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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to Kyiv, signalling Ukraine&rsquo;s willingness to pursue de-escalation if Moscow does the same. Zelensky said Ukraine would halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure only if Russia stopped targeting Ukrainian energy facilities.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war and is open to confidence-building steps to reduce hostilities. However, he underlined that any pause in attacks must be mutual and verifiable.
Zelensky reiterated that he is unwilling to travel to Russia for negotiations but is prepared to meet Putin and US President Donald Trump in any neutral country to discuss peace. He added that inviting Putin to Kyiv was a public gesture meant to demonstrate Ukraine&rsquo;s openness to direct talks.
The remarks come days after US President Donald Trump claimed that Russia had agreed to a temporary, week-long ceasefire due to extreme winter conditions. However, Ukrainian officials have said they have not received any formal communication confirming such an agreement.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is relying on the United States to help ensure any pause in fighting is honoured. Despite Trump&rsquo;s announcement, Russian forces continued overnight attacks on Kyiv, launching a ballistic missile and more than 100 combat drones, according to Ukraine&rsquo;s Air Force.
Ukraine is currently facing severe winter conditions, with temperatures expected to fall as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Ongoing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have already left parts of Kyiv and other cities without electricity and heating, worsening the humanitarian situation.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelensky acknowledged that territorial disputes remain the biggest obstacle to peace. He said negotiations have so far failed to bridge differences over eastern Ukraine.
Russia has reportedly demanded the surrender of the Donetsk region as part of any settlement. Ukraine has firmly rejected this demand, maintaining that it will not concede territory under any circumstances.
With fighting continuing and no formal ceasefire in place, prospects for peace remain uncertain despite renewed diplomatic messaging from Kyiv and Washington.

Ukraine offers de-escalation as Russia continues strikes despite truce claims

Zelensky dares Putin to visit Kyiv amid war

A fierce political confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and veteran opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko has erupted into one of the most serious political crises Ukraine has faced since the start of the war with Russia.
Once a symbol of Ukraine&rsquo;s pro-democracy movement and the country&rsquo;s first female prime minister, Tymoshenko now stands accused of attempting to manipulate parliamentary votes and obstruct key cabinet appointments at a critical moment in the war.
Investigators have charged the opposition leader with bribing lawmakers to block the appointment of new defence and energy ministers. Prosecutors allege that she offered payments of around $10,000 per vote in a coordinated scheme aimed at shaping parliamentary decisions.
Searches were conducted at her party headquarters, and authorities released audio recordings in which Tymoshenko is heard discussing payments to lawmakers in exchange for political support. Prosecutors say the operation was systematic and designed to influence votes over a prolonged period.
The alleged effort focused on preventing confirmation of new ministers responsible for defence and energy, two portfolios vital as Ukraine battles Russian missile strikes that have crippled power infrastructure and triggered widespread blackouts.
Although Tymoshenko&rsquo;s party controls only a small number of seats, its support has become increasingly important as the president&rsquo;s ruling bloc struggles to maintain a reliable majority in parliament. Analysts say this leverage has allowed her to slow or block crucial appointments.
Senior military figures have condemned the move as reckless and dangerous. They argue that delaying leadership changes in defence and energy during wartime undermines national security and weakens Ukraine&rsquo;s ability to respond to ongoing attacks.
Tymoshenko has denied wrongdoing and accused Zelenskyy of using anti-corruption agencies to sideline her politically. She claims the case is intended to prevent her from contesting a future presidential election, even though elections remain suspended under martial law.
Political analysts have dismissed her claims of being a serious electoral rival. Opinion polls show her approval ratings remain in the low single digits, far behind the president and several other contenders.
Yet experts warn that the public feud and legal battle could damage wartime governance. Tymoshenko&rsquo;s party has often supported government legislation, and the breakdown in relations may further weaken parliamentary stability at a time when swift decision-making is critical.
Investigators insist the case demonstrates independence, pointing to similar probes involving lawmakers from multiple parties, including members of the president&rsquo;s own political camp.
Tymoshenko has been released on bail and barred from leaving the Kyiv region. A court is expected to rule soon on whether her assets should be frozen as the case moves toward trial.
As Ukraine continues to fight for survival, the clash between two of its most recognisable political figures has exposed deep fractures inside the country&rsquo;s leadership, raising concerns about unity, accountability and governance during one of the nation&rsquo;s darkest chapters.

