Nov 14, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

Trilateral negotiations involving American, Ukrainian, and Russian envoys have concluded in Abu Dhabi. US mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are heading to Moscow to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin.

During the discussions, Russian officials reportedly circulated a demand for NATO to withdraw to its pre-1997 positions, reiterating a stance presented prior to the 2022 invasion. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected European calls for an immediate truce in Ukraine.

European representatives, including officials from NATO, the European Commission, and E4 nations, held parallel meetings in Abu Dhabi to coordinate strategy. Italian sources noted the importance of European participation at the table, warning that fragmented formats benefit Moscow.

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

United States envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have announced plans to include European nations in upcoming peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. Following diplomatic discussions in Moscow and Dublin, Kushner urged European governments to appoint a single delegate to represent the continent during future talks.

According to US representatives, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted expanding the scope of negotiations to address post-war European security arrangements alongside territorial concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the development, asserting that European partners must have a direct voice in shaping final agreements. While substantial diplomatic gaps between Kyiv and Moscow persist, envoys indicated that progress is being made toward negotiating a major prisoner swap.

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

Early positioning for France's 2027 presidential election has accelerated as prospective candidates across the political spectrum present competing agendas. During public interviews on Thursday, eight potential contenders detailed their strategies regarding public services, education, and national security.

Political alliances and primary formats remain key points of contention. Bruno Retailleau of Les Républicains advocated for a right-wing primary regardless of Édouard Philippe's participation, while negotiations between La France Insoumise and Les Écologistes show movement toward a potential legislative coalition. Meanwhile, Reconquête! leader Éric Zemmour formally confirmed his candidacy earlier in the week, prompting criticism from former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire over the growing number of premature campaign announcements.

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

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, the White House announced on Friday.

The unprecedented trilateral gathering will reportedly focus on international nuclear disarmament and reducing atomic stockpiles. Discussions may also encompass the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and matters regarding Iran, though the war in Ukraine is reportedly excluded from the agenda.

While Washington has confirmed the encounter, neither Beijing nor Moscow has officially corroborated the summit, despite acknowledging preliminary talks in recent weeks. The event signals further diplomatic engagement for Putin on the global stage, though analysts express skepticism regarding the likelihood of major substantive breakthroughs.

Sources: Le Monde, Libération, RTBF Info, ORF, Tagesschau

Analysis of leaked mortality data from Russia's Rosstat agency indicates that Russian military casualties in Ukraine may have surpassed 400,000 and could approach 500,000 personnel. The report coincides with ongoing scrutiny of regional recruitment practices, including the drafting of individuals with severe mental health conditions.

Inside Russia, targeted attacks against military leadership continue. Russian media reported that a 31-year-old suspect took a job at a St. Petersburg hypermarket to monitor a Russian colonel before detonating an explosive device delivered via balloon.

Meanwhile, European counterintelligence services are actively targeting suspected Russian proxy networks. In Latvia, security officers raided a rural estate near Riga to arrest suspected operative Vasilijs Kovacovs.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti