By Amanda Castro, Shane Croucher, and John Feng
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the Kremlin that the U.S. and European partners would continue to support Kyiv in its fight against Russia's invasion if Moscow does not make a peace deal to end the war. Zelensky's comments come a day after his talks in Florida with U.S. President Donald Trump, who said they made "a lot of progress" on ending Russia's war.
Meanwhile, Zelensky has dismissed Russian claims that Kyiv attempted a drone strike on Putin’s residence, calling the allegation a fabrication meant to derail negotiations. Zelensky said Moscow is using the accusation to justify potential attacks on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv and to undermine progress made in talks with the United States. He urged Washington to respond firmly to Russian threats. The Kremlin has alleged that nearly 100 drones targeted Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning of retaliation. Ukraine insists it only strikes legitimate military targets inside Russia in response to ongoing assaults, and officials say the latest claim is part of Moscow’s broader propaganda effort.
What To Know
- Zelensky said on Monday that "if the war continues, the Americans, together with the Europeans, will continue to help Ukraine." On Sunday, Zelensky had described the peace plan as "90 percent agreed," including security guarantees for Ukraine. He has asked Trump to consider guarantees that last for up to 50 years.
- But on the key Donbas issue, Trump had said: "It's unresolved, but it's getting a lot closer. That's a very tough issue, but one that I think will get resolved." The Kremlin repeated its demand for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region.
- Ukrainians will need to vote on the plan, either through parliament or a national referendum, Zelensky said: "Of course our society has to choose and has to vote because it's their land...it's the land of our nation for a lot of generations."
- Trump will host Zelensky with NATO and European leaders in the U.S. in January to finalize aspects of the plan. He expects Europe to play a large role in security guarantees for Ukraine. That may include peacekeeping troops in Ukraine when the war ends, an idea the Kremlin has rejected as unacceptable.
- The Kremlin said Trump had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in their call that a ceasefire as Ukraine wants would ultimately prolong the war. But Ukraine says it cannot hold a constitutionally-required referendum to resolve the Donbas dispute without the security of a ceasefire.
- Putin was "very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine," Trump said, adding that "Russia is going to be helping" in the reconstruction: "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed." The comments prompted a backlash from supporters of Ukraine, who pointed to the devastation that the Kremlin's war had caused.
- The White House confirmed Monday that Trump and Putin spoke by phone, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt describing the exchange as “positive.”
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Dec 29, 2025 at 05:05 PM EST
WATCH: Trump and Zelensky say ‘90%’ of peace plan is agreed upon
Dec 29, 2025 at 04:53 PM EST
Kremlin aide says Trump, Putin to continue dialogue after drone claim
Russian media reported Monday that Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov offered new details on a recent phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Ushakov said Moscow told Washington that the alleged drone strike on Putin’s residence “will not go unanswered,” noting it occurred “practically immediately after” Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the U.S.
According to Ushakov, Trump was “shocked, literally outraged” by the claim, but the two leaders agreed to maintain dialogue.
The comments followed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s assertion that Ukraine launched 91 long‑range drones at Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region. Lavrov said the incident would force Moscow to adjust its negotiating stance in ongoing peace talks, though he stressed Russia would not withdraw from discussions with the United States.
Dec 29, 2025 at 04:38 PM EST
Ukrainian official rejects Russian claim of attack on Putin’s residence
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed Russian allegations that Kyiv attempted to strike President Vladimir Putin’s residence, calling the claim a fabrication designed to justify further attacks on Ukraine and disrupt peace efforts.
In a statement posted on X, Sybiha said Moscow’s tactic is to accuse others of actions it carries out itself. He noted that Russia has already targeted Ukrainian government buildings this year, while Ukraine restricts its strikes to legitimate military objectives inside Russian territory in response to ongoing assaults.
Dec 29, 2025 at 04:25 PM EST
Italy extends military aid to Ukraine through 2026
Italy’s cabinet has approved a decree to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine until 2026, resolving weeks of coalition debate that exposed divisions within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government.
The measure followed threats by the far‑right League party to abstain, a move that could have deepened rifts over Italy’s stance on the war. League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini argued that further aid risked fueling corruption in Kyiv and would not bring the conflict closer to resolution. Critics accused him of echoing Moscow’s agenda.
Since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022, Italy has delivered 12 aid packages to Ukraine, though details remain classified. While Rome has been a steady contributor, its support lags behind larger European economies such as Germany, which has provided more than €15 billion in military supplies with additional commitments pledged.
Dec 29, 2025 at 04:11 PM EST
Ukraine faces looming demographic crisis amid war displacement
Ukraine risks a severe demographic and labor crisis if citizens displaced by the war do not return, Alexey Antipovich, head of the Rating sociological group, told RBC‑Ukraine. He said only about one‑third of Ukrainians who fled are prepared to return after hostilities end, a sharp decline from earlier surveys showing that two‑thirds intended to return.
