Russia confirms second use of Oreshnik hypersonic missile in Jan. 9 Ukraine barrage
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it deployed the new Oreshnik hypersonic/intermediate‑range missile for a second time in a massive Jan. 9 strike on Ukraine — part of a barrage of hundreds of drones and scores of missiles that Moscow portrayed as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Putin’s residence, a claim Kyiv and U.S. officials reject. The attack damaged residential buildings in Kyiv and critical infrastructure in Lviv (including reports of an embassy hit), cut water and power, killed at least four people and wounded about 22, while Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting the bulk of incoming drones and some missiles; Russian outlets say the Oreshnik travels at hypersonic speeds, can carry multiple warheads and is hard to intercept.
📌 Key Facts
- Russia confirmed it used the new Oreshnik hypersonic / intermediate‑range ballistic missile in the Jan. 9 mass strike on Ukraine, saying it was deployed 'along with other weapons' — and Russian officials called this the Oreshnik’s second use.
- Ukrainian authorities said the barrage included hundreds of attack drones and dozens of missiles (various tallies reported, e.g., President Zelenskyy and the air force cited about 242 drones and multiple ballistic and cruise missiles) and that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the large majority of the incoming drones and many missiles.
- The strikes killed at least four people and wounded dozens (reports cited about 22 wounded in Kyiv), damaged multiple residential buildings (dozens; Zelenskyy cited ~20 in Kyiv), disrupted water and electricity, caused fires (including at Odesa grain silos) and struck critical infrastructure in Lviv and elsewhere — Qatar’s embassy building was also reported damaged.
- Russian media and military bloggers claimed the Oreshnik targeted a major underground natural‑gas storage facility in Lviv, but Moscow did not officially specify the missile’s target; Lviv and Kyiv officials said investigations into the missile type, impact and damage were ongoing.
- Russian descriptions and western reporting characterize the Oreshnik as a hypersonic-capable weapon (reports cited speeds near Mach 10 or ~13,000 km/h), possibly able to carry multiple warheads and configurable for nuclear payloads; Russia and some analysts stressed it may be difficult to intercept.
- Moscow framed the Jan. 9 barrage as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Putin’s residence — a claim Kyiv rejected and U.S. officials (including CIA assessments cited) and President Trump later said they do not believe Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence after U.S. technical review.
- Ukrainian and Western officials warned the Oreshnik’s use near EU/NATO borders is a 'grave threat' and urged strong international responses; the strike occurred amid intensified U.S.‑led diplomatic efforts to negotiate a multi‑point peace framework, complicating an already fraught negotiation environment.
📊 Relevant Data
In the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which has been a focal point of the conflict since 2014, ethnic Russians constituted a significant portion of the population prior to the 2022 invasion, with historical data showing that by 1959, the ethnic Russian population had increased due to Soviet-era migrations and industrialization, while Ukrainians made up about 60% in 1926.
Demographic Engineering: How Russia is Turning Population into a Weapon of War — UkraineWorld
Russia has forcibly deported or transferred at least 19,546 Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia or Russian-controlled areas since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, with many subjected to re-education and adoption programs aimed at altering their national identity.
UN General Assembly Demands That Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid the War — PassBlue
Russia's indigenous communities, such as Buryats, Tuvans, and other ethnic minorities, have suffered disproportionately high per capita military casualties in the war against Ukraine, with some groups experiencing death rates several times higher than ethnic Russians due to targeted recruitment from remote and economically disadvantaged regions.
Russia's Bonfire of the Nationalities Fuels Ukraine Conflagration — Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)
A key stated justification for Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine includes protecting Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine, where pre-war surveys indicated that while 95% of Ukrainians identified as ethnic Ukrainians nationally in 2024, regional language use showed higher Russian language prevalence in the east, with ethnic Russians comprising about 17-20% of Ukraine's overall population concentrated in those areas.
