New year drone strike kills 24 in Russian-occupied Ukraine, Moscow says

On December 28, 2025, day 1,403 of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine using nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles, killing at least two people in Kyiv and the surrounding region and wounding 46 others. The strikes targeted energy and civilian infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and heating disruptions in Kyiv. As a result, Poland temporarily closed two airports due to the strikes. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted 11 drones near Moscow, leading to temporary airspace restrictions at two airports. Russia also reported intercepting over 100 Ukrainian drones across six regions and claimed its forces captured five towns in the Donetsk region. The attacks occurred as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was en route to meet with U.S. President Trump to discuss a plan to end the nearly four-year war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of sabotaging peace talks and planning attacks on Kyiv government buildings after the Kremlin claimed Ukraine attacked Vladimir Putin's residence with drones. Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as a lie, anticipating a scandal following his meeting with Donald Trump, where they discussed a peace plan. Sergei Lavrov stated Russia would review its negotiating position and retaliate against Ukraine, claiming 91 drones were shot down and accusing Ukraine of "state terrorism." Zelenskyy said the US offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years, subject to votes in both countries' parliaments, but the future of the Donbas region remains unresolved. He emphasized the need for international monitors to ensure security in a postwar Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss a revised 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia. The proposal, developed by Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators, includes security guarantees for Ukraine, but disagreements remain over the Donbas region and a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. Zelensky has expressed doubts about Russia's commitment to peace, citing recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and rejected ceasefire proposals. Analysts believe Russian President Putin, emboldened by battlefield gains, is unlikely to accept the proposal and will stick to demands for territorial concessions and limitations on Ukraine's sovereignty. Zelensky aims to demonstrate his commitment to Trump's peace efforts.

A top aide to Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov, criticized European and Ukrainian amendments to a US proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, stating they do not improve prospects for peace. This statement follows talks in Florida between US and Russian officials regarding the US plan. The US-drafted proposals, leaked last month, raised concerns among European and Ukrainian negotiators who fear they favor Russia's demands. US officials have been holding talks in Miami with European and Ukrainian officials to discuss the US plan, a multilateral security guarantee framework, a US security guarantee framework for Ukraine, and rebuilding Ukraine's economy. Discussions have focused on timelines and security guarantees.

The US and Ukraine have developed a joint peace plan to end the war, with Ukraine securing concessions from an earlier US draft. The plan involves a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine with mutual troop pullbacks, and Ukraine foregoing NATO membership in exchange for US-European security guarantees. It also calls for Russian withdrawal from several regions, with international troops monitoring the contact line. Details have been sent to Putin via an envoy, and the Kremlin is formulating its response, though refusing to comment publicly. Key sticking points remain, including Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede territory in Donbas and renounce NATO aspirations. The US negotiators are expected to contact the Kremlin soon.

In Miami, US and Russian officials met on December 21, 2025, to discuss the war in Ukraine. The talks involved Russian President Putin's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, and US President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Dmitriev described the discussions as "constructive" and stated they would continue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated he might join the talks, noting progress has been made but differences remain, particularly regarding territory and security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy supports the US-led negotiations but urges increased pressure on Russia to end the war. Trump's envoys have been negotiating a 20-point peace plan with Ukrainian, Russian, and European officials for weeks.

Overnight Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv, Ukraine, damaging infrastructure and causing casualties. In response, Poland scrambled fighter jets to secure its airspace along the Ukrainian border as a preventative measure. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated Russia is attempting to inflict more pain on Ukraine and does not want to end the war, pointing to the nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles directed at Kyiv. Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss peace talks. Thousands in Kyiv are without power and heating due to the strikes. Russia's defense ministry claims its air defenses destroyed seven Ukrainian drones overnight.

Donald Trump claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not yet ready to accept a US-authored peace proposal to end the war with Russia, despite his team's positive reception. This follows three days of negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials in Florida that concluded without a breakthrough. Zelenskyy described the discussions as "constructive, although not easy." The US is reportedly in the final stages of reaching an agreement, following the Gaza ceasefire, but neither Ukraine nor Russia has publicly signaled willingness to sign the framework. While Trump believes Russia is amenable to the deal, Putin has expressed reservations about certain aspects. Zelenskyy maintains that American representatives are aware of Ukraine's fundamental positions, with unresolved disputes remaining over security guarantees and occupied territories.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on December 11, 2025, that the United States is proposing a "free economic zone" in the Kyiv-held parts of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, suggesting a troop withdrawal as a buffer between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Zelenskyy clarified that any territorial concessions would require a referendum in Ukraine. He noted Russia refers to the area as a "demilitarized zone." Zelenskyy is facing increasing pressure from the US to reach a deal with Russia, with a potential agreement sought by Christmas. Key points of contention remain control of the Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Tuesday to discuss humanitarian aid, prayers for peace, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Zelenskyy invited the Pope to visit Ukraine as a sign of support. The meeting occurred amid diplomatic efforts with the United States to achieve peace and followed Zelenskyy's meetings with leaders in London and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Ukraine is seeking international backing as it resists pressure from Washington to accept a ceasefire proposal viewed as favoring Moscow, particularly regarding Russia's demand for territorial concessions. The meeting took place at St Peter's Basilica, where Zelenskyy and US President Trump were previously pictured together.

