Russia may gain more than lose from a US intervention in Venezuela

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with former US President Trump in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, today for peace talks, marking their first in-person meeting since October. This meeting occurs as Russia intensifies its strikes within Ukraine. Separately, in Kyiv, Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, Nabu and Sapo, raided national parliament offices on Saturday. The raid was prompted by allegations of a new graft probe implicating some Members of Parliament. Nabu accused State Security Department guards of obstructing their investigation, which centers on suspicions that bribes were taken in exchange for votes.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with former US President Trump in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, today for peace talks, marking their first in-person meeting since October. This meeting occurs as Russia intensifies its strikes within Ukraine. Separately, in Kyiv, Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, Nabu and Sapo, raided national parliament offices on Saturday. The raid was prompted by allegations of a new graft probe implicating some Members of Parliament. Nabu accused State Security Department guards of obstructing their investigation, which centers on suspicions that bribes were taken in exchange for votes.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with former US President Trump in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, today for peace talks, marking their first in-person meeting since October. This meeting occurs as Russia intensifies its strikes within Ukraine. Separately, in Kyiv, Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, Nabu and Sapo, raided national parliament offices on Saturday. The raid was prompted by allegations of a new graft probe implicating some Members of Parliament. Nabu accused State Security Department guards of obstructing their investigation, which centers on suspicions that bribes were taken in exchange for votes.

In December 2025, an article analyzes the potential global implications of escalating US threats against Venezuela under President Trump. The author, Leonid Ragozin, suggests Venezuela is becoming a bargaining chip between global superpowers, similar to Ukraine. Despite not being a major power, Venezuela's oil reserves and alliances with China, Iran, and Russia make it strategically important. The article posits that Russia faces both risks and potential gains from the US escalation, particularly given the unexpected thaw in US-Russia relations during Trump's second term. The analysis suggests a global bargain between the US and Russia is more likely than a global war, with Venezuela as a key element.

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.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held separate meetings with Russian, Ukrainian, and European negotiators in Miami on December 21, 2025, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The talks, which also included Jared Kushner, are part of ongoing negotiations based on a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Witkoff described the discussions as "productive and constructive," focusing on a shared strategic approach and timelines for next steps. Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials centered on developing positions on the 20-point plan, a multilateral security guarantee framework, a US security guarantee framework for Ukraine, and an economic plan. Witkoff also stated that Russia remains committed to achieving peace in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and the U.S. are nearing completion of a 20-point framework for security guarantees and economic arrangements intended to support a peace plan. The agreement includes security guarantees involving Ukraine, the U.S., and European partners, with a separate bilateral document for U.S. Congressional review. Zelenskyy stated that key annexes addressing Ukraine's military needs are largely agreed upon, and a draft agreement on Ukraine's recovery has been prepared. Despite progress in talks, Zelenskyy criticized Russia for rejecting a Christmas ceasefire proposal and warned of potential attacks, also confirming the capture of a Ukrainian border village by Russian forces. He cited an air-defense shortfall and urged vigilance, emphasizing that diplomacy has not diminished the immediate military threat from Russia.

On December 22, 2025, the 1,397th day of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting continued with casualties reported in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhia regions due to Russian attacks. Ukraine accused Russia of detaining and deporting residents from the Sumy region. Russia reported Ukrainian drone attacks damaging vessels and infrastructure in the Krasnodar region, while claiming to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones in the past week, including over the Donbas region. Meanwhile, in Miami, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner hosted a third day of peace talks with Ukrainian and European officials, focusing on a shared strategic approach. Witkoff also reported productive meetings with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who affirmed Russia's commitment to peace and appreciation for US efforts.

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.

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.

Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has not yet read the U.S.-proposed peace plan to end the war with Russia, despite his team's positive reception. Trump believes Russia is likely amenable to the plan, but Zelenskyy's stance is uncertain. Zelenskyy confirmed a call with U.S. envoys regarding ending the war and preventing future Russian aggression, awaiting a briefing from his negotiating team. Putin acknowledged productive but challenging negotiations with the U.S., maintaining demands for control of Donbas or Ukrainian troop withdrawal. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with European leaders in London to discuss the peace plan amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz at Downing Street on Monday to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting aims to show support for Ukraine and address US-Ukrainian talks regarding a potential peace deal guaranteeing Ukraine's postwar security. This follows a virtual meeting where a European peacekeeping force was discussed. The US-brokered draft peace deal, initially criticized for favoring Russia, has been amended by Ukraine, though disagreements remain, particularly regarding territorial integrity. Recent Russian attacks have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The meeting occurs as US and Ukrainian officials continue talks in Florida, while Russia has already rejected parts of the proposed plan.

