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By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, Brendan Cole, Matthew Robinson, Shane Croucher, and John Feng
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European allies of the U.S. were left in the dark about the details of President Donald Trump's fresh push for peace in Ukraine, as a new 28-point plan to end Russia's war begins to emerge in media reports—including major territorial concessions from Kyiv to Moscow. Trump has struggled for months with the complex diplomacy to end the brutal war. Can he do it before the new year?
In a statement to Newsweek on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump “has grown frustrated with both sides for their refusal to commit to a peace agreement.”
“Nevertheless, the President and his team never gives up, and the United States has been working on a detailed and acceptable plan for both sides to stop the killing and create a durable, lasting peace," the statement added.
What To Know
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff is spearheading efforts to pull together the latest Ukraine peace plan.
- According to Axios, the 28-point plan includes Ukraine ceding swathes of Donbas to Russia.
- The plan under discussion also reportedly includes cuts to the size of Ukraine's military.
- Witkoff met with the Ukrainian defense minister Rustem Umerov in Miami about the plan.
- European allies not involved in the talks so far; EU's Kallas waiting to hear news on Russian concessions.
- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul: "We have not been briefed on this."
- Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev said Moscow feels its position is being heard by Trump officials.
- Secretary of State Rubio: "Durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions."
- Ukraine war rages on regardless, with more Russian strikes overnight.
- Also read: Uncommon Knowledge: Trump Changed America—Now Moderate America Is Changing Trump
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Nov 20, 2025 at 08:00 PM EST
Ukraine rejects Russian claims of capturing key cities
Ukraine’s military on Thursday denied Russian assertions that Moscow’s forces had seized the northeastern city of Kupiansk and gained control over large portions of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk.
In a late evening bulletin, the Ukrainian General Staff said Kupiansk “is under the control of Ukraine’s defence forces.” It also rejected claims that Russian troops had captured 80 percent of Vovchansk in Kharkiv region or 70 percent of Pokrovsk.
The statement counters remarks made earlier by Russia’s chief of general staff, underscoring the ongoing battle over territory and narratives in the war.
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:43 PM EST
Trump Ukraine peace plan would cede territory to Russia: Draft proposal
President Donald Trump’s draft proposal to end the war in Ukraine would require Kyiv to cede territory to Russia and accept limits on the size of its military, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. The plan would also block any future expansion of NATO — a key demand of Moscow, which has long argued the alliance poses a strategic threat.
Under the proposal, $100 billion in frozen Russian assets would be redirected toward rebuilding Ukraine, and Russia would be offered a pathway back into the global financial system, including the eventual lifting of sanctions. The draft further outlines Russia’s return to the Group of 8, restoring its seat among some of the world’s largest economies.
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:30 PM EST
Zelensky shares details, video of meeting with US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared details of his Thursday meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, in which he said they discussed "options for achieving real peace, the sequencing of our work and formats for dialogue, as well as new impulses for diplomacy."
"Our teams – of Ukraine and the United States – will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work," he said on X, as he shared a clip of their meeting.
"Peace is needed, and we appreciate the efforts of President Trump and his team aimed at restoring security in Europe. Ukraine defends lives and independence thanks to the courage of our people, our unity within the state, and the assistance from our partners. We are working to ensure that all three elements are strong enough," he added.
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:21 PM EST
UN official warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
A senior United Nations official said Thursday that the humanitarian toll of the war in Ukraine continues to deepen, with millions forced from their homes and health facilities under repeated attack.
Edem Wosornu, director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told the council that nearly six million Ukrainians have fled the country since the conflict began. At the same time, another 3.7 million remain internally displaced.
She highlighted what she described as a troubling pattern of Russian strikes on hospitals and critical infrastructure, noting that the World Health Organization has documented nearly 500 attacks on medical facilities in Ukraine this year alone.
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:00 PM EST
European leaders urge wider talks after being blindsided Russia-U.S. peace plan
European leaders have raised concerns that the Trump’s administration might be sidelining them and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in its talks with Russia.
E.U. foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels that they hadn't heard of any concessions from the Russian side.
“For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” he added.
German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said he had held a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the U.S. peace plans.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:52 PM EST
Ukraine denies Russian claims of capturing key cities
Ukraine’s military on Thursday rejected assertions from Russia’s top general that Moscow’s forces had seized the northeastern city of Kupiansk and gained control over large parts of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk.
In a late evening bulletin, the Ukrainian General Staff said Kupiansk “is under the control of Ukraine’s defence forces.” It also dismissed reports that Russian troops had captured 80 percent of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region or 70 percent of Pokrovsk.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:45 PM EST
Ukrainian MP says corruption scandal was ‘last thing our country needs’
Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik told Sky News that the Ukrainian corruption scandal was “the last thing" her country needs as the U.S. puts pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept its peace deal with Russia.
"A corruption scandal is the last thing our country needs at this really tough time when people are without electricity and the situation in the frontline is very tough," she said.
Rudik said that the country's faith in Zelensky, and his reputation in the "international area" had been damaged but added that "Zelensky is not Ukraine."
There are no accusation that Zelensky was personally involved or benefitted from the kickback scheme. He has removed all implicated ministers after it came to light.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:29 PM EST
Russian general accuses Kyiv of policies against its own people
A senior Russian military official has accused Ukraine’s leadership of pursuing policies that amount to “terror” against its own citizens.
Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ Main Military-Political Department and commander of the Akhmat special forces unit, made the remarks at the Forum of Russian Identity in Moscow.
Alaudinov claimed Ukraine has lost much of its male population and seen many citizens leave the country, blaming what he described as Western-backed policies for driving the nation toward collapse. He further alleged that Kyiv has abandoned its history and is building what he called a “national-socialist system.”
Despite his criticism of Ukraine’s government, Alaudinov said Ukrainians themselves remain “honest and decent people,” but argued their leadership is distancing the country from nations historically close to it.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:15 PM EST
What is the Ukrainian corruption scandal?
