Amid pressure from U.S., Zelenskyy says he's open to an election that might be impossible

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move indicates a thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk.

Belarus has released a Nobel Prize laureate and other prominent political prisoners as the United States lifts sanctions against the country. This move signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk, with U.S. officials expressing a desire to normalize diplomatic ties.

One million households in Ukraine are currently without power following a series of Russian attacks targeting the country's energy grid. These overnight strikes coincide with ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Tensions are rising between the U.S. and Europe regarding strategies to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war, as highlighted by a discussion between NPR's Rob Schmitz and international relations expert Nathalie Tocci from Johns Hopkins University. Tocci emphasizes the differing political perspectives that are fueling this divide.

Russian attacks have left thousands in Ukraine without power as energy facilities were targeted, coinciding with ongoing peace talks. The situation remains dire as a ceasefire deal appears increasingly distant amidst escalating violence.

In Venezuela, rampant rumors circulate amid a backdrop of economic turmoil and U.S. military presence off the coast, creating a climate of uncertainty as the holiday season approaches. Reports suggest that these rumors have intensified following recent U.S. military actions, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, which has heightened tensions between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops near Kupiansk, a city claimed by Russia but contested by Ukraine. This visit coincides with Ukraine's announcement of regaining control over two settlements in the northern Kharkiv region, indicating a shift in the ongoing conflict dynamics.

The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe, immobilizing approximately €210 billion ($246 billion) of Russian sovereign assets. This decision aims to facilitate the use of these funds to support Ukraine in its defense against ongoing Russian aggression, eliminating the need for biannual votes to extend the freeze.