President Ramaphosa is asking everyone involved to show the utmost restraint and to follow international law, humanitarian rules, and the core ideas of the United Nations Charter.

According to Article 51 of the UN Charter, self-defense is only allowed if a country has actually been attacked with armed force. You can’t claim self-defense just because you think something might happen or based on assumptions, preemptive actions aren’t okay under international law.

History shows us time and again that you can’t solve deep political problems with military force; they need diplomatic solutions. War never brings lasting peace or fixes the real issues that spark conflicts. True, long-term stability comes from open talks, a real push for justice, and learning to live together.

That’s why President Ramaphosa is repeating his call for stronger diplomatic work to calm things down and make room for real negotiations.

“We encourage the global community, including international organizations and nearby countries, to step up their game in supporting mediation and peaceful fixes. As a country that came out of its own conflicts through talking and making amends, South Africa truly believes peace isn’t just doable, it’s essential for the Middle East’s future and the whole world’s,” said President Ramaphosa.

Issued by the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

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This wasn’t the only strike, earlier that night and into the day, at least two more people were killed and nine injured in other Russian attacks. Among the victims were six folks at a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia that got targeted by a drone. Two of them were women in the middle of giving birth when it happened. It’s heartbreaking to think about—a place meant for bringing new life into the world turned into a scene of destruction.

The hospital strike damaged offices, patient rooms, and even a kids’ area, with windows shattered and debris everywhere. Some parts caught fire, and rescuers had to rush in to get people out safely. Luckily, no one died there, but it was close.

In the aftermath of the bus attack in Ternivka, the initial reports thought fifteen had been killed, but it was later confirmed as at least twelve. Over in Dnipro, a man and a woman lost their lives to another drone strike, and a 72-year-old guy was injured in Nikopol. Down in Kherson, a 59-year-old woman got seriously hurt from shelling, and three more people were wounded in Kharkiv.

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Speaking after meetings in Florida, Trump described the discussions as productive but warned that “one or two very thorny issues” remain. Chief among them is the question of territory, as Russia continues to demand control over parts of Ukraine it has occupied since the war began.

Zelensky said the talks were encouraging, revealing that about 90 percent of a proposed 20-point peace plan had already been agreed upon. Trump also claimed that security guarantees for Ukraine were nearly complete, estimating them to be about 95 percent finalised, though details on enforcement and long-term protection remain unclear.

Ukraine and US officials are expected to continue negotiations next week as they work through the remaining disagreements. Zelensky praised the discussions, saying both sides had engaged seriously and that steady progress had been made in recent weeks.

The war began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. One of the most sensitive unresolved matters is the future of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, much of which remains under Russian control. Trump said proposals around demilitarising the area are still on the table but far from settled.

Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from the parts of Donbas it still controls, while Kyiv has suggested turning the region into a free economic zone secured by Ukrainian forces. Trump acknowledged the complexity of the issue, calling it “very tough” but expressed confidence that a solution would eventually be reached.

On security, Trump said protections for Ukraine are close to being finalised, though he stopped short of committing to troop deployments or specific military support. He also raised the possibility of future talks involving the US, Russia and Ukraine together, saying such a meeting could happen when the time is right.

Earlier, Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While details of the call were limited, Trump said he believed Putin wants an outcome that allows Ukraine to succeed, even as he acknowledged Russia’s resistance to certain ceasefire proposals.

European leaders have reacted cautiously but positively to the Florida talks. EU officials welcomed the progress while stressing that Ukraine must receive firm and reliable security guarantees. France has announced plans to host further discussions with Ukraine’s allies early next year to clarify each country’s commitments.

Despite the optimistic tone, Trump warned that peace is not guaranteed. If talks stall or collapse, he said, the war could drag on, underlining how fragile the current momentum remains.

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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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Authorities said a 13-year-old child was among the injured. Some victims were taken to hospital while emergency crews worked to control fires and pull survivors from damaged buildings. In the Sviatoshynskyi district, rescuers recovered the body of a man from the debris, while two women were reported injured in nearby Brovary.

The attack unfolded just days after a similar strike that left seven dead, adding to the growing anxiety in the capital. It also came at a critical moment, as Ukrainian officials prepared to meet US negotiators over a revised peace proposal.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russian forces continued to target residential areas. Kyiv’s military administration said multiple sites on the outskirts were hit, while air defence units fought off more incoming drones over the city.

The renewed bombardment landed against the backdrop of intense international discussions. Moscow has insisted that Ukraine withdraw from territories Russia claims, while negotiations between Ukraine and the United States continue over a draft peace plan that has undergone revisions.

Ukrainian leaders say they remain committed to talks that could secure peace and future safety guarantees, even as attacks on civilians persist.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the momentum but stressed that the biggest stumbling block is Russia’s demand that Ukraine legally recognize the territories Moscow currently occupies in the east. He warned that agreeing to this would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and reward Russia for seizing land by force.