Tymoshenko–Zelenskyy Rift Shakes Wartime Ukraine

Corruption charges and cabinet deadlock fuel a bitter political clash

The war between Russia and Ukraine entered its 1,417th day on Sunday amid intensified fighting on both sides, mounting civilian hardship, and heightened diplomatic rhetoric following the use of advanced weaponry near NATO borders.
In eastern and central Ukraine, Russian artillery and drone strikes hit multiple locations, including residential areas in the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Several civilians were killed and wounded as fires broke out in apartment buildings and local infrastructure suffered damage. Authorities reported continued shelling in areas such as Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Kostyanynivka and Yarova, underscoring the persistent volatility along the eastern фронт.
Ukraine&rsquo;s military said Saturday saw one of the heaviest days of combat in recent weeks, with nearly 140 clashes recorded. Russian forces reportedly carried out dozens of air strikes, launched thousands of drones, and conducted extensive attacks on Ukrainian troop positions and settlements. Battlefield monitoring indicated limited Russian advances near a few villages in Donetsk, though no major territorial shifts were confirmed.
Kyiv continued to struggle with the aftermath of earlier strikes on energy infrastructure. Thousands of households were left without electricity, while emergency crews worked continuously to restore power and heating. City authorities said roughly half of the affected homes had regained heat supplies, though repair work remained ongoing.
Across the border, Ukrainian drone and missile strikes were reported in several Russian regions. In southwestern Russia, civilians were injured in drone attacks, while a missile strike in a border region left hundreds of thousands without electricity, heating and water. Ukrainian forces also targeted energy facilities deeper inside Russia, including an oil depot in the Volgograd region, causing a fire. Russian air defence systems claimed to have intercepted and destroyed dozens of incoming drones overnight.
The escalation has been accompanied by sharp diplomatic exchanges. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting to discuss what Ukraine has described as serious violations of international law following Russia&rsquo;s deployment of a hypersonic Oreshnik missile near the Polish border. Ukrainian officials have framed the strike as a warning aimed at Western allies.
Russia, meanwhile, rejected any prospect of European or NATO forces being deployed in Ukraine, with senior officials issuing stark warnings and accompanying them with footage of missile launches. Analysts suggest the use of hypersonic weapons is intended to deter further Western military involvement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv remains in constant contact with its American partners, emphasising continued diplomatic engagement alongside military resistance. He also pledged to intensify pressure on Moscow through sanctions, particularly targeting Russia&rsquo;s energy sector.
International alignments also drew attention as naval exercises involving Russia, Iran, China and South Africa began, with participating countries describing the drills as a demonstration of strategic cooperation.
On the economic front, Russia&rsquo;s energy sector showed mixed signals. Refined fuel exports reportedly rose toward the end of the year, while crude oil production fell to its lowest level in more than a year, highlighting the uneven impact of sanctions and wartime pressures.
As the conflict grinds on, the past 24 hours reflected a familiar but dangerous pattern: sustained battlefield violence, civilian suffering on both sides, and widening geopolitical consequences far beyond the front lines.

Ukraine War Day 1417: Fresh Strikes, Power Cuts

Heavy strikes across Ukraine, drone attacks in Russia, and global diplomatic tensions

Powerful explosions were heard in Kyiv early Saturday as Russia launched missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital and several other regions, just hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to hold what he described as a key meeting with US President Donald Trump aimed at ending nearly four years of war.
Ukraine&rsquo;s air defence systems were activated as explosions echoed across Kyiv, with the military reporting missile launches and the air force warning that Russian drones were targeting the capital as well as regions in the northeast and south. An air raid alert remained in force for around four hours, though there were no immediate reports of casualties, major damage or power outages.
The overnight strikes came ahead of Zelensky&rsquo;s scheduled talks with Trump in Florida on Sunday. Zelensky said the discussions would focus on one of the most contentious issues in negotiations&mdash;territorial control after a potential halt to fighting that began with Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Europe&rsquo;s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Russia did not immediately comment on the latest attacks. Earlier this week, Moscow had targeted Ukraine&rsquo;s energy infrastructure and intensified strikes on the southern Odesa region, home to the country&rsquo;s main seaports.
Territory remains the central diplomatic stumbling block as efforts to reach a settlement intensify. Zelensky said a 20-point draft peace framework, driven largely by Washington, was about 90% complete. He also noted that a security guarantees agreement between Ukraine and the United States was close to finalisation, calling it crucial after previous guarantees in the post-Soviet era failed to prevent aggression.
Zelensky indicated that significant progress could be made before the end of the year. Trump, for his part, said the United States was leading the process and asserted that any deal would ultimately require his approval. He expressed confidence that his meeting with Zelensky would be productive and said he expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.
Beyond territorial questions, control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant&mdash;Europe&rsquo;s largest&mdash;remains a major point of contention. The facility was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the war. Moscow is also demanding that Ukraine withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region that Russian troops have not fully occupied, as part of its broader objective to control the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk.
Ukraine, however, wants the fighting frozen along current front lines. Under a proposed US compromise, a free economic zone could be established if Ukraine cedes parts of Donetsk, though the details are yet to be finalised.
Zelensky has said that if he fails to secure US backing for Ukraine&rsquo;s position on territory, he would consider putting the 20-point plan to a national referendum, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire to allow preparations and voting. He has also called for increased pressure on Moscow.
Russian officials have indicated that Kyiv&rsquo;s version of the peace plan differs from what Moscow has been discussing with Washington, but they have suggested the process may be approaching a turning point. The Kremlin has confirmed that senior Russian officials have been in contact with members of the Trump administration after receiving US proposals on a possible settlement, though it has not revealed Moscow&rsquo;s response.
As diplomacy gathers pace, the latest attacks underscore the fragility of the situation on the ground and the high stakes surrounding the upcoming talks.

