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Kyiv Targeted by Russian Strikes Ahead of Zelensky’s Peace Meeting with Trump

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Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine on Saturday, coinciding with heightened security measures ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s key meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. Ukraine’s air force issued a nationwide alert as explosions were heard in the capital, prompting air defense units to intercept incoming missiles and drones. No immediate reports of damage or power outages were recorded.

The attacks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to finalize a U.S.-backed 20-point peace plan aimed at halting the war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Zelensky emphasized that his discussions with Trump would focus on territorial control, including the contested Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as security guarantees. Kyiv seeks legally binding provisions to prevent future Russian aggression, while a free economic zone is proposed for certain areas under U.S. compromise.

Additional issues include control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the eastern Donbas region, both key points of contention in the negotiations. Russia’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, engaged with U.S. officials after Moscow received American proposals for a possible peace deal, although Russia has not publicly disclosed its stance on the documents. Both sides continue dialogue as efforts to resolve the nearly four-year conflict move forward.

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Ukraine, US Hold Christmas Day Talks to Advance Peace Deal

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a “very good” conversation on Christmas Day with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as negotiations toward a possible peace deal with Russia continued. Zelensky said the talks covered substantive aspects of the negotiations and generated new ideas aimed at achieving “real peace,” describing the engagement as constructive and timely. Senior Ukrainian officials, including Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, also participated in the discussions.

Zelensky said further talks were planned between Umerov and the US representatives, stressing the importance of seizing every opportunity to move closer to a settlement. The diplomatic push comes amid gradual progress in US-led peace efforts, including recent meetings between Ukrainian, Russian, and American negotiators. Zelensky has outlined a 20-point framework for ending the war, which includes troop withdrawals, security guarantees involving the US and Europe, and the creation of a demilitarized zone in parts of eastern Ukraine.

Despite ongoing negotiations, fighting has continued on the ground. Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Odesa, causing power outages and civilian damage, while Ukrainian forces have conducted drone and sabotage operations against Russian military targets. Russian officials say they are reviewing Ukraine’s proposals, though President Vladimir Putin has reiterated demands that Ukraine cede all of Donetsk. International figures, including Pope Leo, used Christmas messages to call for an end to the violence and renewed diplomatic engagement.

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EU Approves €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine, Sidesteps Use of Frozen Russian Assets

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European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan to support its military and economic needs over the next two years, following intense negotiations at a summit in Brussels. The funding will be backed by the EU’s common budget after member states failed to reach consensus on using frozen Russian assets. European Council President Antonio Costa said the deal demonstrated unity and commitment, calling it a delivery on promises made to Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had pushed for the use of around €200 billion in frozen Russian assets, most of which are held in Belgium. However, concerns over legal risks and liability-sharing prevented agreement, with Belgium seeking guarantees that other EU countries were unwilling to provide. While expressing gratitude for the loan, Zelensky stressed that Russian assets should remain immobilised and said the support would significantly strengthen Ukraine’s resilience at a critical time.

The loan offers a vital lifeline as Ukraine faces a looming cash crunch, with EU estimates suggesting the country needs €135 billion over the next two years and could begin running short of funds by April. European leaders said the agreement avoided division within the bloc, while Germany’s Chancellor said it sent a strong signal to Moscow. The decision comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts, including upcoming US-Russia talks and continued discussions between Ukrainian and US officials on security guarantees.

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Zelensky Urges EU to Unlock Frozen Russian Funds as Ukraine Faces Financial Crunch

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine faces a severe financial crisis unless the European Union agrees to loan billions of euros from frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv’s military and economy. Speaking in Brussels as EU leaders gathered for a critical summit, Zelensky said a positive decision was essential, noting that without additional funding Ukraine’s finances could run dry within months. Around €210bn of Russian assets are frozen in the EU, most of them held in Belgium through financial services firm Euroclear.

The European Commission has proposed loaning Ukraine about €90bn over the next two years using these frozen assets, arguing it would strengthen Kyiv’s position both on the battlefield and in ongoing peace talks. Supporters believe the move would also send a strong signal to Moscow that continuing the war is futile. However, Belgium and several other EU members remain cautious, citing legal and financial risks, while Hungary has openly opposed any further EU funding for Ukraine.

As discussions continue, EU leaders are under pressure to find consensus, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen insisting a solution must be reached. While some countries are willing to provide guarantees to address Belgium’s concerns, doubts remain over the legal basis and potential consequences if courts later order the money returned to Russia. Despite the uncertainty, EU officials stress that the coming hours are decisive for Ukraine’s ability to sustain its war effort or prepare for recovery.

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Ukraine–US Ceasefire Talks Continue in Berlin as Washington Signals Progress

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Ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and the United States continued for a second day in Berlin, with Washington saying “a lot of progress was made.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov held extended talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, also attended, while more European leaders are expected to join later discussions.

Zelensky indicated he was ready to give up Ukraine’s ambition to join Nato in exchange for strong security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5 mutual defence clause, calling it a significant compromise. The talks centre on a 20-point Ukrainian peace proposal aimed at countering an earlier US plan seen as favouring Russia. While details remain undisclosed, Kyiv says the plan would form the basis for reconstruction and long-term security assurances.

Discussions also touched on sensitive territorial issues, including the Donbas region, where Zelensky said Ukraine could consider freezing the conflict along current front lines but would not withdraw troops unless Russia did the same. Any agreement reached by Ukraine, the US and Europe would still need to be presented to Moscow, which continues to oppose Nato membership for Kyiv. The talks come as Ukraine faces renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and as EU states debate using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s economy.

