Zelenskyy encouraged by 'very good' Christmas talks with US

On December 18, 2025, Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia's Rostov region, resulting in three deaths and damage to infrastructure. The attack occurred as EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss a plan to release 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged the EU to approve the plan to deter Russia from continuing the war, emphasizing the need for sustained support for Ukraine. The EU summit is considered a crucial test of Europe's commitment to Ukraine, especially amid calls from the US for a swift resolution to the conflict. The proposed plan aims to provide financial stability to Ukraine over the next two years.

Ukraine is secretly increasing its domestic arms production, including the new Flamingo cruise missile with a range of up to 3,000km, designed for deep strikes against Russia. The BBC was granted access to a hidden Fire Point factory, where the missiles are assembled, highlighting the importance of dispersed production due to previous Russian strikes. President Zelensky states that Ukraine now produces over 50% of its weapons, with almost its entire long-range arsenal being domestically made. The Flamingo missile, already used in combat, provides Ukraine with a deep-strike capability that Western nations have been hesitant to supply. Fire Point's chief technical officer, Iryna Terekh, leads the effort to manufacture these weapons, despite the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for an underwater drone strike on a Russian Kilo-class submarine docked in Novorossiysk, Russia. The SBU stated the "Sub Sea Baby" drone critically damaged the submarine, which is equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles. The attack, a joint operation with the Ukrainian Navy, marks the first known underwater drone strike. The Novorossiysk base has become a refuge for Russia's fleet amid increased Ukrainian strikes on Sevastopol. While Russia denied any damage, Ukraine asserts the submarine was forced to remain in Novorossiysk due to previous Ukrainian operations. The strike occurred as Russia continues drone and missile attacks on Ukraine and as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with U.S. officials to discuss security guarantees.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told the BBC that Donald Trump's pressure on NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of their economic output is his "biggest foreign policy success," strengthening the alliance. Rutte's comments come amid warnings that Russia could attack NATO allies within five years, though Putin dismissed these concerns as "nonsense." Putin reiterated that Russia's goals in Ukraine would be achieved, preferably through diplomacy, but by military means if necessary. Rutte also criticized Putin's pursuit of regaining access to Ukraine, which has resulted in significant casualties. He praised Trump's efforts to find an end to the war, including US envoys negotiating a peace plan that involves ceding territory to Russia and providing security guarantees to Ukraine.

In December 2025, Vladimir Putin dismissed Western calls to prepare for war with Russia as "hysteria," while reaffirming Moscow's intent to achieve its objectives in Ukraine. His comments came as the EU considers using frozen Russian assets, totaling 210 billion euros, to fund Ukraine's economic and military needs. EU leaders are meeting to discuss using these assets to underwrite a 90 billion euro "reparations loan" for Ukraine, despite some member concerns about the legal basis and potential retaliation from Moscow. Putin stated Russia prefers diplomatic solutions but is prepared to use military means to liberate historical lands if necessary. The EU aims to reach an agreement on funding Ukraine for the next two years.

In December 2025, US President Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine was near, following talks in Berlin involving Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, European leaders, and US diplomats. The discussions centered on security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for potentially dropping its NATO ambition, a key justification Russia used for its 2022 invasion. European leaders emphasized that significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding territorial issues. The Berlin meetings included discussions of a European-led "multinational force Ukraine" supported by the US, which would operate within Ukraine to rebuild its forces and secure its skies. Zelenskyy stressed the need for clear security guarantees and effective ceasefire monitoring before any decisions on territorial control are made. Experts remain skeptical about an imminent ceasefire deal.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that peace proposals negotiated with US officials could be finalized within days, after which the US would present them to Russia. The proposals include legally binding security guarantees, potentially mirroring NATO's Article 5, pending a US Congress vote. While US officials claim significant progress in resolving issues, the absence of Russia from these talks raises doubts about a swift resolution. The Kremlin stated it has not seen the details of the proposals and opposes NATO troops operating in Ukraine under any circumstances. Despite some European leaders expressing optimism, the primary aim of the talks may be to maintain US support for Ukraine, particularly with a potential change in US administration.

During a speech to the Dutch parliament, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned against rewarding Russia for its aggression in any potential peace deal, emphasizing that every detail matters and that Russia should be held accountable for its actions. He stated that Russia has committed numerous crimes against humanity and should not be treated as a respectable partner without accountability. Zelenskyy expressed hope that his next address to the parliament would be to celebrate a peace that has been achieved. His remarks followed "intense and focused" talks with US counterparts in Germany. Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that a Christmas truce proposed by Ukraine is contingent on reaching a broader peace agreement, as Russia aims to achieve its goals.