Antipovich warned that the country faces falling birth rates, a shrinking workforce, and an aging population. Since its independence in 1991, Ukraine has struggled with demographic decline, a trend accelerated by Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022.
According to UN data, Ukraine’s population dropped by 8 million between February 2022 and autumn 2024. Demographer Ella Libanova estimates the current population at 28–30 million, far below Soviet‑era levels of 52 million. The last census in 2001 recorded 48.5 million people.
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:56 PM EST
Putin orders troops to press offensive in Zaporizhzhia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his forces to continue occupying the Zaporizhzhia region and advance on Zaporizhzhia city, according to remarks reported by Interfax. Speaking at a meeting on the war, Putin claimed Russian troops were carrying out their objectives in the area, while insisting Ukraine had long prepared defenses there.
Mikhail Teplynsky, commander of Russia’s Dnepr group, asserted that soldiers were within 15 kilometers of Zaporizhzhia’s southern outskirts. Putin responded by urging joint action with the Vostok group to “liberate” the city. Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov added that Russian units had allegedly seized the village of Lukyanivske and were engaged in street fighting in Orikhiv.
Ukraine has not commented on the claims, though independent monitoring maps suggest the reports are exaggerated. Western officials have previously said Russian generals often mislead Putin about battlefield realities, fostering his belief that Moscow can achieve victory despite mounting costs. Recent examples include Russian assertions of control over Kupiansk, where Ukrainian forces now hold most of the city and have surrounded Russian troops.
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:41 PM EST
Gerasimov reports Russian gains as war grinds on
Before the Kremlin leveled accusations of a Ukrainian drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s residence and the latest call with Donald Trump, the Russian president received a battlefield update from his top general.
General Valery Gerasimov told Putin in a televised meeting that Russian forces were advancing along the entire front line in Ukraine, while Kyiv’s troops remained focused on defense and counterattacks. He claimed Moscow’s forces had captured 6,460 square kilometers of territory in 2025, including 334 villages.
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:27 PM EST
Florida talks raise hopes for Ukraine peace, global headlines highlight tensions
Russian newspapers on Monday focused on three major stories: progress in U.S.-led talks on Ukraine, fragile ceasefire efforts in Southeast Asia, and forecasts of moderate global economic growth in 2026.
In Florida, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met following Trump’s earlier discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said the parties are closer than ever to a settlement, though territorial issues remain the most sensitive point. Zelensky’s updated 20‑point peace plan is under review, with analysts noting Trump’s push for a swift deal could pressure Kyiv into concessions.
Separately, Izvestia reported that Cambodia and Thailand’s new ceasefire agreement leaves room for renewed tensions, as border demarcation remains unresolved. Experts warn that without enforceable obligations, provocations could reignite conflict despite ASEAN’s monitoring role.
Meanwhile, Vedomosti highlighted projections for global GDP growth of 2.6%-3.1% in 2026. Analysts see India emerging as a key driver, while Europe faces sluggish momentum. The U.S. is expected to maintain resilience thanks to the dollar’s reserve status, with Southeast Asia and Latin America also positioned for gains.
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:12 PM EST
Putin signs law allowing Russia to ignore foreign court rulings
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved changes to domestic law that allow Moscow to disregard criminal judgments issued by foreign and international courts.
The move comes as Ukraine and European institutions pursue legal avenues to hold Russian officials and military officers accountable for alleged war crimes in Ukraine — accusations the Kremlin denies.
Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and five other Russians, accusing them of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. In June, Ukraine and the Council of Europe agreed to establish the basis for a special tribunal, while the EU recently launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
Under the new legislation, Russia can dismiss rulings from foreign courts acting on behalf of other governments, as well as decisions from international bodies whose authority is not grounded in agreements with Moscow or endorsed by the UN Security Council.
Dec 29, 2025 at 02:57 PM EST
WATCH: Trump says Russia will help Ukraine rebuild after war
Dec 29, 2025 at 02:42 PM EST
U.S. envoy, Zelensky team coordinate next steps in peace talks
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held a call with Zelensky and his negotiating team as they returned from weekend talks with Trump, Kyiv’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said Monday.
Umerov described the discussions as “intensive and substantive,” noting that consultations are continuing daily on the details of draft documents. He added that Ukraine remains in constant contact with European national security advisers and that further engagements have already been scheduled.
In his post, Umerov thanked Trump and the American delegation for their “high intensity of work.” Trump, speaking at a press conference Sunday, said the parties were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to a deal aimed at ending the war.
Dec 29, 2025 at 02:28 PM EST
Zelensky: Talks focus on economic zone, not demilitarized Donbas
Zelensky said Monday that the current negotiations are centered on creating a free economic zone in Donbas, not a demilitarized zone. Answering reporters' questions, he stressed that while ceasefire monitoring is already clearly defined and will be overseen by Ukraine’s partners, the issue of territorial control in Donbas remains unresolved.