Ukraine is reeling from a major corruption scandal, codenamed Operation Midas, launched by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) after a 15-month investigation. According to authorities, a criminal organization coerced contractors working with Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear power company, into paying kickbacks of 10–15 percent of contract value. Companies that refused reportedly risked having their payments blocked or being cut from the supplier list.
Investigators say around $100 million flowed through a “back office” in Kyiv, laundered by the group. The probe led to over 70 searches across the country, and audio recordings totaling more than 1,000 hours have been made public, revealing discussions in which members used code names like “Karlson,” “Professor,” and “Che Guevara.”
High-profile figures are implicated. Among them is Timur Mindich, a businessman and former associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who fled the country just hours before the raids. OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich+1 Former Energy Minister (now Justice Minister) Herman Halushchenko and other senior officials have also been named; both he and current Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned following the scandal.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:01 PM EST
Sen. Tillis meets Ukrainian ambassador, pledges continued support
Senator Thom Tillis said Thursday it was “an honor” to meet with Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna to discuss U.S. backing for Kyiv.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:45 PM EST
UK minister avoids criticism of reported peace plan
A British Foreign Office minister on Thursday declined to dismiss reports of a U.S.-Russia peace plan that could require Ukraine to make significant concessions.
Hamish Falconer told lawmakers he would not comment on media claims that the framework might force Kyiv to surrender territory and reduce its armed forces. He stressed instead that the UK remains committed to the principle that “international borders must not be changed by force.”
Downing Street said it shares U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire to end the war but emphasized that “only the Ukrainian people can determine their future.”
The draft plan has not been confirmed by either Washington or Moscow.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:29 PM EST
Zelensky says US has presented peace plans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the U.S has presented its peace plans to him, while his teams will "work on the points to ensure it's all genuine."
"The American side presented points of a plan to end the war—their vision. I outlined our key principles. We agreed that our teams will work on the points to ensure it’s all genuine. We're geared up for clear and honest work—Ukraine, the U.S., our European and global partners," he said in a post on X.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:26 PM EST
WATCH: Donald Trump says Ukraine can ‘still win’ war with Russia—Rewind
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:04 PM EST
UN warns of sharp rise in civilian deaths in Ukraine
A senior United Nations official has raised alarm over a surge in civilian killings in Ukraine over the past year.
Kayoko Gotoh, who heads the Europe, Central Asia, and Americas Division at the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the council Thursday that civilian casualties in Kyiv have spiked dramatically.
According to Gotoh, the number of deaths in the capital during the first 10 months of 2025 was nearly 3.8 times higher than the total recorded in all of 2024.
Nov 20, 2025 at 04:47 PM EST
Trump envoy calls for U.S.-Europe coordination on Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has urged closer coordination between Washington and Europe on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, according to Sky News.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Witkoff made the appeal during a phone call with him and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Wadephul noted the discussion focused on “ongoing efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” but offered no further details.
The substance of Witkoff’s comments remains unclear, as talks between the U.S. and Russia over a peace plan are considered secret. Ukraine was not involved in drafting the proposal and has not been briefed on its details.
On November 20, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he had received a 28-point draft plan from Washington. Leaked reports suggest the document would require Kyiv to cede Donbas, reduce its armed forces by half, lift international sanctions on Russia, and halt investigations into alleged Russian war crimes. The plan was authored by Witkoff, a longtime Trump associate, and has the president’s backing.
Nov 20, 2025 at 04:23 PM EST
White House confirms talks with Ukraine on peace plan
The White House said Thursday that senior Trump administration officials met with Ukrainian representatives over the past week to discuss a peace plan aimed at satisfying both Kyiv and Moscow.
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff participated in the talks. She described the discussions as “good conversations” in which both sides of the conflict discussed possible steps to end the war.
The administration has not released details of the plan, but officials say the goal is to find terms acceptable to Ukraine and Russia.
Nov 20, 2025 at 04:02 PM EST
Putin says Russian forces encircle Ukrainian battalions near Kupyansk
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Thursday that Russian troops have encircled 15 Ukrainian battalions in the Kupyansk area.
Speaking at a command post of the Battlegroup West, Putin asked commanders to brief him on operations around the Kupyansk junction and the left bank of the Oskol River, where he said a “significant enemy group” had been blocked.
Putin noted that Ukrainian forces in the area had recently numbered 18 battalions but were now reduced to about 15. He requested details on how Russian operations in the sector would proceed.
The Kupyansk front has been a focal point of Moscow’s push in eastern Ukraine as fighting intensifies along the Donbas and Kharkiv regions.
Nov 20, 2025 at 03:51 PM EST
Putin reaffirms goals of Russia’s military operation
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the unconditional achievement of the objectives of Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine remains the country’s top priority.
Speaking during a visit to the command post of the Battlegroup West, Putin emphasized that Russia has “its own tasks, its own objectives,” and that fulfilling them is the central mission.
He added that the Russian people place their trust in the nation’s leadership and armed forces, expecting tangible results from the ongoing campaign.
Nov 20, 2025 at 03:38 PM EST
Mishustin says sanctions boosted Russia’s aviation development
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Thursday that Western efforts to restrict Russia’s access to aircraft have instead accelerated domestic aviation growth.
Speaking via video link at the Russian Transport exhibition, Mishustin recalled that Western leaders had sought to cripple Russia’s mobility by targeting its aviation infrastructure. He argued those actions became a “powerful catalyst” for new transport programs and the production of homegrown aircraft.
“This is our country’s appropriate response to all the turbulence and to anyone’s desire to hinder Russia’s development,” Mishustin said.
He added that investments in transport infrastructure are driving growth in related industries and providing momentum for regional economic development.
Nov 20, 2025 at 03:25 PM EST
Russia denies shift in prisoner exchange talks with Ukraine
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday rejected claims that negotiations with Ukraine over prisoner exchanges were moving away from a direct format.