On social media, President Donald Trump hinted that “something good may be happening” but urged people not to believe anything until a real breakthrough is visible.

Russia was not part of the Geneva discussions, and the Kremlin said it had not received any updates. However, Moscow noted that it was aware changes had been made to the peace proposal previously shared with President Putin.

The earlier 28-point plan, drafted by the US and Russia, raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe because it appeared to lean heavily toward Moscow’s long-standing demands.

Tensions rose last week after comments from Trump suggested Ukraine had only until Thursday to accept the proposal or risk losing key US support. The pressure pushed European capitals into rapid consultations and emergency diplomacy.

By Sunday evening, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said an impressive amount of progress had been made and that he believed the sides could reach a deal. But European leaders were more cautious. Poland’s Donald Tusk said he was unsure peace was any closer, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz warned that negotiations would likely be slow and difficult.

European countries quickly drafted a counter-proposal that rejects any recognition of Russian-held territories, increases Ukraine’s permitted army size, and leaves open the door to NATO membership. The Kremlin dismissed this version as unhelpful.

Russia continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw completely from the Donbas region — a demand Kyiv says would only invite future attacks. Zelensky has repeatedly argued that giving up any territory would endanger Ukraine long-term.

For now, the path forward is unclear. Zelensky is expected to speak directly with Trump soon, after which a revised peace plan may be sent to Moscow. Russia says there are currently no plans for its negotiators to meet US officials this week.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said more work is needed to secure a “just and lasting peace,” and announced that a virtual meeting of supportive countries would take place on Tuesday to coordinate next steps.

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If confirmed, eight Israeli and foreign hostages would still remain unaccounted for in Gaza. Under the first stage of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, Hamas agreed to release 20 living and 28 deceased hostages.

Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the return of the bodies, while Hamas claims it is still searching for remains trapped under rubble from previous airstrikes. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, said the bodies were discovered along a tunnel route in southern Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the families of the hostages had been informed and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to securing the return of every hostage. “Our hearts are with the families during this painful time. The effort will not stop until all are brought home,” his office said.

The exchange comes amid renewed tension, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. On Sunday, a reported Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza killed one man, whom Israel described as a militant posing a threat to its forces.

As part of the truce, Hamas released all remaining living Israeli hostages on 13 October in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israel has also returned 225 Palestinian bodies in exchange for 17 deceased hostages, including two foreigners.

The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others, has left deep scars on both sides. According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 68,000 people have since been killed during Israel’s military campaign.

Efforts to sustain the fragile ceasefire continue, as families on both sides wait anxiously for closure and peace.

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Witnesses in Gaza described seeing “pillars of fire and smoke” rising over homes and crowded neighborhoods as explosions shook the night sky. Health officials said at least 104 people were killed, including dozens of children and women, and over 250 others were injured.

Entire families were buried beneath the rubble. In Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, rescuers pulled three women and a man from the remains of the al-Banna family home. In Bureij camp, five members of the Abu Sharar family were killed when a strike hit their house. In Khan Younis, relatives wept as they mourned a mother, Bayan al-Shawaf, and her four children who died in a strike on a tent where displaced families had been sleeping.

“What kind of ceasefire is this?” cried Bayan’s cousin, Umm Mohammed. “The children were sleeping — they just wanted to live, to learn.”

Israel’s military said the strikes were a response to what it called “violations of the ceasefire” by Hamas, accusing the group of launching an attack that killed a soldier, identified as Master Sergeant Yona Efraim Feldbaum. The attack reportedly took place near Rafah, when Israeli engineers working to dismantle a tunnel came under fire.

Israeli leaders vowed retaliation, saying Hamas had crossed a “red line.” But Hamas denied involvement, insisting it remained committed to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of trying to provoke renewed fighting.

The United States said it believed the ceasefire would hold, even as it backed Israel’s right to respond to attacks. “Nothing will jeopardize the ceasefire,” said President Trump, while also stating that Israel “should hit back” if its soldiers are targeted.

International voices expressed concern over the mounting death toll. The UN’s human rights chief called the reports of civilian deaths “appalling,” urging all sides not to let the chance for peace slip away.

The ceasefire, brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, was meant to be the first stage of a broader peace plan. Under the agreement, Hamas was to return all hostages — living and deceased — while Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Tensions spiked earlier in the week after Hamas returned a coffin that Israel said did not contain the remains of one of its hostages. Israel called it a “clear violation” of the deal, while Hamas dismissed the accusation as false.

Despite repeated efforts to maintain calm, the violence has reignited fears that Gaza could once again descend into full-scale war. Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in 2023, more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more injured or displaced.

As Gaza’s people sift through rubble and grief, many are left wondering how long any truce can truly last.

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