Nov 14, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC

U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have arrived in Moscow for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a brief second day of diplomatic sessions in Abu Dhabi. Upon landing at Vnukovo airport, the American delegation was greeted by Kirill Dmitriev, a special representative for the Russian presidency.

The bilateral discussions in the United Arab Emirates wrapped up after a two-hour meeting. Lead Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky stated that initial understandings had been reached between the negotiating teams.

Following their engagements in Moscow, the U.S. envoys are slated to fly to Dublin to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has expressed ongoing skepticism regarding the peace process, reiterating Ukraine's requirements for firm security guarantees and full sovereignty over the Donbas region.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico

Following trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, diplomats are evaluating prospects for a resolution despite major lingering obstacles. While Ukrainian officials noted positive momentum and suggested a potential breakthrough by year-end, concrete outcomes remain largely restricted to a large-scale prisoner exchange involving over 2,000 individuals and talks on returning displaced children.

Significant territorial and security disagreements persist. Moscow continues to push maximalist terms, with reports indicating Russian proposals demand NATO concessions, including Finland's departure from the alliance and limits on Baltic military bases. Meanwhile, Kyiv insists on robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression. Expectations of a swift breakthrough were further dampened after Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled to U.S. envoys that core divisions remain unresolved.

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

Emergency services across the Baltic region have stood down following overnight air raid alerts linked to a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Kirishi oil refinery near St. Petersburg. The strike ignited a fire and triggered multiple explosions at the facility, resulting in one civilian death from falling debris.

During the operation, at least four drones breached the airspace of neighboring Baltic nations. The intrusions prompted NATO to deploy fighter jets and led Finnish officials to enact temporary maritime and airspace restrictions. Civil defense systems and regional air traffic management returned to standard operations after officials verified that the uncrewed aerial vehicles had left NATO airspace without inflicting structural damage on allied territory.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the unexpected entry of five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner into the 2027 presidential race. Speaking on France 5's C à vous, Macron stated that Riner's participation "can only benefit the country," commending his talent, convictions, and willingness to contribute to national political discourse.

Riner formally declared his candidacy in a three-minute video address positioned before a French flag, pledging to serve as a unifying leader. During his speech, he voiced economic concerns, criticizing public debt levels and highlighting the financial strain faced by families dealing with rising living costs.

Reactions across the political spectrum emerged quickly following the announcement. While supporters defended his right to run, media outlets and analysts questioned how his athletic background would translate into electoral viability amid a rising far-right presence.

Sources: France24, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.

Following sharp critiques from Italy's banking sector over proposed tax increases, labor unions have presented alternative tax reform proposals during parliamentary hearings on the 2027 draft budget law. The Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) criticized the government's budget coverage as opaque, citing heavy reliance on fiscal drag and European recovery funds.

CGIL advocated for a comprehensive tax overhaul aimed at lowering the tax burden on employees and retirees. Their proposal includes introducing a progressive personal income tax structure, automatically indexing tax brackets to inflation to counter fiscal drag, and establishing an exemption threshold up to 12,500 euros. The union also called for a wealth tax on assets exceeding two million euros, estimating it could raise 26 billion euros for public services, healthcare, and education.

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