“At the moment, we are talking about a free economic zone. There are no details yet, but everyone has started discussing this issue,” Zelensky said, adding that a whole concept will be shared with the public once developed. He rejected Russian expectations of Ukrainian withdrawal, underscoring Kyiv’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity.
Western media recently reported that European leaders are weighing a 40‑kilometer buffer zone between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with peacekeepers deployed to monitor compliance. Ukraine has signaled openness to such a concession, though questions remain over troop withdrawals and the number of peacekeepers required. Under a U.S. proposal, only Ukraine would be asked to pull back from demilitarized areas, not Russia.
Dec 29, 2025 at 02:13 PM EST
Russia’s Gerasimov claims advances across Ukraine front
Russia’s top military officer, General Valery Gerasimov, said Monday that Moscow’s forces are pushing forward along the entire front line in Ukraine. At the same time, Kyiv’s troops remain focused on defense and counterattacks.
Speaking at a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin and senior commanders, Gerasimov reported that Russian forces captured 6,460 square kilometers of territory in 2025, including 334 villages.
The claims reflect Moscow’s effort to highlight battlefield gains nearly four years into the war. However, data released by either side cannot be independently verified, and Ukraine has continued to insist its forces are resisting Russian advances.
Dec 29, 2025 at 01:58 PM EST
Putin says Russian forces advancing in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Moscow is continuing its push to seize four Ukrainian regions it claimed to annex in 2022. Speaking at a televised meeting with senior military officials, he described operations in Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as progressing “in stages” under the plan of Russia’s “special military operation.”
“The troops are confidently advancing,” Putin declared, framing the campaign as part of Russia’s broader effort to consolidate control over occupied territory.
Dec 29, 2025 at 01:48 PM EST
Trump notes ‘thorny issues’ in talks after Putin drone claim
Trump said Monday he had “just heard about” Russia’s accusation that Ukraine attempted to attack Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia, a claim Kyiv has rejected.
Trump added that he had a “very good talk” with the Russian leader earlier in the day, describing ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine as facing “a few very thorny issues.”
Dec 29, 2025 at 01:45 PM EST
WATCH: Trump signals progress on Russia-Ukraine peace deal after meeting Zelensky
Dec 29, 2025 at 01:29 PM EST
Putin signs law allowing Russia to reject international court rulings
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved changes to domestic law granting Moscow the right to disregard criminal judgments issued by foreign and international courts.
The move appears aimed at shielding Russian officials and military officers from accountability in cases linked to the war in Ukraine. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. The warrant obliges the court’s 124 member states to detain him if he enters their territory, a charge the Kremlin denies.
Under the new legislation, Russia can ignore rulings in criminal cases pursued by foreign governments, as well as decisions from international bodies whose authority is not grounded in agreements with Moscow or endorsed by the UN Security Council.
Dec 29, 2025 at 01:14 PM EST
Ukraine, Council of Europe agree on tribunal framework
Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed an agreement in June establishing the foundation for a special tribunal to prosecute senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression. The move marks a significant step toward international accountability for Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Kyiv has long demanded such a body, arguing that Russia’s full‑scale invasion in February 2022 unleashed thousands of alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces. The tribunal is intended to address responsibility at the highest levels of the Russian state, complementing ongoing investigations by other international courts.
Ukrainian officials say the tribunal would provide a legal mechanism to ensure that those who ordered or oversaw the invasion face justice, reinforcing broader efforts to document atrocities and uphold international law.
Dec 29, 2025 at 12:59 PM EST
UK reaffirms support for Ukraine amid peace talks
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said Monday that Britain remains committed to supporting Ukraine, following talks between Trump and Zelensky.
Asked whether Starmer shares Trump’s optimism about a peace deal, a Number 10 spokesperson said the government is always hopeful but pointed to recent Russian attacks as evidence of ongoing challenges. “If Putin is serious about peace, he needs to stop the killing and seriously engage in the peace deal on the table,” the spokesperson said.
Officials noted that negotiations have made “significant progress” and continue “at all levels,” though some issues remain unresolved. Britain’s stance, they added, is unchanged: “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Pressed on whether the UK might provide air cover as part of future security guarantees, the spokesperson declined to give specifics, stressing instead that the priority is securing a peace agreement.
Dec 29, 2025 at 12:43 PM EST
Russia drafts 135,000 in autumn conscription as Ukraine seeks security guarantees
Ukraine continues to press Western allies for long‑term security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression, as the war nears its fourth year. The conflict has exacted a heavy toll on both sides, with conscription remaining central to sustaining military operations.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its autumn 2025 draft has concluded, with 135,000 men called up under a presidential decree. Most recruits were assigned to training units to learn modern weapons systems, while some were placed in scientific research divisions and sports companies. Officials said 680 conscripts joined research units and 240 athletes from national teams entered military sports formations.
