Nov 15, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

Bulgaria has announced it will stop supplying weapons and financial aid to Ukraine, marking a key shift in Balkan defense policy as international diplomatic efforts intensify. The decision follows reports from peace talks in Abu Dhabi, where Russian negotiators demanded that NATO retreat to its pre-1997 borders, which would significantly curtail the alliance's presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

The policy shift comes ahead of a high-profile summit scheduled for 19 November in Shenzhen, China. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and US President Donald Trump are set to attend the meeting. US special envoy Jared Kushner has also been involved in the broader diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the negotiations.

Sources: Iltalehti

Following midterms marked by electoral setbacks for the Republican Party, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not require a formal deal with Iran. Speaking alongside Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Trump suggested the regional conflict could conclude soon, noting that further military action currently appears unnecessary while emphasizing readiness if conditions shift.

Concurrently, Vice President J.D. Vance has been instructed to shift focus away from Middle Eastern diplomatic negotiations toward domestic governance and alleged corruption in Democratic-led jurisdictions. Regional observers note the election results may curb Washington's unilateral foreign policy initiatives, including pressures on Cuba. Meanwhile, analysts suggest the political landscape could trigger a long-term transformation within the MAGA movement beyond Trump's current term.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti

Leaked mortality registry data from Russia's Rosstat agency indicates Russian military fatalities in Ukraine may be approaching 500,000, with experts estimating at least 400,000 confirmed deaths. The disclosures coincide with reports highlighting aggressive regional recruitment practices, including the enlistment of individuals with severe mental health disabilities.

At the same time, covert actions against Russian military figures persist. Investigations revealed that a suspect in a fatal bombing near St. Petersburg took a job at a local hypermarket to monitor a Russian colonel before executing the attack using balloon-delivered explosives.

Concurrently, European security agencies are stepping up measures against suspected proxy networks, demonstrated by a recent raid by Latvian counterintelligence near Riga to detain a suspected operative.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Preparations for France's 2027 presidential election are accelerating across party lines. During a joint forum on public services, eight prospective candidates outlined their policy priorities, with Raphaël Glucksmann proposing an overhaul of the public education system.

On the left, discussions between La France Insoumise and Les Écologistes continue regarding a potential majority agreement before upcoming party strategy decisions. Within the conservative camp, Bruno Retailleau maintained that a right-wing primary should go forward regardless of Édouard Philippe's participation.

Far-right leader Éric Zemmour formally confirmed his candidacy during a television interview. Meanwhile, former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire criticized the early flurry of declarations, observing that candidates "are popping up like mushrooms" while keeping his own options open.

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

Former Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang faces mounting pressure from US lawmakers to testify before Congress following his sudden resignation over extramarital affairs, including one involving an alleged Chinese spy.

Key House Republicans and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott have threatened to issue subpoenas to compel briefings and testimony from Huang, Nvidia's general counsel, and US Commerce Department officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The scandal has intensified scrutiny over American semiconductor exports, with House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighting a growing bipartisan consensus to tighten restrictions on advanced AI chip deliveries to China. Following Huang's departure, Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has assumed the role of interim chief executive while Nvidia's board conducts a search for a permanent successor.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian