Nov 13, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

United States envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have concluded two days of negotiations in Abu Dhabi alongside Ukrainian and Russian representatives. The meetings aimed to build a new framework for diplomatic progress, though Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov maintained that Moscow will not accept European demands for an immediate ceasefire. Following the sessions, the American delegation scheduled briefings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin.

European officials, including representatives from NATO, the European Commission, and the E4 group—comprising France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom—conducted separate coordination talks with the Ukrainian delegation. Italian diplomatic sources underscored the need to consolidate negotiation formats, warning that fragmented diplomatic tracks play into Moscow's hands.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed ongoing consultations, as reports emerged regarding stolen Russian data alleging over 400,000 Russian military casualties.

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

Emergency services and regional authorities across the Baltic rim have stood down following overnight air raid alerts triggered by a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia's Kirishi oil refinery. The facility, located near St. Petersburg, suffered explosions and a localized fire after being targeted by uncrewed aerial vehicles. Local officials reported one civilian fatality resulting from falling debris.

During the operation, at least four drones accidentally entered the airspace of neighboring Baltic nations. NATO scrambled fighter jets to patrol regional borders while Finnish authorities temporarily restricted maritime and airspace movements. Regional agencies later confirmed the stray drones exited NATO airspace without inflicting infrastructure damage, allowing civil defense networks and air traffic operations to return to normal peacetime status.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Negotiators following trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi face contrasting assessments over whether real progress was achieved toward ending the conflict. While Kyiv expressed optimism regarding a positive dynamic and suggested a potential resolution by the end of the year, critics highlight that concrete outcomes remain largely confined to a major prisoner exchange involving over 2,000 individuals and discussions on returning displaced children.

Deep structural disputes persist regarding territorial control, long-term security guarantees for Kyiv, and broader negotiations over European security and NATO's future architecture. Analysts note that Moscow continues to press its maximalist demands, casting doubt on immediate diplomatic breakthroughs. Meanwhile, heavy battlefield engagements continue, with Russian forces targeting critical infrastructure along the Dnipro River.

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

Debate has intensified in Spain following a nationwide general strike addressing rising housing costs and inflation. Disagreements remain regarding the overall economic impact, with business leadership pointing to limited disruptions while union coordinators reported high participation across industrial facilities and logistics hubs.

Tensions surrounding public policing have also escalated after prominent politicians criticized security responses during demonstrations in major cities, contrasting with official statements asserting that police forces acted appropriately. The political friction unfolds against the backdrop of upcoming elections, as opposing parties leverage the strike's outcomes to frame ongoing debates on labor and economic conditions.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, Marca

Eight potential candidates for France's 2027 presidential election presented their visions for public services during a series of interviews on Thursday, addressing critical sectors such as education and security. Raphaël Glucksmann of Place publique emphasized a comprehensive overhaul to rescue public schools, while contenders across the political spectrum, including Gabriel Attal, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, and Édouard Philippe, set out their priorities.

Political maneuvering continues around coalition strategies. Bruno Retailleau of Les Républicains reiterated calls for a right-wing primary regardless of Philippe's participation, while negotiations between La France Insoumise and Les Écologistes point toward a potential governing alliance. Reconquête! leader Éric Zemmour formally declared his bid earlier in the week, as former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire publicly lamented the rapid proliferation of early candidacies.

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