Her comments followed remarks by Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, who said he planned to travel to Turkey and the Middle East for meetings on the issue. Asked whether this meant talks were becoming indirect, Zakharova insisted that both direct negotiations and mediation have always been part of the process.
“We had direct negotiations, and there was also an exchange of detainees and prisoners with the help of intermediaries. It was both,” she said, adding that Russia has regularly thanked countries that played a mediation role.
Zakharova emphasized that exchanges of prisoners and civilians are handled through specialized structures, with the Foreign Ministry and embassies providing diplomatic support.
Nov 20, 2025 at 03:12 PM EST
What the peace plan could bring for Russia
Territory in eastern Ukraine remains one of the central obstacles to peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia has insisted on full control of the Donbas region as a condition for any settlement, though its forces do not currently occupy all of it. Meeting that demand would require Ukraine to surrender additional territory.
Ukraine and the United States have opposed the proposal, arguing that front lines should remain frozen where they stand. The disagreement was a key factor in U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest this month.
Russia has also pressed for sharp reductions in Ukraine’s military and guarantees the country will never join NATO. Aside from the NATO issue, leaked details of the latest peace plan suggest Moscow would secure most of its demands.
Nov 20, 2025 at 02:59 PM EST
Putin briefed on Russian gains in eastern Ukraine
The Kremlin said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the command post of the country’s “West” forces, meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and senior military officials.
Putin was updated on fighting in Kostiantynivka and Kramatorsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as well as around Kupyansk in Kharkiv.
According to Gerasimov, Russian troops have seized control of Kupyansk and now hold more than 80 percent of Vovchansk.
Nov 20, 2025 at 02:46 PM EST
Venezuela extends oilfield partnership with Russian firm
Venezuela’s National Assembly on Thursday approved a 15-year extension of joint ventures between state oil company PDVSA and a unit of Russia’s Roszarubezhneft, allowing operations at two western oilfields to continue through 2041.
Lawmakers said the Boqueron and Perija fields are expected to produce about 91 million barrels of crude, or roughly 16,600 barrels per day, under the deal. The investment is estimated at $616 million.
The agreement was signed with Petromost, Roszarubezhneft’s Moscow-based subsidiary. Roszarubezhneft, created in 2020, took over Venezuelan assets from Rosneft after Washington imposed sanctions on two Rosneft units for trading Venezuelan oil.
PDVSA itself remains under U.S. sanctions, which have restricted foreign investment and limited the number of partners willing to operate in the country.
Nov 20, 2025 at 02:33 PM EST
Putin visits Russian command post, briefed on eastern Ukraine battles
Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared in a video released to state media Thursday, though he did not address the proposed peace plan.
According to the Kremlin, Putin visited the command post of Russia’s western forces, meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and senior military officials. He was briefed on fighting in Kostiantynivka and Kramatorsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as well as around Kupyansk in Kharkiv.
Gerasimov told Putin that Russian troops had seized control of Kupyansk and now hold more than 80 percent of Vovchansk, Reuters reported.
Nov 20, 2025 at 02:20 PM EST
Zelensky, U.S. Army Secretary discuss peace plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll about a proposed peace plan to end the war.
Zelenskyy wrote on X that Ukrainian and American teams would begin working through the plan’s details. “We are ready for constructive, honest and prompt work,” he said.
Nov 20, 2025 at 02:07 PM EST
WATCH: EU leaders insist on role in any Ukraine peace talks
Nov 20, 2025 at 01:57 PM EST
Russia blames West for Ukraine corruption amid ‘Mindichgate’ scandal
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that Western nations must share responsibility for corruption in Ukraine, accusing them of “coddling” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In remarks to TASS, she described the crisis as systemic rather than a single scandal, calling it evidence of a “rotting” regime.
Zakharova argued that Western governments poured money into Kyiv’s institutions for years, enabling what she called a vast corruption machine. She said the current revelations should be seen as the consequences of Western backing for Zelenskyy and his administration.
Her comments come as Ukraine faces a widening probe dubbed “Mindichgate,” centered on businessman Timur Mindich, who has long been portrayed in local media as close to Zelenskyy. Anti-corruption agencies launched Operation Midas on November 10 to target alleged schemes in the energy sector. Charges have been filed against eight suspects, including former Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Chernyshov. Justice Minister German Galushchenko’s residence was searched, while Mindich reportedly fled the country before investigators arrived.
Ukrainian outlets report that further evidence may implicate senior officials in defense procurement, including Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak. The scandal has intensified political pressure on Zelenskyy as Kyiv continues to battle Russia’s invasion and seeks to reassure international donors.
Nov 20, 2025 at 01:44 PM EST
Report: Trump may halt Zelensky corruption cases if peace plan accepted
U.S. President Donald Trump could move to halt corruption investigations against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his associates if Kyiv accepts Washington’s proposed peace plan, according to a report by Strana.
The outlet said Trump could leverage American influence over Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to achieve that outcome. It added that the plan might also allow Zelenskyy to take repressive measures against domestic political rivals, while offering him security guarantees should he leave office.
Leaked details of the peace proposal suggest Ukraine would be required to cede Crimea, Donbass and other territories to Russia in exchange for U.S. and European security assurances. The plan also calls for a demilitarized zone, restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces, a ban on foreign troop deployments, and recognition of Russian as an official language. Bloomberg has reported it includes lifting sanctions on Moscow.
The development comes amid a sweeping corruption scandal in Ukraine. NABU and SAPO recently launched “Operation Midas” to target alleged schemes in the energy sector. Charges have been filed against businessman Timur Mindich, described as close to Zelensky, and former Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Chernyshov. Justice Minister German Galushchenko and presidential office head Andriy Yermak have also been linked in media reports. At the same time, former defense minister Rustem Umerov has been mentioned in connection with defense procurement.
Nov 20, 2025 at 01:30 PM EST
Zelensky Receives Trump’s Peace Plan for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a draft peace plan from U.S. President Donald Trump, his office confirmed Thursday. In a Telegram statement, Zelenskyy’s team said the proposal could “intensify diplomacy” and that he expects to discuss its main points with Trump in the coming days.
