US senator slams Republicans’ silence on Trump’s violent threats to Democrats

U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials convened in Geneva to discuss a contentious peace plan proposed by former President Donald Trump, which has drawn criticism for demanding significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions and military reductions.

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani reaffirmed his characterization of President Donald Trump as a 'fascist' during an NBC interview, just days after a cordial meeting at the White House where they discussed cost-of-living issues. Despite the friendly nature of their encounter, Mamdani's stance reflects his ongoing concerns about Trump's policies and rhetoric.

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.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine's borders cannot be altered by force, reaffirming the country's sovereignty during a meeting in Geneva with officials from Washington, Brussels, and Kyiv to discuss a draft peace plan involving territorial concessions to Russia.

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.

The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded amid significant disruptions, including a fire that led to the evacuation of attendees and ongoing divisions over fossil fuel policies. The event, which extended beyond its scheduled end, saw last-minute negotiations that barely salvaged agreements on climate action amidst chaotic conditions and severe weather challenges.