Ukraine's air force also announced a countrywide air alert

Russian missiles, drones strike Ukraine as peace talks focus on territory and security

Explosions Hit Kyiv Ahead of Zelensky–Trump Talks

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In a potential breakthrough toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday outlined a fresh US-led peace proposal aimed at halting the conflict that has continued since February 2022. The framework, developed during negotiations involving Kyiv and Washington, has been shared with Moscow for its response.
Zelensky said negotiators had reached consensus on several key issues, though the question of territory remains unresolved. While no formal draft of the agreement has been made public, the Ukrainian president detailed the proposed deal point-by-point during a briefing with journalists in Kyiv.
The plan is structured as a 20-point ceasefire and peace framework, accompanied by additional bilateral agreements between the United States and Ukraine covering security guarantees and post-war reconstruction.
At its core, the proposal reaffirms Ukraine&rsquo;s sovereignty and establishes a full and unconditional non-aggression agreement between Russia and Ukraine. A monitoring mechanism using space-based unmanned systems would oversee the line of contact to detect violations and manage disputes. Technical teams would finalise operational details.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would receive strong security guarantees. Its armed forces would remain capped at 800,000 personnel in peacetime, while the United States, NATO, and European signatory states would provide guarantees mirroring Article 5-style collective defence commitments. If Russia were to invade Ukraine again, all global sanctions against Moscow would be reinstated. However, the guarantees would be void if Ukraine initiated unprovoked attacks on Russian territory.
Russia would be required to formalise a policy of non-aggression toward both Europe and Ukraine through domestic laws and ratification documents. Ukraine, meanwhile, would be granted European Union membership within a defined timeline, along with short-term privileged access to European markets.
A major focus of the plan is Ukraine&rsquo;s economic recovery. A comprehensive global development package would be established through a separate agreement, including the creation of a Ukraine Development Fund targeting high-growth sectors such as technology, data centres and artificial intelligence. The United States and its companies would jointly invest in Ukraine&rsquo;s recovery, including the modernisation of gas infrastructure, pipelines and storage facilities.
The framework also envisions large-scale reconstruction of war-affected areas, infrastructure development, and the extraction of minerals and natural resources. Several dedicated funds would be created to support economic recovery, regional reconstruction and humanitarian needs, including a proposed $200 billion capital and grants fund backed by the United States and European countries.
Ukraine would accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement with the United States and reaffirm its commitment to remain a non-nuclear state under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant would be jointly operated by Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
On territorial and military arrangements, the proposal de facto recognises current troop positions in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions as the line of contact. A working group would determine force redeployments needed to end the conflict, with the possibility of international forces being deployed to monitor compliance, subject to approval by Ukraine&rsquo;s parliament or a referendum. Russia would be required to withdraw troops from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions for the agreement to take effect.
Both sides would commit to respecting the Geneva Conventions and refrain from altering any future territorial arrangements by force. Russia would also agree not to obstruct Ukraine&rsquo;s commercial use of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea.
Humanitarian measures form a key component of the plan, including an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, the return of detained civilians, children and political prisoners, and steps to address the suffering of conflict victims. Ukraine would be required to hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.
The agreement would be legally binding and overseen by a Peace Council chaired by US President Donald Trump, with participation from Ukraine, Russia, Europe, NATO and the United States. Sanctions would be imposed in case of violations. A full ceasefire would come into force immediately once all parties formally agree.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the proposals following contacts with Trump&rsquo;s envoys, and Moscow is expected to formulate its official position. Trump has repeatedly said ending the Ukraine-Russia war has been one of the most challenging diplomatic efforts he has faced, citing deep hostility between Putin and Zelensky as a major obstacle.
If accepted by all sides, the proposal could mark the most significant step yet toward ending one of Europe&rsquo;s deadliest conflicts in decades.
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Ukraine's president said consensus reached on many points after peace talks with US,

Zelensky outlines US-led framework as talks continue, territory remains key issue

