UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Ukraine is at a critical crossroads as discussions intensify over a controversial U.S. peace proposal that may jeopardize American support. Zelenskyy emphasized that this proposal could force Ukraine to choose between defending its sovereignty and securing vital assistance from the United States.
The U.S. peace plan, which Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed, includes terms that align closely with Moscow’s longstanding demands. It suggests Ukraine may need to cede territory and limit its military forces, conditions that Kyiv has firmly rejected in the past. This development raises alarms about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations as the ongoing conflict enters its fourth year.
In a separate and shocking political shift, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress effective January. Greene, once a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, cited a desire to avoid a damaging primary challenge in her district as her reason for stepping down. Tensions between Greene and Trump have escalated recently, with Trump labeling her a “traitor” over her critiques of his policies.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested preemptively on Saturday as he prepares to begin a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a coup attempt. Bolsonaro’s arrest, executed by federal police in Brasília at approximately 6 a.m., follows a request from Brazil’s Supreme Court, signaling a significant turn in Brazilian politics.
In health news, a resident of Grays Harbor County, Washington, is believed to be the first known victim of a rare strain of bird flu, H5N5. The Washington State Department of Health announced the death on Friday, confirming that the individual had underlying health conditions and had been in contact with domestic poultry exposed to wild birds.
Severe weather conditions are also impacting regions across the United States. Torrential rains hit Southern California, prompting flash flood warnings and threats of mudslides in areas prone to flooding. Residents are advised to exercise caution as heavy rain continues to move eastward, following a series of storms that have already resulted in multiple fatalities in the region.
In Nigeria, gunmen attacked a Catholic school on Friday, abducting more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community. This alarming incident underscores the ongoing crisis of kidnappings in Nigeria, where such attacks are frequently driven by ransom demands.
As these events unfold, the implications for international relations, domestic politics, and public safety cannot be overstated. The world is watching closely as Ukraine navigates its choices, as Bolsonaro faces legal repercussions, and as communities respond to the threats posed by both weather and violence. Stay tuned for more updates on these urgent developments.
