Top Headlines

Feeds

Ukraine‑Russia‑US Talks Conclude Constructively, Set UAE Follow‑up Amid Drone Strikes

Updated (67 articles)

Negotiations Ended With Constructive Tone The two‑day Ukraine‑Russia‑US talks wrapped up on Saturday, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the sessions as “constructive”[1]. U.S. officials confirmed that a follow‑up meeting will be held in the United Arab Emirates on February 1[1]. Both sides expressed willingness to continue dialogue despite ongoing hostilities[1].

High‑Level Delegations Represent All Parties Ukraine was represented by chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, while Russia sent military intelligence and army officials[1]. The United States included former Trump‑era envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, marking their first known participation alongside Ukrainian and Russian representatives[1]. The presence of senior officials underscored the high stakes of the peace push[1].

Broad Agenda Discussed, Nuclear Plant Remains Unresolved Delegates examined ceasefire possibilities, economic measures, and the future of the Russian‑occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant[1]. No final framework for oversight of the plant was reached, though an “equitable” power‑sharing concept was floated[1]. The lack of agreement on nuclear control highlights a critical sticking point in the negotiations[1].

Zelenskyy Calls for Coordinated Reporting In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy announced that all parties agreed to report each negotiation aspect to their capitals and coordinate subsequent steps with their leaders[1]. This commitment aims to maintain transparency and prevent misunderstandings among Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington[1]. The reporting mechanism is intended to sustain momentum between the upcoming UAE talks[1].

Drone Strikes Target Kyiv and Kharkiv During Talks Russian drones killed one civilian and wounded four in Kyiv, while 27 people were injured in Kharkiv, according to local officials[1]. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks as “cynical” attempts to disrupt the negotiation process[1]. The strikes occurred concurrently with the talks, adding pressure on negotiators[1].

Sources (1 articles)

Timeline

Nov 29, 2025 – The United States drafts a peace‑security plan that would make Russia a co‑arbiter of Ukraine’s post‑war security. The proposal revives the 1994 Budapest Memorandum – “Ukraine traded its nuclear arsenal for assurances to respect its borders” – and notes the 2009 reaffirmation of those guarantees, while highlighting that Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea shattered the original pact. The draft envisions a joint U.S.–Russian working group to oversee compliance and caps Ukraine’s future armed forces at roughly 600‑800 000 troops, a figure that could cement de‑facto Russian control of contested areas[14].

Dec 9, 2025 – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells European leaders that Ukraine will not cede any territory, invoking Ukrainian law, the constitution and international law as non‑negotiable. He meets Italy’s Giorgia Meloni in Rome and Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz in London, stressing three parallel documents: a 20‑point peace framework, a separate security‑guarantees accord and a recovery plan. He warns that “only about 65 % of the winter‑response funding has been received,” underscoring the urgency of European backing[10].

Dec 9, 2025 – In a late‑night WhatsApp chat, Zelenskyy repeats that “Ukraine will not surrender land” and notes that the U.S. peace plan has been trimmed from 28 to 20 points after “removing several provisions he called anti‑Ukrainian.” He cites President Donald Trump’s growing impatience, saying the president “has his own vision for ending the war,” highlighting divergent Western approaches[18].

Dec 14, 2025 – Zelenskyy offers to drop Ukraine’s NATO bid in exchange for legally binding Western security guarantees, insisting any pact be “backed by the U.S. Congress.” He rejects a U.S. proposal for a demilitarised economic zone in Donetsk, asking “who would run such a zone?” and demanding reciprocal Russian withdrawals. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that “the Pax Americana era is largely over for Europe,” framing the talks within a shifting security landscape[17].

Dec 15, 2025 – In Berlin, senior Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner secure U.S. promises of “unspecified security guarantees” for Ukraine, presenting an “Article 5‑like” collective‑defence document. European leaders pledge a multinational force to rebuild Ukraine’s army and protect its airspace, while Zelenskyy stresses that any guarantees must be “legally binding and approved by Congress.” The talks occur amid a massive Russian drone barrage that sees 153 drones launched, 133 intercepted by Kyiv[9].

Dec 16, 2025 – Zelenskyy says the Berlin‑negotiated peace draft is “very workable” and could be finalized “within days,” though key territorial questions remain unresolved. He explains the U.S. suggestion of a “free economic zone” in Donbas “does not imply Russian control,” while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterates Moscow’s demand for a “full peace settlement,” rejecting any temporary cease‑fire[12].

Dec 20, 2025 – Speaking in Kyiv as diplomats gather in Miami, Zelenskyy urges Washington to “increase pressure on Moscow,” arguing that only the United States can compel Russia to negotiate. He notes the arrival of Russian sovereign‑wealth‑fund head Kirill Dmitriev in Miami, describing the talks as “constructive,” while President Vladimir Putin vows to continue the military offensive and announces the capture of two villages in Sumy and Donetsk[16].