Russia-Ukraine war: 20-point peace plan unveiled

For ordinary Ukrainians living under air-raid sirens and rolling blackouts, talk of peace often sounds distant. Now, fresh US intelligence assessments suggest that optimism from Washington&rsquo;s political leadership may be out of sync with what intelligence officers see on the ground. While President Donald Trump has claimed that Vladimir Putin &ldquo;wants to end&rdquo; the war, US intelligence continues to warn that Moscow&rsquo;s goals remain far more expansive.
According to these assessments, Russia&rsquo;s president has not abandoned his ambition of bringing all of Ukraine under Kremlin control, and possibly extending influence into parts of the former Soviet sphere. This sharply contradicts both Trump&rsquo;s public remarks and Putin&rsquo;s own insistence that Russia poses no threat to Europe. For civilians in Kyiv, Kharkiv and occupied regions, these warnings reinforce a grim reality: the war is not just about territory already seized, but about future security and survival.
The intelligence picture has remained consistent since Russia&rsquo;s full-scale invasion began in 2022, aligning closely with European intelligence agencies and leaders who fear that conceding Ukrainian land would only embolden Moscow. Russia already controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, including key industrial regions and Crimea. Yet intelligence officials caution that a settlement freezing current battle lines may only buy time, not peace.
Even as US officials insist that diplomatic efforts have brought negotiations closer than ever, intelligence leaders have briefed lawmakers that Russia is seeking to avoid a wider European war mainly because it currently lacks the military capacity,&nbsp; not because its strategic ambitions have changed. For people living closest to the frontlines, this gap between political messaging and intelligence warnings fuels anxiety that any rushed deal could leave them facing the same threat again, sooner rather than later.
&nbsp;

US intelligence warns Putin’s ambitions stretch far beyond peace talks on Ukraine

Intel vs Trump on Putin’s War Plans

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Russia has said that any proposed Christmas ceasefire in the Ukraine war would depend on progress toward a broader and lasting peace agreement, even as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict appear to be gathering pace.
The Kremlin on Tuesday linked the possibility of a temporary truce to the success of wider negotiations with Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had earlier said that Ukraine supports the idea of a Christmas ceasefire, particularly to stop attacks on energy infrastructure during the holiday period.
Responding to the proposal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would not support a short-term halt in fighting unless it was part of a comprehensive settlement. He suggested that Russia was unwilling to accept what it views as temporary measures that could allow Ukraine time to regroup.
&ldquo;We want peace. We don&rsquo;t want a truce that gives Ukraine breathing space and prepares the ground for continuing the war,&rdquo; Peskov said, adding that Russia&rsquo;s objective was to end the conflict, secure its interests and ensure long-term peace in Europe.
Peskov also said Moscow had not yet received detailed information about proposed security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble NATO-style arrangements, which US and European officials have indicated are part of ongoing discussions.
Meanwhile, Zelenskiy said proposals negotiated with US officials could be finalised within days. He said American envoys would then present them to the Russian side, ahead of potential further meetings in the United States next weekend.
Speaking after talks in Berlin, Zelenskiy described the draft peace plan discussed with US officials as &ldquo;very workable,&rdquo; while acknowledging that major disagreements remain, particularly over Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces.
Diplomatic momentum has appeared to increase in recent days, with US officials indicating that Ukraine and its European allies broadly agree on most elements of the US-authored plan. President Donald Trump said the sides were closer to a settlement than at any previous point in the conflict.
Despite the progress, core disputes persist. Zelenskiy reiterated that Ukraine would not recognise Russian control over any part of the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk. He said proposals under discussion include the idea of a free economic zone in the region, but stressed that this would not imply Russian sovereignty.
&ldquo;The Americans are trying to find a compromise,&rdquo; Zelenskiy said, adding that any economic arrangement would not place the territory under Russian control.
Territorial recognition remains one of the most contentious issues. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded international recognition of Russian control over Crimea, annexed in 2014, and parts of four Ukrainian regions seized during the war.
Zelenskiy warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, Ukraine would expect stronger pressure on Moscow from Western partners, including tougher sanctions and increased military assistance. He said Kyiv would seek additional air defence systems and long-range weapons if negotiations collapse.
Ukraine and the United States are currently preparing up to five documents outlining a possible peace framework, several of them focused on long-term security arrangements. Zelenskiy said the Berlin talks demonstrated strong unity among Ukraine, the US and European partners.
&ldquo;Overall, there was a demonstration of unity,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That, in itself, was a truly positive signal.&rdquo;
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Kremlin links Christmas ceasefire to broader Ukraine peace agreement talks

Christmas Truce Hinges on Peace Deal: Kremlin

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that the country is prepared to hold national elections within the next 60 to 90 days, provided international partners can guarantee security for voters. His comment comes amid criticism from US President Donald Trump, who suggested Kyiv was using wartime conditions to avoid going to the polls.
During a rapid series of meetings across Europe, Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is navigating an uncertain peace process based on a US-backed 28-point framework while still resisting pressure to concede territory. He stressed that Ukraine cannot legally or morally surrender land and said secure elections would require coordinated support from the United States and European countries.
Zelenskyy has asked lawmakers to draft legal provisions enabling voting during martial law, noting that nationwide polling remains impossible while missile strikes and frontline fighting continue. He argued that the real challenge is ensuring safe access to polling stations for civilians and military personnel under constant threat of attack.
Responding indirectly to criticism from international leaders, Zelenskyy said that decisions about elections lie with Ukrainians alone. He maintained that the government is not seeking to delay democratic processes but is focused on ensuring that any vote reflects the will of the people without exposing them to life-threatening risks.

