During the event, which lasted more than four hours, Putin was asked whether Russia could launch further military campaigns similar to its war in Ukraine. He insisted that future conflicts could be avoided if Western governments respected Russia’s security interests and stopped what he sees as deception, especially regarding NATO’s expansion eastward. He repeated long-standing accusations that the West failed to honor past assurances given after the Cold War.

The session combined questions from journalists and ordinary Russians, touching on everything from rising living costs and internet outages to foreign policy and national identity. While the event was tightly managed, some critical public comments still appeared, reflecting frustration over inflation, poor services, and economic pressure.

Putin acknowledged economic challenges at home, including rising prices and tax increases, but sought to project stability by pointing to decisions such as lower interest rates. Throughout the discussion, the war in Ukraine remained a constant backdrop. Putin again said he was open to ending the conflict peacefully but showed little willingness to compromise, repeating demands that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from territories Russia claims.

He also criticized Ukraine’s leadership and accused Western nations of fueling the conflict, arguing that Russia is fighting not just Ukraine, but what he described as a broader Western campaign against Moscow. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Putin insisted that responsibility for any stalled peace talks lies with Kyiv and its European allies.

As the broadcast drew to a close, the tone briefly softened with lighter questions about life, values, and love. Putin surprised some viewers by saying he believes in love at first sight — and hinted that he himself is in love — before ending the marathon appearance that once again blended defiance abroad with reassurance at home.

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The talks in Russia, also attended by the US President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, did not result in any compromise on ending the war. The US President described the meeting as “reasonably good,” but said it was still too early to predict any outcome, noting that “it takes two to tango.”

Ukraine’s foreign minister said Russia must “end the bloodshed” and accused Moscow of dragging out the conflict. When asked whether Putin seemed genuinely interested in ending the war, the US President said the envoys believed he did.

Ukraine’s president had already hinted that US–Ukraine discussions were expected soon, saying the world now sensed a “real opportunity” to bring the conflict closer to an end — but stressed that any negotiations must be backed with continued pressure on Russia.

During the Moscow talks, several US proposals were considered “more or less acceptable,” although others were sharply criticised. Major sticking points remain, including the status of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Another major issue raised was Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO. Kyiv and European partners view NATO membership as the strongest protection against future attacks, but Russia opposes it and the US President has also signalled reluctance to support the move.

Russian officials suggested that their battlefield gains have strengthened their negotiating position. Despite ongoing fighting in key areas, they believe their recent advances have shaped how foreign partners view potential paths to peace.

The Kremlin signalled readiness for more meetings with US envoys, even as tensions between Russia and Europe continue to deepen. Russia accused European nations of obstructing the peace process and making demands Moscow views as unacceptable.

Meanwhile, European leaders have moved to reduce dependence on Russian gas, agreeing to end all long-term pipeline contracts by late 2027. The European Commission also proposed a large financial package to support Ukraine’s military and public services over the next two years, though some member states are hesitant about using frozen Russian assets to fund it.

Ukraine welcomed the funding plan, saying it would cover most of the country’s financial needs as the war continues.

At the United Nations, more than 90 countries urged Russia to return Ukrainian children who had been forcibly sent to Russian territory. Ukraine estimates that thousands of children have been taken since the start of the war.

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Jared Kushner, a close adviser within former President Donald Trump’s circle, is also expected to take part in the discussions. His involvement follows two days of negotiations in Florida between Ukrainian and US officials, where both sides worked to refine a peace plan previously seen as leaning too heavily in Russia’s favor.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described those earlier meetings as constructive but acknowledged that several difficult issues still need to be resolved. After meeting with France’s president in Paris, he emphasized that Ukraine’s top priorities remain protecting its sovereignty and securing strong, lasting security guarantees.

He stressed that the most sensitive issue is territory, as Moscow continues to push for Ukraine to give up land in the east—territory that Kyiv insists it will never surrender.

Witkoff has been holding additional talks with key leaders, including the UK prime minister and Ukraine’s chief negotiator, while other European figures joined virtually. The White House has expressed optimism, saying the peace proposal has been significantly improved and that hopes are rising that the conflict could be brought to an end.

Putin recently acknowledged seeing a version of the US plan and suggested it could serve as a starting point for a real agreement. But soon after, Russian officials signaled hesitation, especially after Ukraine and its European partners secured changes to the draft.

The original version of the US-Russia draft circulated in November caused alarm in Kyiv and across Europe. It heavily favored Moscow’s terms and even outlined how frozen Russian assets in Europe should be handled, as well as conditions for Ukraine’s access to European markets.

France has insisted that no peace plan is officially finalized and that Ukraine and its European allies must be fully included in shaping any agreement. France also made clear that only President Zelensky can make decisions regarding territorial concessions and that questions around frozen assets, security guarantees, and EU membership must involve Europe directly.