The identity of Ukraine's citizens: trends of change (June, 2024) — Razumkov Centre
🔬 Explanations (3)
Deeper context and explanatory frameworks for understanding this story
Phenomenon: US military intervention to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Explanation: Invocation of the Monroe Doctrine to reassert US dominance in the Western Hemisphere and counter foreign adversaries' influence in Venezuela, such as ties to Russia, China, and Cuba
Evidence: The Monroe Doctrine, established in 1823, has historically justified US interventions in Latin America to oppose external meddling; Trump explicitly referenced it as a 'Trump Corollary' to address Maduro's hosting of foreign powers and acquiring weapons threatening US interests, framing the action as restoring regional preeminence
Alternative view: Primarily motivated by securing access to oil reserves or enforcing narcoterrorism charges as a legal pretext, without emphasizing historical hemispheric policy
💡 This explanation complicates the implicit narrative of the coverage, which focuses on immediate events like the raid and drug charges, by revealing a deeper historical pattern of US interventions for regional control rather than solely humanitarian or legal reasons
Phenomenon: US push for access to and control over Venezuelan oil reserves following the intervention
Explanation: To capitalize on Venezuela's vast oil reserves through American investment in infrastructure repair and production revival, driven by economic incentives and the need to secure energy resources amid global supply vulnerabilities
Evidence: Venezuela holds 303 billion barrels of proven reserves; US sanctions since 2015 have crippled production, dropping it to 860,000 barrels per day; Trump's plan involves US firms like Chevron investing billions to fix infrastructure and increase output, generating revenue while diversifying US energy sources
Alternative view: Geopolitical strategy to diminish influences from adversaries like Russia and China in Latin America through control of strategic resources
💡 It challenges the coverage's portrayal of oil access as benefiting 'the people' of both countries by emphasizing US economic self-interest and long-term resource control, complicating narratives centered on mutual benefit or democracy promotion
Phenomenon: Geopolitical motivations underlying the US military operation in Venezuela
Explanation: To advance US interests in regional hegemony, including oil access, counternarcotics, migration control, and countering ties to adversaries like Cuba, Russia, China, and Iran, while addressing Venezuela's economic collapse
Evidence: Venezuela's 80% economic contraction over the past decade, fractured military enabling drug trafficking, and alliances with US rivals provided the backdrop; the operation aimed at stabilization via multilateral aid and military realignment, with Trump linking it to rebuilding oil infrastructure for US companies
Alternative view: Narrow focus on executive authority for unilateral action or historical precedents like the 1989 Panama invasion without broader geopolitical framing
💡 This explanation broadens the coverage's event-focused narrative by highlighting interconnected systemic and geopolitical drivers, such as adversary countermeasures, rather than isolating the raid as a standalone response to drug charges
📰 Source Timeline (43)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
January 09, 2026
4:23 PM
Russia fires new hypersonic missile in massive Ukraine attack, Kremlin says
New information:
- Confirms this was the second use of the intermediate‑range Oreshnik missile, with Putin previously claiming it is impossible to intercept.
- Zelenskyy specifies that the Jan. 9 attack involved 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, one Oreshnik missile and 22 cruise missiles.
- Zelenskyy reports that 20 residential buildings were damaged in Kyiv, at least four people were killed there (including an ambulance crew member) and that critical infrastructure was hit in Lviv region.
- Ukrainian authorities say a building of the Embassy of Qatar was damaged in the strikes.
- Russia frames the barrage as retaliation for what it says was an attempted Ukrainian drone strike on a Putin residence; Ukraine and the U.S. call that claim an 'absurd lie' and President Trump publicly doubts the attack occurred.
- Zelenskyy issues a direct appeal for a 'clear reaction from the world,' specifically naming the United States as the country whose signals Russia pays attention to and urging consequences for continued attacks.
8:34 AM
Russia fires new ballistic missile at Ukraine, killing at least four
New information:
- Article specifies that the Oreshnik missile used in the Jan. 9 strike is described by Russia as an intermediate‑range ballistic missile and by Ukraine’s Western Air Force Command as traveling at more than 8,000 miles per hour.
- Confirms casualty figures as four people killed and at least 22 injured, including an emergency medical aid worker, with five rescue workers injured while responding.
- Details specific damage in Kyiv, including a drone crashing onto the roof of a multistory building in the Desnyanskyi district and damage to the first two floors of a residential building, along with water and electricity disruptions reported by Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
- Notes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned hours earlier that Russia planned a large‑scale offensive and would seek to exploit frigid, icy conditions in the capital.
- Reiterates that Russia frames the attack as retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on President Putin’s residence, a claim both Ukraine and President Donald Trump dispute, and adds that the broader attack also involved other ground‑ and sea‑launched missiles targeting critical infrastructure in Lviv.
8:22 AM
Russia says new Oreshnik hypersonic missile used in massive strike on Ukraine
New information:
- Russia explicitly says it used the new Oreshnik hypersonic missile 'along with other weapons' in the massive strike, confirming its deployment in the barrage.
- Ukraine’s air force reports that Russia launched 242 drones and 36 missiles in the attack and that Ukrainian defenses downed 226 of the drones and about half the missiles.
- Russian media and military bloggers claim the Oreshnik targeted a large underground natural gas storage facility in Ukraine’s western Lviv region, though Russia did not officially specify the target.
- Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadoviy states that Russia struck critical infrastructure with a ballistic missile, says it traveled at about 13,000 km per hour (over 8,000 mph), and notes the exact missile type is under investigation.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha calls the Oreshnik’s use so close to EU and NATO borders a 'grave threat to the security on the European continent' and a 'test for the transatlantic community,' demanding strong responses.
- Local impact details in Kyiv include a drone crashing onto a multi‑story building roof, damage to the first two floors of another residential building, damage and fire at a multistory building in the Dnipro district, and disruptions to running water and electricity in parts of the capital.
- The article reiterates that Russia frames the strike as retaliation for a purported Ukrainian drone attack on Putin’s residence, which both Ukraine and President Trump have rejected.
7:55 AM
Russia says it used new Oreshnik ballistic missile against Ukraine
New information:
- Russia’s Defense Ministry says it used the new Oreshnik ballistic missile as part of a massive overnight strike on Ukraine on January 9, 2026.
- Ukrainian officials report at least 4 people killed and 22 wounded in Kyiv, with multiple residential buildings damaged and water/electricity disruptions.
- Russian media and military bloggers claim Oreshnik targeted a major underground natural gas storage facility in Lviv region, though Russia did not officially specify the target.
- Lviv’s mayor says a ballistic missile hit critical infrastructure and that the rocket’s type is under investigation; he cites a speed of about 13,000 km/h.
- Russia explicitly frames the attack as retaliation for what it alleges was a Ukrainian drone strike on Putin’s residence, a claim Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump have rejected.
- The article reiterates that Oreshnik can carry multiple warheads, fly at up to Mach 10, may be difficult to intercept, and can be configured for nuclear payloads.
January 07, 2026
January 05, 2026
9:05 PM
Trump rejects Russian claim that Ukraine targeted Putin's residence in drone strike
New information:
- Article provides detailed attribution that Trump’s rejection of the Russian claim is based on U.S. officials’ determination after 'checking' the incident, with him saying 'we don't believe that happened.'
- It clarifies that Trump initially reacted with 'deep concern,' said he was 'very angry,' and appeared to take the Russian allegation at face value before later shifting his stance.
- It specifies that Putin personally raised the alleged strike with Trump in a phone call and that Trump subsequently posted a New York Post editorial casting doubt on Russia’s narrative.
- The piece adds context that European officials argued the Russian claim was an effort to undermine the U.S.-led peace effort and that Trump’s mediation has left him frustrated with both Zelenskyy and Putin.
- It reiterates and elaborates on Russia’s stated war aims (full control of Donbas and severe limits on Ukraine’s post‑war military) as a reason Putin has shown little interest in ending the war.
6:37 AM
Trump says that Ukraine didn't target Putin residence in a drone strike as Kremlin claims
New information:
- Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that U.S. officials have determined Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Vladimir Putin in last week’s drone attack in Russia’s Novgorod region.
