Ukraine peace talks are showing new signs of progress. US and European negotiators emerged from meetings in Berlin yesterday agreeing to provide so-called Article 5-like security guarantees and reportedly saying “90% of the issues between Ukraine and Russia” had been resolved. However, the promise seems vague and short of an actual admission to NATO – which was taken off the table earlier this week. The question is whether Ukraine will accept such an offer. Meanwhile, Finland worries that if battle lines are cemented into new borders, Russia could move its artillery closer to the country. But there was tangible good news for Kyiv as well. Europe launched an international commission for Ukraine war damages, and is seeking consensus to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort and recovery.
Last week, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels appeared unconcerned with the peace deal signed in Washington between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the insurgents seized the eastern Congolese town of Uvira. But things took a turn today: following pressure from the Trump administration, the rebels announced they were withdrawing from the town, which is home to a Congolese army base. Still, with over 100 armed groups vying for control in this mineral-rich region, peace is far from certain.
Over 110 tons of humanitarian aid from the European Union are set to reach Sudan’s war-ravaged Darfur region on Friday, the first of eight flights delivering assistance over the next few weeks. But, it’s not certain the aid will reach those in need. The EU warned distributing aid has become increasingly difficult, particularly in El Fasher, a city that has become the latest hub of the reported genocide in Darfur. The paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces recently recaptured the town from Sudan’s government forces, as the civil war drags on. The conflict topped the International Rescue Committee’s list of humanitarian crises for a third straight year.
The European Union just pulled off something that, a year ago, seemed politically impossible: it froze $247 billion in Russian central bank assets indefinitely, stripping the Kremlin of one of its most reliable pressure points.
Walmart’s $350 billion commitment to American manufacturing means two-thirds of the products we buy come straight from our backyard to yours. From New Jersey hot sauce to grills made in Tennessee, Walmart is stocking the shelves with products rooted in local communities. The impact? Over 750,000 American jobs - putting more people to work and keeping communities strong. Learn more here.
Of all the threats to the world, what are the top 10 most urgent global risks for 2026? On Monday, January 5, at 12 pm ET, join us for a livestream discussion with Ian Bremmer and global experts to discuss the Top Risks of 2025 report from Eurasia Group. This report will mark twenty years of Ian Bremmer’s annual forecast of the political risks that are most likely to play out over the year. Event link: gzeromedia.com/toprisks
In this episode of Tools and Weapons, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith sits down with Ed Policy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, to discuss how purpose-driven leadership and innovation are shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises. Ed shares how technology and community-focused initiatives, from Titletown Tech to health and safety innovations on the field, are transforming not just the game of football, but the economy and culture of Green Bay itself. He explains how combining strategic vision with investment in local startups is keeping talent in the Midwest and creating opportunities that extend far beyond Lambeau Field.
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