Your Wednesday Briefing: Shanghai’s Devastating Outbreak
Also, the eight warmest years on record and a fragile political alliance in the Philippines.
International Relations
Robert Moller Dies at 85; Mediated Between U.N. Envoys and the City
As the U.S. liaison to some 50,000 United Nations diplomats and staff, he sought to resolve disputes on issues ranging from fugitives hiding in U.N. missions to diplomats’ unpaid parking tickets.
Putin’s Efforts to Divide the West Over Ukraine Fall Flat
A cease-fire proposal seemingly aimed at splintering Western unity has instead been met with Western escalation, underscoring Moscow’s diplomatic struggles.
Biden, World Leaders Condemn Brazil Protests
Leaders from the United States, Latin America and Europe expressed support for Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Prince Harry Claims in Memoir to Have Killed 25 in Afghanistan
After British news outlets revealed details from his memoir about his military service, Afghan officials and some in the British military expressed criticism.
Can Australia Escape a Recession?
“Whether it’s a technical recession or not, we certainly are going to be in for difficult times,” one economist said.
Putin Calls a 36-Hour Cease-Fire, but Ukraine and U.S. Are Skeptical
The cease-fire would coincide with the Eastern Orthodox Christmas on Saturday, but Kremlin adversaries and some analysts call it a ploy for military and political advantage.
Kenneth Rowe, Who Defected From North Korea With His Jet, Dies at 90
Two months after the Korean War armistice, he handed America an intelligence bonanza with his headline-making flight in a Soviet-made MIG.
For the State Department, Now It’s Türkiye, Not Turkey
The department will use the Turkish-language spelling in “most formal, diplomatic, and bilateral contexts” after a request from the country’s embassy, a spokesman said.
Ukraine Finds Sexual Crimes Where Russian Troops Ruled
Russian officials have denied abuses against civilians despite widespread evidence of sexual violence by Russian troops documented by Ukrainian and international investigators.