- Trump said “something happened nearby” but that U.S. officials do not believe the Russian president’s residence itself was targeted and added, “I don’t believe that strike happened… We don't believe that happened, now that we've been able to check.”
- The article details that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had claimed Ukrainian drones targeted Putin’s state residence and criticized Kyiv for doing so during intensive peace talks, and that Zelenskyy quickly denied the allegation.
- The piece notes that Trump initially appeared to take the Russian claim at face value and said he was “very angry” after Putin raised it in a call, before later downplaying it and now publicly rejecting it after U.S. review.
- The article reiterates that Trump has struggled to fulfill his pledge to quickly end the war and has shown irritation with both Zelenskyy and Putin as he tries to push his still‑evolving 20‑point peace plan.
December 31, 2025
11:45 PM
Trump signals Russia blocking path to peace as CIA rejects Putin's drone attack claim
New information:
- CIA has now specifically assessed that Ukraine was not targeting a residence of President Vladimir Putin in the recent drone attack that Moscow claimed was aimed at him.
- The article reports that Putin relayed his claim about the drone attack to President Trump, and that Trump initially appeared to accept that version.
- Trump now publicly suggests he agrees with European leaders that Russia is the side blocking the path to a peace agreement in the ongoing negotiations over Ukraine.
11:22 PM
Putin residence attack video slammed; US officials say Ukraine did not target leader
New information:
- U.S. national security officials, supported by a CIA assessment cited by The Wall Street Journal, have concluded that Ukraine did not target Vladimir Putin or any of his residences in the alleged drone incident.
- U.S. intelligence instead assesses that Ukraine was likely targeting a military site in the same region that it had previously struck, not near Putin’s residence.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry released nighttime video showing a Russian serviceman standing over debris they say is a Ukrainian-made Chaklun-V drone carrying a six‑kilogram explosive device that failed to detonate near the Lake Valdai residence.
- Drone expert Cameron Chell told Fox News Digital that the small‑engined fixed‑wing drone shown appears too slow and unsophisticated for a plausible strike on such a heavily defended target and would be more typical for infrastructure attacks.
- Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi called the Russian video "laughable" and reiterated Kyiv is "absolutely confident that no such attack took place."
- Russian officials have given inconsistent drone counts: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed 91 drones were intercepted en route to the residence, while the Defense Ministry initially said 89 drones were downed across eight regions, including 18 over Novgorod, before revising numbers upward.
6:27 PM
Russia alleges attack on Putin residence as Ukraine denies claim ahead of Trump talks
New information:
- Russia alleges that Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack early Monday on a presidential residence associated with Vladimir Putin in Russia’s Novgorod region.
- The Russian Defense Ministry claims 91 long-range drones were involved and intercepted, and released footage of drone wreckage it says was recovered from the site.
- The Kremlin calls the episode a 'terrorist' action and Dmitry Peskov says it is aimed at collapsing the negotiation process and will 'toughen' Russia’s negotiating position.
- Ukraine flatly denies responsibility; Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says Russia has provided no evidence and calls the allegation part of Moscow’s 'signature tactic' of false claims.
- Zelenskyy says Ukrainian and U.S. officials have reviewed the allegation and, citing U.S. technical capabilities, concluded it is 'fake.'
- The article outlines that Zelenskyy is pressing a 20‑point peace proposal as a counteroffer to a 28‑point framework from the Trump administration, and he is expected to present this plan directly to Trump at Mar‑a‑Lago in the coming days.
- Key elements of Zelenskyy’s plan are described: Western-backed security guarantees akin to NATO Article 5, a halt in fighting along current battle lines with demilitarized zones under international forces, and refusal to recognize Russian control over occupied territories — all positions Moscow opposes.
6:18 PM
Putin vows victory in Ukraine in New Year’s address amid Trump-backed peace talks
New information:
- Reports that in his New Year’s address, Vladimir Putin vowed victory in Ukraine, praised Russian troops and framed the war as a struggle for Russia’s 'homeland, truth and justice,' signaling no intent to back down.
