First things first: US and Russian officials formulate plan to end Ukraine war based on Kiev surrender US News
Good morning.
US and Russian officials have quietly drafted a new plan to end the war in Ukraine that would require Kiev to cede territory and severely reduce the size of its military, reports said Wednesday, in a development Kiev is likely to view as a surrender.
News of the plan, reportedly developed by Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, broke after Russian drone and missile airstrikes killed at least 25 people in the city of Ternopil.
The Financial Times and Reuters reported that the proposal would force Ukraine to hand over territory in its east and reduce the size of its army by half, as well as limit US military aid.
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Does this plan have official support from the Trump administration? This remains unclear, as Witkov and Dmitriev created an unofficial back channel.
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What did the European Union say? Any peace plan needs the “participation” of Kyiv and Europe. Foreign Ministers meet today to discuss this matter – follow our live blog here.
Trump signs bill to force release of more Epstein documents
Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill ordering the Justice Department to release files from the investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after joint pressure from Democrats and his conservative base.
The unexpected alliance forced the president to back off the release of documents, which he always had the power to activate, but chose not to do so. Trump has flip-flopped on the issue, vowing to release the Epstein files during his campaign, before calling the case a “hoax,” and then finally reversing course in recent days after it became clear the House would pass legislation to release them.
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What will the Department of Justice actually issue? All files related to Epstein – including the investigation into his death by suicide in prison. While it can redact identifying information about victims, it specifically prohibits officials from refusing to release information due to concerns about “embarrassment, reputational damage, or political sensitivity.”
Trump calls a reporter a “pig” — and sparks more anger than usual
Days after Donald Trump called a reporter a “pig” and told her to stay quiet, the president’s comment continues to spark outrage online.
In the video, Trump can be seen admonishing Bloomberg reporter Katherine Lucey, who asked him why he opposed the release of the Epstein documents “if there is nothing incriminating in the files.” The president pointed his finger at the journalist and said: “Shut up, you pig.” The accident occurred on board Air Force One on Friday.
It circulated in the same news cycle in which Trump told another reporter that it was rude to ask Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who the CIA determined was killed at the crown prince’s direction.
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This isn’t the first time Trump has attacked the media, so why is this important? In her analysis, Rachel Lingang says Trump’s anger could be a sign that he is on the defensive, amid a faltering economy and having to do a 180 review on the Epstein files. This outrageous comment also seems to have struck a chord in a way that few of his statements do.
In other news…
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Displaced Palestinians prepare for the harsh winter, Meanwhile, relief organizations warn that they face disease, cold, and hunger as Israel continues to close the Rafah crossing.
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Nvidia’s CEO has allayed Wall Street’s concerns That a bubble was forming in the artificial intelligence sector Amid selling in the market.
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Isn’t it a strength?A Chinese national who became a mayor in the Philippines pretending to be a Filipino has been sentenced to life in prison Along with seven others on human trafficking charges, according to prosecutors.
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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is a far-right extremist He faces life in prison, Two months after he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to “annihilate” democratic institutions in Brazil.
Today’s stats: 5500 Toxic sites across the United States face the risk of coastal flooding by 2020 2100
Rising sea levels threaten to flood more than 5,500 toxic sites across the United States by 2100, According to a new study. The research warns that a range of hazardous facilities will be affected, including those dealing with wastewater, toxic waste, oil, gas and other industrial pollutants. Florida, New Jersey, California, Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas represent nearly 80% of the sites expected to be at risk by the end of this century.
DON’T MISS THIS: Grab an ice cube – and shake it like a dog: Therapists talk about 16 simple, surprising ways to beat stress
Whether the stress is from work, money, relationships, or health, none of us can completely avoid stress — but there are things we can do to help us deal with it better. Although it is not always possible to eliminate a stressor, what you can do is manage the impact on your body. Here, psychotherapists share their techniques: from finding sociability and creativity to splashing cold water on your face.
Climate Check: Türkiye to host Cop31 climate conference after Australia pulls out at last minute
Türkiye will host the Cop31 climate conference after Australia ended its bid to hold the event in Adelaide – despite a three-year campaign to do so. In an unprecedented move, it looks like the summit will be hosted in Antalya – but Australia could still lead talks on how to combat the climate crisis.
Last thing: Not Maria again! New music playlists for the Christmas party season
Yes, yes, it seems like the holiday season starts earlier every year. As we head into party season, everyone will soon tire of hearing the same three Christmas songs on repeat – so The Guardian’s music editor, Ben Beaumont-Thomas, has put together some suggested playlists to help you host, free from Wham! And Maria.
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