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

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.

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.

Peace talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia took place in Miami, Florida, this past week, aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy, met with Ukrainian and Russian representatives separately. Ukraine and the U.S. discussed a 20-point plan, while the U.S. delegation also met with Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for President Putin. While Witkoff initially described the talks with Russia as positive, a top Kremlin official, Yuri Ushakov, later dismissed the proposals as "unconstructive." The talks are an effort to find a resolution to the war, amidst differing proposals, including one from President Trump.

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.

Russia has escalated attacks on the Odesa region of southern Ukraine, targeting port infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. These intensified strikes, which have occurred throughout December, have damaged civilian vessels, disrupted power for hundreds of thousands of people, and resulted in casualties. Ukrainian officials state that Russia is systematically attacking the region, potentially shifting the war's focus to Odesa. President Zelensky asserts that Russia aims to block Ukraine's maritime access, potentially in retaliation for drone attacks on Russia's "shadow fleet." Odesa is strategically important for Ukraine as it is a key export corridor for grain, especially since other ports are inaccessible due to Russian occupation. Zelensky has called for increased pressure on Russia to end its aggression.

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.

The EU's foreign policy chief suggests the coming week could be crucial for diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday after weekend talks with Ukrainian officials in Florida. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is engaging in a diplomatic push, meeting with European leaders in Paris and planning a visit to Ireland. The EU expressed concerns about a previous US peace plan seen as favoring Russia and is wary of Witkoff's perceived pro-Kremlin stance, especially given his upcoming meeting with Putin. These developments occur as Ukraine seeks continued support from its allies.

In Moscow on December 2, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss a potential peace plan for Ukraine. The meeting, held at the Kremlin, centered around efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Prior to the meeting, Putin accused Ukraine's European allies of obstructing the peace process. The purpose of the meeting was to explore avenues for de-escalation and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine, with the involvement of US representatives. The specific details of the proposed peace plan were not disclosed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking support from European allies, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday, as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia continue. This comes after meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida to refine a peace proposal, with both sides citing progress but acknowledging unresolved issues. Simultaneously, Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for President Trump, is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ending the war. The initial peace plan, drafted with Witkoff's involvement, faced criticism for favoring Russian demands, leading to further negotiations and a revised version. Key points of contention, such as military limits and territorial boundaries, remain under discussion.

On November 30, a Russian drone attack killed one person and wounded 11, including a child, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. The attack, which occurred overnight on Saturday, also left six people dead and dozens injured across the country, cutting power to 400,000 households in Kyiv. Russia claimed the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military-industrial and energy facilities in response to "terrorist attacks". Earlier, a Ukrainian naval drone attack damaged a mooring at Russia's Black Sea terminal, halting operations for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Ukraine's military also reported hitting Russia's Afipsky oil refinery and the Beriev military aviation plant. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Russian drones entering Moldova's airspace.

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.

Amidst ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine, Russia is reportedly exploiting divisions between Western nations. European leaders increasingly view Russia as an aggressive, destabilizing force with broader ambitions beyond Ukraine, advocating for a firm stance. This contrasts with some American leaders, particularly within the Republican party, who express a more lenient view towards Putin and downplay the threat of further Russian expansion. This divergence leads to repeated cycles where European and Ukrainian efforts to counter Russian influence are undermined by shifts in U.S. policy, creating instability in the region. The situation highlights a fundamental disagreement on how to approach Russia's actions and intentions in Eastern Europe.

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.

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.

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Yermak submitted his resignation amid reports of a property raid by Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies. Zelenskyy stated the move was to avoid rumors and speculation and to ensure internal strength during key talks regarding a potential peace deal. He expressed gratitude for Yermak's service in representing Ukraine's position in negotiations. Zelenskyy plans to hold consultations to find a replacement for the role. The resignation follows a search of Yermak's property as part of an anti-graft probe.

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.

A Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv resulted in six deaths and dozens of injuries. Nearly 600 drones and 36 rockets were fired into Ukraine, with nearly half of the city's population left without electricity after a power cut affecting at least 500,000 residents. The attack occurred in two waves, starting at around 1am and again at about 7am, before an all-clear was given just before 9:30am. Two people died in the region surrounding Kyiv, while one person died in each of the Dnipropetrovsk region and Kherson region. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased air defence support from Western countries, amid a campaign by Russia to break Ukraine's civil resistance through energy attacks. The attack comes as Ukraine faces internal corruption scandals affecting key political figures.

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.

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.

Top Trump aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, will meet with Ukrainian officials in Florida on Sunday to discuss a potential peace settlement to end Russia's invasion. This meeting follows talks in Geneva last weekend and comes amid fallout from a corruption investigation in Kyiv that led to the resignation of a top Ukrainian negotiator. The renewed diplomatic efforts follow a 28-point proposal drafted by Witkoff and Kushner, incorporating Russian input, which has raised concerns about favoring Russian demands. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the American side is demonstrating a constructive approach to bring the war to a dignified end.

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.