Leaked details reported by Western media suggest the plan would require Ukraine to cede Crimea, Donbass and other territories to Russia, with Kyiv receiving U.S. and European security guarantees in return. The proposal also outlines a demilitarized zone, restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces, a ban on foreign troop deployments, and recognition of Russian as an official language. Bloomberg reported the plan includes lifting sanctions against Moscow.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the development, saying there was “nothing new” beyond agreements already reached between Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Nov 20, 2025 at 01:17 PM EST
Russia pushes toward Pokrovsk in Donetsk region
Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine has brought its forces to the brink of capturing Pokrovsk, a key city in the Donetsk region.
Before the war, Pokrovsk was home to about 60,000 people and served as a major rail and transport hub. Today, only an estimated 1,000 residents remain, sheltering in basements as Russian and Ukrainian troops fight street by street.
Ukrainian soldiers say the battle has shifted to infantry combat, with heavy equipment too vulnerable to drones that hover overhead. Front-line maps show Russian units advancing through Pokrovsk and moving closer to encircling nearby Myrnograd, where some of Ukraine’s strongest brigades are stationed to hold the line.
Nov 20, 2025 at 01:04 PM EST
Reported peace plan raises questions over Ukraine’s security
Details of a reported U.S.-Russian peace proposal remain unclear, with neither government confirming its existence. Ukrainian officials say the plan, if enacted, would shrink Ukraine’s military and halt some deliveries of long-range weapons — concessions seen as favorable to Moscow.
In exchange, Washington would provide security guarantees, though it is not yet clear what form those assurances would take or how they would be enforced against future Russian aggression.
The proposal also leaves unanswered whether Europe’s extensive military and financial support for Kyiv would continue. EU leaders have repeatedly warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would threaten the rest of the continent, making any significant rollback of aid difficult to imagine.
Nov 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM EST
Corruption probe sparks political crisis in Ukraine
Ukraine is grappling with its most serious political crisis since the war began after investigators uncovered an alleged $100 million scheme tied to the state nuclear agency.
The probe, part of Kyiv’s broader anti-corruption drive aimed at reassuring international donors and advancing its bid for European Union membership, has drawn public attention through leaked recordings of suspects discussing the plot.
Parliament responded by dismissing Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister German Galushchenko, both of whom deny wrongdoing. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to overhaul the energy sector. He imposed sanctions on Timur Mindich, the scandal’s primary suspect and co-owner of the Kvartal-95 production company that launched his acting career.
Officials say Mindich has fled the country, while his studio insists he no longer holds a decision-making role. The revelations have intensified pressure on Zelenskyy, with opposition leaders demanding sweeping reforms, including a new government and changes to the presidential administration.
Nov 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM EST
Kyiv rejects US-Russian peace proposal as ‘absurd’
Ukrainian officials have dismissed a new US-Russian peace proposal as “absurd” and “unacceptable,” calling it a capitulation and a loss of national sovereignty.
The plan, reportedly drafted by Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, was presented during talks between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a senior U.S. military delegation. Kyiv described the proposal as a provocation designed to sow division and disorient Ukraine’s allies.
Nearly four years after Russia’s failed attempt to seize Kyiv, Ukrainian leaders said the proposal echoed past efforts by Moscow to undermine their position. A Western diplomat noted the timing, suggesting Russia was exploiting Ukraine’s domestic challenges. “It feels like every other Russian plan. I don’t think it’s going to fly with Ukraine,” the diplomat said.
Nov 20, 2025 at 12:25 PM EST
EU reaffirms support for Ukraine at Brussels briefing
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Thursday the bloc remains firmly aligned with Ukraine, outlining a two-point strategy: weaken Russia and support Kyiv.
Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, Kallas emphasized that Ukraine’s perspective was central to discussions among EU ministers. Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha briefed colleagues, reiterating that any peace plan must be backed by both Ukraine and Europe.
“Our position hasn’t changed,” Sybiha said. “If Russia truly wanted peace, it would have accepted the unconditional ceasefire offer already in March.”
The remarks underscored the EU’s continued commitment to Ukraine as the war grinds on and diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
Nov 20, 2025 at 12:12 PM EST
Zelensky receives U.S. peace plan draft
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has received a draft peace proposal and will review its key points with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days, his office said Thursday.
In a statement posted on Telegram, Zelensky’s office emphasized Kyiv’s readiness to work “constructively with the American side, as well as with our partners in Europe and around the world so that the outcome is peace.”
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to seek international backing for a settlement to end the war, with Washington playing a central role in shaping negotiations.
Nov 20, 2025 at 11:59 AM EST
Ukraine strikes Russian oil refineries in Ryazan and Ilsky
Ukraine’s military said Thursday it carried out strikes on two Russian oil refineries, hitting facilities in Ryazan and Ilsky as part of its campaign to weaken Moscow’s economy.
The General Staff reported that the Ryazan refinery was struck overnight, with fires breaking out near secondary processing units. The site had also been targeted in a Ukrainian attack last week.
Separately, Ukraine’s drone force chief Robert Brovdi confirmed that his units struck the Ilsky refinery the previous night.
The attacks are the latest in a series of Ukrainian operations aimed at disrupting Russia’s energy infrastructure, which Kyiv views as critical to sustaining the Kremlin’s war effort.
Nov 20, 2025 at 11:46 AM EST
What to know about the 28-point peace plan for Russia and Ukraine
American and Russian envoys have reportedly drafted a 28‑point plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to Axios. The proposal would provide U.S. security guarantees to Ukraine and Europe in exchange for Kyiv ceding parts of eastern Ukraine to Russia, including areas not currently under Moscow’s control.
The news surfaced as Ukrainian forces brace for heavy winter fighting and amid a corruption scandal in Kyiv that led to the dismissal of two cabinet ministers.
