Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took 14th place in Politico's ranking of the most influential people in Europe. The ranking was topped by US President Donald Trump, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was placed 5th.
Donald Trump stated that the understanding of Ukraine's non-accession to NATO existed long before Putin's presidency. He also noted that Zelenskyy demanded the return of Crimea and NATO membership during his first meeting with Putin.
The European Union may announce a decision on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets within two weeks. These funds, up to 100 billion pounds sterling, or over 130 billion US dollars, include 8 billion pounds sterling (over 10 billion dollars) in the United Kingdom and are intended to provide funding for aid to Ukraine.
Russian dictator Putin is trying to portray the Russian economy as capable of sustaining the war in Ukraine, likely to support cognitive warfare. He claimed GDP growth and low inflation, ignoring the connection between economic problems and the war.
The Institute for the Study of War predicts that the Kremlin may use claims of President Zelenskyy's alleged illegitimacy to violate future peace agreements. At the same time, Russian special services are planning destabilization in Ukraine through "peaceful protests."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing increasing pressure from the United States to agree to significant territorial losses and other concessions as part of Donald Trump's peace plan. Ukrainian officials believe that aspects of the current US plan favor Moscow, with negotiations focusing on Russia's demand for Donbas and Ukraine's request for security guarantees.
President Zelenskyy stated that China does not benefit from a weak or losing Russia. He believes this is the reason for Beijing's reluctance to facilitate a quick end to the war, even though China has influence over Russia.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.
Negotiations between the US and Ukraine on a peaceful settlement have reached a dead end due to disagreements over Donbas. Washington is looking for a way to force Kyiv to abandon the territories, while Ukraine insists on maintaining the current demarcation line.
Expert Alexander Gabuev predicts the exhaustion of the Kremlin's economic resources in 12-18 months if sanctions are strengthened. He notes that time is working against Putin, and further sanctions could shorten this period.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. This strengthens international pressure mechanisms and creates a political mandate for further action; Ukraine has returned 1,892 children, and over 20,000 reports of deportation are being processed.
The issue of territory is the "most problematic" in negotiations to end the war, as Russia seeks full control over the occupied lands. Ukraine cannot agree to the terms of Washington and Moscow without agreeing on the details, while the US continues to exert pressure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that participants in peace initiative negotiations, mediated by the US, differ in opinions regarding the territorial issue. He emphasized that an agreement on the Ukrainian Donbas, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has not yet been reached.
Statements about Russia's agreement to US President Donald Trump's peace plan are an illusion. Russia is buying time to continue offensive attempts on the front until spring.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting takes place amid fears that the US may pressure Ukraine to accept a peace deal with Russia.
US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment that Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not familiarized himself with the American "peace plan. " Trump discussed the situation with Putin and Ukrainian leaders, noting that Zelenskyy's team supports the document, but Zelenskyy himself "showed no interest."
Russia seized more than 500 square kilometers of territory in November, twice as much as last month. At the same time, with the onset of winter, analysts expect a slowdown in the Russian advance on the front.
British historian Timothy Garton Ash argues that only Europe can help Ukraine resist Russian aggression and US diplomatic betrayal. He emphasizes the need for military and economic support for Ukraine to change Putin's strategy.
The Center for National Resistance reports that residents of Lysychansk, Sievierodonetsk, and Rubizhne have been living without mobile communications and internet for two years. The occupation authorities ignore appeals and explain the lack of communication by "controlling information flows" and "the proximity of the front line."
Russia declared the commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, wanted on charges of involvement in the death of propagandist Hanna Prokofieva. Brovdi reacted to the accusations with a quote from Bulgakov's novel.
Czech President Petr Pavel stated that Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine would be a defeat for the entire West. He compared possible secret negotiations between Russia and the United States regarding Ukraine to the Munich Agreement of 1938.
US President's Special Representative Kellogg stated that Russia and Ukraine together have lost over two million soldiers in the war. He emphasized the need to end the conflict.
Ukraine's battlefield picture is worsening amid active advances by Russian troops in several directions and the promotion of a peace plan linked to Donald Trump's special envoy. Russian troops are advancing, while dictator Vladimir Putin, after talks with American officials, has made it clear that he is not backing down from his tough demands.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced the dispatch of a Hungarian business delegation to Moscow. The mission will focus on economic cooperation in post-war conditions, when Russia may be reintegrated into the Western economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a two-hour conversation with members of US President Donald Trump's team, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Peace agreements, security issues, and territorial aspects, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from Donbas, were discussed.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as the leaders of France and Germany, at Downing Street. The meeting will take place amid negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine and discussing post-war security guarantees.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Najat Shamim Khan stated that the investigation into Russian crimes cannot be stopped by peace talks but can be postponed by the UN Security Council. She added that efforts to establish justice must go hand in hand with peace efforts.
Kirill Dmitriev, an adviser to the Russian dictator, reacted to media reports about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's distrust of US mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Dmitriev accused Merz of inciting war and sabotaging peace.
Vladimir Putin effectively refused to answer Indian journalists' questions about the Russian army's destruction of homes in eastern Ukraine. He pretended not to understand the question, trying to shift responsibility to Ukraine.
Ukrainian representatives will continue negotiations with the American delegation on Saturday. According to Axios, the talks will take place throughout the weekend.
