The United States just wrapped up two days of talks with Ukrainian and European negotiators in Berlin, followed by more discussions among leaders in Europe – all of which ended with positive signals about a future peace agreement.

Russia has tried to get concessions from Ukraine for this region but this would mean Kyiv giving up its Fortress Belt, the fortified defensive line which is the backbone of Ukraine’s defenses and Zelensky’s comments reiterated this as a non-starter.

The sweeping peace framework features “Article Five-like” security guarantees, a multibillion-dollar rebuilding plan, progress on tough territorial disputes, and a possible 50/50 split of the

While Opec has reined in its growth plans, and supply fell last month because of sanctions on Russia and Venezuela, the IEA still expects a surplus of 3.7mn b/d of oil on average in 2026, an even bigger overhang than was seen during the pandemic.

It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out a ceasefire by Christmas, saying Russia is likely to reject a new European-backed peace proposal and that Ukraine must be ready to continue fighting.

President Donald Trump says that Russia and Ukraine are closer to peace than they have ever been

Much of Ukraine’s largest Black Sea port was without power, heat and water on Saturday after strikes from Russia, which has shown little appetite for a deal to end the war.

US president says his team will only attend meeting in Europe 'if we think there's a good chance' of a breakthrough