Russia dismissed the reports, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling Reuters that “consultations are not currently underway. There are contacts, of course, but there is no process that could be called consultations.” He added that Moscow’s position remains unchanged from the August summit between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing that any settlement must address what Russia calls the “root causes of the conflict.”
Nov 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM EST
Russia condemns Poland’s closure of Gdansk consulate
Russia criticized Poland’s decision to shut down its Consulate General in Gdansk, calling it a deliberate attempt to dismantle bilateral relations.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday the move reflected “Russophobia prevailing in Poland” and warned Moscow would respond by curbing Poland’s diplomatic presence in Russia. “We consider this next hostile step by the Polish authorities as a manifestation of a deliberate policy to destroy bilateral relations,” she said.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced the closure earlier this week, citing security concerns. It was the last Russian consulate operating in Poland. Warsaw had previously closed consulates in Poznan and Krakow, accusing Moscow of orchestrating sabotage on Polish territory.
In retaliation, Russia shut Poland’s consulates in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. Currently, Poland maintains an embassy in Moscow and a consulate in Irkutsk, while Russia retains its embassy in Warsaw.
Nov 20, 2025 at 11:20 AM EST
U.S. Volunteer injured in Russian drone strike near Lyman
A U.S. national was reportedly wounded when a Russian FPV drone struck an evacuation vehicle near Lyman on November 20, Ukrainian officials said. The attack occurred during a humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region.
The vehicle, carrying members of the humanitarian group Plain Compassion Crisis Response, two Ukrainian police officers, and a journalist from Radio Liberty’s Donbas.Realities project, was ambushed by the drone. The car was destroyed in the strike.
Volunteer driver Devon Musser sustained shrapnel injuries to his face but survived. The journalist and police officers were unharmed. “We were just driving and suddenly just bang, bang. I don’t quite understand what really happened,” Musser said after receiving first aid.
Nov 20, 2025 at 11:07 AM EST
Ukraine reports 200 Russian assaults in single day of fighting
Ukraine’s military said Russian forces attempted 200 assaults on November 19, marking the 1,366th day of the war. The General Staff of the Armed Forces reported that the fiercest battles occurred in the Pokrovsk sector, where Ukrainian troops repelled 55 attacks.
Russian forces launched two large-scale missile strikes using 57 missiles, conducted 57 airstrikes, dropped 124 guided bombs, and carried out more than 4,400 attacks, including 218 with multiple launch rocket systems. They also deployed nearly 3,900 loitering munitions.
Heavy bombardments struck areas in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, while Ukrainian forces targeted one Russian concentration area and a key military site. Fighting was also reported across the Kupiansk, Lyman, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, Oleksandrivka, Huliaipole, and Orikhiv directions.
The General Staff said Russia continues to suffer significant losses. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow has lost an estimated 1,162,120 personnel, including 890 on November 19 alone, along with armored vehicles and aircraft.
Nov 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM EST
Polish Foreign Minister warns Europe must be involved in Ukraine peace talks
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said Thursday that Europe must play a central role in any peace negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning that the conflict is a matter of European security.
Speaking on CNN’s Early Start, Sikorski stressed that the European Union has provided more military and financial support to Kyiv than the United States, giving the bloc a greater stake in the outcome. “Ukraine, but also Europe has to be involved,” he said.
Sikorski also called for a reparations loan to Ukraine funded by frozen Russian assets, arguing it could sustain Kyiv for three years and pressure Moscow to end the war. He urged tighter restrictions on Russian diplomats’ movements within the EU.
The minister accused Russia of attempting to sabotage a railway line in Poland, describing it as a deliberate effort to cause civilian casualties. He said Poland would respond by purchasing $100 million in American weapons for Ukraine.
Sikorski’s remarks come amid reports of a U.S.-drafted peace plan that Ukrainian officials have criticized as favoring Moscow and excluding Kyiv from negotiations.
Nov 20, 2025 at 10:41 AM EST
Rubio confirms U.S. developing peace ideas for Ukraine war
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington is working on potential ideas to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, stressing that any durable peace will require concessions from both sides.
“Achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions. That is why we are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas for ending this war based on input from both sides of this conflict,” Rubio said.
Reports in Western media suggest American and Russian officials have secretly drafted a 28‑point plan that would demand Ukraine surrender territory, reduce its armed forces, and give up certain weapons. The proposals were reportedly prepared without Kyiv’s participation and are expected to be presented by a U.S. delegation in Kyiv on November 20.
Financial Times journalist Christopher Miller reported that the plan was delivered to Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council secretary, Rustem Umerov, by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and U.S. President Donald Trump’s special representative, Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian officials have described the proposal as tantamount to surrender.
Nov 20, 2025 at 10:28 AM EST
Rescue efforts continue in Ternopil after deadly Russian strike
Search-and-rescue operations are still underway in Ternopil following a Russian missile and drone attack on November 19 that left at least 26 people dead, including three children, Ukrainian officials said Thursday.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the whereabouts of 22 people remain unknown, with more than 230 rescuers from nine regions working at the site. Severe structural damage has forced crews to conduct parts of the operation manually, slowing progress.
Zelenskyy praised the efforts of emergency workers, medics, and police who have been on duty around the clock. “It is extremely important that on such difficult days, despite all of Russia’s attacks and all the terror, our people always know they can count on rescue and assistance,” he said.
The strike, which hit residential buildings, was carried out with missiles and drones. Preliminary assessments suggest a Kh-101 missile struck one of the multi-story buildings, causing sections to collapse. More than 90 people were injured, and authorities warn that others may still be trapped under the rubble.
Nov 20, 2025 at 10:25 AM EST
Kremlin criticizes Airbus chairman over nuclear weapons remarks
The Kremlin on Thursday condemned comments by Airbus chairman Rene Obermann, who urged European nations to consider acquiring tactical nuclear weapons in response to Russia’s deployment of nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioned why a corporate executive was making such statements, saying “more and more Europeans are losing their restraint.” He added, “Why is he involved in nuclear weapons?”
