Trump, war, absent media: five threats to climate progress that dogged Cop30

Top U.S. officials convened in Geneva with representatives from Ukraine and Europe to discuss a new peace plan for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from former President Donald Trump. He has publicly condemned both Ukrainian and European officials for their roles in reshaping the U.S. proposal, which reportedly includes significant territorial concessions from Ukraine to Russia.

The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded with a fragile agreement, indicating that while the world is not winning the climate battle, cooperation remains alive. The deal, however, failed to phase out fossil fuels and did not meet expectations regarding deforestation commitments, reflecting deep divisions among participating nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing immense pressure as former U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for a peace plan that demands significant concessions from Ukraine to Russia. This situation has left Zelensky in a precarious position, as most Ukrainians oppose surrendering territory, risking a crisis within his military if he complies with Trump's demands.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine for showing 'zero gratitude' towards U.S. efforts to facilitate a peace plan amid ongoing international negotiations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that a deal to end the war is unlikely to be reached by the Thursday deadline, as Ukrainian officials engage in talks with European security representatives in Geneva.

French winemakers are facing a severe crisis as they prepare for a meeting with the agriculture minister, citing a significant sales slump, the impact of Trump tariffs, and the worst harvest in 70 years. Vineyard owners report that these unprecedented challenges have left many on the brink of closure.

Dan Driscoll, the U.S. Army Secretary and a former investment banker, has emerged as a key figure in the ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, despite his limited experience in diplomatic matters. His connection to former President Trump and his recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlight his role in this complex geopolitical situation.

President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in a lavish ceremony, marking the prince's first visit to the U.S. in seven years. The event featured military flyovers and a grand welcome, emphasizing the Trump administration's prioritization of relations with Saudi Arabia over traditional allies like Israel.

The Albanese government of Australia has been urged to clarify its strategy for phasing out fossil fuels after signing the Belém declaration at the Cop30 climate summit, which advocates for a swift transition away from coal, gas, and oil. Despite this commitment, Albanese has dismissed calls to halt the development of new gas fields.