Dec 25, 2025 – After a nearly hour‑long call with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy welcomes “new ideas” on formats, meetings and timing to bring “a real peace closer.” He releases an updated 20‑point plan that includes security guarantees, a possible Ukrainian troop pull‑back from the east, and a demilitarised zone, while the Kremlin says it is analysing the proposals. Fighting continues: Ukrainian forces strike a key oil refinery in Rostov, and Russia claims control of Sviato‑Pokrovske in Donetsk[5].

Dec 26, 2025 – Zelenskyy discusses the revised 20‑point proposal with U.S. officials, noting two possible pathways: a Ukrainian troop pull‑back paired with a Russian withdrawal, or a “frozen conflict” along four annexed regions monitored by international forces. He signals a near‑future meeting with Trump, while Russian sovereign‑wealth‑fund head Kirill Dmitriev, fresh from Miami, tells state media that “discussions were constructive” and that he has briefed President Putin on the Florida talks[8].

Dec 26, 2025 – Zelenskyy confirms that the 20‑point peace plan is “90 % ready” and prepares for a Sunday meeting with Trump at Mar‑a‑Lago. He notes fresh Russian air‑strikes that injure Kyiv residents and cites a Politico interview where Trump says Zelenskyy “doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” underscoring the president’s leverage in the negotiations[4].

Dec 27, 2025 – Zelenskyy argues that recent Russian bombardments of Kyiv prove Moscow “doesn’t want peace,” as a 10‑hour missile and drone barrage kills two civilians and damages energy infrastructure. He proposes a “free economic zone” for Donbas and warns that Putin has hinted at a “military path” if Kyiv rejects a peaceful settlement[3].

Dec 28, 2025 – Arriving in Florida after the Kyiv attack, Zelenskyy meets Trump at Mar‑a‑Lago to close gaps in the peace plan, now reduced from 28 to 20 points. U.S. officials claim “about 90 % of the terms are settled,” with the remaining 10 % covering land concessions that could be decided by a future referendum. Zelenskyy proposes a joint U.S.–Ukrainian operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and an economic free zone in the east, while Russia remains absent and Putin warns of achieving objectives militarily[7].

Dec 28, 2025 – Trump declares the Florida talks “excellent” and says Ukraine and Russia are “closer to peace.” He highlights that “security guarantees for Ukraine akin to NATO protections” dominate the discussion and notes Zelenskyy could drop his NATO bid if such guarantees materialise. A follow‑up meeting with European leaders is slated for January, possibly at the White House[20].

Dec 29, 2025 – Trump reports that “security guarantees are near 95 % agreement” with the United States offering a 15‑year protection package, while Zelenskyy says the overall peace agreement is “about 90 % complete.” The Kremlin acknowledges the plan is “closer,” though key issues—Donbas’s fate and the Zaporizhzhia plant—remain unresolved[1].

Dec 29, 2025 – Trump and Zelenskyy spend a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour session—the longest in‑person meeting—expressing optimism (“terrific,” “great meeting”) but delivering no concrete settlement. Security guarantees stay “undefined,” and Russia continues to reject a cease‑fire, while the agenda expands to include a Gaza cease‑fire push for January[2].

Dec 30, 2025 – Zelenskyy reveals that talks about deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine occur with Trump and the “Coalition of the Willing,” framing the potential deployment as a “strong security guarantee.” He announces a January 3 coordination meeting of national‑security advisers in Ukraine and a January 6 leaders’ summit in France, even as Russian drones kill one person in Kyiv and injure 27 in Kharkiv[11].

Jan 3, 2026 – European security advisers converge in Kyiv, reviewing a multilateral security‑guarantee framework that would place Ukrainian forces on the front line, embed European troops in Ukraine and provide a U.S. backstop. Delegates discuss an $800 billion economic‑reconstruction package and announce a cabinet reshuffle that promotes Denys Shmyhal to energy minister and first deputy prime minister. A Russian drone strike in Kharkiv raises the death toll to two, illustrating the conflict’s persistence[19].

Jan 8, 2026 – Zelenskyy states that the bilateral security‑guarantees document between Kyiv and Washington is “essentially ready” for finalisation with Trump, after intensive Paris talks that tackled “complex issues” of the broader framework. He adds that the United States will now engage Russia, making Moscow’s willingness the decisive step for completing the deal[15].

Jan 24, 2026 – Zelenskyy describes the two‑day Ukraine‑Russia‑U.S. talks as “constructive,” noting that Trump‑era envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet both sides for the first time. All parties agree to coordinate reporting to their capitals, but the negotiations leave the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant’s oversight unresolved. Russian drones strike Kyiv (killing one, wounding four) and Kharkiv (injuring 27), which the Ukrainian foreign minister condemns as “cynical” attacks on the peace process[6].

Jan 25, 2026 – (Update of the Jan 24 talks) The United States confirms the next round of Ukraine‑Russia‑U.S. negotiations will occur in the United Arab Emirates on Feb 1, keeping diplomatic momentum alive as the war continues. The same day, the Kremlin reiterates its position that any settlement must address Russia’s “comprehensive peace” demands, while Kyiv pushes for transparent, coordinated steps toward a final agreement[6].

Stories about this story (53 stories)

Social media (8 posts)

All related articles (67 articles)

External resources (23 links)