- Ex‑president Dmitry Medvedev said in a separate New Year message that victory in Ukraine is 'near' and referred to 'our great and invincible Russia.'
- Article notes the approaching milestones: the war will soon surpass the 1,418 days the USSR fought Nazi Germany in Europe and will enter its fourth year on Feb. 24.
- Fox/Reuters framing that Trump said after his Dec. 28 Mar‑a‑Lago meeting with Zelenskyy that Ukraine and Russia are 'closer than ever' to peace but that territorial disputes remain the major obstacle.
- Reuters is cited as reporting that Trump and Zelenskyy discussed potential U.S. troop involvement as part of broader security guarantees, though no decisions were announced.
December 30, 2025
12:49 AM
Zelenskyy says peace deal is close after Trump meeting but territory remains sticking point
New information:
- Zelenskyy, in a Fox News interview after his Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump, says a peace deal with Russia is ‘very close’ and that the sides are about ‘90%’ agreed on a draft 20‑point plan.
- He identifies territorial questions as the single major sticking point and says Ukraine has ‘a problem with one question: It’s about territories.’
- Zelenskyy publicly suggests Ukraine could consider withdrawing from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia only if Ukrainian voters approve in a referendum, and mentions a possible ‘free economic zone’ in which both sides would move their lines back ‘some kilometers.’
- He reiterates that he does not trust Putin, asserting that Putin ‘doesn’t want success for Ukraine’ and might say different things to Trump than he actually intends.
- The article notes Trump and Putin spoke by phone before the Mar-a-Lago meeting and agreed that a deal must be reached, and that Russia carried out a major attack on Kyiv the day before Zelenskyy met Trump.
December 29, 2025
5:39 PM
Putin tells Trump Ukraine attacked his residence, which Kyiv denies
New information:
- Confirms that Monday’s Putin–Trump call was their second conversation in 24 hours and that Putin used it to claim a Ukrainian drone attack on his Dolgiye Borody residence.
- Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov says Trump was “shocked” and “outraged” by the alleged attack, according to Moscow’s readout, while the White House has only called the call “productive” and not echoed that language.
- Axios reports that Putin explicitly told Trump the alleged attack would cause Russia to revise its negotiating position, even as Ushakov maintains Russia is still willing to work toward peace.
- Details that Zelensky publicly accused Russia of fabricating the attack to undermine U.S.–Ukraine diplomacy and justify further strikes, drawing a contrast with Russian attacks on Kyiv government buildings.
- Adds that negotiators have reached consensus on most issues in the U.S.-authored peace plan except territory, and that Zelensky told Axios he is willing to put territorial concessions to a national referendum if Russia accepts a two‑month ceasefire to allow voting.
- Reports that Putin has again rejected the idea of a ceasefire in recent calls with Trump, despite Trump’s continued public insistence that he believes Putin is serious about peace.
- Introduces the analytical point that the alleged drone incident may give Moscow a face‑saving pretext to walk away from talks without appearing to defy Trump directly.
5:05 PM
Trump claims progress toward peace, but Russia signals more war ahead
New information:
- Sergey Lavrov alleges Ukraine launched 'dozens of drones' — specifically 91 drones — at a Putin residence in Russia’s Novgorod region, claiming they were all intercepted with no casualties or damage.
- Lavrov says Russia has already decided on retaliatory measures and that Moscow’s negotiating position in the Trump‑led peace talks will change because of the alleged attack, without specifying how.
- Zelenskyy publicly denies the drone‑attack allegation as 'lies' and calls it an effort to undermine Trump’s peace talks.
- Trump, after his Mar‑a‑Lago meeting with Zelenskyy, claims again that Putin is committed to peace and that 'Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed,' language that contrasts with repeated Russian rhetoric denying Ukraine’s right to exist.
- The White House says Trump held another 'positive call' with Putin on Monday about Ukraine, but provides no details or timing relative to Russia’s drone allegation.
