Trump spurns Kremlin’s Putin residence attack claim, Russia kills 2 in Kyiv

In December 2025, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Florida to discuss ending the war with Russia. Both leaders expressed optimism about progress towards a peace plan. However, they acknowledged remaining challenges, specifically regarding the status of the Donbas region, which Russia has annexed. The leaders indicated that resolving the Donbas issue is crucial for achieving a lasting peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The meeting aimed to address these "thorny issues" and further advance negotiations.

Following a meeting in Florida, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Donald Trump indicated the U.S. would consider providing Ukraine with security guarantees lasting for decades. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's desire for guarantees spanning 30, 40, or even 50 years, an extension of the 15-year term currently proposed. Trump confirmed he discussed security assurances with Zelenskyy and wants to work with Europe to assist Ukraine, suggesting Europe would take on a significant portion of the responsibility with U.S. support. Zelenskyy stated that Trump confirmed details developed by negotiating teams regarding security guarantees and that they would be put to a vote by the United States Congress. The White House has not yet commented on the meeting.

Russia threatened to toughen its stance on ending the war in Ukraine, citing an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a residence of President Putin on Monday, December 29, 2025. Ukraine denied the attack, accusing the Kremlin of fabricating a pretext to undermine peace talks mediated by the Trump administration. The alleged attack occurred in the Novgorod region. President Trump, who met with President Zelensky and spoke with President Putin, expressed concern but lacked independent confirmation of the attack. Russia stated it would revise its position on previous agreements due to the incident, demanding understanding from the United States.

On December 30, 2025, Russia accused Ukraine of attacking a presidential residence in Novgorod with 91 drones, claiming the incident aimed to derail peace negotiations. Ukraine denies the attack, calling it a fabrication by Moscow to justify further aggression and undermine diplomatic efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated the alleged attack would lead to a tougher Russian negotiating stance. Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha dismissed Russia's claims as false, highlighting Russia's history of spreading misinformation. The accusations and counteraccusations have created a tense atmosphere, threatening the already fragile peace process between the two countries.

Following a trip to the U.S. in late December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have strengthened his position with President Trump regarding the Gaza ceasefire. Despite reports of U.S. frustration over Netanyahu's perceived slow implementation of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Trump praised Netanyahu and stated Israel had fully adhered to the plan. The agreement stipulates a transition to a second phase involving negotiations for a governing "board of peace" and an international security force after a full exchange of captives and aid delivery. However, Netanyahu is reportedly delaying the transition by restricting aid and insisting on the return of the final captive's body, as well as demanding Hamas disarm before Israel withdraws, a condition Hamas rejects.

In December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied allegations from Moscow that Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence in Novgorod. Zelenskyy refuted the claim shortly after it was made public. He accused Russia of attempting to undermine potential peace negotiations between the two countries. The denial came a day after Zelenskyy met with then US President Donald Trump. The purpose of the alleged attack and Russia's motivations for making the claim remain unclear.