International - The Purbottar

03 Jan

European Leaders Seek Financial Clarification on 15-Year Ukraine Reconstruction Fund

Mohini BarmanInternational

Following his successful summit with President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Paris to meet with European Union leaders. While the Florida Framework provides security guarantees, European nations are seeking clarity on their specific financial commitments to the proposed $500 billion reconstruction fund. Zelenskyy is expected to argue that a "neutral Ukraine" can only survive if it is economically integrated with Europe, a key point of the remaining 5% of the peace negotiations.

31 Dec

15-Year U.S. Security Guarantee Anchors 20-Point Framework to End Conflict

Mohini BarmanInternational

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced today that the final draft of the peace plan—negotiated alongside the Trump administration—will be put to a nationwide referendum in early 2026. The 20-point framework includes a proposed 15-year U.S. security guarantee for Ukraine in exchange for "neutral status" regarding NATO. While President Trump has signaled that the plan is "95% done," the implementation hinges on a required 60-day ceasefire that Moscow has yet to formally accept as the year draws to a close.

29 Dec

Florida Summit Concludes with Agreement on Security Guarantees but Donbas Remains Disputed

Mohini BarmanInternational

Following a high-stakes meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that they are "closer than ever" to a deal to end the war. The leaders revealed that 95% of a 20-point peace framework is now agreed upon, including a "100 percent" finalized document regarding U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. However, both leaders admitted that "thorny" questions remain regarding the future of the Donbas region and the implementation of a 60-to-90-day ceasefire required for a national referendum.

27 Dec

Trump Defends Nigeria Strikes as “Christmas Present”

Mohini BarmanInternational

US President Donald Trump has described the recent airstrikes against ISIS-linked militants in Nigeria as a "Christmas present" to the terrorist group, claiming every target camp was "decimated." However, reports from the ground in Sokoto State tell a different story; local farmers in the village of Jabo reported that debris from the strike landed just 500 meters from a health center, causing panic. While the Department of War insists the operation neutralized multiple fighters, villagers claim there was no known ISIS presence in their immediate area.

26 Dec

Newly Redesignated ‘Department of War’ Executes Massive Air Operation in Sokoto State

Mohini BarmanInternational

On Christmas Day 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States launched a "powerful and deadly" military strike against ISIS-linked militants in Northwest Nigeria. The operation, executed by the newly renamed Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense), targeted militants accused of persecuting and killing Christians at "levels not seen for centuries." The strike was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government to stabilize the region following the mass abduction of schoolchildren earlier this month.

16 Dec

World Leaders Commit to Integrated Strategy to Combat Noncommunicable Diseases and Psychological Challenges

Mohini BarmanInternational

Leaders at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a historic political declaration committing to combat Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the first declaration to address both health crises together, aiming to usher in a new era of action. The strategy is critical as NCDs cause 18 million premature deaths annually, while mental health conditions affect over a billion people globally, severely impacting productivity and sustainable economic growth.

10 Dec

EU Copernicus Data Shows Average Global Temperature 1.48°C Above Pre-Industrial Levels

Mohini BarmanInternational

Data released by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service confirms that 2025 is "virtually certain" to be the second- or third-hottest year on record, after the record-breaking year of 2024. The global average temperature from January to November stands at 1.48 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). Scientists warn that the three-year average from 2023 to 2025 is now on track to exceed the 1.5^\circ\text{C} threshold for the first time, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.

09 Dec

US President Pushes for ‘One Rulebook’ on AI Regulation

Mohini BarmanInternational

US President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an Executive Order establishing a unified, national rulebook for Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation. The move is aimed at preventing individual states from enacting conflicting regulatory approvals that he argues could stifle innovation and compromise America's lead in the global AI race. The proposed order reflects the administration's policy goal of creating a streamlined regulatory environment to accelerate technological dominance.

06 Dec

Putin Accepts Parts of US Peace Plan for Ukraine

Mohini BarmanInternational

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly stated that he has accepted certain proposals within the US-backed peace plan intended to end the Ukraine conflict. However, he cautioned that several key proposals remain unacceptable to Moscow. This partial acceptance maintains a delicate diplomatic balance, suggesting a willingness for continued dialogue while signaling firm resistance on issues concerning territorial status and security guarantees.

04 Dec

EU Seeks to Use Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Long-Term Kyiv Recovery

Mohini BarmanInternational

The European Commission is developing a proposal for a "reparations loan" designed to finance the long-term reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. This plan involves utilizing the frozen assets of the Russian central bank and Russian oligarchs held in EU jurisdictions as collateral or a source of repayment for the loan. The initiative aims to provide predictable, substantial funding for Ukraine while navigating the complex legal challenges associated with seizing sovereign assets.