- Putin states in a separate Monday meeting with his military commander that 'in the near future, it is necessary to continue the offensive' and expresses optimism about seizing all of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
- The article reiterates Zelenskyy’s estimate that the U.S.–draft 20‑point peace plan is about 90% agreed but highlights Russia’s 'unflinching' demand for full Donbas sovereignty and Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory.
12:09 AM
Trump says Ukraine-Russia peace ‘closer than ever’ after talks with Zelenskyy
New information:
- Confirms that after earlier multi‑track diplomacy, Trump and Zelenskyy met again at Mar‑a‑Lago on Dec. 28 and now frame peace as 'closer than ever,' though they did not finalize the remaining contentious points.
- Shows U.S., Ukrainian and Russian leaders are now in a rapid consultative loop (Trump’s calls with Putin before and after the Zelenskyy meeting plus joint calls to European leaders), indicating a new phase in efforts to operationalize or revise the 20‑point framework.
- Adds that Russia, via adviser Yuri Ushakov, is pressing Kyiv for a 'bold' political decision on Donbas and other disputed areas as a condition for full cessation of hostilities, sharpening the picture of what Moscow is demanding from Ukraine.
December 28, 2025
7:08 PM
Trump: Russia and Ukraine peace talks in "final stages"
New information:
- Confirms that Zelensky’s 60-day ceasefire and referendum idea is being discussed directly with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Dec. 28, not just in prior negotiations.
- Adds that Trump intends to hold a joint call with European leaders during the Mar-a-Lago meeting and to phone Putin again afterward, indicating an immediate next step in shuttle diplomacy.
- Includes Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov’s public characterization that Trump and Putin both believe a temporary ceasefire for a referendum would only prolong the conflict.
December 26, 2025
9:24 PM
3 key issues that remain unresolved in U.S.-Ukraine talks on ending Russia's war
New information:
- Zelenskyy now publicly frames three specific items as the hardest issues in the 20-point plan: security guarantees (including enforcement and monitoring mechanisms), the fate of territories Russia claims, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
- The article underscores Zelenskyy’s continued refusal to recognize Russian control over occupied regions, including those seized since 2022, and his position that Ukraine will not cede territory it currently controls despite Russian demands.
- For Zaporizhzhia, Zelenskyy emphasizes that Ukraine requires demilitarization, removal of Russian troops from the plant’s territory, and full access for Ukrainian personnel, while negotiations include a potential joint-access format involving the U.S., Ukraine and Russia.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirms that Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev has already met U.S. envoys in Florida and that dialogue with Washington over the framework will continue.
5:01 PM
Exclusive: Zelensky "ready" to call referendum on Trump plan if ceasefire reached
New information:
- Zelensky told Axios he is prepared to put the full 20‑point U.S. peace plan to a nationwide referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days to allow a safe vote.
- The U.S. has proposed a 15‑year bilateral security guarantees pact with Ukraine that could be renewed; Zelensky says he wants a longer term and hopes to secure that at the Mar‑a‑Lago meeting.
- Zelensky says the U.S.-Ukraine agreements have largely been codified into five documents, with a potential sixth, and that he considers the security guarantees documents essentially ready aside from technical issues.
- The U.S. side views Zelensky’s openness to territorial concessions and a referendum as a major step forward; Russia is said by a senior U.S. official to understand the need for a ceasefire but prefers a shorter timetable than 60 days.
- Zelensky confirms that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are prepared to visit Ukraine to promote the plan and suggests Trump himself should also visit, but warns campaigning during active Russian attacks would likely doom the referendum.
- Zelensky stresses that without a robust ceasefire ensuring voter turnout and safety, a referendum could appear illegitimate, saying "It's better to not have a referendum than have a referendum where people do not have the possibility to come and vote."
3:17 PM
Zelenskyy says he will meet with Trump in Florida on Sunday for talks on Ukraine security guarantees, 'territorial issues'
New information:
- Zelenskyy publicly confirmed he will meet Trump in Florida on Sunday and said the 20‑point plan under discussion is 'about 90% ready.'
