NEW: Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB has officially admitted its wartime claim of shooting down Israeli F-35 jets was false.

Head of IRIB Peyman Jebelli said the reports were “not reliable” and “damaged our credibility,” adding:

“We were not in the sky to witness the crash.”

The reports had circulated during the brief June 2025 Israel-Iran war and were later exposed as AI-generated or unrelated footage.

Korea-Style Split for Ukraine?

The US, Ukraine, and European partners are discussing a new 20-point peace plan.

The proposal is split into three documents: — the peace framework itself, — long-term security guarantees, — a post-war economic recovery plan.

A demilitarized zone (DMZ) would be created along the entire ceasefire line, from Donetsk region to Kherson.

Behind the DMZ, there would be a deeper buffer zone where heavy weapons would be banned.

Negotiations include disputes over territory and borders.

One option is a “Korean-style” model: — a fixed line of separation, — the political status of contested territories postponed.
— The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant) would not remain under Russian control.
— The US may take over management of the facility to ensure security.
— Ukraine’s EU membership is targeted for 2027, with the US pressuring Hungary to lift its veto.
— Membership is expected to boost trade, investment, and tighten control over systemic corruption within Ukraine. (European Union)
— The United States would provide security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5 protection. (NATO)
— Ukraine wants these guarantees to be formally ratified by the US Congress.
— Ukraine’s sovereignty would be protected from any Russian veto power in future security arrangements.

There is debate over limits on the size of Ukraine’s army: — Proposals suggest raising the cap from 600,000 to 800,000 troops, — Ukraine rejects any formal restrictions on its military.
— The administration of Donald Trump proposes using $100 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. This amount could increase significantly.
— US officials are talking with BlackRock and the World Bank about setting up a Ukrainian Development Fund.
The fund could attract up to $400 billion for rebuilding Ukraine.
— Trump reportedly wants similar large-scale investments for Russia as well.

Source: WaPo

NEW: Norwegian Nobel Institute says Maria Machado will come to Oslo.

"Although she will not be able to attend the ceremony and today’s events, we are profoundly happy to confirm that Machado is safe and that she will be with us in Oslo."

NEW: Poland and Ukraine are in advanced talks on transferring Poland’s last ~14 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Unlike 2022, this would be a technology exchange, not a free donation.

Ukraine would receive jets, spare parts, and weapons; Poland wants Ukrainian drone and missile tech in return.

Politically backed by PM Donald Tusk; decision expected within weeks.

Sudan: A Doctors Network report reveals dire conditions in RSF-controlled prisons and detention sites in Darfur, with no legal or humanitarian standards.

More than 19,000 people are detained, including thousands of police, soldiers and pro-army fighters.

The report also documents 5,434 civilians held, among them politicians, journalists and 73 medical workers.

NEW: Washington has warned it will impose new sanctions on the International Criminal Court unless the court agrees not to pursue future cases against Trump or his senior officials.

The U.S. is also demanding the ICC drop investigations into Israeli leaders over the Gaza war and formally end a probe into alleged crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Source: Reuters

Benin: Officials say the leader of the foiled coup has fled to Togo and are seeking his extradition.

Benin: The Republican Guard chief says French special forces were deployed on Sunday in response to the attempted coup.

Source: AFP

Russia rejects Zelensky’s proposal for an “energy ceasefire.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia wants a “long-term peace,” not a temporary truce.

Zelensky had offered a mutual halt to strikes on energy infrastructure if Russia agreed.

NEW: Burundi has closed its border with DR Congo after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced into Uvira, security officials said.

Senegal: The government signed a $15.1 million cooperation deal with Germany to boost local businesses, startups and women-led projects.

Maria Corina Machado’s daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.

Pope Leo on Trump:

The remarks that were made about Europe also in interviews recently, I think, are trying to break apart what I think needs to be a very important alliance today and in the future.

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Chair urges Venezuela's Maduro to step down:

“Mr. Maduro, accept the election results and step down.”

For the first time, Danish Defence Intelligence Service has named the United States as a negative factor in Denmark’s security outlook.

The agency cites growing uncertainty over the U.S. role as Europe’s security guarantor and its increasing use of economic and technological power—even against allies.

What Is Happening in Heglig?

- RSF’s capture of Heglig shifts Sudan’s military and energy balance.

- The army withdrew, and the loss triggered a fast Kordofan line collapse.

- Control of Heglig now drives major territorial, economic, and humanitarian risks.

German Chancellor Merz:

I told the U.S. President that Germany has introduced new immigration and asylum policies and that we have already reduced asylum applications by about half.

I will share these results with him again when we meet.

German Chancellor Merz:

America and Germany both need strong global partners, and I see the United States as one of them—just as I told Donald Trump in our talks.

The recent U.S. security strategy and the Vice President’s speech at the Munich Security Conference show that the transatlantic relationship is changing, but I still want it to remain a partnership, and I hope the U.S. sees it the same way.