Will Ukraine Accept US Peace Proposal Before Thanksgiving?

A leaked European Union peace proposal suggests that Ukraine should retain its military forces and keeps the possibility of NATO membership open, contrasting sharply with a 28-point peace plan proposed by former President Trump, which has faced criticism for its perceived bias towards Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked President Trump for his support amid criticism that Ukraine has shown 'zero gratitude' towards the U.S. However, Zelensky also distanced Ukraine from a new U.S. peace plan, indicating concerns about its implications for the nation.

Senator Mark Warner criticized President Trump's 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, labeling it a 'complete capitulation' to Russian demands during an interview on ABC News. Warner drew parallels to the appeasement strategies of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain during World War II, emphasizing the plan's potential risks for Ukraine's sovereignty.

The Trump administration has reportedly disbanded the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) ahead of its scheduled end, confirming long-held suspicions about the agency's viability. With eight months remaining on its contract, the agency's dissolution marks the conclusion of its controversial efforts to restructure federal agencies and reduce workforce numbers. OPM director Scott Kupor stated that Doge is no longer a 'centralized entity.'

Former President Donald Trump granted Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally status as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments, establishing new defense partnerships. This move has reignited discussions about the U.S.-Saudi relationship, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding the crown prince.

Municipal lawyers are increasingly taking on roles beyond their traditional responsibilities to contest funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration, reflecting a shift in their engagement with governmental policies. This proactive stance indicates a growing willingness among legal professionals to advocate for municipal interests in the face of federal budgetary constraints.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that he does not foresee a recession in the U.S. by 2026, expressing confidence in the economy during a recent interview. He acknowledged some sectors are experiencing economic strain but remains optimistic about overall recovery.

Ukraine and several Western allies convened in Geneva to deliberate on a U.S. peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, which includes significant concessions to Moscow. This meeting highlights the complexities of international diplomacy in the context of the war that has persisted since Russia's invasion nearly four years ago.