United States
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that peace talks in Russia's war against Ukraine are still far from over. He considers the US statement about participating in security guarantees for Ukraine a success.
The teams from Ukraine and the US have made significant progress in developing a peace framework, security guarantees, and the sequence of further steps. An agreement has been reached to continue consultations and prepare for the next stages of dialogue, including leaders' meetings in Washington in January.
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to rebuild trust and strengthen a ceasefire following border clashes. The talks took place in China, where foreign ministers discussed the border situation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The meeting comes amid fears of renewed regional fighting and criticism from Arab partners regarding Israeli strikes.
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 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 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 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 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.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not agree to a referendum due to the need for a 60-day ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed with the United States on security guarantees, which must be supported by the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament, and also plans bilateral agreements with European countries, which will be confirmed by the European Parliament.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that martial law would be lifted only after Ukraine receives security guarantees. And it will also require the consent of the army command.
President Zelenskyy announced that the US would provide Ukraine with security guarantees for 15 years with the possibility of extension. He discussed with the American president the desire to extend the term of the guarantees to 30-50 years.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held telephone conversations with the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, discussing the peace process and security guarantees. She emphasized the importance of partner unity and Russia's responsibility in the negotiations.
China has launched live-fire military exercises around Taiwan after the US announced a major arms package for the island. The exercises, dubbed "Mission Justice-2025," involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, serving as a "stern warning" against separatist forces.
Talks between Trump and Zelenskyy could pave the way for Zelenskyy's first call with Putin in over five years. This would be a diplomatic victory for Trump, who is considered the most successful mediator.
US President Donald Trump said that Russia would not agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine had to hold a referendum on parts of a peace agreement.
On December 28, two helicopters collided near Hammonton Municipal Airport in the US. One pilot was killed, and another sustained serious injuries.
The US President said that these Americans died "in a foreign war" and that he was "ashamed. "
The President of Finland reported on negotiations in the US involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European leaders, including Macron and von der Leyen. The discussions lasted over an hour, focusing on concrete steps to end the war and achieve lasting peace.
The President of the European Commission announced significant progress in peace talks, emphasizing the importance of reliable security guarantees. She held talks with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders, where peace agreements were discussed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a full agreement on the peace plan might be reached in January 2026, while Donald Trump expects it within a few weeks. The plan is 90-95% agreed upon, with security guarantees and the military dimension being 100% agreed.
Donald Trump stated that after a previous conversation with Russian President Putin, the parties discussed all key issues in detail. This happened after negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where details were also discussed.
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%.
After talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump named the European leaders with whom they communicated. He also recognized the war in Ukraine as the largest since World War II.
Donald Trump announced that after negotiations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the parties "came very close" to a peace plan. The meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents lasted more than two hours.
On December 27 and 28, severe snowstorms swept across the US and a number of European countries, leading to fatalities in Sweden and thousands of flight delays in the United States. Storm Johannes left hundreds of thousands of people without power in Scandinavia, and 11 centimeters of snow fell in New York.