Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, peace talks, security reforms, climate emergencies, and sharpening geopolitical tensions defined a fast-moving landscape as governments recalibrated policies, alliances, and regional stability worldwide.

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Ukraine peace push continues; Kyiv faces anti-corruption pressures

US–Ukraine–Russia diplomacy continued this week as US President Donald Trump said Washington is “very close to a deal” aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The White House acknowledged “tremendous progress,” while Karoline Leavitt, White House spokeswoman, said further talks between all sides were essential.

In Geneva, Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reviewed a revised US proposal. President Vladimir Putin confirmed there is no draft agreement but noted a 28-point framework, now divided into four areas, with an American delegation expected in Moscow.

Separately, Zelenskyy confirmed the resignation of his chief of staff Andriy Yermak after an anti-corruption raid, warning Ukraine “risks losing everything” if internal divisions widen.

UK Budget 2025: Rachel Reeves set out new government plans

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has unveiled a 2025 Budget centred on easing the cost of living, supporting the NHS, and reducing borrowing. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts UK growth of 1.5% this year, with inflation set to fall to 0.4% in 2026.

Key measures include £150 off energy bills, frozen rail fares, extended fuel duty cuts, welfare reforms expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty via a lift of the two child benefit cap, and a High Value Council Tax Surcharge on homes over £2 million.

Political reaction was sharply divided. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the Budget “the Nightmare Before Christmas,” accusing Reeves of delivering “higher taxes and higher welfare,” while Labour MPs welcomed targeted reforms but warned frozen thresholds could suppress living standards.

General sworn in as new Guinea-Bissau leader following military coup

General Horta Inta-A has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau’s new leader, one day after army officers announced the removal of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in the country’s latest military coup. Inta-A, formerly the army’s Chief of Staff, took the oath at military headquarters, saying there was “sufficient” evidence to justify the operation and calling for national participation under the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.

The takeover follows escalating tensions over provisional election results, with both Embaló and challenger Fernando Dias claiming victory. Gunfire was reported near government buildings, while Bissau remained quiet under a heavy military presence.

Hong Kong high-rise fire leaves at least 128 dead; South-East Asia floods kill hundreds amid rare storm convergence

Hong Kong is mourning at least 128 deaths after a major fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex, with around 150 people still unaccounted for. Authorities arrested 11 individuals, including senior figures at Prestige Construction, as investigations examine alleged corruption and the use of unsafe materials. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee led a citywide moment of silence, while Home Secretary Alice Mak warned search efforts may take up to four weeks.

Across South-East Asia, extreme flooding driven by Cyclone Senyar, Typhoon Koto, and Cyclone Ditwahhas caused over 400 deaths, affecting Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. President Prabowo Subianto said response efforts remain difficult.

France to reintroduce voluntary military service; Italy’s Leonardo unveils AI-driven ‘Michelangelo’ defence system

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed plans to reintroduce voluntary military service from summer 2026, citing the need to strengthen national defence amid continuing security concerns linked to Russia. The first cohort of 3,000 volunteers—mainly aged 18–19—will expand to 10,000 by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035. Volunteers will serve 10 months, including training, as France aims to grow active forces and double reservist numbers. Macron ruled out any deployment to Ukraine.

In Italy, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani unveiled ‘Michelangelo’, an AI-enabled multi-domain defence system designed to counter hypersonic missiles, mass drone attacks and hybrid threats. The platform fuses sensor data, coordinates interceptors and is built for NATO interoperability, with Italy’s first layer expected in 2026.

Canada advances new pipeline to expand Asian oil exports

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have agreed a new memorandum of understanding to advance a proposed 1,100km pipeline linking Alberta’s northern oil sands to the west coast. The project aims to diversify Canada’s energy exports, reduce reliance on the US market, and expand access to Asian buyers as Ottawa responds to trade pressures following US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Carney said the pipeline would strengthen Canada’s role as an “energy superpower”, with emissions to be offset through the Pathways Alliance carbon-capture initiative. The proposal includes a 1 million barrels-per-day capacity and a 75% methane reduction target, though it faces strong opposition from Indigenous leaders and environmental groups. British Columbia Premier David Eby criticised his exclusion from talks.

Inter-Korean relations in a ‘very dangerous situation’ warns President Lee Jae-myung

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that the Korean Peninsula is in a “very dangerous situation”, citing the risk of an accidental clash as North Korea continues to sever all communication channels. Since taking office in June 2025, Lee has offered dialogue “without preconditions”, contrasting with his conservative predecessor, but Pyongyang has not responded.

Reports indicate the North has installed triple barbed-wire barriers along the border. Seoul proposed military talks on 17 November to clarify the Military Demarcation Line, while Pyongyang denounced a Seoul–Washington plan involving nuclear-powered submarines. Lee said trust is “almost nonexistent” and noted joint drills with the US could end once a stable peace regime is established.

EU and AU deepen cooperation as leaders meet in Angola

European and African leaders met in Angola to advance EU–African Union economic and security cooperation, with informal space for discussion on Ukraine. Opening the summit, President João Lourenço warned of “deteriorating” global security across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, calling for renewed multilateralism.

Marking 25 years of EU–AU relations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to develop “industries of tomorrow”, reduce strategic dependencies, and strengthen economic integration. Africa’s role is increasing amid global competition for critical minerals and energy, with analysts urging credible European commitments.

The EU highlighted new Global Gateway investments, including the Lobito corridor — a major railway project linking the DRC and Zambia to the Atlantic coast.

Venezuela denounces US ‘colonialist threat’ as Trump orders airspace closed

Venezuela has condemned intensified US pressure after US President Donald Trump ordered that airspace “above and surrounding Venezuela” be completely closed. Caracas labelled the move a “colonialist threat”, arguing it violates international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

In a statement, the government said all migrant deportation flights were “unilaterally suspended” following the announcement — a key point of tension amid the US removal programme.

US military activity has also increased in the region, including covert CIA operations, maritime strikes on alleged trafficking boats, and preparations for potential land operations. President Nicolás Maduro has rejected US accusations of drug trafficking, accusing Washington of seeking to remove him from power.

Peru declares state of emergency over rising migrant flows from Chile

Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency along its southern border with Chile ahead of Chile’s 14 December 2025 presidential run-off. The decree authorises Peru’s Armed Forces to support the Peruvian National Police in reinforcing border security in the Tacna region, amid expectations of increased migration.

Officials say the measures aim to manage potential inflows linked to fears surrounding José Antonio Kast, who faces Jeannette Jara in the run-off. Videos showed groups attempting to leave Chile at the Chacalluta–Santa Rosa crossing, with some migrants citing concerns over possible removals under a Kast presidency. Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said a binational migration committee will meet next week, adding that Peru cannot accept further undocumented arrivals.

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