BBC News Briefing

2 December, 2025

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow later, as talks on ending the war in Ukraine continue. In Zambia, a group of farmers are suing two Chinese companies in what some see as a test of how much African countries can hold China accountable, as it increases its influence on the continent. And finally, watch as the White House Christmas decorations are unveiled.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Putin and Trump's envoy set for key Ukraine talks in Moscow

Two men in navy blue suits shake hands and smile at each other. They are stood in front of a large white table. Across the table another man in a navy blue suit can be seen.

Witkoff previously met Putin at the Kremlin during a visit to Russia in August. Credit: Sputnik/Kremlin pool/EPA/Shutterstock

At a time of intense diplomatic activity aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, Putin "has shown little desire for compromise", writes Russia editor Steve Rosenberg. Russia's leader is set to meet US President Donald Trump's special envoy today. It comes after Witkoff took part in two days of talks with Ukraine in Miami, where officials worked on refining a US-backed 28-point peace plan, which had been seen as favourable to Russia. But as our correspondent notes, Putin believes "Russia is winning on the battlefield and can dictate the terms of any agreement". The Kremlin is continuing to push for Ukraine to cede territory in the east - something Kyiv has long-refused.

Latest updates

Pokrovsk: Ukraine's military says fighting is ongoing in the key eastern city, after Russia claimed to have taken it.

Zelensky in Ireland: Ukraine's president is in Dublin, where an extra €125m (£110m; $145m) in support for Ukraine is expected to be announced.

War in maps: This is where the front lines currently stand as Russia continues to grind slowly forwards in Ukraine.

WORLD HEADLINES

'Admiral ordered second Venezuela boat strike'

The strike has raised legality questions, but the White House insisted a Navy admiral worked "within... the law".

Read more >

Drug lord El Chapo's son pleads guilty in US

Joaquín Guzmán López pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges after prosecutors pledged to not pursue the death penalty.

More on this >

A woman wears a white T-shirt with a black geadscarf. She is stood in a crowd and hold her hand to her chin as if thinking

India court language reveals 'bias', study says

Research suggests that India's Supreme Court often reinforces caste hierarchies, even while defending Dalit rights.

What report found >

The front of a Costco shop. A person with a trolley full of things is seen outside the large brown building with says 'Costco wholesale' in red and blue on the front

Costco sues government for 'full refund' of tariffs

The retail giant is seeking a full refund of import duties if the Supreme Court rejects the president's authority to impose tariffs.

What this could mean >

A bronze statue of a man with his arms outstretched is seen with clear panels and an ce-rink behind it.

Widow's anger at Pavarotti statue in ice rink

Nicoletta Mantovani told local media she was "angry and upset" at what she called the decision to "ridicule" her late husband.

More on this >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Accidental releases: In the last three weeks, 12 prisoners have been mistakenly released with two still at large, the justice secretary has said.

Hillsborough: A long-delayed report into police conduct surrounding the deadly 1989 football stadium crush is due to be published later.

Take a look: Celebrity glamour and a pregnancy reveal were captured in pictures and video at the annual Fashion Awards on Monday night.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Toxic spill seen as test of whether African countries will stand up to China

A photo portrait of Mary, a Zambian farmer. She stands in the centre of the frame looking pensive and holding up a large lump of white contaminated crop soil, with both hands. There is greenery behind her and she wear a black top and patterned skirt.

Farmers say the soil has been contaminated by the toxic spill and they now struggle to grow their crops. Credit: Ali Ngwane/BBC

Chinese companies provide jobs and much needed revenue in Zambia, but a toxic spill caused by the collapse of a dam that stored waste from a copper mine has left many questioning the relationship. Now, "all eyes" are on an $80bn (£58bn) lawsuit, filed by 176 farmers who claim the spillage has affected 300,000 households. It's seen by some as a test case in how much African countries can hold China accountable for alleged wrongdoing.