President Zelenskyy stated that NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov was again in contact with American partners. Dialogue with the US is a strategic task for Ukraine and must be 100% constructive.
President Zelenskyy initiates discussions on a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the US with zero tariffs. He also proposes special economic zones and a buffer zone along the contact line.
Ukraine has presented the US with possible options for finalizing the basic framework for ending the war, awaiting feedback from US negotiations with Russia. The Ukrainian side emphasizes the need to increase pressure on the aggressor.
President Zelenskyy announced the readiness of a bilateral document on security guarantees for Ukraine for finalization with Donald Trump. The Ukrainian side also discussed possible options for ending the war with partners.
The Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, reported on fruitful negotiations in Paris with national security advisors and the US delegation regarding security guarantees. He also met with the head of French military intelligence, General Jacques Langlade de Montgros.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced the third meeting with the American side in Paris, where key elements of the basic framework for ending the war were substantively discussed. Representatives of Ukraine and the USA took part in the negotiations, focusing on possible formats for further contacts at the leadership level.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that the security guarantees agreement is a key step towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an important security guarantee.
A clear US commitment to support Ukraine has been removed from the text of the joint statement adopted in Paris. Instead, the US commits to supporting forces in the event of an attack and providing intelligence and logistical assistance.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia has suspended prisoner exchanges to pressure Ukraine. Budanov and Umerov will continue to deal with exchanges, despite Russia hindering the process.
Ukrainian negotiators, led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, held consultations in Paris with national security advisors from France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, with the participation of the US, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. The parameters of security guarantees, deterring Russian aggression, and the logic of further steps in the peace process were discussed.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the third session of negotiations in two days with US representatives in France. The most difficult issues regarding ending the war will be discussed, including the Zaporizhzhia NPP and territories, as well as formats for leaders' meetings.
The head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, announced that concrete results had been achieved at the negotiations in Paris regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Details remain non-public, but work is ongoing, and Ukrainian interests will be protected.
After the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, the Ukrainian delegation continued discussing the diplomatic path to end the war with the US President's team. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked America for its readiness to provide a backstop in all areas.
European officials are discussing sending 15,000-30,000 troops to Ukraine, with France and Great Britain leading the ground and air components, and Turkey ensuring the security of transport routes in the Black Sea, ahead of the summit in Paris, where specific commitments regarding Ukraine's security are expected.
The Verkhovna Rada may replace a number of ministers, including the heads of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, during the next plenary week, which begins on January 13. The appointment of the head of the State Property Fund and the transfer of Rustem Umerov to the position of Presidential Security Advisor are also expected.
Ukraine and the United States have agreed on a military document that defines mechanisms for supporting, restoring, and modernizing the Armed Forces, as well as controlling the implementation of agreements. The document consists of four sections and annexes, covering the provision of the Armed Forces and monitoring compliance with agreements.
National security advisers from European countries have arrived in Kyiv. They will hold consultations on security and economic issues, and coordinate further steps with partners.
According to Kaliňák, Ukraine will never be in NATO. In his opinion, Ukraine will also have problems joining the European Union.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced efforts to resume prisoner exchanges. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov is holding meetings in Turkey to facilitate this process.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara. The security situation, negotiation processes, and the return of Ukrainians were discussed.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov in Ankara. The meeting took place on the eve of the talks between national security advisers of the "coalition of the willing" countries on January 3.
The US held a productive discussion with national security advisors from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The next steps in the peace process and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced preparations for a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" on January 3. Representatives from over 10 countries, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council will take part, and American partners will join online.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov reported to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of telephone conversations with American and European partners. Positions were coordinated and further meetings were planned for January, including a meeting on January 3 with the participation of more than 10 countries and international organizations.
President Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is discussing the deployment of US troops as part of security guarantees, but the decision will be made by America. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Umerov noted that Ukraine and the US have made progress in developing a peace framework and security guarantees.
President Zelenskyy reported on the daily work of Ukraine and the United States, despite Russian attempts to disrupt negotiations. He also announced upcoming meetings of advisors on January 3 in Ukraine and leaders on January 6 in France.
National security advisors from the "coalition of the willing" countries and Ukraine will meet on January 3 in Ukraine. After that, a meeting at the level of leaders will take place in France on January 6.
Ursula von der Leyen held talks with European leaders on support, security and reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the country's accession to the EU.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that "peace is on the horizon" after leaders' talks on Ukraine. The US is ready to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine, including the presence of American troops.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced another round of coordination in the "Berlin format" with the participation of European and Canadian partners. He emphasized the advancement of the peace process and the need for transparency and honesty from all parties, including Russia.