US and Ukrainian negotiators met in Florida for "constructive discussions" regarding a potential peace framework, urging Russia to demonstrate a serious commitment to de-escalation. The talks, also attended by Jared Kushner, follow a meeting between a US envoy and Vladimir Putin in Moscow where "no compromise" was reached. Simultaneously, Russia launched a large-scale attack involving drones and missiles against Ukraine, targeting energy facilities and infrastructure in multiple regions, causing blackouts and damage. Ukraine condemned the attacks, stating they demonstrate Russia's disregard for peace efforts. The negotiators agreed on a security arrangement framework and discussed deterrence capabilities, with further negotiations planned. Ukraine seeks more information about the Moscow meeting and Putin's intentions, expressing concern about prolonging the war.

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, met with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida on Sunday to finalize a peace agreement following talks in Geneva. The meeting aimed to resolve remaining details of the deal, with the goal of ending the war while ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and prosperity. This follows the resignation of Ukraine's top negotiator, Andriy Yermak, and allegations of corruption within Ukraine. Despite these challenges, President Zelenskyy expressed optimism about continued diplomatic efforts, tasking Rustem Umerov with leading the peace framework development. Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow to discuss the updated 19-point peace framework, though Russia has indicated it could reject the deal if it doesn't align with its interests.

In December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his intention to seize Ukraine's Donbas region by force, contradicting reports that he was interested in a peace deal. Speaking to Indian media ahead of a trip to New Delhi, Putin's comments followed talks between US envoys and Kremlin officials in Moscow. Despite these discussions, Putin reiterated Russia's demand for control over the entire Donbas region, comprised of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. These statements contrast with President Trump's assertion that US negotiators believed Putin wanted to end the war. Meanwhile, further talks are planned between US envoys and a top Ukrainian negotiator in Florida. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy maintains that ceding territory is unconstitutional and unacceptable.

Vladimir Putin claimed Russian forces captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials. The announcement came before a meeting in Moscow between Russian officials and a US delegation led by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy, to discuss a potential peace deal. The US delegation, including Jared Kushner, previously met with Ukrainian officials in Florida to discuss revisions to a US-Russia peace plan. Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Russian advances but stated no operations were successful, adding that the revised peace proposal "looks better". Zelenskyy traveled to Ireland for further meetings to bolster European support.

A Russian missile strike on Dnipro, Ukraine, on Monday killed four and injured 40, damaging an office block, cars, and shops. The attack occurred as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks, following a meeting between a Ukrainian delegation and US officials in Florida. Despite these diplomatic efforts, significant differences remain between Russia and Ukraine, particularly regarding territorial concessions and Ukraine's future security arrangements. Volodymyr Zelensky is in Europe seeking support from France and Ireland amid concerns about shifting US positions and European exclusion from negotiations.

A proposed Ukraine peace deal, promoted by the Trump administration and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has stalled due to Russia's unwillingness to compromise. Witkoff and Kushner met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to negotiate a deal that involved pressuring Ukraine to make concessions. Despite the US efforts, the Kremlin rejected the proposal, remaining firm on territorial control and Ukraine's political status. While Kremlin advisors described the talks as productive, media outlets reported the response as a rejection of the US proposal. The negotiations have failed to progress towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Peace talks between the U.S. and Ukraine have entered a productive phase, reportedly after President Zelenskyy sent a new delegation to Florida. According to a former Ukrainian government official, the change in personnel, with Rustem Umerov leading the team, signals a potential shift away from Ukraine's previously "uncompromising" stance. The new delegation, which also included Andrii Hnatov and Andrii Sybiha, met to discuss President Trump's proposed framework for ending the war with Russia. Umerov described the meeting as productive and successful, expressing gratitude for U.S. support and emphasizing the goal of a prosperous Ukraine. The talks follow a leaked transcript alleging a U.S. envoy advised Russian officials on how to present a peace plan to Trump.