Moscow conducts conscription twice yearly. In 2023, lawmakers raised the maximum draft age from 27 to 30, expanding the pool of eligible men for a year of compulsory service. The policy follows earlier mobilization drives, including the autumn 2022 call‑up of 300,000 reservists that prompted tens of thousands to flee the country.
Dec 29, 2025 at 12:28 PM EST
Zelensky urges longer U.S. security guarantees
Zelensky said Monday that while U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv are strong, they remain limited in duration. Writing on social media, he noted that the current proposal sets a 15‑year term with an option to extend.
Zelensky said he raised the issue directly with Trump during talks in Florida, stressing that Ukraine’s war has already lasted more than a decade and requires more extended protection. He has called for guarantees lasting 30, 40 or even 50 years, describing such a move as a “historic decision” for Trump.
Although Kyiv appears to have accepted the 15‑year framework for now, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will continue pressing for a more enduring commitment. Trump, he added, indicated the U.S. would consider the request.
Dec 29, 2025 at 12:12 PM EST
Putin hails Russian military gains, advanced weapons in 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country’s armed forces liberated more than 300 settlements in Ukraine this year, including several major cities that had been heavily fortified. Speaking at a Defense Ministry board meeting in mid‑December, he praised the “courage and military art” of Russian troops.
Among the cities cited were Chasov Yar in Donetsk, captured in July after a year‑long battle, and Kupyansk in Kharkiv, taken in November. In December, Russian forces reported control of Krasnoarmeysk, Seversk, Volchansk, Gulyaipole and Dimitrov. Putin awarded Gold Star medals to distinguished soldiers during ceremonies earlier in the month.
The president also highlighted new weapons entering service. The Oreshnik intermediate‑range missile system has been deployed in Belarus, while tests of the Burevestnik nuclear‑powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater vehicle were declared successful. The S‑500 Prometheus air defense system also went on duty, with officials claiming it can intercept targets in near space.
Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said deliveries of weapons and equipment rose by a third compared with 2024, with aircraft manufacturers supplying Su‑35S fighters, Su‑34 bombers and Tu‑160M strategic missile carriers. More than 1,000 systems were tested in combat, including drones and robotic strike complexes.
According to Global Firepower’s 2025 ranking, Russia’s military is now rated second worldwide, behind the United States.
Dec 29, 2025 at 11:56 AM EST
Poland’s Tusk warns Ukraine peace deal still distant
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Monday that negotiations on a peace deal for Ukraine remain incomplete, despite recent talks between Trump and Zelensky. “The negotiations are still far from over,” Tusk wrote on X after overnight consultations with European leaders. He welcomed Washington’s pledge to join security guarantees for Kyiv, calling it a significant success, but warned that any settlement on Russia’s terms would amount to “the defeat of the West and Ukraine.”
Trump hosted Zelensky on December 28 at his Mar‑a‑Lago estate in Florida. After more than two hours of discussions, the two leaders held a video call with European counterparts to discuss security guarantees. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the talks centered on commitments to Ukraine’s future defense.
At a joint press conference, Trump said the parties were closer than ever to an agreement but acknowledged that territorial disputes remain unresolved. Zelensky reiterated that Kyiv’s position on concessions remains at odds with Moscow’s. Trump had spoken with Putin the day before, describing the call as productive, while Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Trump listened carefully to Putin’s arguments.
Dec 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM EST
Zelensky outlines next steps after Florida peace talks
Zelensky said Monday that advisers from Kyiv and Washington will meet in Ukraine in the coming days to advance peace negotiations following his talks with Trump in Florida. He emphasized the need for speed, noting that European leaders will also be brought into the process to ensure all partners remain fully engaged.
Zelensky indicated he could meet Trump again soon and did not rule out direct talks with Putin. He stressed that Ukraine’s position has always been centered on peace, contrasting it with what he described as Russia’s “Plan A – war.”
“Russia should already be thinking about a Plan B, specifically about ending the war,” Zelensky told reporters. He added that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate in any format, provided Moscow’s actions align with its words.
Dec 29, 2025 at 11:27 AM EST
Belarus says Russian missile deployment a signal to West
Belarusian officials have defended the deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate‑range missile system on their territory, describing it as a warning to Western nations. Andrey Bogodel, deputy chief of the General Staff department at the Military Academy of Belarus, told state television the move shows Minsk and Moscow are prepared to “defend themselves with their fists.” He stressed the system is not intended for offensive strikes against Europe but as a deterrent to outside interference.
Bogodel accused Western countries of crossing “red lines” during Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing the use of long‑range missiles and drone attacks against Russian assets. He argued such actions test Moscow’s nuclear threshold.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said last week the deployment followed earlier stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which have since been upgraded. He called the Oreshnik system the “final step” in strengthening defenses against perceived Western aggression.
Khrenin added that while tensions remain high, he believes leaders in Moscow and Beijing understand that escalating rhetoric and military posturing will only worsen the situation.
