UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced today that negotiations in U.S.-led peace talks are intensifying over critical territorial issues, including the future of the eastern Donetsk region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This urgent development comes as Kyiv seeks to secure fair terms in a potential settlement to end nearly four years of conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine submitted a comprehensive 20-point plan to U.S. officials on December 10, 2025, designed to address various aspects of the ongoing war. “We are grateful that the U.S. is working with us and trying to take a balanced position,” he stated in a press conference in Kyiv. However, he cautioned, “it is still difficult to say what the final documents will look like.”
As Russian forces push to gain full control of the Donetsk region and neighboring Luhansk, Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to not surrender its territory. He proposed that both sides maintain their current positions along the front lines as a “fair outcome.” U.S. negotiators have suggested establishing a “free economic zone” in Donbas, while Russia refers to it as a “demilitarized zone.”
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for reciprocity in any military withdrawals, stating, “If Ukraine must withdraw its forces, the Russians should also withdraw by the same distance.” The talks are crucial as they unfold amidst increasing tensions, with Russian officials remaining tight-lipped about their proposals.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by the response from Donald Trump, who has criticized Zelenskyy and called for a rapid resolution to the conflict. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron, are pushing for collaborative efforts to finalize peace proposals over the weekend, given the implications for European security.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte revealed that Russia has launched over 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine this year alone, warning that “we are Russia’s next target.” This statement underscores the urgency of achieving a peace agreement as the conflict escalates.
In a bold military response, Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea, marking a significant escalation in their operational capabilities. This attack disrupted oil extraction from over 20 wells and halted flights at all four Moscow airports for seven hours following one of Ukraine’s largest drone assaults to date.
As negotiations continue, Zelenskyy indicated that next week will involve bilateral discussions with European countries to further coordinate efforts. The upcoming summit in Brussels will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ukraine’s efforts for peace.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.