Zelenskyy Signals Readiness for Elections

Ukraine says polls possible within 90 days if allies ensure nationwide security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, as the new head of Ukraine&rsquo;s delegation for peace negotiations with the United States, international partners, and Russia.
Umerov replaces Andriy Yermak, who resigned after anti-corruption authorities conducted a search at his residence as part of an investigation.
In a post on X, Zelensky said the Ukrainian team led by Umerov has already departed for the United States to advance discussions aimed at ending the conflict. 
&ldquo;Rustem delivered a report today, and the task is clear: to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war,&rdquo; he stated.
The most recent talks between Ukrainian and US delegations were held in Geneva on November 23.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said his peace plan has been &ldquo;fine-tuned&rdquo; with contributions from both sides and confirmed plans to send envoys to Moscow and Kyiv to move the process forward.
&ldquo;There are only a few remaining points of disagreement&rdquo; in the 28-point proposal, he said on Truth Social.
Trump added that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, while US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll would hold discussions in Ukraine. 
He expressed willingness to meet both Putin and Zelensky, &ldquo;but only when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages&rdquo;.
The US president had earlier set a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine&rsquo;s agreement to the plan but later said he was open to extending it if progress continued.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, fighting persists on the ground, with Russia launching missile and drone strikes on Kyiv earlier this week.
&mdash;IANS

Ukrainian officials depart for renewed peace negotiations

Ukraine appoints Rustem Umerov to lead fresh peace talks with US, partners and Russia

Zelensky Names Umerov New Peace Envoy

Kyiv awoke to another grim reminder of the unrelenting Russian campaign against Ukraine&rsquo;s capital early on Friday, as a combined missile and drone assault tore through multiple districts, killing at least three people, including a child, and injuring 26 others, according to local authorities.
The scale and coordination of the attack &mdash; involving fast-moving missiles and loitering munitions &mdash; reflected Moscow&rsquo;s continued effort to stretch Ukraine&rsquo;s air-defence umbrella as winter approaches. Officials reported fires, collapsed structures, and widespread damage across residential neighbourhoods.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that rescue workers were still unable to extricate two bodies trapped under rubble, warning that the casualty tally could rise. Nine of the wounded required hospitalisation, among them a pregnant womanand several children.
<h3 data-start="1171" data-end="1221">High-Rise Buildings Hit Across the Capital</h3>
At least 11 multi-storey residential buildings were struck across Kyiv&rsquo;s districts, with emergency teams describing a situation that mirrored some of the city&rsquo;s worst attacks in previous months of the conflict. Officials said two children, aged seven and ten, were among the injured.
On-the-ground footage circulating on Ukrainian channels showed tower blocks ablaze, shattered fa&ccedil;ades, and emergency workers battling flames in freezing temperatures &mdash; around 4&deg;C at the time of impact. Klitschko labelled it a &ldquo;massive enemy attack,&rdquo; confirming widespread activation of air-defence systems.
Heating networks in parts of the Desnyansky district were damaged, leaving several buildings temporarily without heat. With temperatures already dipping, the outage heightened concerns around civilian survival during Russia&rsquo;s repeated winter-season strikes.
<h3 data-start="2103" data-end="2143">Critical Infrastructure Targeted</h3>
Mykola Kalashnyk, head of Kyiv&rsquo;s regional military administration, said the city once again faced strikes aimed at critical infrastructure, a consistent feature of Russian strategy designed to degrade Ukraine&rsquo;s energy resilience.
Kyiv&rsquo;s military chief, Tymur Tkachenko, noted that &ldquo;Russians are hitting residential buildings,&rdquo; adding that high-rise structures across nearly every district had sustained damage.
Fires or destruction were reported in eight out of ten districts, including Solomyansky, where a blaze erupted on the roof of a five-storey building near one of Kyiv&rsquo;s key transport corridors. Emergency medical teams were deployed city-wide as additional alerts sounded.
As Ukraine braces for a prolonged winter campaign, Friday&rsquo;s strike underscores Russia&rsquo;s intent to maintain psychological and infrastructural pressure on the capital &mdash; a tactic now deeply woven into the fabric of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Deadly pre-dawn barrage on Kyiv kills three, injures dozens, and devastates homes