Dec 29, 2025 at 11:08 AM EST
White House confirms Trump–Putin phone call
The White House confirmed Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt describing the exchange as “positive.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the two leaders plan to hold another call “very soon,” following their latest conversation. Trump had earlier characterized the talks as “productive” and noted he would brief Putin after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Sunday.
The discussions come as negotiations continue over a possible framework to end the war in Ukraine, with Washington, Moscow, Kyiv and European partners all engaged in high‑level contacts.
Dec 29, 2025 at 10:56 AM EST
When did Russia invade Ukraine?
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from multiple directions, beginning a full-scale war that reshaped global security. The invasion followed years of tension after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Russian troops initially targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other major cities, but Ukraine’s resistance forced Moscow to withdraw from northern regions within weeks. The war then shifted to the east and south, where Russia concentrated on seizing territory in Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
Dec 29, 2025 at 10:50 AM EST
Zelensky rejects Russian claim of drone strike on Putin’s residence
Zelensky on Monday dismissed Russian allegations that Kyiv attempted a drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s residence, calling the accusation “lies.”
Zelensky said the claim was intended to derail progress made in recent peace talks between Ukraine and the United States. He warned that Moscow may be laying the groundwork for attacks on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv and urged Washington to respond firmly to Russian threats.
Dec 29, 2025 at 10:41 AM EST
Why does Russia want Donbas?
As leaders from Russia, Ukraine, the United States and Europe explore a possible endgame to the war, the Donbas region has become a focal point of negotiations. The industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine has been a primary battlefield since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with Moscow now controlling all of Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, while Kyiv holds areas around Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that any settlement must grant Moscow full control of the Donbas, a demand Ukraine rejects. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly vowed not to surrender the region, calling it integral to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Experts say Russia’s interest in Donbas is driven by its economic assets, strategic location, and symbolic value. The area retains mineral wealth, fertile farmland, and access to the Black Sea through Mariupol. It is also home to many Russian speakers and carries historic significance in Soviet identity. Analysts argue that control of Donbas is more about symbolism and Putin’s vision of a “Russian world” than practical gains.
Ukraine, meanwhile, views any concession as unacceptable, with public opinion firmly against subjecting more citizens to Russian rule. Some analysts suggest Kyiv could acknowledge the current military realities without ceding sovereignty, but stress that robust NATO-backed security guarantees would be essential for any compromise.
Dec 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM EST
Lavrov says alleged attack on Putin’s residence will shift Moscow’s stance
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Monday that Ukraine attempted to strike President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, according to TACC.
He said the incident would alter Moscow’s approach in ongoing negotiations over the war in Ukraine.
Dec 29, 2025 at 10:11 AM EST
Security guarantees take shape in Ukraine talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to extend American security guarantees for Kyiv beyond 15 years — the first time a potential time frame has been mentioned.
Ukraine is pressing for a longer, decades-long commitment to deter future Russian aggression. While details of the guarantees remain undisclosed, Zelenskyy noted they would cover monitoring of any peace deal and the “presence” of international partners, without elaborating.
Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of NATO troops being stationed in Ukraine. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that Kyiv’s allies are expected to meet in Paris next week to finalize each country’s contributions to the security framework.
Dec 29, 2025 at 09:57 AM EST
Zelensky says peace plan should go to referendum
Zelensky said Monday that any peace agreement must be endorsed directly by the Ukrainian people through a referendum. He argued that such a vote would give the proposed 20‑point plan its strongest legitimacy, ensuring that millions of citizens—not just political leaders—approve the terms of ending the war.
Zelensky acknowledged that Russia opposes the idea, noting that a referendum requires a 60‑day ceasefire to establish security infrastructure, something Moscow has refused to grant. He accused Russia of continuing to press Ukraine with missile and artillery attacks to block such efforts.
The president also stressed the importance of binding security guarantees. Past agreements, including the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk Accords, failed to prevent escalation. Zelenskyy said new guarantees will be backed by the U.S. Congress, Ukraine’s parliament, and ratified by European legislatures, giving them legal force.
“This is what a just peace is about,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukrainians who have endured the war should be able to celebrate its end and the format of the agreement.
Dec 29, 2025 at 09:40 AM EST
Zelensky calls for foreign troops as security guarantee
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine must be part of any security guarantees tied to a peace deal. He told reporters that international forces would strengthen the commitments already offered by Kyiv’s partners.
Earlier this month, European leaders signaled readiness to lead a multinational force in Ukraine under a U.S.-backed proposal. Officials from the UK, France, Germany and eight other countries said such a coalition could help rebuild Ukraine’s military, secure its airspace and support maritime safety, including operations inside the country.
Russia has rejected the idea outright. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Tass that any European troop deployment would be treated as a legitimate military target. He accused European officials of being blinded by ambition and disregarding the risks to both Ukrainians and their own citizens.
