Today, European leaders, including Macron and Rutte, will meet with Zelenskyy to get an update on the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States. Donald Trump is also expected to join the conversation via a phone call.
A US official stated that the negotiations in Berlin were positive, with consensus reached on a number of issues. Donald Trump is pleased with the progress, although some issues still require discussion.
Germany plans to integrate Ukrainian weapons and receive combat data. The government presented a 10-point plan to accelerate the integration of the Ukrainian industry into the European defense market.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki warned Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to take Poland's support for granted, calling for a reset of relations ahead of their meeting in Warsaw. Nawrocki stated that Poles "often do not feel like partners" in relations with Ukraine.
US representatives have been invited to the evening talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Rutte have confirmed their participation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US negotiators in Berlin amid increased pressure from Donald Trump on Ukraine to reach an agreement. The meeting followed five hours of talks on Sunday aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Ukraine and the US are holding a second day of talks in Berlin on a plan to end the war, with security guarantees for Ukraine taking center stage. President Zelenskyy is discussing abandoning NATO membership in exchange for bilateral security agreements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin refuses a unilateral withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region. This comes against the backdrop of a 28-point US plan that envisages Ukraine's renunciation of NATO and new elections.
A KMIS poll showed a significant drop in Ukrainians' trust in NATO and the US, while trust in the European Union and President Zelenskyy remains stable. Only 9% of citizens support elections during the war.
Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for real troops and capabilities for Ukraine's security guarantees if the issue of NATO is not discussed. She stressed that these cannot be paper promises, but only tangible military capabilities.
A KIIS poll showed that 72% of Ukrainians are ready for peace with a frozen front and security guarantees. Most Ukrainians reject the Russian peace plan and are ready to endure the war for as long as necessary.
Representatives of the Trump administration held five-hour talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, which were described as "difficult. " The US is increasing pressure on Ukraine to conclude a peace agreement with Russia by the end of the year, but the parties have significant disagreements.
Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate oil futures rose amid supply disruptions linked to US-Venezuela tensions, which outweighed oversupply concerns.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
On December 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. They will discuss economic issues and the progress of the peace process, after which EU and NATO leaders will join the discussions.
The Kremlin called NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statements about preparing for a large-scale war with Russia irresponsible. Rutte claimed that NATO is Russia's next target, and Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated that these words demonstrate a misunderstanding of World War II.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues to work on opening all negotiation clusters within the framework of accession to the European Union. European partners are reacting positively to these steps.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US and some European countries did not support Ukraine's accession to NATO. This happened during negotiations on the American administration's peace plan.
Ukraine has presented an updated peace plan that excludes the abandonment of Donbas and retains the right to join NATO. This proposal is a response to Donald Trump's 28-point plan, which caused shock in Europe.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has canceled a planned visit to the United States to participate in European discussions on the peace process in Ukraine. He will join talks in Berlin, where other European leaders and high-ranking officials will also be present.
Foreign policy advisers from the US, Ukraine, Germany and other countries will continue talks on a peace plan for Ukraine in Berlin. The talks will take place ahead of a summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
European officials are concerned that a new US-initiated peace deal in Ukraine could allow Russia to use a demilitarized zone to re-invade Donbas. Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.
Negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine from the US and Europe have made significant progress. The US is ready to provide guarantees based on NATO's Article 5, approved by Congress, with legal force.
Switzerland has decided to purchase fewer F-35 fighter jets from the US than planned to keep costs within the approved limit. The country faced additional costs of up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs due to rising energy and raw material prices.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 15 for an exchange of views on peace talks and economic issues. European leaders and representatives of the EU and NATO will join the discussions.
A British Navy tanker chased a Russian submarine sailing on the surface through the English Channel. The tracking was handed over to a NATO ally after approaching the northwest of France.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering holding a referendum on transferring Donbas to Russia. This comes amid growing pressure from the United States to agree to the terms of a new peace plan that would involve a 20% reduction in Ukraine's territory.
The Ukrainian team held talks with the American delegation, including Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner, regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of concrete actions by partners in the event of new Russian aggression.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte denied reports that the US plans to shift most of the burden of defending Europe to European countries by 2027. He noted that Europe must step up its defense, but the Reuters report was incorrect.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he no longer tries to understand Putin's motives. He emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, as Putin will not stop there.
