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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.
After large-scale Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, over 9,000 consumers in Kyiv region remain without electricity. The Ministry of Energy and NEC "Ukrenergo" reported on the implementation of blackout schedules and emergency blackouts on the left bank of Kyiv and in certain districts of Kyiv region.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced 90% agreement on the 20-point peace plan and 100% agreement on security guarantees and the military dimension. This became known after a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who estimated the plan's agreement at 95%.
Negotiations between the US and Ukrainian presidents focus on security guarantees and territories.
According to a US official, "Trump is ready to present US-backed security guarantees to Congress," calling the package the "platinum standard" of what Washington can offer Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump went to play golf in Palm Beach before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump on December 28. Topics of discussion will include Ukraine's security, receiving 100 billion dollars for the country's reconstruction, and more.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia demonstrates a desire to continue the war and will not stop, despite any agreements. Peace is a priority for Ukraine, but this requires the support of the world.
As of 3:00 PM, over 500,000 consumers in Kyiv and the region are without power due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. In Chernihiv region, over 22,000 subscribers remain without electricity.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, reacted to the death of RDK commander Denis Kapustin. Kovalenko noted that the real Russian opposition is fighting against Putin's regime, unlike those who hold rallies and forums in Europe.
President Zelenskyy stated that meetings between the Ukrainian and American teams helped the US understand many details regarding security guarantees. He emphasized that Ukraine seeks peace, while Russia demonstrates a desire to continue the war.
President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is developing a step-by-step plan for the implementation of all peace initiatives. It includes bilateral negotiations on security guarantees with the US and Europe, discussions on the military dimension, and a recovery plan.
The head of the Swiss armed forces, Thomas Süssli, stated that the country is not ready for large-scale military threats and can only counter cyberattacks. Only a third of soldiers would be equipped in an emergency.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has left for the US, but before that he will visit Canada. There he will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney for an online meeting with European leaders.
The Greek coast guard rescued 460 migrants off the island of Crete. Among those rescued were women and children, who were taken to port for medical assistance.
Europe's highest volcano, Mount Etna, is once again erupting incandescent material and ash, with activity recorded in the northeast crater and the Bocca Nuova crater. Some volcanic ash has fallen on Taormina and the ski resort of Piano Provenzana.
Tonight, Russia attacked Ukraine with almost 500 drones and 40 missiles, including Kinzhals, with Kyiv being the main target. As a result of the attack, there were hits, residential buildings were damaged, and there was no electricity and heating in some areas of the capital and the region.
President Zelenskyy discussed with his Finnish counterpart Stubb preparations for talks in the US, including a 20-point document and a recovery plan. The Ukrainian and American teams have made significant progress in developing security guarantees and an economic development strategy.
The presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, will meet in Florida to discuss a peace plan. Most elements of the agreement, including security guarantees, have already been agreed upon between Ukraine and the US, and the Russians have agreed that a ceasefire is needed for a referendum.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party, advocated for the deployment of European troops, including the Bundeswehr, in Ukraine under European symbols. He criticized the scenario where peace would be exclusively ensured by American troops and noted that Putin is not ready for peace.
Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, leaving subscribers in Donetsk, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions without power. Due to constant attacks, electricity consumption restriction schedules are applied in almost all regions of Ukraine.
Russians plan to create tourist sites, so-called "places of military glory," in the occupied Donbas and attract investments there for "tourism development. "
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representatives of President Trump. Significant details of work and ideas for achieving lasting peace were discussed.
Mykola Leontovych's score of "Shchedryk" has been exhibited at New York's Carnegie Hall. This became possible after the facsimile was transferred to the Carnegie Hall archive.
The head of Ireland's defense and foreign policy departments has refuted a statement by the Military Intelligence Service (IMIS) that China is "hostile. " The minister emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and warned of the risks of isolating Beijing ahead of his upcoming trade mission.
US Democratic senators have urged Donald Trump not to recall nearly 30 career ambassadors, warning of a threat to national security. They believe this would create a vacuum that Russia and China would fill, leaving more than 100 embassies without leadership.
The Russian ruble has strengthened by 45% since the beginning of the year, trading at around 78 rubles per dollar, which is the strongest growth since 1994. This poses a threat to the country's war economy, despite falling oil prices and new sanctions.
According to Flightradar, Santa has already visited Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Sweden. He continues his journey across Europe.
The Hungarian Prime Minister believes that Brussels allegedly "does not want peace between Russia and Ukraine. "
