Attacks in Kiev, elections in Chile, and US-China tensions.

Large-scale attacks hit Kiev.

In the early hours of November 15th, the Ukrainian capital was the target of one of the largest attacks since the beginning of the war. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, approximately 430 drones and 18 missiles, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles, were launched by Russian forces against the city.

The attack caused fires in residential buildings in several districts, leaving at least six dead and about 30 injured, including two children and a pregnant woman. Zelensky described the attack as deliberate, with the aim of causing maximum damage to civilian infrastructure.

Chile: second round of elections between left and far-right.

In Chile, the presidential elections have moved to a second round, with communist Yanet Hara facing far-right candidate José Antonio Caz. The incumbent president, Gabriel Boric, who led a left-wing coalition, failed to win re-election, and the political landscape is now dominated by debates on security and migration.

According to CNN Brazil, the difference between the two candidates in the first round was only two percentage points, with 521,300 votes counted. The result reflects a divided country, with growing concerns about social and economic stability.

US and China reach trade agreement on rare earth elements.

In London, representatives from the United States and China announced an agreement on a "comprehensive framework" for trade in rare earth minerals, which are strategic for the high-tech industry. The agreement avoids the imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, which were planned if no agreement had been reached.

According to the US Treasury Secretary, the goal is to finalize the agreement by Thanksgiving. The move is seen as a relief for markets, which had feared renewed trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.

Other international highlights

• In Argentina, President Javier Milei is proposing a 12-hour workday, sparking controversy over labor rights.
• At COP30, a report highlights both progress and setbacks in climate negotiations.
• Ecuador rejects in referendum the presence of foreign bases and changes to the Constitution.
• United Kingdom announces changes to asylum plan for refugees.

Photo by Daniele Franchi on Unsplash