Russia says leaked U.S. call is attempt to disrupt peace talks, warns no deal is near

Former U.S. President Donald Trump advised Japan to temper its rhetoric regarding Taiwan following a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which raised concerns in Tokyo about escalating tensions in the region. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had previously suggested a military response if China were to attack Taiwan, prompting a strong reaction from Beijing.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the U.S. will lose their legal protections and work permits in February, requiring those without the right to stay to return to Haiti. This decision affects approximately 340,000 individuals who have been living under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Russia's Kremlin spokesman stated that discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are serious, but emphasized that no concessions will be made. This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for an end to the war, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new support measures for the lumber and steel sectors as the steel industry faces significant challenges following the imposition of 50% tariffs on Canadian steel by U.S. President Donald Trump in June. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to affected industries and impose stricter quotas on foreign steel imports.

U.S. diplomatic efforts are intensifying to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with discussions involving a revised peace plan initially drafted during the Trump administration. Recent meetings have included U.S. officials and a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, following significant amendments made by Ukrainian representatives to the proposed deal.

A leaked recording has revealed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff advised a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin on how to present a peace plan regarding Ukraine to President Trump. This has reignited long-held suspicions among Ukrainians about Witkoff's loyalties and intentions.

A leaked phone call between U.S. and Russian officials has sparked widespread speculation regarding the identity of the leaker and their motives, with diplomats and analysts investigating who had the capability to intercept the conversation and who stands to gain from its disclosure.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has cautioned against the unilateral division of Ukraine during critical US-led negotiations, asserting that such actions would jeopardize European sovereignty and potentially lead to further conflicts. She emphasized that Russia remains unyielding in its approach to the ongoing war, echoing historical attitudes from the Yalta Conference era.