For today, links to six reports: from the Associated Press, Reuters, the Kyiv Independent, Agence France-Presse, and Tass; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA and SYRIA entries are HERE and HERE.) — MCM

–   –   –

Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is possible, by Joanna Kozlowska and Ellen Knickmeyer | AP  WASHINGTON — Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Zelenskiy seeks diplomatic end to Russia’s war, floats role for foreign troops, by Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth | Reuters  KYIV — President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made the case today for a diplomatic settlement to Russia’s war in Ukraine and raised the idea of foreign troops being deployed in his country until it could join the NATO military alliance. READ MORE . . .  Click HERE for report from the Kyiv Independent.

–   –   –

FROM DEC. 8  Trump says Zelensky is ready for ‘deal’ with Russia. From AFP. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is keen on a “deal” to end the war with Russia, after the pair met in Paris to discuss the future of the conflict. On Saturday, French President . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Russia open to negotiating Ukraine settlement, unlike Kiev regime — senior diplomat. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russia is ready to talk about settling the Ukraine conflict, but sees nothing but stonewalling from the Kiev regime and its Western handlers, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said.  READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Situation in Russia’s Kursk Region. From Tass. MOSCOW — The Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 200 troops in the Kursk area over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said. READ MORE . . .