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Ukraine Prepares New Peace Plan, Zelensky Rejects Territorial Concessions

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Ukraine is set to present a revised peace proposal to the United States, aiming to avoid territorial concessions to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that ceding land is not an option, citing Ukrainian law, the constitution, and international law. His comments came during meetings with European and NATO leaders, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a peace deal without compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The revised plan follows intensive weekend talks between US and Ukrainian negotiators that failed to yield an agreement acceptable to Kyiv. Zelensky emphasized that sensitive issues like control of the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain non-negotiable. The original US-backed draft, which proposed handing over full control of Donbas to Russia and splitting energy from Zaporizhzhia, has been trimmed from 28 to 20 points, with no compromise on territorial matters.

Meanwhile, fighting continues along the front line, including a drone attack on Sumy that cut power but caused no casualties. Zelensky’s European tour included meetings with leaders in London and Brussels to secure support and potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Talks with Moscow reportedly remain ongoing, though little progress has been publicly acknowledged, and the US seeks a resolution ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.

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Zelensky to Hold High-Level Talks in London on Peace Proposals

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, at Downing Street. The discussion comes amid a US-driven push for Ukraine to accept concessions in peace talks with Russia. The meeting follows negotiations in Florida, where Zelensky’s team pushed to amend a White House plan that Ukraine believes leans too heavily toward Russian demands.

The talks aim to ensure that any peace deal comes with strong security guarantees capable of deterring future Russian aggression. The UK and France have been spearheading efforts to build a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine’s long-term defence, though the role of a future reassurance force in Ukraine remains unclear. Some European countries, including Germany, have expressed reservations about deploying troops on Ukrainian soil, fearing escalation.

Key sticking points in the US-led peace initiative include Ukrainian troop withdrawal from contested eastern regions and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. While US officials claim progress is being made, Russia shows little sign of compromise and continues to insist on retaining occupied territories and blocking Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. European leaders fear the proposed terms could prioritise a quick end to the war over long-term European security.

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Russian Strikes Leave Over 600,000 Without Power in Kyiv Region

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More than 600,000 people in Kyiv and surrounding areas were left without electricity after Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Officials reported that over 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones were fired across multiple regions, leaving at least three dead and dozens injured. The majority of outages hit the capital, where emergency crews responded to fires and damaged residential buildings.

As winter sets in, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, echoing previous years when civilians endured rolling blackouts. Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko confirmed that a 13-year-old was among the injured, while Dtek Energy said power had been restored to more than half of the affected households by Saturday afternoon. Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting 558 drones and 19 missiles despite the heavy bombardment.

The attack comes as Ukrainian and US officials prepare for talks on a revised peace plan backed by Washington. While President Zelensky has welcomed diplomatic efforts, he stresses Ukraine’s need to protect its sovereignty. Meanwhile, President Putin reiterated that Russia would only halt its offensive if Ukrainian forces withdraw from territory Moscow claims, as both sides brace for another harsh winter of conflict.

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Ukrainian Soldiers Divided Over US Draft Peace Plan: Anger, Defiance and Reluctant Acceptance

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Frontline Ukrainian soldiers have reacted sharply to a leaked draft US peace proposal, expressing a mix of anger, defiance and reluctant acceptance. Speaking to the BBC via social media and email, several troops rejected the idea of conceding territory and limiting military strength. Yaroslav, serving in eastern Ukraine, said the plan “sucks… no one will support it,” while an army medic known as Shtutser called it an “absolutely disgraceful draft.” Another soldier, Matros, said the proposals undermine years of sacrifice and would “disregard the lives of fallen soldiers and civilians.”

One of the most contentious elements of the draft is the suggestion that Ukraine give up control of the entire Donbas region, parts of which it has defended since 2014. Snake, a soldier on the front line, argued that abandoned and devastated towns are no longer worth prolonged loss of life, saying “let them take it.” However, others insist surrendering territory would nullify everything the country has fought for. The proposal also suggests reducing Ukraine’s armed forces from more than 800,000 to 600,000 troops, a move some say could weaken national security, although others argue it is necessary for economic recovery and peace.

Security guarantees and political reforms remain key areas of debate. The draft rules out NATO membership but pledges US assurances if Russia launches another attack, while also proposing fresh elections within 100 days of war’s end. Some troops express mistrust in both Europe and the US, doubting their ability to protect Ukraine. Yet despite widespread frustration and dissatisfaction, one message is clear: many are exhausted by the prolonged conflict and would support any plan capable of ending the war. As soldier Andrii put it, “If it stops the war, then it works for me.”

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Zelensky Signals Openness to US Plan for Ending Ukraine War

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is prepared to work with the United States on what he called “their vision” for ending the war with Russia, following reports of a leaked draft peace proposal shaped during meetings between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev. The plan, which has drawn global attention, suggests Ukraine would cede parts of the Donetsk region still under its control, reduce the size of its military, and commit not to join NATO—terms Kyiv has previously rejected.

The White House insists Ukraine has been included in discussions, pushing back against criticism that negotiations happened behind its back. The draft emerged as Russia reported small territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and as Zelensky faces a domestic political crisis linked to a $100 million corruption scandal. In a televised address, Zelensky confirmed that US military officials had presented points of a peace proposal in Kyiv, stressing that Ukraine seeks a “real peace… one that will not be broken by a third invasion.”

The plan has triggered concern among European leaders, who say they were excluded from early talks. Germany’s foreign minister described the US proposal as only a “list of topics and options” rather than a complete agreement. While Washington claims the draft is balanced and acceptable to both sides, Kyiv maintains that any peace must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity. The debate unfolds as fighting continues, including recent deadly Russian attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Ternopil, and as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches.

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