France's top general under fire after saying country must be 'prepared to lose children'

The COP30 conference center was evacuated due to a fire outbreak. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for countries to reach compromises as negotiations approached their final hours. Outside the venue, Magne Tony from French Guiana highlighted the disconnect between decision-makers in France and the realities faced by those in the Amazon, stressing issues like rising water levels and food scarcity.

France's Chief of Defence Staff, General Fabien Mandon, has caused political controversy by stating that the country must be prepared to 'lose its children' in a potential war with Russia. His remarks highlight concerns about societal unpreparedness despite France's economic and demographic strengths. While some officials view this as a realistic warning, critics from the left label it as politically charged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a draft peace plan from the United States, which he hopes will facilitate discussions with former President Donald Trump in the coming days. The Ukrainian government has expressed support for any proposals that could lead to genuine peace. In a related development, Ukraine has received the remains of 1,000 individuals from Russia, claimed to be Ukrainian soldiers, marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two nations amidst ongoing conflict.

On World Children's Day, UNICEF highlights that 417 million children in low- and middle-income countries lack essential services such as clean water, healthcare, education, and nutrition. In France, 2.76 million children live in poverty, representing one-tenth of the child population. Ending child poverty requires political will and a collective commitment to prioritize children's well-being.

Reports indicate that a US military team has visited Kyiv amid warnings from the EU regarding potential Russian plans. A peace proposal involving significant concessions from Ukraine is reportedly being discussed between the US and Russia.

European ministers in Brussels expressed significant frustration over reports of a secret US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine that excludes Europe. They emphasized that any agreement must involve Kyiv and European nations, as the alleged proposal aligns closely with Russia's demands, including territorial concessions and military reductions, raising serious security concerns within the EU.

Ukrainian officials have rejected a new US-Russian peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, labeling it as 'absurd' and unacceptable. The proposal, reportedly drafted by Kirill Dmitriev and Steve Witkoff, is seen as a provocation intended to create division among Ukraine's allies. This rejection comes amid ongoing discussions between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a US military delegation.

Russia has announced plans to upgrade a cargo port in Mariupol, which was liberated from Ukrainian troops in 2022. This development is part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure in the region following the conflict.