- He specified that the talks will cover security guarantees for Ukraine, an 'economic agreement,' and that the Ukrainian side will also raise 'territorial issues.'
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants Europeans involved in the process but doubts that will be possible on such short notice, calling for a near‑term format that includes European representation.
- He reiterated willingness to consider withdrawing Ukrainian troops from parts of Donbas if Russia also withdraws and the area becomes a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces, while Russia continues to demand Ukraine relinquish remaining Donbas territory.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has already met U.S. envoys in Florida and that Moscow and Washington have agreed to continue dialogue.
- Ukraine claimed a strike with U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on Russia’s Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov region, saying multiple explosions were recorded and the target was hit; a firefighter was reported wounded by the Russian regional governor.
11:33 AM
Trump and Zelensky to meet Sunday to try and close out peace plan
New information:
- Ukrainian officials say President Trump will host President Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday specifically to try to reach agreement on the U.S. peace plan, with Trump having said he’d only meet if a deal was close.
- A senior U.S. official says talks led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev over the last two weeks have made 'more progress than the last year' and that the sides have 'gone as far as possible' with both Russia and Ukraine.
- The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed on most elements of the deal, including U.S. and European security guarantees for Ukraine, and the U.S. is prepared to send a security guarantee text modeled on NATO’s Article 5 to the Senate for ratification.
- The article specifies that Russia is demanding control of the entire Donbas under any deal, while the U.S. proposes Ukrainian withdrawals create a demilitarized 'free economic zone'; Zelensky insists on like-for-like Russian pullbacks and says any territorial concessions must be approved by Ukrainian referendum.
- The piece adds that the Kremlin confirmed Yuri Ushakov spoke with U.S. counterparts as part of ongoing diplomacy, and that the Russians have now agreed a ceasefire would be needed to hold a Ukrainian referendum—even though they previously opposed a ceasefire before a final deal.
9:48 AM
Zelenskyy says he and Trump have agreed to meet "in the near future"
New information:
- Zelenskyy publicly states that he and President Trump have agreed on a meeting 'at the highest level' and that it will occur 'in the near future.'
- Zelenskyy says 'A lot can be decided before the New Year,' indicating an accelerated timeline for potential decisions on the U.S.-backed peace plan.
- He reports having a 'good conversation' with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday, in addition to earlier contacts.
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova characterizes the talks as showing 'slow but steady progress,' while Russia still demands Ukraine relinquish remaining territory it holds in Donbas and has given no sign it will withdraw from occupied areas.
- Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, has traveled to Miami for meetings with U.S. envoys, underscoring ongoing direct U.S.–Russian track alongside U.S.–Ukraine talks.
- Ukraine’s General Staff says it struck Russia’s Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region with British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, reporting 'multiple explosions' and that 'the target was hit,' while the regional governor reports a firefighter was wounded.
- The article notes continued Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including strikes on Mykolaiv that left parts of the city without power, and references the recent killing of a Russian general in a car bomb in Moscow.
December 25, 2025
5:37 PM
Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys on Christmas
New information:
- Zelenskyy states he spoke on Christmas Day with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and described the conversation as "very good" and "constructive" regarding peace negotiations.
- He confirms that Rustem Umerov and other Ukrainian officials were on the call and that Umerov would continue detailed discussions with the U.S. envoys later that day, indicating ongoing operational work on the peace framework.
- He publicly thanks the envoys and asks them to extend Christmas greetings to Donald Trump and his family, signaling continued political and personal lines of communication with the Trump White House.
December 24, 2025
11:55 PM
Zelenskyy proposes compromise for Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine in latest peace talks
New information:
- Zelenskyy described more detailed conditions for his proposed compromise in Donetsk: a cease-fire first, then 60 days to prepare a referendum on whether to accept converting contested Ukrainian-held territory into a demilitarized 'free economic zone.'
