A senior Russian official is set to travel to the United States for crucial discussions on a Washington-authored plan to end the war in Ukraine, marking a significant step in international diplomacy. This development comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in Bangladesh following the death of a prominent political activist and ongoing humanitarian efforts by India in cyclone-ravaged Sri Lanka.
High-Stakes Diplomacy: Russia-US Talks on Ukraine
Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in Miami on Saturday, December 19. An American official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the meeting, which follows earlier discussions with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin this week.
The talks will center on a US-proposed peace plan that addresses security guarantees for Kyiv, territorial concessions, and other critical aspects to halt the nearly four-year conflict that began with Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged preparations for contacts with the US to learn about the Berlin meeting outcomes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out stringent demands, including recognition of Russian-held territories—Crimea and four other regions—and a Ukrainian withdrawal from additional areas in the east. He also insists Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while in Brussels, reiterated that his country's constitution still aims for NATO membership, stating, "Our position remains unchanged." He expressed hope for increased US pressure on Putin to end the war.
As diplomacy continues, hostilities persist. Ukraine reported intercepting 63 out of 82 Russian drones overnight, with attacks wounding civilians in Cherkasy, Kryvyi Rih, and near Odesa. Russia's Rostov region saw three fatalities from Ukrainian drone strikes.
Bangladesh in Turmoil After Activist's Death
Violence erupted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old key figure in the 2024 pro-democracy uprising. Hadi, a fierce critic of India and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, died on Thursday, December 18, in a Singapore hospital after being shot in Dhaka on December 12.
Angry protesters took to the streets, storming and setting fire to the offices of the country's leading newspapers—Prothom Alo and The Daily Star—accusing them of pro-India bias. Staff were trapped inside the burning buildings. The house of India's deputy ambassador was also surrounded, leading police to use tear gas.
Interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus condemned the killing, announced a national day of mourning on Saturday, December 20, and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. Police have launched a manhunt, offering a 5 million taka (approx. $42,000) reward for information on the two suspects, one of whom is believed to have fled to India.
Global Responses: EU Aid Stalemate and Indian Relief
In Europe, EU leaders failed to reach a deal on using frozen Russian assets to fund a massive loan for Ukraine. Discussions are now pivoting to an interim solution of borrowing money backed by the bloc's common budget to support Kyiv beyond this year.
Meanwhile, India has extended humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha distributed aid kits in affected areas of Colombo and Wattala. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Army engineers are also assisting in bridge restoration near Kilinochchi to reconnect disrupted road networks, reaffirming India's solidarity with its neighbour.
These simultaneous events underscore a day of intense global activity, where diplomatic manoeuvres, political unrest, and humanitarian crises are unfolding across continents, each with significant implications for regional and international stability.