Kyiv reels as Russian strikes kill three

Gujarat Congress Internal Dispute: The countdown to the 2027 Gujarat Assembly election has already begun. The 2029 Lok Sabha election is not far away either. The Congress high command is making claims of a change of power in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is talking about rebuilding the Gujarat Congress from the ground up. There is talk of removing the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; and putting the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; on the field. But looking at the current state of the Gujarat Congress, one question cannot be avoided: before entering the race, will the Congress even be able to get its own team to stand in one line? Before declaring war against the BJP, the Congress is caught in a political battle within its own house. The question is bitter, but necessary: if a party cannot create unity within its own organisation, how does it expect to take on the BJP&rsquo;s formidable organisational machinery in Gujarat?
Leaders Changed, But Why Didn&rsquo;t the Problem? Keeping the 2027 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the Congress has begun making changes to its Gujarat organisation. The high command wanted to remove the old and inactive structure and bring forward leaders with the ability to fight elections. But when a party repeatedly needs to change its state in-charge, the question becomes bigger than the capability of the individual holding the post. Mukul Wasnik was replaced by Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat Congress in-charge. With the new in-charge came expectations of a new direction, a new strategy and greater discipline within the organisation. Yet, barely had Surjewala taken charge when a controversy erupted within Banaskantha Congress over the organisational structure. That is where the Congress&rsquo;s real trouble begins.
A Symptom of Congress&rsquo;s Organisational Illness Banaskantha is not an ordinary constituency. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat that the Congress won in the 2024 general election. That makes it the biggest symbol of political hope for the Congress in Gujarat. So when differences emerge over organisational posts and responsibilities in precisely this constituency, when questions are raised over decisions taken by the state leadership, and when the district organisation itself becomes a subject of controversy, this cannot simply be dismissed as a &lsquo;local dispute&rsquo;. It is a symptom of the Congress&rsquo;s organisational illness. And if this illness continues until 2027, the BJP will be the direct beneficiary. The Congress needs to understand one basic reality: elections are not won through posters, press conferences and speeches by big leaders. Elections are won at the booth. The BJP&rsquo;s organisational machinery is active right down to the booth level. To challenge it, the Congress needs a strong network of workers, clearly defined responsibilities and a united district-level organisation. But here, the very formation of the district organisation is becoming a source of controversy. So where exactly will the Congress find the strength to challenge the BJP at the booth level?
&lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; or Obstacles in Each Other&rsquo;s Way? Rahul Gandhi talks about identifying the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; in Gujarat and bringing the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; to the forefront. It sounds attractive. But politics does not work that way. Simply choosing good horses does not guarantee victory in a race. The horses must run together rather than pull each other down. The direction of the race must be clear. And the coaching staff cannot be fighting among themselves. Only then can a team win. The Gujarat Congress&rsquo;s problem may not simply be about &lsquo;which leader should be promoted&rsquo;. The real problem is whether the leaders who are brought forward will actually work together. Mukul Wasnik is gone. Randeep Singh Surjewala has arrived. The state in-charge has changed. But if factionalism remains unchanged, internal power struggles remain unchanged, coordination between the district and state organisations remains weak, and organisational decisions themselves continue to trigger controversy, then what exactly is the Congress talking about when it talks of change? Changing faces will not change the Congress&rsquo;s fortunes. Its working style must change. Leadership accountability must be fixed. Factionalism must be brought under control. And above all, the party worker must be given confidence that the Congress is genuinely one team. Because if the Congress wants to fight the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other.
When Will the Political Infighting Within Gujarat Congress End? The biggest illusion for the Congress in the 2027 election would be to assume that public anger against the BJP will automatically translate into Congress votes. Politics does not work that simply. Reaching voters requires sustained ground-level work. It requires a booth-level organisation. It requires coordination among local leaders. It requires worker morale. And above all, it requires leadership running in one direction until election day. If even one of these five links is weak, the entire electoral calculation can collapse. For the Congress, this is no longer the time for experiments. It is the time for decisions. How many state in-charges will be changed? How many meetings will be held? How many times will the organisational structure be reshuffled? The question is no longer who the next Gujarat Congress in-charge will be. The real question is: when will the political infighting within the Gujarat Congress finally end? If every new in-charge is going to inherit the same old disputes, factionalism and internal resentment, then how can a new Congress emerge simply because a new face has arrived?
Will &lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; Remain Just Another Political Slogan? If the Congress wants to win Gujarat, it must first win within its own organisation. It must win the trust of its workers. It must win the confidence of its district organisations. It must bring its leaders onto one platform. Otherwise, the Congress will lose its internal battle before its fight against the BJP has even begun. And then the talk of &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; will remain nothing more than another political slogan. The Congress has very little time left in the race for power in 2027. If it wants to take on the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other. Because power in Gujarat will not be won through statements from the Gandhi family. It will be won through organisational strength on the ground. The final question is simple: Is the Congress preparing to defeat the BJP, or is it still calculating whom it needs to defeat inside its own house? Want to win Gujarat? Then first, win the Gujarat Congress.

Congress has set its sights on defeating the BJP in Gujarat. But there’s a bigger battle brewing inside its own house.

Congress Wants to Defeat BJP in Gujarat, But Who Will Save Congress From Itself?

Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

A chilling video of the accused in the Indore MBA student murder case has sparked outrage after he was seen smiling and appearing unconcerned when questioned about the crime.
The accused, Piyush Dhanotia, was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his 25-year-old classmate in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Police said he strangled the woman on February 10 inside his rented accommodation and later locked the room before fleeing. Her partially decomposed body was discovered days later after residents complained of a foul smell.
However, what has intensified public anger is the accused&rsquo;s demeanour. In a video that surfaced online, Dhanotia is seen smiling when reporters ask him why he committed the crime. When pressed for answers, he responded dismissively, saying that what had happened had already happened and that he would speak at the right time. Throughout the interaction, he showed no visible sign of regret.
Police officials said he admitted during interrogation that he forced the woman into sexual acts and killed her when she resisted, though he has reportedly changed his version multiple times. Investigators are also examining allegations that he circulated objectionable videos of the victim in their college WhatsApp group.
The victim&rsquo;s father has accused the accused of blackmailing his daughter with obscene images and attempting to extort money.
As the investigation continues, the accused&rsquo;s apparent lack of remorse captured on camera has become a focal point of the case, drawing sharp reactions both online and offline.
&nbsp;

Video shows MBA student murder accused laughing amid probe

Indore Murder Accused Smiles on Camera

Galgotias University has landed in controversy after showcasing a robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that was widely believed to be developed by its students. The robot, however, was later identified as a commercially available product made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.
The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral, in which a university professor introduced the robot dog, named &ldquo;Orion,&rdquo; and referred to it as being developed at the institution&rsquo;s Centre of Excellence. Social media users were quick to point out that the machine closely resembled Unitree&rsquo;s quadruped robots, which are already available globally for research and industrial use.
Unitree is known for manufacturing advanced four-legged robots designed for tasks such as inspection, obstacle navigation and research applications. Its products are often compared to models developed by global robotics players.
Following the uproar, the Greater Noida-based university issued a clarification stating that it never claimed to have built the robot. It maintained that the robodog was purchased as part of its AI investment initiatives and is being used as a research and learning tool for students. Another faculty member present at the summit reiterated that the display had been misinterpreted and that there was no attempt to conceal the original manufacturer&rsquo;s branding.
Despite the clarification, sources familiar with the developments said the university was asked to vacate its pavilion at the summit amid mounting criticism. The institution, however, denied receiving any formal directive from the organisers or the ministry.
Notably, the robotic dog was removed from display shortly after the controversy escalated online.

Robodog row sparks backlash at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Galgotias Asked to Exit AI Summit

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away recently. The actor shared the news with an emotional message on social media. His wife, Kiara Advani, has now also paid a heartfelt tribute to her father-in-law.
On Wednesday, Kiara took to Instagram to share pictures from her wedding reception, where she and Sidharth were seen smiling alongside his parents. In a deeply personal note, she remembered Sunil Malhotra as a warm, generous, and steady presence in the family. She reflected on how he welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love, describing his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Kiara wrote that his stories, laughter, and quiet strength would remain with her forever. She added that his legacy of integrity and gentleness lives on through his children and grandchildren. Concluding her message, she expressed that he would always be loved and remembered.
The couple is currently in Delhi with their family during this difficult period. Members of the film industry extended their condolences online. Jacqueline Fernandez offered prayers, while Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra shared messages of support.
On the professional front, Sidharth will next appear in Vvan: Force of The Forest, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is slated for release later this year.
Kiara, meanwhile, awaits the release of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles. The film is expected to release on March 19, alongside Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar.

Actor pens heartfelt note after Sunil Malhotra’s passing

Kiara Mourns Sidharth’s Father

Days after 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra lost his life in a fatal SUV crash in Delhi&rsquo;s Dwarka, the father of the 17-year-old accused has expressed regret over the incident, stating that his family is &ldquo;deeply grief-stricken.&rdquo; He also confirmed that the Scorpio SUV involved in the accident is part of his commercial transport business.
The crash occurred around 11:50 am on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, Dwarka. According to police, the SUV rammed into a Yamaha R15 motorcycle, killing Sahil on the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked Swift Dzire, injuring cab driver Ajit Singh.
Post-mortem findings revealed that Sahil sustained a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow injury due to the high-impact collision.
The minor driver was detained at the scene and booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and endangering life. He was later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. On February 10, he was granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a separate case against the boy&rsquo;s father under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence.
Speaking to the media after being questioned, the father said he was not in the city at the time of the accident and was unaware that his son had taken the vehicle. He stated that the family has cooperated with investigators and provided all necessary documents.
Sahil&rsquo;s mother alleged that her son was killed by a &ldquo;reckless teen&rdquo; just minutes away from his workplace. The 23-year-old, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom later this year.

