Vladimir Putin
In Washington, the idea of creating a new Core 5 group (USA, China, India, Japan, and Russia) was discussed, which would bring traditional adversaries closer together. The White House categorically denies the existence of a document about Core 5, but experts consider it expedient for the current administration.
The Trump administration has handed European counterparts documents outlining its vision for Ukraine's reconstruction and Russia's return to the global economy. The proposals have sparked a fierce struggle between America and its allies in Europe.
Putin hinted that calls from 'unfriendly countries' may soon be blocked for Russians. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This happened after his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements about "close personal contact" with Vladimir Putin.
Four of India's seven largest oil refineries continue to purchase Russian oil at significant discounts, while Reliance Industries Ltd. refrains due to the risk of sanctions. Russian oil imports to India are expected to decrease, but trade will continue at a lower level.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia "is working for peace, not a truce. " He emphasized that "stable, guaranteed, long-term peace" is an absolute priority for the Russian Federation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced an alleged "agreement" with the US to continue working on ending the war in Ukraine. He positively assessed US President Donald Trump's "peace plan."
US President Donald's statement about Europe as an "undemocratic obstacle" was a godsend for the Russian regime. Russian policy aims to undermine European support for Ukraine and exploit the opportunity to sow doubts about the viability of the NATO alliance.
The US is not ready to accept Ukraine into NATO, but this is a matter for the future. Ukraine is considering effective security guarantees analogous to NATO, including bilateral guarantees with the US.
The Russian dictator stated that people in Donbas warmly welcome Russian servicemen. Putin also once again stated that Russia plans to achieve all the tasks set for the "SVO."
The President of Finland stated that peace for Ukraine is now "quite close," closer than at any time since the start of the full-scale invasion. Negotiations are progressing simultaneously on three key documents, including a framework plan, security guarantees, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian dictator does not seek to restore the USSR and attack NATO. He emphasized that this is impossible, although earlier Putin called the collapse of the USSR "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century."
Donald Trump said he does not want to run Europe, but considers it weak and "collapsing. " He emphasized his role in increasing contributions to NATO, which, he suggested, go to Ukraine.
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.