NATO allies gather in Brussels after inconclusive Ukraine peace talks in Moscow

US President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to Somali immigrants, stating they should not be welcomed in the country. His remarks coincided with a scandal in Minnesota involving over $1 billion in fraudulent social services linked to individuals of Somali descent.

Pope Leo has emphasized the critical role of European nations, particularly Italy, in mediating peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, amidst stalled negotiations between Russia and the US. The pontiff's remarks come as tensions escalate, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Europe of obstructing peace efforts.

U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff concluded their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin without reaching a peace agreement regarding Ukraine. The discussions centered on a revised peace plan, but Russia's demands for territorial gains and military reductions, alongside its insistence on blocking Ukraine's NATO membership, posed significant obstacles to an agreement.

NATO foreign ministers are set to convene in Brussels on Wednesday, focusing on the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, but notably without the attendance of the U.S. delegation. This absence underscores a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics as the U.S. has been a key player in the discussions surrounding Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith discussed Europe's perspectives on the ongoing Ukraine peace talks during an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in reaching a resolution. Smith emphasized the importance of European involvement in these negotiations, particularly in light of recent discussions in Geneva that aimed to create a more balanced peace plan compared to previous U.S. proposals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia is 'ready' for war if Europe pursues conflict, accusing European leaders of undermining peace negotiations regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. His statements coincided with the arrival of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow for high-level discussions aimed at resolving the nearly four-year-long war.

On December 3, U.S. and Russian officials concluded talks in Moscow regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, with no agreement reached on key territorial issues. President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who had previously engaged in productive discussions with Ukrainian representatives. The Kremlin's stance indicates that significant elements of the U.S. peace plan remain unacceptable to Russia.

Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been charged with fraud and corruption related to EU-funded training contracts for future diplomats. She was detained following police raids at the EU diplomatic service and the College of Europe, where two other senior officials were also questioned. The investigation is ongoing as all three have been formally notified of the accusations.