In December 2025, 35 countries signed a treaty in The Hague establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The commission, coordinated by the Council of Europe, will assess and decide on reparations claims against Russia for damages caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. This initiative follows the creation of a Register of Damages two years prior, which has already received over 80,000 claims. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that holding Russia accountable is crucial for achieving peace. The launch coincides with intensified peace talks and a US-led diplomatic push to end the war, with discussions focusing on utilizing frozen Russian assets and member contributions to fund reparations. Details on payment methods are still under development.

European leaders are working to finalize a funding plan for Ukraine as the United States accelerates efforts to end the war. The plan aims to bolster Ukraine's position in negotiations and ensure Europe has a voice in the peace process. A key meeting on Thursday will determine if European leaders can agree to use frozen Russian assets to back a loan for Ukraine, funding the war and the government for the next two years. Obstacles remain, particularly with Belgium's doubts, threatening to expose disunity instead of strength. The outcome of this meeting is crucial as it coincides with intense diplomatic efforts, including negotiations between Ukraine and the U.S., to bridge differences in peace proposals.

On December 15, 2025, high-level talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war are set to resume in Berlin, Germany. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after initial talks on Sunday. These discussions are part of increased diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, which has seen recent drone attacks by both countries. European leaders are also scheduled to hold meetings in Berlin throughout the day. The talks aim to build on previous discussions and find a path towards de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. and European leaders in Berlin on Monday, December 15, 2025, for a second day of high-level peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The meetings follow discussions between Zelensky, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Sunday. Other European leaders, including those from Britain, France, and NATO, were scheduled to join Zelensky later Monday. The talks aim to bridge divides between the U.S. and Europe regarding concessions Ukraine should make to Russia for a ceasefire, with the U.S. proposing territorial concessions. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine would suspend its NATO aspirations in exchange for strong U.S. security guarantees. Russia was not expected to send representatives to the talks.

Ukraine-US talks are continuing in Berlin after initial negotiations on Sunday, with a subsequent mini-summit planned involving several European leaders, EU, and NATO officials. The meetings aim to address key issues related to the conflict, including potential Ukrainian territorial concessions and security guarantees, as Ukraine reportedly signals a willingness to drop NATO ambitions. The discussions precede a crucial European Council summit in Brussels, where the proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine will be debated. Several countries, including the Czech Republic, have expressed reservations about the funding plan. These meetings are considered a critical juncture for the EU's role in influencing the resolution of the Ukraine war.

Ukraine claimed its underwater drones critically damaged a Russian Kilo-class submarine docked in a Black Sea port near Novorossiysk on Monday, marking the first acknowledged use of this new Ukrainian weapon. The submarine, equipped with Kalibr cruise missile launchers, was targeted in an operation by the Security Service and Navy. Russia confirmed the attack but denied any damage to the submarine. The Ukrainian Security Service identified the drones as "Sub Sea Baby" type. The strike occurred as President Zelensky met with U.S. negotiators and European leaders to discuss peace proposals, seemingly to reinforce Ukraine's ability to fight. Concurrently, Ukraine also launched a large-scale aerial drone operation targeting a gas processing plant in Russia.

In December 2025, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Russian Kilo-class submarine located in the port of Novorossiysk. The SBU stated that the attack, carried out by Sea Baby drones, caused critical damage to the submarine, effectively disabling it. The submarine, according to the SBU, was equipped with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers used to strike Ukrainian territory. The announcement came amid diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, with Ukraine seeking to demonstrate its ability to inflict damage on Russia. A Ukrainian navy spokesperson called the attack a turning point in the naval battle between the two countries. Russia has not yet commented on the claim.

In Berlin, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled a potential shift in his country's stance, offering to drop Ukraine's ambition to join NATO in exchange for security guarantees from the West. This concession, made during five hours of talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, addresses a key Russian demand and aims to end the ongoing conflict. The discussions, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, covered a 20-point peace plan and economic agendas. While details remain undisclosed, Witkoff indicated "a lot of progress was made." Zelenskyy emphasized that legally binding security guarantees from the US, Europe, and other nations could prevent future Russian invasions. Russia has repeatedly demanded Ukraine renounce its NATO aspirations and cede territory.

On December 14, 2025, day 1,389 of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting intensified with attacks on both sides. A Ukrainian drone strike on Saratov, Russia, killed two and injured others, while Russia retaliated with hypersonic missile strikes on Ukrainian industrial and energy facilities. A large Russian overnight attack on Odesa, Ukraine, left over a million households without power, impacting Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions. Ukraine accused Russia of attacking a Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost all offsite power for the 12th time due to military activity.