Nov 13, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The diplomats are scheduled to travel to Dublin next to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

While negotiators reported positive momentum during the Abu Dhabi talks, observers remain divided on the outcome. The primary tangible agreement reached so far is a planned exchange of over 2,000 prisoners of war. However, core issues—including territorial control and future security guarantees for Kyiv—remain unresolved. While Ukrainian officials expressed cautious optimism that a resolution could be achieved by the end of the year, analysts note that fundamental disagreements persist as military hostilities continue along the front line.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy

Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has resigned following mounting reports regarding multiple undisclosed personal relationships with employees and external figures.

Reports originally emerged detailing Huang's relationship with Singaporean businesswoman Alice Huang, whom US intelligence services suspect of acting as an operative for China's Ministry of State Security. In an internal message to staff, Huang apologised to his family and colleagues for his infidelity. Further reports implicated Nvidia Senior Vice President Kimberly Powell and an unnamed third employee, prompting an internal board evaluation into his leadership.

Although Nvidia stated there is no evidence that corporate secrets or national security were compromised, Huang surrendered his executive position. He had led the semiconductor giant through its record expansion driven by artificial intelligence technology demand.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, Klix, Vijesti.

Italy's banking association, ABI, and the Bank of Italy presented strong criticisms of the government's draft 2027 budget law during parliamentary hearings. ABI General Director Marco Elio Rottigni stated that cumulative tax measures targeting the banking sector will reach 22 billion euros starting from 2025, adding approximately seven billion euros over the next three-year period. ABI warned that the proposed tax increases and restrictions on deductions could hinder investments in cybersecurity and physical branches, while raising potential constitutional concerns.

Bankitalia echoed concerns regarding fiscal uncertainty, noting that unexpected tax adjustments undermine business confidence. Additionally, trade union leaders criticized the plan's revenue coverage, highlighting reliance on fiscal drag and European recovery funds. Parliament is reviewing potential amendments as financial sector shareholders consider legal challenges.

Sources: La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, ANSA, Il Sole 24 Ore

Security developments involving Iran continue to unfold across multiple fronts. In the United States, federal prosecutors charged Iraqi national Mohamed Baker Sad Dawood Al Saadi with plotting an attack on the RAF Fairford airbase in the United Kingdom via coded phone calls made while incarcerated in New York.

Concurrently, Iranian state media reported military training programs for women involving sniper rifles and heavy weaponry, drawing participants across demographics. Internationally, Tehran formally rejected allegations from Paris regarding state-sponsored cyberattacks, accusing French authorities of deflecting from their own regional policies.

Meanwhile, unverified explosions occurred across southern Iran, including key maritime nodes near the Strait of Hormuz such as Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas. Human rights accounts also continue to document testimonies from families affected by state violence during anti-government demonstrations inside the country.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Following Democratic gains in the US midterm elections, the White House has issued warnings to Democratic lawmakers planning Congressional investigations into the Trump administration. Legal counsel for the administration signaled resistance to upcoming oversight inquiries, including proposed probes into cabinet travel costs and executive spending.

Concurrently, US President Donald Trump reiterated that military actions against Iran are "effectively over," citing requests from neighboring Gulf nations to maintain the present status quo. However, US foreign policy shifts following the election losses have prompted concern among allies, with Japanese officials expressing unease over potential rapid diplomatic moves toward China.

On domestic policy, the Department of Homeland Security announced a record high for deportations, reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed over 483,000 individuals during the preceding fiscal year.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Der Standard, DW, FAZ, ORF