Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot be sure of the return of all children abducted by Russia. He emphasized that partners and journalists are raising this issue, and it is very important, because otherwise Russia will do everything to make it forgotten.
President Zelenskyy outlined the stages of peace negotiations: a meeting of advisors in Kyiv, then with European leaders, and the final stage – a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the accelerated pace of negotiations.
President Zelenskyy stated that the negotiation process is not easy, and Ukraine openly rejects proposals that do not meet its interests. This demonstrates the country's independence, for which it is fighting.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the presence of international forces in Ukraine will strengthen the security mechanisms proposed by partners. This will give confidence to citizens, businesses, and investors regarding the absence of repeated aggression by the Russian Federation.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin demonstrates contradictory messages regarding the war, telling the US President about his desire to end it, but publicly declaring its continuation. The Ukrainian side is ready for a meeting, but it is important that the actions and words of the Russian leader coincide.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the absence of a detailed concept for a free economic zone in Donbas, promising public discussion. He also noted that Russia seeks the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas, but Ukraine will act in accordance with its interests.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for parliaments of the Coalition of the Willing countries to ratify security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees must be supported by the US Congress and become part of the plan to end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answered a question about further steps and the possible existence of a "plan B" if Russia rejects proposals at peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements with Donald Trump regarding security guarantees, economic support, and progress on the 20-point plan. An economic support package involving American businesses and a free trade agreement were discussed.
Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that a call between Kremlin head Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is expected "in the near future" following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Peskov also noted that the Kremlin agrees with Trump's assessment that peace in Ukraine has become significantly closer.
President Zelenskyy stated that partners will provide technical monitoring of the ceasefire in Ukraine. He noted that the issue of a free economic zone is currently being discussed, and a demilitarized zone is not yet on the agenda.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on holding a nationwide referendum to approve a peace plan. He noted that Russia's actions indicate a lack of desire for a ceasefire, despite US efforts.