Dec 29, 2025 at 09:26 AM EST
Few Ukrainian refugees certain of returning after war, survey finds
Only about a third of Ukrainians who fled abroad say they plan to return home once the war ends. Fewer than 10 percent are firmly committed to doing so, according to Oleksii Antypovych, head of the Rating Sociological Group.
At the start of Russia’s full‑scale invasion, more than two‑thirds of displaced Ukrainians expressed willingness to go back. That figure has steadily declined as refugees adapt to life in host countries, particularly Germany. Antypovych noted that many now see returning as difficult due to destroyed housing, limited jobs, and uncertainty about their children’s future.
“For example, if a person fled from Mariupol, then the question is where to return,” he said.
The sociologist warned that Ukraine faces long‑term demographic challenges, including falling birth rates, an aging population and a shrinking workforce.
Separately, Acting State Tax Service chief Lesia Karnaukh reminded refugees that while they must declare income earned abroad, they are not required to pay taxes in Ukraine if they already do so in their host countries.
Dec 29, 2025 at 09:10 AM EST
Germany backs Trump’s peace efforts but stresses Russian role
Germany said Monday it welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a lasting peace in Ukraine, but emphasized that any settlement must involve Russia. A government spokesperson noted a gap between Moscow’s public statements and its actions on the battlefield, according to Reuters.
Berlin has been one of Kyiv’s strongest allies in Europe, hosting more than one million Ukrainian refugees since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in February 2022. Germany is also Ukraine’s most prominent military donor in Europe, second only to the United States in absolute terms.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken a more assertive stance on Ukraine than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, pledging to position Germany as a leading international actor. His approach comes as Washington signals a reduced security role in Europe and French President Emmanuel Macron faces domestic challenges that have weakened his influence.
Dec 29, 2025 at 08:54 AM EST
Key issues remain unresolved in Ukraine talks
Despite claims of progress, several major questions continue to hang over negotiations between Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
Trump said Washington and Kyiv are “almost entirely” aligned on security guarantees, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted they are in complete agreement. Still, details of those guarantees remain unclear. Zelensky has pressed for foreign troops to stay in Ukraine as the only real safeguard, a position the Kremlin has repeatedly rejected.
Territorial control also remains unsettled. Trump acknowledged that the future of eastern Donbas remains unresolved, while Zelensky emphasized that the region’s status remains a sticking point. Another sensitive issue is the Russian‑occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Trump has floated the idea of sharing its output, but discussions are ongoing.
Zelensky said Monday that the broader 20‑point proposal under debate should ultimately be decided by referendum, underscoring the weight of the decisions still ahead.
Dec 29, 2025 at 08:37 AM EST
Russia reports capture of Dibrova, heavy Ukrainian losses
Russian forces have taken control of the settlement of Dibrova in the Donetsk region, the Defense Ministry announced Monday. The ministry said units of Battlegroup West carried out the operation as part of Moscow’s ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine.
According to the ministry’s daily briefing, Ukrainian forces suffered about 1,360 casualties across multiple sectors in the past 24 hours. The heaviest losses were reported in the area of Battlegroup Center, where more than 495 Ukrainian troops were said to have been killed or wounded. Other Russian units claimed to inflict between 190 and 210 casualties in separate directions, while Battlegroup North reported destroying a self-propelled artillery system.
The ministry also said Russian air defenses intercepted 140 Ukrainian drones and two Grom missiles during the same period. In addition, Russian aircraft, artillery and missile units struck more than 150 Ukrainian positions, targeting both troops and foreign fighters.
Dec 29, 2025 at 08:22 AM EST
Russian soldiers accused of killing seven civilians in Pokrovsk
Two Russian servicemen have been accused of shooting dead seven civilians hiding in a basement in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, on December 21, according to the Ukrainian project I Want to Live, which monitors war crimes.
The group reported that concerned members of Russia’s own armed forces disclosed the incident. The soldiers, identified as Rinat Galimzyanov and Oleksii Agafonov of the 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, allegedly entered a residential building on Tsentralna Street and demanded alcohol from civilians sheltering inside. When told none was available, they opened fire, killing a father and son.
The attackers then descended into the basement and shot five more people, including members of the Hulko family and an elderly woman. One survivor, Petro Merontsev, was wounded but managed to escape by feigning death.
After the killings, the soldiers reportedly told a commander they had eliminated a Ukrainian sabotage group and set the building ablaze. Both men were detained two days later by Russian military authorities, though Ukrainian officials warn the case may be covered up.
The incident adds to a growing list of alleged war crimes by Russian forces in the Pokrovsk area, where civilians and prisoners of war have previously been executed, according to Ukrainian prosecutors and intelligence services.
Dec 29, 2025 at 08:07 AM EST
Putin names new envoy to OSCE, reassigns Lukashevich to CIS post
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Dmitry Polyansky as the country’s permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The decree, published Monday, formalized Polyansky’s move into the role, succeeding Alexander Lukashevich.