Minor held in SUV crash; father booked under MV Act provisions

Dwarka Crash: Accused’s Father Apologises

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday set aside a March 2025 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that had ruled that grabbing a minor girl&rsquo;s breasts and dragging her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape. The apex court termed the ruling a &ldquo;patently erroneous&rdquo; application of criminal law principles.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, held that the high court had incorrectly reduced the charges from attempt to rape under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act to lesser offences. The court restored the original summons issued by the Special POCSO Court in Kasganj, clarifying that its observations were prima facie and would not influence the trial&rsquo;s outcome.
Rejecting the high court&rsquo;s reasoning that the accused had merely &ldquo;prepared&rdquo; to commit rape, the Supreme Court reiterated the settled distinction between preparation and attempt, noting that an attempt begins when intent moves into execution. Based on the allegations, including forcibly taking the minor on a motorcycle, dragging her near a culvert, and fleeing only after she screamed, the Bench held that a prima facie case of attempt to rape was clearly made out.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised concerns over the high court&rsquo;s reasoning. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the controversial observations and later the entire judgment.
Beyond correcting the legal error, the court addressed a broader concern about insensitivity in judicial handling of sexual offence cases. It requested the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal to constitute a five-member expert committee to frame guidelines aimed at fostering compassion and sensitivity in courts, especially in cases involving minors and vulnerable victims.
The committee, to be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been directed to submit a report within three months. The guidelines are to be drafted in simple, accessible language and tailored to Indian realities to ensure they are understandable to victims and laypersons alike.

Top court restores rape attempt charge, seeks sensitivity guidelines

SC Sets Aside HC Order in POCSO Case

India&rsquo;s merchandise imports from Russia plunged by over 40% in January 2026, falling to about $2.86 billion from $4.81 billion a year earlier, official trade figures show, largely reflecting a steep reduction in crude oil purchases.
Crude oil typically accounts for roughly 80% of India&rsquo;s imports from Russia, and estimates suggest purchases of Russian crude last month were significantly lower than in previous years. Other goods imported from Russia include coal, fertilisers, iron, pulses, and precious stones, but these have not offset the slump in oil imports. The downturn in oil imports intensified after mid-2025, following punitive tariffs levied by the United States on Indian goods connected to purchases of Russian oil and ongoing diplomatic pressure. India&rsquo;s refiners, including some major private and state firms, have substantially reduced or halted buying Russian crude as they explore alternative sources.
In early February 2026, Washington eased the additional tariff on Indian products after New Delhi signalled a commitment to &ldquo;stop directly or indirectly importing&rdquo; Russian oil and to increase purchases of energy products from the United States, as well as broadening ties in global energy markets.
Analysts expect the shift in crude sourcing to continue, with Indian refiners eyeing other suppliers, including Middle Eastern and Venezuelan grades, as part of broader diversification strategies.

January sees 40% fall in Russia merchandise imports amid crude cutbacks

India’s Russia Imports Drop Sharply

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Annamayya district for allegedly abducting and murdering a seven-year-old girl from his neighbourhood in Madanapalle town.
The child had been playing outside her home on Sunday evening when she went missing, sparking panic among her family and local residents. A missing complaint was filed the following morning, prompting an intensive search operation led by district police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from across the town, which reportedly showed the suspect, a neighbour living opposite the victim&rsquo;s house, taking the child into his residence. Acting on this lead, police searched the house on Tuesday morning.
During the inspection, officers discovered the girl&rsquo;s body concealed inside a water storage drum within the premises. The accused was present at the house at the time and was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary findings suggest the child was killed inside the residence on Sunday night, and her body was hidden thereafter. Authorities are probing whether sexual assault occurred before the murder, with confirmation pending post-mortem and forensic examination results.
Following the discovery, tensions escalated in the area. Residents and family members staged a protest on the Madanapalle highway, briefly preventing police from shifting the body to the government hospital for autopsy and demanding strict punishment for the accused.
Police have stated that all possible angles, including prior allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the suspect, are being examined as the investigation continues.

Child’s body found in drum; protest erupts in Madanapalle town

7-Year-Old Killed, Neighbour Arrested

The United States and Iran held their second round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional tensions. While both sides indicated forward movement in discussions, parallel military developments have added complexity to the fragile engagement.
Reports suggest the US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets, were reportedly repositioned to the region within a 24-hour window. The deployment follows Washington&rsquo;s decision to send a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Middle Eastern waters, underscoring its strategic posture.
Despite the show of force, the Geneva discussions were described as substantive and focused. Iranian officials signalled that preliminary understandings were reached on broad guiding principles that could shape a future agreement. However, they cautioned that drafting and finalising any deal would take time.
On the American side, officials maintained that the talks unfolded largely as anticipated. Washington&rsquo;s core objective remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a position repeatedly emphasised by senior US leadership.
Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted. Iran temporarily restricted navigation in parts of the Strait of Hormuz during a naval drill, highlighting the waterway&rsquo;s vulnerability. Additionally, US leaders suggested that differences remain over key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
As diplomacy continues, both nations appear to be balancing dialogue with deterrence, leaving the broader geopolitical landscape uncertain.

Second Geneva round shows progress as military moves raise stakes

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