Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but 'thorny issues' remain

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism after Christmas talks with Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff regarding peace negotiations to end the war with Russia. Zelenskyy stated the discussion focused on achieving a durable peace and thanked them for their intensive work. Ukrainian officials have met with Witkoff and Kushner multiple times in Miami recently to discuss a peace plan, which has been refined to a 20-point framework including security guarantees and post-war recovery plans. While Zelenskyy noted remaining differences, Russia acknowledged gradual progress in talks between Washington and Moscow, but accused Western European countries of trying to undermine the process. Putin reiterated that Russia's goals in Ukraine remain unchanged and will be achieved through negotiations or military advances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ongoing peace talks in Berlin aim to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The article explores potential factors that might influence Vladimir Putin's decision to cease military actions. It examines possible shifts in Putin's perspective and considers whether alternative European strategies could lead to a different outcome in the conflict. The analysis focuses on identifying conditions or actions that could potentially halt Putin's involvement in the war in Ukraine. It also questions if Europe has the ability to change the course of the conflict.