Peskov stressed that Kaliningrad is part of Russia and that Moscow is taking all necessary measures to secure the region. He warned that provocative remarks from European leaders risk escalating tensions. “Unfortunately, some are making provocative statements and calling for further steps to heighten and escalate tensions. We take a negative view of this,” he said.
Nov 20, 2025 at 10:12 AM EST
White House: Trump’s plan to ‘create a durable, lasting peace’—Exclusive
In a statement to Newsweek on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump “has grown frustrated with both sides for their refusal to commit to a peace agreement.”
“Nevertheless, the President and his team never gives up, and the United States has been working on a detailed and acceptable plan for both sides to stop the killing and create a durable, lasting peace," the statement added.
Nov 20, 2025 at 09:59 AM EST
Zelenskyy to meet U.S. Army officials amid peace plan concerns
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet soon with senior U.S. Army officials in Kyiv, Reuters reported Thursday, as speculation grows over a draft peace plan said to have been developed by Washington and Moscow.
European Union leaders voiced alarm over the proposal, warning it could tilt in Russia’s favor. “For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers in Brussels.
Details of the plan remain unclear, but reports suggest it may involve Ukraine ceding territory to Russia — a condition Zelenskyy has consistently rejected. EU officials said they had not yet been briefed on the full framework.
Nov 20, 2025 at 09:46 AM EST
Ukrainian Prime Minister meets U.S. Army Secretary in Kyiv
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Thursday she met with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll during his first official visit to Ukraine.
Svyrydenko wrote on social media that the trip gave senior American military officials the chance to assess conditions on the ground and see the impact of Russia’s ongoing attacks. She emphasized that the visit underscored the consequences of Moscow’s aggression against civilians and infrastructure.
According to Reuters, Driscoll and his delegation also held talks with Ukraine’s military chief on Wednesday as part of broader discussions on defense cooperation and the war effort.
Nov 20, 2025 at 09:33 AM EST
Ukraine enforces emergency power outages after strikes on grid
Ukrainian authorities announced Thursday that emergency power cuts have been imposed across most regions following extensive damage to the country’s energy system from recent Russian missile and drone attacks.
Officials said previously published outage schedules are suspended, with engineers working to restore stability to the grid. The restrictions will remain in place until the system is stabilized.
Residents were urged to monitor updates from local distribution operators and to conserve electricity where possible. Authorities emphasized that emergency outages would be lifted once repairs allow for a reliable supply.
Nov 20, 2025 at 09:20 AM EST
Sen. Tom Cotton Urges Stronger U.S. Support for Ukraine
Senator Tom Cotton said Thursday that Ukraine requires tangible military backing from the United States, not symbolic pledges from Western allies.
Nov 20, 2025 at 09:07 AM EST
WATCH: EU warns Trump about peace plan
Nov 20, 2025 at 08:54 AM EST
Ukraine ex-colonel warns Taiwan to rehearse for war amid China threat
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A retired Ukrainian officer called for Taiwan's president to be involved in simulations of possible wartime scenarios, warning Taipei not to "repeat our mistakes" as it shores up its defenses amid threats from China.
Many analysts have drawn parallels between Taiwan and Ukraine, two democratic societies living in the shadow of powerful, adversarial neighbors, since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbor, and the conflict is being watched carefully in both Beijing and Taipei.
China claims Taiwan as its territory, though the Chinese Communist Party has never governed there. Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed unification is inevitable and not ruled out use of force. The increasing tempo of Chinese military activity around the island and the widening gap in military capabilities has in recent years driven the administration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, like his predecessor, to boost defense spending and step up its military modernization program.
Newsweek has contacted the foreign ministries of both China and Taiwan for comment.
Continue reading: Ukraine Ex-Colonel Warns Taiwan To Rehearse for War Amid China Threat
Nov 20, 2025 at 08:41 AM EST
Ukrainian Prime Minister meets U.S. Army Secretary in Kyiv
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met Thursday with U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll during his first official visit to Ukraine, underscoring Washington’s continued involvement in efforts to end the war with Russia.
Svyrydenko said the visit allowed senior American military officials to assess conditions on the ground and witness the impact of Russian attacks. She stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow through tougher energy and financial sanctions, noting that Russia continues to strike residential areas and critical infrastructure.
The prime minister also confirmed that the U.S.-Ukraine Investment Fund for Reconstruction, launched by President Donald Trump, has begun operations and is expanding its work.
Driscoll’s trip follows the arrival of a high-level Pentagon delegation in Kyiv on Wednesday. He and two four-star generals are expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials later Thursday to discuss the war and potential peace negotiations. According to Ukrainian sources, the American generals are likely to press Zelenskyy to consider a settlement with Russia.
Nov 20, 2025 at 08:28 AM EST
Trump’s Ukraine peace plan sparks outrage over land concessions
Trump has endorsed a 28-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to multiple reports.
The plan, described by Axios, outlines “security guarantees, security in Europe, and future U.S. relations with Russia and Ukraine.” But it has drawn sharp criticism for requiring Kyiv to surrender more territory to Russia and reduce its military capacity—conditions widely rejected by Ukraine and its allies as capitulation.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly discussed the framework with Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev and Ukrainian security adviser Rustem Umerov. The Telegraph reported that a recent White House meeting between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky devolved into a shouting match over Russia’s demands. However, Trump later insisted the exchange was “cordial.”
Details of the plan include Ukraine ceding control of the Donetsk region, cutting its armed forces by half, and banning long-range missiles, according to Reuters and the Financial Times. In return, Russia would pay a rental fee for de facto control of Donbas.
European leaders swiftly rejected the proposal. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said any agreement must involve Ukraine and Europe directly, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that “peace cannot be a capitulation.” Polish and Spanish officials echoed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense must not be compromised.