In December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidential office, amid a $100 million corruption scandal and Western pressure. Yermak, a former lawyer and close associate of Zelenskyy, had held significant power, influencing appointments and strategic decisions regarding the war with Russia. He was also a key peace negotiator. Yermak's concentration of power and abrasive style had made him a controversial figure. The firing followed months of speculation and an investigation into his alleged involvement in corruption.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed his longtime right-hand man Andriy Yermak as chief of staff amid a corruption investigation. The move removes Yermak from his role as lead negotiator in peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, which are currently underway in the United States. Yermak had played a central role in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and was known for his sharp-elbowed approach to politics. His dismissal has been welcomed by some who accused him of repression and abuse. The change in leadership may lead to sweeping reforms within Ukraine's wartime politics, as Russia seeks to exploit any weaknesses. Ukrainian officials have insisted that the dynamics of the talks will not fundamentally change despite Yermak's departure.

Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has resigned, according to an announcement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Yermak's representation of Ukraine's position in negotiations. The resignation comes after Yermak's home was reportedly raided by anti-corruption investigators. Zelenskyy stated he will hold consultations to appoint a new head of the office. The timing and specific reasons for the resignation, beyond the reported investigation, were not detailed in Zelenskyy's announcement.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff and closest ally, Andriy Yermak, has resigned after Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies conducted searches at his apartment earlier this week. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into a nuclear energy kickback scandal allegedly involving an associate of the Ukrainian president who has fled the country. Yermak had been leading peace negotiations with the US and was seen as a key figure in Kyiv's efforts to retain US support. He submitted his resignation, which will take effect on Saturday, and the office of the president will be reorganized as part of the process. The searches were conducted by Nabu and Sapo agencies at Yermak's home in Kyiv's government quarter. Yermak confirmed that investigators had full access to his apartment and stated there were no obstacles to their work.

Over 600,000 people in Ukraine's Kyiv region lost power on Saturday morning due to overnight Russian missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure. The attacks, which included around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones, targeted military-industrial complex enterprises and energy facilities, resulting in three deaths and dozens of injuries. Power was restored to over 360,000 families after the attacks. Ukraine's Air Force shot down 558 drones and 19 missiles, while Russia's defence ministry claimed a "massive strike" against Ukrainian targets. The strikes occurred as winter approached, with temperatures forecast to fall below freezing in Kyiv on Sunday. Ukraine has targeted Russian energy infrastructure in response to Moscow's attacks, including oil refineries and depots.

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, Russia launched a nearly 10-hour air assault across Ukraine, resulting in casualties and injuries. The attack, involving dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, killed at least two people in Kyiv and one outside the city, while injuring dozens more. The capital, Kyiv, experienced the heaviest fire, with emergency workers responding to fires and tending to the wounded in seven districts. The assault occurred as U.S. officials were expected to hold peace talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials in the coming days, aiming to find a diplomatic resolution to the war. Residents of Kyiv were awakened by prolonged air-raid warnings and experienced damage to their homes.

On November 29, 2025, Ukraine experienced deadly attacks amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The news updates covered these attacks and other developments. A significant event was the resignation of Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian Chief of Staff. His resignation occurred amidst an ongoing corruption probe. The live news page covering these events has now been closed. The updates were broadcast in a video lasting six minutes and forty-six seconds.

In November 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff against accusations of pro-Russia bias after a leaked phone call raised concerns about his neutrality. Putin asserted that Witkoff, appointed by President Trump, was intelligently representing U.S. interests in peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. These negotiations center around a U.S. peace proposal that has been criticized for favoring Russia, particularly concerning the status of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. Putin indicated that while some points of the proposal were acceptable, others, such as the recognition of these territories as Russian, required further discussion. He reiterated Russia's willingness to continue taking Ukrainian territory if an agreement is not reached. Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin again in Moscow to continue discussions.

A revised peace framework for the war in Ukraine is gaining momentum, with the US, Ukraine, and Russia engaging in negotiations. The US is facilitating talks, with special envoys meeting in Moscow and defense leaders consulting with Ukrainian counterparts. Ukraine has reportedly accepted the broad outlines of a deal, though details are still being negotiated. Despite this progress, a major obstacle remains: Russia demands Ukrainian territory, which Ukraine refuses to concede. While some Ukrainian officials see the plan as a workable framework, the territorial dispute and potential sanctions relief for Russia are contentious points. Experts warn that Putin's unwillingness to compromise on land acquisition could ultimately derail the peace process.

President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia are making progress toward a peace agreement, despite finding it difficult to solve. The US Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to engage in talks in Moscow, potentially alongside Jared Kushner. Trump acknowledged that Europe plays a significant role in ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine. He downplayed the administration's 28-point peace plan, describing it as "just a map" and stating that many points were solved favorably. The talks are moving quickly, with no deadline set by Trump, who prioritizes ending the conflict over a specific timeline. The US President believes that both sides are tired of fighting and losing people.