Russia has fired intercontinental missiles into Ukraine, marking the first time they have used such weapons. It comes after Ukraine fired British and American missiles into Russia. The ongoing escalations in the war dominate European news, as the EU leaders prepare for US support for Ukraine to come to a screeching end in January when Donald Trump takes office. 

The president-elect has suggested he will not continue to financially support Ukraine – and has also suggested he can end the Ukraine-Russia war in one day. He has yet to explain how he will do that. 

The ongoing discussions at COP29 continue to dominate European news as a climate finance deal has failed to break a stand-off between rich and poor nations. 

‘Russia fires intercontinental missiles’

‘Zelensky urges calm,’ says DW.

DW highlight President Zelenskyy’s call for Ukrainians to not panic amid heightened fears of a Russian escalation. It’s not the first time Russia has used such a powerful missile during its ongoing invasion of its neighbour, it adds. 

‘First known time Russia has used such a weapon,’ writes France24.

France24 says it’s the first known time Russia has used such a weapon in the war so far. The launch comes after Ukraine fired American and British missiles at targets inside Russia this week, “despite warnings by Moscow that it would see such action as a major escalation in the 33-month-old war.”

‘Russia claims it shot down two British-made missiles,’ Euronews writes.

Euronews says it’s the first time such a missile has been used in the war and notes that it targeted the city of Dnipro overnight on Thursday. Russia has claimed that it shot down two British-made missiles, Euronews adds. 

‘COP29 climate talks deadlock’

‘Divisions between developing and industrialized countries over facial climate goal,’ says DW.

DW says a draft text on climate from the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, has revealed the divisions between developing and industrialized countries as they try to reach an agreement on a new financial goal. The draft text is largely divided into two different parts, reflecting the different options proposed by the developing block of countries on one hand, and industrialized nations on the other. 

‘Nations hope for compromise, as talks stall over $1 trillion climate investment deal,’ says France24.

France24 says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged G20 leaders in Rio to “show leadership” on emissions cuts to rescue stalled UN climate talks in Azerbaijan. Deadlocked over a $1 trillion climate investment deal, nations hope that compromise from the G20 will break the impasse on financing and donor responsibilities, it adds. 

‘First draft deemed inadequate by EU negotiators,’ says Euronews.

Euronews says the first bid for a climate finance deal has failed to break a stand-off between rich and poor nations. A keenly-awaited draft agreement on climate finance was immediately deemed inadequate by EU negotiators at COP29 this morning, with campaigners also calling it an “illusion of progress”.