveal broader schemes of abuse involving powerful individuals, but critics worry about political motives behind the sudden push for disclosure. . bostonglobe.com bostonglobe.com

Turkey secured the presidency of the COP31 climate summit, set to take place in Antalya. The unprecedented arrangement, involving Australia as a secondary negotiator, reflects a compromise after a year-long rivalry. Critics argue that hosting such summits in developing nations like Turkey underscores the need for global collaboration in addressing climate finance and fossil fuel dependency. . Politico Europe