NYT:

A major corruption investigation in Ukraine has exposed a scheme tied to Zelensky’s longtime business partner, leading to ministerial resignations and public backlash.

Zelensky isn’t implicated but faces growing pressure for trying to curb anticorruption investigators earlier in the year.

The scandal damages his reformist image at a time when Ukrainians are suffering wartime blackouts and Western allies are urging a tougher fight against corruption.

NEW: Colombia signed a $3.6B deal with Saab for 17 Gripen E/F fighter jets (15 E models, 2 F trainers), with deliveries from 2026–2032.

The purchase finalizes a decision made in April and beats a competing US-backed F-16 offer.

China told its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan after Japan’s PM said the country could use its self-defence forces if China attacked Taiwan.

Nigeria: ISWAP reportedly ambushed a convoy between Damboa and Biu, killing several soldiers and CJTF members and abducting a brigade commander.

NATO allies — led by the Netherlands — have cancelled their joint plan to buy six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AWACS aircraft, saying the effort lost its “strategic and financial foundations.”

NATO now says the E-3A replacement process is still underway and needs to speed up.

Allies are looking at alternative AWACS options such as Saab GlobalEye, L3Harris/Global 6500 CAEW, and Northrop Grumman’s E-2D.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas:

Supporting Ukraine is a bargain compared to the cost of Russia's victory.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas:

Every time the world reaches out, Russia responds with missiles.

Mali: The government shut down two French TV channels, accusing them of spreading false information about the terrorist fuel blockade on Bamako.

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Polish PM Tusk:

I warned Zelensky early in his presidency that Russia and pro-Russian groups in Europe would push the narrative that Ukraine is deeply corrupt.

I urged him to watch carefully for any signs of corruption around him, because avoiding even the smallest scandal would be crucial for his reputation.

Polish PM Tusk:

Today, enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine has weakened in Poland and abroad.

People are tired of the war and its costs, so maintaining support is harder.

I often stress that it’s in Poland’s clear interest for Ukraine to remain an independent, well-governed state.

We will continue to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia, because by helping Ukraine, we also protect Poland.

Polish PM Tusk:

It will become harder to convince international partners to stand with Ukraine if such corruption cases continue to appear.

It now seems Ukraine’s leadership is serious about prosecuting those responsible.

Still, the damage is done and the cost will be high.

I sincerely urge everyone in Ukraine: guard against corruption and avoid the Russian model, because tolerating such actions could ultimately cost you the war.

Nigeria: JNIM militants attacked Woro in Kwara State early yesterday, but the army repelled the assault.

IRGC:

Our forces detected, intercepted, and seized the oil tanker Talara following a judicial order in Iran to detain its cargo.

The Talara tanker was carrying 30,000 tons of petrochemicals, and it was directed to Iran for investigation.

The investigation showed that the seized oil tanker Talara was in violation of regulations and carrying an unauthorized shipment.

German Chancellor Merz:

Ladies and gentlemen, a cooperation with those who call themselves Alternative for Germany will not happen with the Union.

It will not happen.

German Chancellor Merz:

The position of the Federal Republic of Germany must be clear — where we stand.

In the Western alliance, at Israel's side.

Sudan: The head of the Danish Refugee Council said more than half of the population now needs humanitarian assistance.

NEW: Sudan Army and allied forces reportedly captured Kazgil, south of El Obeid in North Kordofan, from the UAE-backed RSF.

DR Congo: Suspected ADF rebels attacked the Byambwe Reference Health Centre in North Kivu, killing at least 25 people, including 18 patients.

A large group of German far-right AfD politicians is planning a December visit to Washington after being invited by U.S. House Republicans.

Source: POLITICO

NEW: Congo, M23 rebel group sign framework agreement for peace deal in Qatar to end fighting.

The DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea announced at the BAMEX 25 expo in Mali that they will strengthen military cooperation with Russia.