The Kremlin repeated its stance that any settlement must address the “root causes” of the conflict, but confirmed no formal negotiations with Washington are underway.
Nov 20, 2025 at 08:15 AM EST
Russian parliament threatens legal action over EU asset plan
Russia’s parliament warned Thursday that any attempt by the European Union to seize frozen Russian assets must be met with legal action against Belgium and Euroclear, the Brussels-based depository holding the funds.
In a resolution, lawmakers also suggested using the assets of non-residents from so-called “unfriendly countries” to offset losses imposed on Russia through Western sanctions.
The European Commission has advanced a proposal that would allow EU governments to tap up to €185 billion ($217 billion) of the roughly €210 billion in Russian sovereign assets immobilized in Europe. The plan envisions channeling the funds into loans for Ukraine, though without outright confiscation.
Nov 20, 2025 at 08:02 AM EST
Russia claims downing of Storm Shadow missiles, capture of village in Zaporizhzhia
Russia’s defense ministry said Thursday its forces had intercepted four British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles during fighting in Ukraine, according to reports from state media.
The long-range cruise missiles were authorized for defensive use by Kyiv shortly after Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister in 2024.
In the same battlefield update, Moscow claimed its troops had seized control of the settlement of Vesele in the Zaporizhzhia region, a frontline area in eastern Ukraine.
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:49 AM EST
Russia-Ukraine peace deal denounced as ‘capitulation’
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A reported plan devised by the U.S. and Russia involving major territorial concessions from Kyiv to end the war in Ukraine would amount to a “capitulation” for Kyiv, a Ukrainian advocacy group has told Newsweek.
Reports carried by Axios, Reuters and the Financial Times said Moscow and Washington had privately drawn up proposals for Kyiv to give up some territories and weapons and significantly cut Ukraine's Armed Forces.
Olena Halushka, co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, told Newsweek on Thursday that everything included in this proposal “is either aiming at strengthening Russia's battlefield position or sowing internal tensions inside Ukraine.”
The reported proposals have not been confirmed by either the White House or the Kremlin, which Newsweek has contacted for comment.
Continue reading: Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Denounced as ‘Capitulation’
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:36 AM EST
Kremlin repeats demand for ‘root cause’ solution in Ukraine peace plan
The Kremlin said Thursday that any settlement of the war in Ukraine must address what it called the “root causes” of the conflict, while denying that formal negotiations with Washington are underway.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters there were “contacts” with the United States but no consultations that could be described as peace talks. He added that Moscow had nothing new to say beyond what was discussed at the August summit in Anchorage between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Axios reported this week that American officials had presented a 28-point framework to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proposing that Ukraine cede territory and reduce its weapons in exchange for U.S. security guarantees. The plan, according to the report, would also extend protections to Europe.
Peskov declined to confirm whether Putin had been briefed on the proposal, reiterating that any settlement must eliminate the underlying tensions between Russia and the West. Putin has long argued that NATO’s expansion after the Soviet Union’s collapse undermined Russia’s security and demanded that Ukraine abandon its bid to join the alliance, adopt neutrality, and limit its military.
Western leaders and Kyiv have rejected those demands, framing Russia’s invasion as an attempt to seize territory by force and pledging to resist Moscow’s campaign.
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:23 AM EST
EU leaders insist on role in any Ukraine peace talks
Top European diplomats said Thursday that Ukraine and Europe must be directly involved in any effort to end Russia’s war, pushing back against reports of a U.S.-Russian proposal circulating without their input.
The speculation over a secret plan has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is balancing battlefield demands with a corruption scandal in the energy sector that has fueled public anger.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told ministers in Brussels that “for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed that position, stressing that ceasefire negotiations “can only be discussed and negotiated with Ukraine. And Europe will have to be included.”
Details of the alleged plan remain unclear, though reports suggested it could involve Ukraine ceding territory—an outcome Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied formal consultations with Washington, while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen questioned whether the proposal had the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump or Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
European officials voiced concern that Trump’s administration may be sidelining both Kyiv and EU partners in its push to halt the fighting. Kallas condemned Russia’s continued strikes on civilian infrastructure, noting that an attack on Ternopil this week killed 26 and injured 93.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski underscored Europe’s leverage, saying: “Europe is the main supporter of Ukraine and it’s, of course, Europe’s security that’s at stake. So we expect to be consulted.”
Nov 20, 2025 at 07:10 AM EST
Ukraine receives remains of 1,000 soldiers in exchange with Russia
Ukraine announced Thursday that it has taken custody of the remains of 1,000 soldiers killed in the war, marking the latest repatriation exchange with Russia.
Kyiv’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said the bodies, identified by Moscow as Ukrainian servicemen, were returned during a formal handover. Officials noted that forensic experts will conduct examinations to confirm identities before notifying families.
Russian state media, citing unnamed sources, reported that the transfer was carried out in exchange for the remains of 30 Russian soldiers.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has recovered about 15,000 bodies through repatriation efforts, according to publicly available data.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:57 AM EST
Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants Reduce Output After Russian Attacks
Several of Ukraine's nuclear reactors have had to reduce their output following Russian attacks on the country's electrical grid, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday.
The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) had its power connection restored on Wednesday, after losing connection to its Dniprovska power line on Friday. "Access to off-site power is essential for reactor cooling and other essential safety functions," the IAEA said.
The agency added: "The precarious nuclear safety and security situation during the conflict was underlined at Ukraine’s three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) today, with four of their total of nine reactors decreasing output following attacks that further destabilized the electrical grid.
"Two of the plants – Khmelnytskyy and Rivne – had already lowered production of electricity as a result of military activities earlier this month. Today, both facilities reduced production further after they each lost the connection to one of their high-voltage power lines. The IAEA teams based at these two sites also had to seek shelter during the morning’s air raid alarms.
"The country’s third operating NPP, South Ukraine, also lost its connection to a high-voltage power line. The plant reported detecting 11 drones overnight one kilometer from the site."
