Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned his nation of a critical juncture that could jeopardize the vital support from the United States. In a speech to the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy emphasized that ongoing discussions surrounding a U.S. peace proposal, perceived to favor Russia, pose a significant risk to Ukraine’s sovereignty. The proposal includes demands from Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could lead to Ukraine ceding territory, scaling back its military, and facing restrictions on its NATO membership aspirations.
Putin acknowledged the U.S. plan as a potential basis for a final peace settlement, highlighting that it aligns with several longstanding Russian objectives. The proposal has raised concerns in Kyiv, particularly regarding its implications for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and national security. Zelenskyy’s remarks reflect a deep apprehension that acceptance of the plan could undermine Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
In a separate political development, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced her resignation from Congress, effective January. The congresswoman, once an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, cited a desire to spare her district from a divisive primary battle. Greene’s resignation follows a notable shift from loyalty to criticism of Trump, particularly regarding his handling of sensitive political issues.
In a surprising turn, Trump met with New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who previously labeled Trump as “his worst nightmare.” The meeting, characterized by a cordial atmosphere, revealed a shared commitment to addressing local challenges, despite their earlier adversarial relationship. Trump expressed admiration for Mamdani, indicating a willingness to collaborate for the benefit of the city.
In Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro was apprehended by federal police just days before he was to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt. The arrest occurred early Saturday morning in Brasília, following a request from Brazil’s Supreme Court. Bolsonaro’s legal battles have drawn significant attention, culminating in this preemptive detention as he exhausts his appeals.
The U.S. Supreme Court made headlines by temporarily blocking a lower court ruling that deemed Texas’ 2026 congressional redistricting plan racially discriminatory. The decision, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, will remain in effect while the court assesses whether to allow the controversial map, which is perceived to benefit Republicans, to be used in upcoming elections.
In health news, a resident of Washington state is believed to be the first person to die from a rare strain of bird flu, known as H5N5. The Washington State Department of Health reported the death of an older adult with pre-existing health conditions. The deceased had been receiving treatment after becoming the first known human infected with this strain, raising alarms about the potential public health implications.
Torrential rain has returned to Southern California, leading to flash flood warnings as the region experiences its third storm in a week. Local authorities have advised residents in areas such as downtown Los Angeles and coastal regions to remain vigilant for possible flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.
In a distressing incident in Nigeria, gunmen abducted over 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community. This attack, reported by the Christian Association of Nigeria, underscores the ongoing issue of kidnappings in the country, often orchestrated by armed gangs seeking ransom. Security forces have been deployed to locate the victims, but no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Lastly, the widow of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, is advocating for the release of the transcript from a 2019 phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This call has attracted scrutiny, particularly after Trump dismissed U.S. intelligence assessments linking the crown prince to Khashoggi’s murder. The call’s details may shed light on the dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations during Trump’s presidency.
These unfolding events highlight a complex interplay of political, health, and security issues both domestically and internationally, reflecting significant challenges faced by leaders around the globe.