European leaders have praised efforts to end the war but warn that Moscow appears willing to negotiate only when the terms benefit its position. Some worry that pressure could fall unfairly on Ukraine—the weaker side—just to force a quick end to the conflict.

Security guarantees remain another major challenge. Ukraine and European countries want strong protections, possibly even NATO membership, to ensure Ukraine cannot be attacked again. Russia opposes this entirely, and Trump has previously said he would not support Ukraine joining NATO.

Meanwhile, Russia claims to have captured the eastern towns of Pokrovsk and Vovshansk, though Ukraine has not confirmed their fall. Independent monitoring groups also report that neither town has been fully taken.

The upcoming meeting in Moscow is seen as a pivotal moment. Whether it leads to genuine progress—or highlights just how far apart both sides remain—could determine the next phase of the war and the prospects for peace.

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It remains unclear how involved Ukraine was in shaping the plan, though U.S. officials insist they consulted “equally with both sides.” Zelensky’s office confirmed that Ukraine is willing to study the proposal and work on its details, emphasizing that any agreement must lead to a “just end to the war.”

Some elements of the draft appear to support Russia’s long-standing demands. Zelensky said he expects to discuss the plan directly with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days. The proposal reportedly also requires Ukraine to give up many of its weapons.

The White House pushed back on claims that the draft forces Ukraine into sweeping concessions, insisting that the plan is balanced and has the president’s full support. According to U.S. officials, the document was developed over the past month by senior diplomats after consultations with one of Zelensky’s top advisers, Rustem Umerov.

Zelensky acknowledged the U.S. proposal publicly, saying he shared Ukraine’s “key principles” with Washington and agreed that both sides would continue working together to ensure the process is credible.

The announcement came after a meeting in Kyiv between Zelensky and high-ranking American military leaders. Despite Ukraine’s cautious tone, Zelensky expressed appreciation for the U.S. administration’s efforts to restore security to Europe.

In his nightly address, he restated that Ukraine seeks a “worthy peace” that respects the country’s dignity and sovereignty. European leaders, however, seemed unaware of the plan’s development. The EU’s foreign policy chief said she had no knowledge of Europe being involved in drafting it, stressing that any successful peace initiative must include both Ukraine and its European partners.

Russia dismissed the reported plan, saying there were no real negotiations with the U.S. and warning that any lasting agreement must address what Moscow calls the “root causes” of the conflict—terms Ukraine has repeatedly rejected.

The UK also emphasized that Ukraine must retain control over its own future, warning that no peace can be imposed against its will.

President Trump has recently stepped up efforts to broker an end to the war, including holding a summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and dispatching envoys to Kyiv and Moscow. But as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, the two sides remain deeply divided.

While Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian military and energy targets, Russia continues deadly bombardments across Ukraine. Recent attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Ternopil killed dozens of civilians, adding new urgency to the search for a viable peace solution.

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General Oleksandr Syrskyi described the situation as “difficult,” saying Ukrainian soldiers are facing a large Russian force, but he denied claims that they are surrounded. Elite special forces have been sent to protect key supply routes, which remain under heavy fire.

Appearing in a short video from the Donetsk region, Syrskyi was seen reviewing battlefield maps alongside other top officials, including military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. The move signals Kyiv’s determination to hold on to Pokrovsk — a town Russia has been trying to capture for more than a year.

Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps said troops have made small tactical improvements in the area, though the battle remains intense and unpredictable. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that defending Pokrovsk is a national priority.

Pokrovsk is a vital transport and supply hub in eastern Ukraine. If Russia captures it, analysts believe it could pave the way for control of the rest of the Donetsk region. Moscow currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

Ukraine also fears that losing Pokrovsk could give Russia a propaganda victory, bolstering its claims of progress and pressuring Western countries to accept its terms.

Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions remain high. The U.S. recently imposed new sanctions on Russian oil giants and canceled a planned summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. Although Zelensky supports a ceasefire along current front lines, Putin continues to demand sweeping concessions from Ukraine — conditions Kyiv and its allies have rejected.

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In a joint statement, G7 energy ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States said Russia’s actions are causing severe “social, environmental, and economic consequences” for Ukrainian civilians.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko accused Moscow of trying to “plunge Ukraine into darkness” by deliberately hitting power plants, substations, and gas facilities. The recent attacks have killed at least seven people and left parts of the country without electricity, water, or heating.

Kyiv’s foreign ministry said the strikes on substations supplying power to nuclear plants pose a direct threat to global safety. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that three Ukrainian nuclear power plants were forced to reduce output following the attacks, warning that the risk to nuclear safety “remains very real.”