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:34 AM EST
Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Denounced as ‘Capitulation’
The reported peace plan devised by the U.S. and Russia involving major territorial concessions from Ukraine would amount to a "capitulation," a Ukrainian advocacy group has told Newsweek.
Olena Halushka, co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, said that everything included in the proposal "is either aiming at strengthening Russia's battlefield position or sowing internal tensions inside Ukraine."
The reported plan would also cap Ukraine's military at 50 percent of its current strength, and abandon key categories of weaponry in return for Kyiv getting unspecified U.S. security guarantees.
Reporting suggests the plan would also prohibit foreign troop deployments to Ukraine, and force Ukraine to make Russian an official state language.
The reported proposals have not been confirmed by either the White House or the Kremlin, which Newsweek has contacted for comment.
Nov 20, 2025 at 06:14 AM EST
Polish Ambassador Attacked In St Petersburg
Poland's Ambassador to Russia Krzysztof Krajewski was attacked in the city of St Petersburg on Sunday, the country's foreign ministry said.
The incident occurred when Krajewski arrived in the city to meet local Polish people to mark Poland's Independence Day, the Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza reported.
Krajewski was surrounded by a group of Russian "activists" when he walked to a Polish church service at the Basilica of St Catherine of Alexandria, it reported.
"At first, these were verbal insults, but then there was a clear attempt to use physical force. At that point, the ambassador's security intervened," Maciej Wewiór, a spokesman for the Polish foreign ministry, said.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:48 AM EST
Russia Says There No Consultations On Ukraine Under Way
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that consultations between Russia and the U.S. regarding a peace plan in the Ukraine war are not under way.
"There are no consultations now. Of course, there are contacts. But the process that could be called consultations - no, it is not under way," he said on Thursday.
He added that any peace deal should eliminate the root cause of the war. "Russia continues to be open to this settlement, but it should lead to the elimination of the root causes of this conflict," Peskov said.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:40 AM EST
Putin Ally Says Talks With US To Be Held In Weeks
Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has said that discussions with the U.S. will likely take place as early as December.
"The end of the year will be very difficult and challenging. We'll likely have negotiations with our American partners as early as December; at least, that's what we're aiming for," he said, according to the BelTA news agency.
"Therefore, the work schedule needs to be clearly defined, so that I understand where I'm needed, where I'm not, and what we can do."
He added that he expects to undertake a major trip around the world. "A very extensive trip is expected throughout the global south, starting from Myanmar, Oman, Algeria, and so on," Lukashenko said.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:13 AM EST
Donald Trump Losing Key Diplomatic Adviser
President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has told associates he plans to leave the administration in January, a move that would strip Kyiv of one of its strongest advocates inside the White House, sources told Reuters.
Kellogg’s position is a temporary designation that would require Senate confirmation to continue past 360 days, and the retired lieutenant general has described January as a natural point to step aside, the sources said. Kellogg has served as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine since early 2025, in a role that did not initially require full Senate confirmation.
Kellogg’s departure is viewed as a blow to Ukrainian and European officials, who considered him a crucial figure capable of challenging Moscow and resisting Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.
Read the full Newsweek story here.
Nov 20, 2025 at 05:06 AM EST
Why Russia’s War With NATO Would Be Much Faster Than In Ukraine
Germany’s push to make its army the strongest in Europe is essential given the threat posed by Russia to the continent, where a conflict with Moscow would differ greatly to the attritional warfare currently seen in Ukraine, a military adviser has told Newsweek.
Nicholas Drummond, a U.K.-based defense strategist, told Newsweek that a bigger German army could transform the security landscape of Europe, whose leaders have warned that Moscow could expand its belligerence beyond Ukraine by the end of the decade.
"It’s very easy to draw the wrong conclusions from the war in Ukraine," Drummond said, referring to slow progress on the front line, adding that a future conflict with a reconstituted Russian armed forces would be "fast paced" with a greater use of air power in the opening weeks.
Read the full Newsweek story here.
Nov 20, 2025 at 04:33 AM EST
EU Warns Trump About Peace Plan
The European Union's top diplomat has warned President Donald Trump that Europe and Ukraine need to support a peace deal with Russia for it to work.
Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in Brussels on Thursday: "What we as Europeans have always supported is a long-lasting and just peace, and we welcome any efforts to achieve that. Of course, for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board. So, this is very clear.
"We have to understand that in this war there is one aggressor and one victim, so we haven't heard of any concessions on the Russian side."
She added: "If Russia really wanted peace, it could have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire already some time ago, whereas we see again over this night bombings of civilians—93 percent of Russian targets have been civilian infrastructure; schools, hospitals, apartment buildings to really kill a lot of people and cause a lot of suffering."
Read the full Newsweek story here.
Nov 20, 2025 at 04:07 AM EST
Rubio warns Russia and Ukraine of “difficult but necessary concessions”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear that both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war would need to compromise if they are to reach an elusive peace deal to end Moscow's nearly four-year-long invasion of its smaller neighbor.
But he also suggested that the 28-point plan under discussion is flexible, describing the process as developing "a list of potential ideas for ending this war".
"Ending a complex and deadly war such as the one in Ukraine requires an extensive exchange of serious and realistic ideas," Rubio said in a post on X late Wednesday.
"And achieving a durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions. That is why we are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas for ending this war based on input from both sides of this conflict."
Nov 20, 2025 at 04:03 AM EST
Zelensky shares tragic update on Ternopil strikes, children among the dead
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 26 people are now confirmed dead, including three children, as a result of the Russian strikes on Ternopil, which hit an apartment building in the western city overnight into Wednesday.
A further 22 people are still missing, meaning it is on course to be the deadliest Russian attack on civilians in 2025. A missile strike on Sumy in April killed 35 people.
"More than 230 first responders from nine regions of Ukraine have been deployed," Zelensky said of the search for missing people after the strikes. "In some areas, work can only be done by hand because of the severe destruction and fragmentation of the structures. This complicates the search."
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