A separate presidential order relieved Lukashevich of his OSCE duties and reassigned him as Russia’s permanent representative to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) institutions in Minsk, Belarus.
Polyansky, a seasoned diplomat, takes over Russia’s representation at the OSCE amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Western nations. Lukashevich, who had held the Vienna post since 2011, will now oversee Russia’s engagement with CIS bodies, a regional organization that coordinates cooperation among former Soviet republics.
Dec 29, 2025 at 06:58 AM EST
Macron to host “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris before next Trump meeting
French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine's partners in the "Coalition of the Willing"—largely a group of NATO allies led by France, the U.K., and Germany—will meet in Paris in early January "to finalize each country’s concrete contributions" to Kyiv's security guarantees under a peace deal with Russia.
The Coalition of the Willing has said it would provide a multinational peacekeeping force for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression once the war is over. But Russia has rejected the idea, saying it would not accept troops from NATO allies stationed in Ukraine because it undermines one of Moscow's core demands—the neutrality of Kyiv.
"We are making progress on the security guarantees that will be central to building a just and lasting peace," Macron said in a post on X after the Florida meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. "We will bring together the countries of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris in early January to finalize each country’s concrete contributions."
Trump is expected to host Zelensky and other European leaders in the U.S. in January to finalize aspects of the unfolding peace deal to end Russia's war. But key issues remain, largely over the division of territory, with each side far apart.
Dec 29, 2025 at 06:43 AM EST
Baltic NATO ally assesses Russia war threat
Kaupo Rosin, director general of Estonia's foreign intelligence service, said Russia has changed its behavior in response to NATO's pushback against the Kremlin's alleged hostile actions, such as drone incursions and cutting of undersea cables, and that Moscow "respects" the Western alliance.
"What we're still seeing today is that Russia currently has no intention of attacking any of the Baltic states or NATO more broadly," Rosin told Estonia's ERR.
"We've seen that, as a result of our responses, Russia has altered its behavior following various incidents that have occurred more broadly in the region. So far, it's still clear that Russia respects NATO and is currently trying to avoid any open conflict."
Rosin added: "Following various incidents — starting with the undersea cables some time ago or the different drone incursions into NATO airspace or aircraft violations — what we've seen is that, in response to reactions from the West or NATO, Russia has taken various measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future."
Dec 29, 2025 at 06:37 AM EST
Russia confirms end of autumn conscription drive
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) said it had conscripted 135,000 citizens for military service during its autumn drive, following President Vladimir Putin's decree on September 29.
Russia has mobilized a large number of its citizens over the course of its war with Ukraine and has heavily rearmed, as tensions with the U.S.-led NATO alliance grow. The Russian conscripts receive training and are assigned to a branch of the armed forces, but are not sent to the frontline in Ukraine or to the occupied regions.
"Conscripts have not been sent to the deployment locations of units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the new regions of the Russian Federation—namely the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions—or to take part there in carrying out tasks of the special military operation," the Russian MOD said.
Dec 29, 2025 at 06:18 AM EST
Zelensky confirms two key issues that remain unresolved for Russia peace
Volodymyr Zelensky said the two issues that are still to be resolved before a peace deal can be agreed on are over the division of territory and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Zelensky, briefing journalists after his meeting in Florida with U.S. President Donald Trump, said these two open questions are why he said the plan is 90 percent agreed. Details on security guarantees are also still under discussion.
On territory, control of the Donbas region—Ukraine's industrial heartlands in the east, comprising mostly of the two oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk—is the central issue.
Russia controls 80 percent of the Donbas and says it will seize the rest by force if necessary, though analysts say that could take Moscow's forces years to achieve.
But Ukraine, which still controls two of Donetsk's fortress cities, Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, says it will not cede territory without a constitutionally-required referendum, and it can only hold one during a ceasefire—which Russia rejects.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant—Europe's largest—is currently under Russian control after it was seized early on in Moscow's full-scale 2022 invasion.
Negotiations are working on who should operate the nuclear plant during peacetime—including, potentially, the U.S. playing a vital mediating role—and how the electricity it produces should be divided between Russia and Ukraine.
The IAEA, the UN's nuclear watchdog, has raised repeated international safety concerns due to fighting nearby, some of which has damaged the plant's administrative buildings. It has also suffered losses of power due to the fighting.
Ukraine says the safe operation of the station requires the demilitarization of its territory. Kyiv has also demanded that Ukrainian workers be granted full access to the station, which they currently don’t have.
Dec 29, 2025 at 05:44 AM EST
NATO ally: Russia’s traumatized Ukraine war veterans returning home violent
The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MOD) said in its latest intelligence update that a large number of violent crimes in Russia are being perpetrated by returning veterans of the war in Ukraine, many of them convicts recruited from prisons to bolster Moscow's forces as they suffer heavy losses on the frontlines.
