Nov 13, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC

Russian Chief Negotiator Vladimir Medinsky reaffirmed Moscow's maximalist territorial stance following trilateral peace discussions with Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi. Medinsky stated that "every inch of Russian land will be recovered, one way or another" while dismissing European coverage, remarking that media outlets could "continue to live in a world of illusions."

The talks in the United Arab Emirates focused on potential ceasefire frameworks, security guarantees, and territorial disputes, alongside Russian proposals for bilateral non-aggression pacts with select NATO members. However, no breakthrough was achieved.

On the ground, Moscow maintained military pressure across Ukraine. Overnight air strikes heavily targeted power infrastructure, cutting electricity to hundreds of thousands of residents in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions as winter approaches.

Sources: Adevărul, HotNews, Moldova1, TV8, Ziarul de Gardă.

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations are gathering in Antalya for the COP31 UN climate conference, which runs from 9 to 20 November. Australia and Turkey have proposed a target to ensure electricity accounts for 35 percent of final global energy consumption by 2035, an initiative backed by Germany amid escalating energy security concerns tied to Middle Eastern instability.

However, climate activist Greta Thunberg strongly criticized the conference, claiming "nobody is coming to save us" and accusing world leaders of abandoning vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

Several leaders missed the summit due to domestic issues. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remained in Munich to address rising antisemitism, declaring that protecting Jewish institutions represents a historic test for the nation. Simultaneously, Romanian Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță announced planned winter relief schemes for households and businesses facing high energy costs.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Ziarul de Gardă

Negotiations between Ukrainian, Russian, and US representatives concluded in Abu Dhabi after two days of discussions focused on prisoner exchanges and potential frameworks to halt the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the US-brokered trilateral meetings as "constructive and pretty substantive," noting that negotiators addressed critical humanitarian matters alongside potential long-term security guarantees.

While delegations established parameters for a new exchange of prisoners of war, broader diplomatic hurdles persist. Reports indicate that controversial proposals floating alongside the talks include US suggestions regarding Ukrainian regional administrative adjustments and potential pathways for Russian energy exports to re-enter European markets—ideas that face significant resistance among European officials.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukrainska Pravda

Preparations for France's 2027 presidential election have gathered momentum following a broadcast featuring eight prospective contenders focused on public services.

On the right, Les Républicains' Bruno Retailleau urged a joint primary, arguing it should proceed even if former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe declines to take part. Reconquête! leader Éric Zemmour formally confirmed his candidacy on national television before meeting with right-wing digital influencers. Meanwhile, former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire criticized the early proliferation of candidates, remarking that contenders "poussent comme des champignons," while keeping his own future options open.

On the left, La France Insoumise and Les Écologistes continue discussions regarding a potential governing alliance ahead of an upcoming Green party vote on election strategy.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.

Heavy fighting persists across the Ukrainian front, with the Ukrainian General Staff reporting more than 150 daily combat engagements, focused heavily in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors. Independent battlefield assessments indicate that Russian pushes toward Sloviansk and Kupyansk have slowed or stalled due to Ukrainian counterattacks. However, Russian forces made minor tactical gains south of Dobropillia and in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Concurrently, Russian aerial strikes against Ukraine's energy grid triggered widespread blackouts, leaving over 600,000 residents without power in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, 250,000 in Kharkiv Oblast, and disrupting heating in Kyiv and Zhytomyr Oblast.

In response to Ukrainian drone strikes on eight major oil refineries over two weeks, several Russian regions implemented fuel sales restrictions to combat local shortages.

Sources: Belsat, NEXTA, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.