Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced slow but steady progress in the negotiation process with the United States on Ukraine. This comes against the backdrop of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's publication of 20 points of a "basic document on ending the war."
The Kremlin believes it can gain more by continuing hostilities while using negotiations as a foreign policy tool. Russian dictator Putin insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the exclusion of Ukraine's possibility of NATO membership.
Declassified transcripts of conversations between Putin and Bush have been released, in which the Russian leader openly opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO, warning of conflict. He considered Ukraine an artificial state and its entry into the Alliance a threat to Russia.
ISW analysts believe that the Kremlin will have to compromise on its demands that are incompatible with the peace plan. Russia is not interested in a compromise-based settlement, as evidenced by its constant references to the 2024 demands.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stripped Sofiia Lyskyn and Oleksandra Sendziuk of presidential scholarships. This decision was made after Lyskyn announced her renunciation of Ukrainian citizenship and her intention to represent Russia.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have regained control over most of Kupiansk, pushing the occupiers to the northeastern outskirts. Russian Z-channels report on the critical condition of their units, and the Center for Countering Disinformation confirmed the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Cherkasy Mayor Anatoliy Bondarenko reported that Russian troops shelled the local cemetery and the Alley of Heroes. As a result of the attack, monuments were damaged.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas, emphasizing that Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date, as one big family. He noted that everyone has one dream - peace and victory, as well as the day when everyone will gather at home in the first peaceful year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the Pope's disappointment over Russia's refusal of a Christmas truce. He noted that Russia not only rejected the proposal to stop the killings but also launched a massive missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian energy system.
China may be interested in the continuation of the war, as it weakens Russia and exhausts Europe. This allows Beijing to draw individual European countries into its dependence through investments.
Russia views the US 20-point peace plan as a starting point, demanding more restrictions on Ukraine's military forces and guarantees regarding NATO. Ukraine and the US have disagreements on territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but negotiations are nearing completion.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a number of draft laws concerning economy and defense. Among them are the creation of financial inclusion banks, the extension of special operating rules for "Pivdenmash", and the introduction of bank taxation.
President Zelenskyy reported a correlation between Chinese satellite imagery of Ukraine's territory and Russian strikes on energy facilities. Ukraine views this as a factor prolonging the war.
President Zelenskyy received a report from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, on Russian attempts to circumvent sanctions and the deployment of "Oreshnik" complexes in Belarus. The report also covered the state of Russian military production and cooperation with Chinese companies that provide space intelligence data.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed bills No. 14169 and No. 14170, which expand tax benefits for the import of defense goods and simplify customs procedures. This applies to components for drones, demining machines, and other products for the modernization and repair of weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to withdraw Ukrainian troops from parts of eastern Donetsk Oblast to create a demilitarized zone. This is a potential condition for peace talks, although Russia has not shown willingness to withdraw its troops.
The Kremlin will formulate its position based on the information received and will continue contacts, Putin's spokesman said.
Ukraine and the US have disagreements on territorial issues and the status of the Zaporizhzhia NPP in peace talks. Zelenskyy reported on the state of affairs regarding elections and EU accession.
President Zelenskyy has called for a meeting with US President Trump to resolve sensitive issues of a future peace agreement with Russia, such as territorial control. The Ukrainian and American delegations have come closer to finalizing a 20-point negotiation plan.
The United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Matthew Whitaker, added that Russia has never been willing to acknowledge the loss of millions of its troops.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has for the first time unveiled 20 points of a "basic document on ending the war. "
The US wants to reach a final agreement on ending Russia's war against Ukraine, President Zelenskyy said. Kyiv is in constant contact with the US and expects further cooperation, working on realistic documents.
President Zelenskyy stated that new direct support programs for Ukrainian citizens will be implemented in 2026. Almost 18 million Ukrainians have applied for this year's winter support.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They discussed the decision on 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine for 2026-2027, adopted on December 19.
President Zelenskyy received a detailed report from Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov following meetings with the American team in Miami. Draft documents have been prepared regarding security guarantees, reconstruction, and a basic framework for ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's massive attack, which included over 650 drones and 30 missiles aimed at energy and civilian infrastructure. Three people were killed, and at least 13 regions were hit.
As of early December 2025, official delegations led by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy have made over 50 foreign visits. The accounting of expenses for their organization is not kept separately, and information about the preparation of visits is restricted.
According to the US President, negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine are proceeding normally. Trump noted that "everyone is tired of this war, it has to stop."
The Milan prosecutor's office concluded that 21 alleged cases of Russian drones flying over the European Joint Research Centre (JRC) were a technical error. The security system of the JRC nuclear site produced false positives due to a common GSM signal booster.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed to prepare proposals for new approaches to holidays. He noted that the war has brought changes, and some dates need to be streamlined.
