BBC News Briefing

22 November, 2024

Jules Darmanin

Hello. Today we’re sharing an insightful piece from our Russia editor Steve Rosenberg, after a week of escalation between Ukraine, Russia and their respective allies, on his observations on what President Putin could do next. We're also taking you to Baku as COP29 enters its final day. Also in your newsletter: Homonyms, literary controversies, and French wine.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

A closer look into Putin's possible next steps

Vladimir Putin sitting at his desk during an address in front of the Russian flag.

The Kremlin accused the “collective West” of escalating the war in Ukraine. Credit: Reuters

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been escalating in recent weeks, from North Korean troops arriving in Kursk to US President Joe Biden authorising the use of long-range missiles to strike Russia and landmines on Ukrainian territory, to Russian President Vladimir Putin lowering the threshold that could trigger nuclear retaliation before using a new type of missile. Our Russia editor Steve Rosenberg has delved into the question on many people's minds: "Do you know what Putin will do next?" In his piece published Friday, Steve tells us: "I’ll be honest with you. I don’t." But he does have three important observations. First, de-escalation doesn't seem to be an option for the Russian president. Second, there are scenarios in which nuclear threats should be taken seriously. And finally, if the Kremlin thinks Donald Trump can help them end the war on terms beneficial to Russia, it might hold any major escalation right now. "If that calculation changes, so could Moscow’s response," writes Steve.

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Live updates: Nato says it won't be deterred from supporting Ukraine, a spokesperson for the military alliance said. Our live page will follow developments throughout the day.

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A deepening alliance: Russia is estimated to have supplied North Korea with more than a million barrels of oil since March this year, according to satellite imagery analysis.

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The war in maps: Here's what you need to know about the situation on the front line.

WORLD HEADLINES

Laos deaths: A second Australian teenager has died of suspected methanol poisoning. Nineteen-year-old Holly Bowles is the sixth tourist to have died after apparently drinking tainted alcohol.

ICC warrants: US President Joe Biden has called the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes “outrageous”.

Trump administration: Veteran prosecutor Pam Bondi has been picked by the president-elect for attorney general, hours after Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration.

A tale of two Katies: Singer Katy Perry has successfully appealed a trademark decision over her name, after being sued by an Australian designer who sells clothes under her birth name Katie Perry.

Kamel Daoud: This year’s winner of France’s biggest book prize is being sued in Algeria over claims he stole the story from a patient of his psychiatrist wife. Daoud's publisher said the author was "the target of a campaign of violent defamation".
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AT THE SCENE

Baku, Azerbaijan

Cash is king as time runs out for COP

Two black women delegates at COP29 are raising their hands in the air, looking joyful. The woman in the background is holding a sheet of paper.

Developing nations said they are unhappy that a pot of money has not been agreed to help them tackle climate change. Credit: Reuters

The COP29 summit is about to end in Azerbaijan, as almost 200 countries work on a draft for the next steps on a deal to tackle global warming. Tense negotiations are ongoing about how much money should be given to developing countries to help them move away from fossil fuels and adapt to climate change.

Justin Rowlatt, climate editor

This conference is supposed to close later today. But deep divisions remain – and anger too. Developing nations say rich countries must pay more. Trillions not billions, is the phrase they use. Rich nations say any cash must be met with commitments to cut emissions, but yesterday Saudi Arabia said it would reject any text that targets fossil fuels. It sounds like deadlock, however these negotiations are like a giant poker game. Most players will only reveal the cards they are actually holding at the last moment.

Follow live

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The rise and fall of Matt Gaetz

Matt Gaetz pointing at the crowd speaking on a stage.

Matt Gaetz was not even on the shortlist for the Attorney General position before Donald Trump nominated him. Credit: Getty Images

Last Wednesday, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz was picked by Donald Trump to be the next US attorney general, in a move that stunned Washington. Eight days later, dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct and failing to gain the support of Republican lawmakers, he withdrew from consideration for the post. Here's how it happened.

Read the story

A man in a yellow raincoat is pictured from the back while walking in a forest at wintertime

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Lingering exhaustion

Scientists are starting to unravel the mystery of post-viral fatigue.

Read now

And finally...

The Welsh city of Swansea takes Beaujolais Day, marking the strictly regulated arrival of a new batch of the red wine, just as seriously as the French. Don't just take my word for it - see for yourself.

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– Jules

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