The update cited a report by an independent Russian media outlet, Vertska, which found that 550 civilians in Russia have been killed by veterans of the Ukraine war, and another 465 injured in violent assaults. More than half of the deaths were reportedly at the hands of the Russian convicts recruited to fight in Ukraine.
"The challenge presented to Russian society by tens of thousands of violent offenders with recent and often traumatic combat experience returning to civilian life, particularly having been subject to the brutality of Russia’s armed forces, is significant, and will likely increase in scale in the medium term," the MOD said.
"The Russian senior leadership highly likely considers the issue to be a matter of growing concern."
Dec 29, 2025 at 05:12 AM EST
Putin’s Kremlin repeats core demand for end of war in Ukraine
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated Russia's core demand for a peace deal to end Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine: The withdrawal of Kyiv's forces from the entire eastern Donbas region.
Ukraine still controls around a fifth of the Donetsk oblast within the Donbas, including the two fortress cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. Russia says Ukraine must withdraw forces and hand over control of the industrial heartlands to Moscow in order to secure peace.
But Kyiv says it cannot cede territory without holding a referendum, citing its constitution. For that to happen, Ukraine says it needs a ceasefire to ensure the security of the vote—which the Kremlin refuses, saying Kyiv would use a pause in the fighting to rearm and regroup its forces.
“Addressing our Ukrainian interlocutors, I would remind them that Ukraine is losing territory and will continue to lose it. And tomorrow the situation will be different from what it is today," Peskov said, originally in Russian, Moscow's state news agency RIA reported.
Peskov also shot down a report by Fox News that the progress made in Sunday's Mar-a-Lago meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump created the prospect of a call between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first since 2020.
The Kremlin spokesman said there is no talk of a Zelensky-Putin call taking place. But he said there would be another Trump-Putin call "in the very near future".
Dec 29, 2025 at 04:32 AM EST
US will keep supporting Ukraine in war if Russia rejects peace: Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky said the U.S. and Kyiv's European partners will continue to support Ukraine in fighting off Russia's invasion if the Kremlin does not agree to a peace deal that ends the war.
“There is no alternative to peace," Zelensky said, originally in Ukrainian, according to Kyiv's state-run Ukrinform news agency.
"Together with the Americans, and here our position is unified, we believe the war must be ended diplomatically, by pressing Russia. Otherwise, the war will continue.
"And of course, if the war continues, the Americans, together with the Europeans, will continue to help Ukraine. We are defending ourselves in this war, we are fighting. We are not the aggressors."
Dec 29, 2025 at 04:12 AM EST
Ukraine issues Russia war update
As the peace talks grind on, so too does the war in Ukraine.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said there were 209 clashes with Russia over the past day.
In an update posted to its Facebook page, originally in Ukrainian, the general staff said Russia had conducted 50 airstrikes that dropped 128 guided aerial bombs, as well as 3,436 shelling attacks and deployed 4,412 kamikaze drones.
Some of the fiercest fighting took place around Povrovsk, a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region that Russia claimed to have taken full control of. Ukraine has disputed Russia's claim.
There were 52 Russian assaults in the Pokrovsk direction over the past day, the Ukrainian general staff said, affecting 13 settlements.
"Our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupying forces in manpower and equipment and are actively undermining the enemy’s offensive potential in the rear," the general staff said.
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:55 AM EST
Zelensky makes 50-year request of Trump: “Think about it”
Volodymyr Zelensky said he had asked Donald Trump to consider U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine that would extend for five decades.
Currently, the proposal is for security guarantees to last for 15 years, at which point they could be renewed.
“I told him that we already have a war going on, and it has been going on for almost 15 years. So we would very much like the guarantees to be longer," the Ukrainian president said of his meeting with Trump, RBC-Ukraine reported.
"And I told him that we would really like to consider the possibility of 30–40–50 years. That would then be a historic decision by President Trump," Zelensky continued, originally in Ukrainian. The president said he would think about it."
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:23 AM EST
Watch: Trump talks about his call with Putin, Russia relations
Dec 29, 2025 at 03:17 AM EST
Putin and Trump “generally shared” Ukraine ceasefire view: Kremlin
Russia has repeatedly ruled out a ceasefire before a peace deal, arguing that Ukraine, losing on the battlefield, would use a pause in the fighting to regroup and rearm.
Ukraine has frequently called for a ceasefire. Most recently, it proposed a Christmas truce on energy targets to spare civilians from unheated homes as they mark the religious holiday during the bitter winter.
Kyiv has also said it would need a ceasefire to hold a referendum on resolving the territorial dispute over Donbas, a constitutional requirement. Ukraine cannot cede territory without a democratic vote.
But Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said U.S. President Donald Trump agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the ceasefire issue during their call on Sunday, December 28.
Trump and Putin spoke before the U.S. leader's meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Ushakov, Trump and Putin "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans—whether to prepare for a referendum or for other reasons—would only prolong the conflict and could lead to a resumption of hostilities," state news agency TASS reported.
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