Russia launched a major drone and missile attack across Ukraine overnight, injuring eight people and targeting power stations, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which temporarily lost power. The attack, involving 653 drones and 51 missiles, occurred as U.S. and Ukrainian delegations held talks in Florida to find a path towards peace. Ukrainian forces reported shooting down 585 drones and 30 missiles, while also claiming to have struck Russia's Ryazan Oil Refinery. French President Macron condemned the attacks and plans to meet with Zelenskyy and other European leaders to discuss the situation. The U.S. readout of the talks emphasized the need for a ceasefire and de-escalation to enable Ukraine's redevelopment.

On December 8, 2025, the 1,383rd day of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian attacks on the Kharkiv region killed at least four people and injured ten others, also hitting the Pechenihy reservoir dam. Additional attacks resulted in two more deaths in Sloviansk and the Chernihiv region. President Zelenskyy reported over 650 drones and 51 missiles were launched overnight, targeting energy infrastructure and causing widespread outages in Kremenchuk. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed its forces seized the villages of Kucherivka and Rivne, and shot down 172 Ukrainian drones and four missiles. Zelenskyy described his conversation with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on a peace plan as constructive. Outgoing US envoy Keith Kellogg stated a deal to end the war was close, with negotiations continuing over the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami concluded without a breakthrough. President Zelenskyy, committed to peace, will now meet with European leaders in London, including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz, to discuss peace negotiations and potential peacekeeping forces. Macron condemned Russia's actions and emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia launched a combined air strike on Kremenchuk, targeting infrastructure and causing outages. Russia also launched over 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure like energy sites and railways. The IAEA announced that the protective shield over the Chornobyl nuclear reactor is no longer functioning after being hit by a drone in February.

Donald Trump has criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not holding elections in Ukraine, suggesting the country is losing its democratic status. Zelenskyy responded that he is ready to hold elections if the US and Europe can ensure security. However, the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during wartime, and Russia's full-scale invasion continues. Trump's remarks echo Russian talking points, as Putin has long questioned Zelenskyy's legitimacy. Trump's proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which involves ceding land to Russia, is seen as aligning with Moscow's interests. The feasibility of holding elections during the ongoing conflict remains a significant challenge.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine could hold elections, reversing his previous stance due to martial law. He seeks security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe to ensure safe elections within 60-90 days, and has asked lawmakers to create a legal framework for elections during martial law. This shift follows criticism from Donald Trump, who accused Zelenskyy of avoiding elections and jeopardizing Ukraine's democracy. Trump also claimed Zelenskyy was uninformed about peace talks and a White House peace proposal. Zelenskyy affirmed his administration is working on steps to end the war, and that the Ukrainian and European components are now more developed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he is open to holding wartime elections in Ukraine within months, contingent on approval from the Ukrainian parliament and support from foreign allies. This announcement follows criticism from Donald Trump, who questioned the state of Ukrainian democracy and implied Zelenskyy was holding onto power. Zelenskyy responded by emphasizing that the decision regarding elections rests with the Ukrainian people, not external actors. The potential elections would occur during the ongoing war, requiring logistical and security considerations. The timing and feasibility of the elections remain uncertain, pending further developments and agreements.

In December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated a more positive outlook on a revised U.S. peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy's comments followed discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The plan, originally developed during the Trump administration, has undergone revisions. Zelenskyy's statement suggests the updated version is more agreeable to Ukraine, though specific details of the revisions were not provided. The goal of the plan remains to establish peace between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a "constructive" call with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding a potential peace deal with Russia, focusing on guarantees for Russian adherence to any agreement. Ukrainian officials are also engaged in ongoing talks in Miami concerning US efforts to broker peace. Simultaneously, Russia continues heavy bombardments within Ukraine, targeting infrastructure and energy facilities. European leaders, including French President Macron, are expressing solidarity with Ukraine and working towards de-escalation and a ceasefire. Macron, along with Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Starmer, and German Chancellor Merz, will meet in London to discuss Ukraine's post-war security and a potential European peacekeeping force, an idea Russia rejects.

Emmanuel Macron denied any "mistrust" between Europe and the US regarding Ukraine, despite a report in Der Spiegel alleging he warned of potential US betrayal in a private call with European leaders. The report cited a leaked summary of the call where Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubts about US negotiation efforts between Ukraine and Russia, specifically mentioning a 28-point proposal from Washington that lacked input from European allies. Macron stated that unity between the US and Europe is essential and welcomed US peace efforts. The denial comes as European leaders work to secure financing for Ukraine and as Trump's advisors and Ukrainian officials meet to discuss a postwar security framework. The alleged leak risked angering Trump and complicated efforts to salvage financial aid for Ukraine.

In December 2025, peace negotiations between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida concluded without a breakthrough due to Russia's unwillingness to pursue genuine peace. Simultaneously, Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying over 700 drones and missiles. The attacks targeted energy facilities and critical infrastructure across the country, wounding at least eight people and temporarily severing power to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Ukraine reported intercepting a significant portion of the drones and missiles, while Russia claimed to have successfully hit military-industrial targets. The ongoing conflict and the latest attacks highlight the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution.

Amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified territorial integrity as the primary obstacle in peace negotiations. This statement followed a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Simultaneously, Russian attacks continue within Ukraine, with a recent missile strike on Dnipro resulting in at least four fatalities. These events occurred on December 1, 2025, as reported by Al Jazeera. The United States is also involved in discussions, with Senator Rubio describing US-Ukraine talks as "productive" yet "complicated." The article highlights the difficulty in achieving a resolution while military actions persist.