The price for peace in Ukraine: EU countries urged to plug €135bn gap for war-torn nation

Ukraine peace talks were a focal point at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where the absence of the United States, Russia, and China raised concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Carney highlighted that the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine requires significant revisions, with experts labeling it a 'disaster.'

President Donald Trump is advocating for a peace plan in Ukraine, drawing parallels to strategies used in Gaza, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The plan reportedly includes significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, which has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials regarding national sovereignty.

At the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Western leaders expressed that the US peace plan for Ukraine requires significant revisions, with French President Macron warning that the G20 risks losing its relevance. The plan, which has been leaked, includes concessions to Russia, such as territorial claims in eastern Ukraine and limitations on Ukraine's military capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine risks losing US support due to a proposed peace plan from the White House. The plan, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested could serve as a basis for peace, requires significant territorial concessions from Ukraine. Zelensky's concerns highlight the delicate balance Ukraine must maintain in its international relations amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held an unexpectedly cordial first meeting at the White House. Despite their previous criticisms of each other, both leaders refrained from discussing their differences during the encounter, focusing instead on collaboration. Mamdani aims to address issues of affordability and public safety in New York City as he prepares to take office.

In Nigeria, 215 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state, marking the second mass kidnapping in a week. This incident occurred amid Donald Trump's threats to intervene militarily over alleged 'Christian genocide,' which the Nigerian government denies. The ongoing security crisis in Nigeria has seen a troubling rise in school abductions, raising concerns about the safety of students and the effectiveness of government responses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is facing a critical moment as former U.S. President Donald Trump demands that Kyiv accept a peace plan that would require significant territorial concessions to Russia. Trump has set a deadline for the agreement, which has been described by officials as a capitulation. Zelenskyy emphasized the difficult choices ahead for Ukraine amid this pressure.

Former President Donald Trump praised New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for his recent victory in the mayoral election, highlighting his focus on affordability. The meeting between the two leaders was described as 'productive', indicating a potential for a positive relationship moving forward.