Latest news for 19 November 2025

RUSSIA

Secret talks?

The US and Russia are reportedly holding secret talks to end Putin’s war on Ukraine, with a draft 28-point plan loosely inspired by Trump’s Gaza plan (see above). It’s unclear how much Ukraine or broader Europe are in the loop here. (Axios $)

Comment: Meanwhile, the price of Urals crude (Russia’s main export blend) has plunged to ~$36 per barrel (compared to ~$60 last month) ahead of a looming 21 November deadline for tough new US sanctions. Putin’s break-even price is now above $70, so these sanctions are hurting.

SAUDI ARABIA

5 stars on TripAdvisor.

The crown prince has wrapped his White House visit with news that President Trump is designating the kingdom a ‘major non-Nato ally’, paving the way for the US to sell the Saudis F-35 fighter jets (something we explored yesterday). But the prince told reporters he still wants a clear path to a two-state solution before he recognises Israel via Trump’s Abraham Accords. (The Hill)

Comment: This updated pact (including more Saudi cash, and an affirmation of the US as the kingdom’s top partner) is a big deal. But the lingering memory might be Trump claiming (contrary to US intel) the prince played no role in the Khashoggi assassination, or seemingly implying the Washington Post columnist had it coming.

CHINA

Oops.

Domestic state-run outlets are blaming unspecified tourists for a fire at a vast temple in Zhangjiagang, citing “irresponsible” use of candles and incense. (The Straits Times)

UNITED KINGDOM

The job app.

The spycatchers at MI5 have warned British lawmakers that China’s intelligence officers are posing as LinkedIn recruiters to lure them. (CNN)

Comment: This technique isn’t news (China’s MSS has also used LinkedIn fronts to offer us lucrative ✌️consultancies✌️ over the years — we accepted just joking). What’s more newsworthy is the prospect of using such a blunt method to try recruiting an actual member of parliament. Though as in all of China’s espionage, it’s often a raw numbers game — most targets will ignore, but you only need one bite.

LAOS

Royal treatment.

Japan’s princess (23) has begun a tour in Laos, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. (Nikkei)

Comment: While technically above government, countries typically shape these royal visits to maximise geopolitical outcomes. In this case, Tokyo is likely hoping to make headway in a country firmly within the orbit of rival China (though Japan also has a long history of supporting Laos).

BRAZIL

Sentenced.

Brazil’s top court has jailed high-ranking military officers and a federal agent for up to 24 years for plotting a coup and planning to assassinate President Lula, as part of the sprawling case that already convicted a former leader (Bolsonaro). (AP)

Comment: This is unlikely to derail America’s quiet de-escalation of its Bolsonaro-linked tariffs — the US president just rolled back several on inflation grounds.

MOZAMBIQUE

Court documents.

Human rights groups are accusing France’s TotalEnergies of complicity in 2021 war crimes by security forces protecting their multibillion dollar LNG project, after ISIS-linked insurgents reportedly killed or kidnapped 1,500 locals. The firm denies the allegations, which are now being examined by French prosecutors. (BBC)

Comment: Total says it’s still proceeding with the project, which was once the single largest foreign investment in Africa. Still, this news will complicate President Chapo’s efforts to convince majors to revive other stalled projects. And coming the same month as another French industrial giant (Lafarge) faces trial for allegedly paying off jihadis in Syria (!), it’s a reminder of the perils of doing business in a conflict zone.