This quick briefing highlights key developments from Dec. 16, 2025: Kyiv says it has been offered an Article 5–style security guarantee requiring U.S. congressional approval; the U.S. expanded travel bans to five countries and restricted Palestinian Authority travel documents; the Rhode Island shooting suspect remains at large after two students were killed; four people were arrested in an alleged LA New Year’s Eve bomb plot; the administration defended continued White House ballroom construction in court; the Arctic recorded record seasonal warmth and low sea ice; and two conservatives resigned from The Heritage Foundation amid disputes over antisemitism.
Quick Report — Dec. 16, 2025: Kyiv Sees Article 5–Style Offer; U.S. Expands Travel Bans
Today's quick-round briefing with the top short updates.
Difficult Diplomacy: After meetings in Berlin with Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and European officials, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that Kyiv has been offered a pledge similar to NATO's Article 5 — the principle that an attack on one is an attack on all. Zelenskyy said the guarantee would be legally binding and would require approval by the U.S. Congress.
Expanding Travel Ban: The Trump administration announced it will widen U.S. travel restrictions to include citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Officials also said travel by holders of Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents will be fully restricted.
Latest From Rhode Island: Authorities continued searching for the suspect in the attack that killed two Brown University students and wounded nine others. Three days after the shooting, investigators reviewed video footage and released a blurry new image seeking tips from the public.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy answers journalists' questions during a briefing on Russian strikes on energy facilities in Ukraine, the consequences of Russia's massive attack on Kyiv, the situation in the Dobropillia direction, and the purchase of weapons, including air defense systems, from the United States in Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 10, 2025. (Photo by Danylo Antoniuk/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NO USE RUSSIA. NO USE BELARUS. (Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Prosecution To Watch: Federal authorities said four people were arrested in an alleged plot to carry out bomb attacks on New Year’s Eve in the Los Angeles area. The individuals were charged with conspiracy and possession of a destructive device.
Response To Preservation Lawsuit: In a court filing, the Trump administration argued that construction of a White House ballroom must proceed, citing unspecified national security reasons and contending that the preservationist group trying to stop the project lacks legal standing to sue.
Arctic Record Heat: Scientists reported the Arctic experienced its hottest season in 125 years. Sea ice extent at the March maximum fell to its lowest level in 47 years of satellite records, and North American tundra recorded unusually extensive greening.
Trouble At The Heritage Foundation: Two prominent conservatives resigned from The Heritage Foundation's board amid internal disputes over how the right should address antisemitism.
See you tomorrow.
