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.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War found no video footage or local reports of a possible Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence in the Novgorod region. The circumstances of this alleged attack do not match the pattern of observed evidence of Ukrainian strikes on Russia.
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.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that Russia's appetites in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine are too great, and the Kremlin's lack of reaction indicates Moscow's unwillingness to end the war. He noted that the United States has leverage, but Moscow's appetites are currently "exorbitant."
The spokesman for the Russian dictator refused to provide evidence of a UAV attack on the residence of the Russian leader, calling it an "insane claim. " He urged to "take the Kremlin's word for it," stating that Russia's position on ending the war in Ukraine would become "more rigid."
European leaders will meet on Tuesday at 11:00 AM to discuss the situation in Ukraine. This conversation is part of high-level diplomatic talks that have been ongoing since November.
Polish President Karol Navrotsky emphasized the unreliability of Russians during a conversation with Donald Trump. This happened after his first official meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Warsaw.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian advance of 3,000 kilometers over the past year cost Russia hundreds of thousands of casualties. He noted that the number of mobilized in Russia now equals irreversible losses, indicating a halt in the growth of the Russian army.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that without weapons from the United States, Ukraine would not be able to win the war, especially in air defense. He emphasized that Russian forces are massively using drones and missiles, and the available air defense systems are insufficient for complete protection.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he does not trust Putin and sees no signs of his desire for peace, as Russia continues its attacks. He emphasized that pressure on Russia from the United States is necessary for peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions contradicts the law and public opinion. The issue of territories remains a key disagreement in peace talks, despite 90% agreement on a 20-point plan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukrainians residing in Russia should participate in voting in Ukraine's presidential elections. He claims that the mandate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expired in May 2024.
Ukrainian and American delegations prepared a package of solutions for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic growth on December 28. It includes financing, investment mechanisms, reforms, and cooperation with American businesses.
The Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine initiative announced the successful evacuation of a group of children from the temporarily occupied territories. Among those rescued are teenagers with congenital disabilities, former territorial defense fighters, and those who were forcibly attempted to be mobilized into the Russian army.
US President Donald Trump said that Vladimir Putin told him about an attack on his residence, noting that he did not like it. Trump was unaware of the attack, and Putin informed him about it in the morning.
President Zelenskyy, after a conversation with Finnish President Stubb, emphasized the importance of real information for global intelligence agencies. He noted that Russia is spreading fakes to justify attacks on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, thanking him for his support. Zelenskyy informed him about his meeting with Trump and his work with the American team, and also invited Rinkēvičs to visit Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump about the alleged drone attack on his residence in the Novgorod region. According to Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the head of the Kremlin, Trump "was shocked" by the news.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The results of the meeting with President Trump and the Russian fake, which is trying to disrupt diplomacy, were discussed.
The White House said Trump had a "positive conversation" with Putin on Ukraine. Details are not yet known.
President Zelenskyy called Ukraine's attack on Putin's residence a lie, noting that Russia is preparing strikes on Kyiv and government buildings. He urged people to be vigilant, as there could be strikes on the capital.
Negotiations between Zelenskyy and Trump in Miami did not yield decisions on key issues such as territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but Trump is ready to present security guarantees for Ukraine to Congress. This is the only serious breakthrough that could become an international treaty, not a political commitment.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed on further contacts and steps with US President's Special Representative Steve Witkoff. The conversation took place while Umerov was en route to Ukraine; he is also constantly in touch with European advisors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is interested in receiving reparations from Russia for the restoration of the state. He announced that the issue of funds for reconstruction has already been resolved with the Europeans, and the first 100 billion dollars will arrive in equal tranches over two years.
President Zelenskyy stated that the 20-point plan is 90% complete, with two issues still remaining. These concern the functioning of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the issue of territory.
Brent crude futures rose 2. 1% to $61.91, while WTI gained 2.3% to $58.03. This came amid talks between the Ukrainian and US presidents on ending the war and potential oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.
