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Zelensky Condemns Kharkiv Missile Attack, Names Budanov Chief of Staff as Peace Deal Near Completion

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Zelensky Announces Near‑Final Peace Framework In his New Year address, Zelensky told the nation the peace agreement is 90 % complete and that the remaining 10 % will decide the future of Ukraine and Europe [2]. He stressed that Ukraine will not accept a peace that compromises its core security interests, especially regarding the Donbas [2]. The statement coincides with intensified diplomatic activity, including a U.S. pledge of 15‑year security guarantees [2].

Kharkiv Residential Area Hit by Missile Strike On January 2, two missiles struck a residential district of Kharkiv, severely damaging one building and injuring at least 16 civilians, according to the city mayor [1]. Ukrainian officials reported that the attack follows a broader Russian drone campaign that night, with 116 long‑range drones launched, 86 intercepted and 27 reaching targets [1]. Rescue crews remain on the scene as Kyiv condemns the strike as a “heinous” act against civilians [1].

Budanov Elevated to Chief of Staff President Zelensky appointed General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the military intelligence service GUR, as his new chief of staff, replacing Andrii Yermak amid an anti‑corruption probe [1]. Budanov, who has led the GUR since 2020, is credited with directing operations that disrupted Russian command and logistics in occupied territories [1]. He described the role as “an honor and a responsibility” during a pivotal moment for Ukraine [1].

Russia’s Drone‑Attack Claim Disputed Moscow released footage it claimed showed a Ukrainian drone striking President Putin’s private residence, but Kyiv denied any involvement [1]. A CIA assessment later concluded the Russian allegation was unfounded, a finding reported by CNN and referenced in the Newsweek article [1]. Estonia’s prime minister labeled the claim a deliberate distraction aimed at derailing the peace process [2].

Western Security Guarantees Reinforce Ukraine’s Position Following talks in Florida, the United States offered Ukraine a 15‑year security guarantee, though the exact timeline for implementation remains unclear [2]. The guarantee is intended to bolster Ukraine’s negotiating leverage as peace talks progress [2]. Both Kyiv and Western allies view the pledge as a signal of long‑term commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty [2].

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Timeline

Dec 6, 2025 – Kremenchuk endures a massive combined strike that knocks out water, electricity and heat, while Moscow claims it has shot down 77 Ukrainian drones. Zelensky says his phone call with Donald Trump’s negotiating team is “very constructive” as U.S.–led talks in Miami work on a peace settlement, and European leaders such as Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer pledge support. Putin rebuffs the idea of a post‑war peacekeeping force, warning it would be a legitimate target. [2]

Dec 23, 2025 – Russia unleashes one of the month’s largest aerial assaults, sending more than 650 drones and over 30 missiles across 13 regions; a drone hits a residential building in Zhytomyr, killing a 4‑year‑old girl and triggering nationwide power cuts. Zelensky, briefed in Kyiv, says the United States is close to delivering a 20‑point security framework and urges “more pressure on Russia” to end the war. Ukrainian forces withdraw from Siversk to preserve combat capability as Russian troops press their offensive. The Kremlin’s Dmitry Peskov describes the talks as “meticulous expert‑level” and signals no willingness to concede Donbas territory. [3][6]

Dec 29, 2025 – Zelensky publicly rejects reports that President Putin ordered a drone strike, stating the claim is false amid ongoing peace negotiations. [5]

Jan 1, 2026 – In his New Year address, Zelensky declares the peace deal “90 % ready” and warns that the remaining 10 % will determine the fate of peace for Ukraine and Europe, stressing that Ukraine will not accept peace at any cost. He adds that a withdrawal from Donbas would amount to ending the war. Washington offers a 15‑year security guarantee, while Russia releases unverified footage of a supposed drone attack on Putin’s residence; Estonia’s Kaja Kallas calls the claim a “deliberate distraction.” [1]

Jan 2, 2026 – Zelensky condemns a missile strike on Kharkiv as “heinous,” noting at least 16 injuries and severe damage to residential buildings, and calls for stronger international backing. He appoints General Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff, with Budanov describing the role as “an honor and a responsibility.” Moscow repeats its claim of a drone attack on Putin’s residence, which Kyiv and a CIA assessment deem false, and Zelensky reiterates that “the remaining 10 % of the peace deal will determine the fate of peace for Ukraine and Europe.” [4]

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