Meanwhile, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant — Europe’s largest — continues to rely on external power to maintain cooling systems after repeated damage to its power lines. Fighting around the facility remains a major concern.

Moscow has denied targeting civilians, claiming its strikes are in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. However, Ukraine and its allies say the continued assaults on energy sites are part of a deliberate campaign to break civilian morale as winter approaches.

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Sarkozy, 70, was escorted by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, as he reported to La Santé prison in Paris. He will stay in an isolated cell for safety reasons, where he has access to basic amenities and limited exercise time.

Despite his conviction, Sarkozy maintains his innocence and has filed an appeal, insisting he did nothing wrong. The court ruled that the seriousness of the allegations required immediate imprisonment.

Before entering prison, Sarkozy expressed courage and calm, saying he would keep his head high and spend his time reading “The Life of Jesus” and The Count of Monte Cristo, the story of a wrongly imprisoned man seeking justice.

His case has deeply divided France, with some viewing the verdict as accountability for political corruption, while others see it as a harsh blow against a former leader.

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Police say a large-scale investigation is underway, with all possibilities being considered — including a potential family link. Stalzer sustained multiple stab wounds to her chest and abdomen and was airlifted to a hospital in Bochum after receiving emergency treatment at the scene.

Her two adopted children, aged 17 and 15, reportedly called authorities at midday, prompting a swift response. They have since been taken in for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as “heinous,” expressing deep concern and wishing Stalzer a full recovery. The SPD also voiced shock and sadness, while Herdecke’s Deputy Mayor Dennis Osberg offered heartfelt wishes for her speedy healing.

Forensic experts have cordoned off the area and begun a detailed examination of the scene. According to security sources, there had been a previous incident of domestic violence within the family earlier this year.

The attack has sent shockwaves across Germany, raising concerns about the safety of public officials and the growing trend of violence against political figures.

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“The conditions were not fulfilled for me to carry on as prime minister,” Lecornu said, accusing political parties of refusing to compromise and putting partisan interests above the country’s needs. His departure followed an hour-long meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace.

Lecornu’s short-lived government marked the fifth prime ministerial change in under two years. His cabinet, largely unchanged from that of his predecessor François Bayrou, faced threats of a no-confidence vote from opposition parties.

France has been struggling with deep political divisions since snap parliamentary elections in 2024 produced a fragmented National Assembly, leaving Macron without a clear majority. The deadlock has made it nearly impossible to pass key legislation.

As pressure mounts, President Macron faces three choices: appoint another prime minister, dissolve parliament and call new elections, or resign himself—the latter being the least likely. Many analysts believe fresh elections are inevitable, though they could deliver sweeping gains to Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally.

Lecornu, who previously served as armed forces minister, denounced the “partisan appetites” of political factions, saying he had been ready for compromise but found “all parties behaving as if they had absolute majorities.”

Following his resignation, French markets tumbled, with investors alarmed by the worsening political instability and France’s high public debt, now at 114% of GDP.

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The participation of the companies in Anuga, which begins in Cologne today, and will end on 8 October 2025, has been enabled by the support provided by Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). This is part of the department’s market diversification initiatives aimed at assisting local manufacturers establish markets in various parts of the world in order to stimulate export-led industrialisation.

The Managing Director of Zazi Productions, Ms Thobeka Ndabula, says she is looking forward to exposing her products to international importers that are expected to descend on the popular trade fair. Zazi is based in Johannesburg where they are manufacturing 100% ready-to-drink juice and dried fruits.

“We are confident that we will return home with several trade leads and at least one or two concrete trade deals that will result in us making a breakthrough into the export market. We are ready to produce products for an export market after expanding our business and installing the necessary production facilities,” says Ndabula.

The Managing Director of Kaukou, Mr Theo Adams, says Anuga provides an opportunity for his company to increase its international client base for the honey bush tea that they produce in the Garden Route of the Western Cape.

“We are looking forward to increasing our export sales by securing new clients for our products. We are currently exporting to Europe on a limited scale and we plan to make use our participation here in Anuga to expand our footprint and penetrate Europe and other markets,” says Adams.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bloemfontein-based Buttercup Farmhouse, Ms Chantelle De Bruyn-Motshabi is also thrilled about the prospects of entering an export market.

“We are delighted for the opportunity presented to us by the dtic to showcase our unique, niche coffee product made from vegetables. We are looking forward to establishing niche contacts and open to building long-term relationships in the retail sector with international buyers and importers,” adds De Bruyn-Motshabi.

Anuga is a biennial event that is regarded as the world’s largest and most important food and beverage fair. It attracts distributors, retailers, importers and wholesalers of food and beverages from all continents. In the 36th edition of Anuga in 2023, more than 7 900 companies from 118 countries exhibited, and more than 140 000 trade visitors from 200 countries flocked to the event.

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