- He specified that Ukrainian police would remain in the proposed free economic zone and that only Ukrainians living in Ukrainian-controlled territory would be eligible to vote in the referendum, explicitly excluding those under Russian occupation.
- Zelenskyy said international forces must be physically present to ensure that no one enters the free economic zone 'under any pretext,' a point Russia has repeatedly rejected, especially the presence of foreign troops on the front line.
- He framed the decision starkly as 'either this or war,' saying Ukrainians must accept the entire peace plan, including the free economic zone compromise for land 'they fought and died for,' in exchange for U.S. and European security guarantees, or reject it and continue the war without such guarantees.
- PBS cites Bloomberg reporting that Russia is seeking changes to the current text of the 20-point peace plan and that the draft lacks provisions Moscow considers important, signaling active Russian pushback on the proposal.
5:13 PM
Zelenskyy says he's open to withdrawing troops and creating a free economic zone in Ukraine's east
New information:
- Zelenskyy told reporters he is willing in principle to withdraw Ukrainian troops from the Donbas industrial region if Russia also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarized free economic zone monitored by international forces.
- He said a similar demilitarized, internationally overseen arrangement could be considered for the area around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
- Zelenskyy stated that any final peace plan would need to be approved by a national referendum in Ukraine.
- He described the Donbas control question as "the most difficult point" in the 20‑point U.S.-drafted framework negotiated with American envoys in Florida.
- Zelenskyy revealed that the U.S. has proposed a three-party consortium (U.S., Ukraine, Russia) for the Zaporizhzhia plant with equal stakes, while he countered with a U.S.-Ukraine joint venture in which the U.S. could decide whether to cede part of its share to Russia.
- He said Ukraine and the U.S. have not yet reached consensus on Donetsk-region arrangements or on Zaporizhzhia, but claimed "consensus" on most of the other points.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Moscow will shape its position based on information from envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met U.S. representatives in Florida, but gave no indication Russia would accept any troop withdrawal.
- The piece reiterates that Russia insists Ukraine relinquish remaining Donbas territory it still controls and has captured most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk.
3:05 PM
Ukraine, US near 20-point peace deal as Putin spurns Zelenskyy Christmas ceasefire offer
New information:
- Zelenskyy says Ukraine and the U.S. have produced a concrete 20-point peace plan and framework document covering security guarantees with the U.S. and European partners, calling it imperfect but a real plan.
- He reports that a separate bilateral security document with Washington is being drafted for review by the U.S. Congress, with annexes on Ukraine’s military needs about 90% aligned with Kyiv’s priorities.
- Zelenskyy says a first version of an agreement on Ukraine’s economic recovery has been prepared, forming a 'basic block' together with the security documents.
- He confirms Russia has rejected proposals for a Christmas ceasefire, calling that a 'bad signal' and warning of possible holiday-period attacks amid air-defense shortfalls.
- According to Zelenskyy (via Reuters, as cited), Russian forces captured a border village in Ukraine’s Sumy region and took dozens of civilians and 13 Ukrainian soldiers prisoner, with Ukrainian troops refraining from striking because of civilians’ presence; Russia has not commented and Reuters could not independently verify.
- The Kremlin has reportedly briefed President Vladimir Putin on the U.S. peace proposals, with Moscow expected to present its response in coming days, according to Reuters and Anadolu.
11:40 AM
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
New information:
- Zelenskyy publicly walked through each of the 20 points in the U.S.-drafted plan in a two-hour briefing, under an embargo until Wednesday morning.
- He said the latest version removed immediate requirements for Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk or recognize Russian control of occupied land but still envisions Ukraine potentially pulling back troops from parts of Donetsk into demilitarized zones.
- Zelenskyy stated that in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the current line of troop deployment would be 'de facto recognized' as the line of contact, with a working group to define redeployments and possible future 'special economic zones.'
- He described U.S. negotiators as searching for a compromise such as a 'demilitarized zone or a free economic zone' that could satisfy both Ukraine and Russia.
- Zelenskyy said any arrangement involving Ukrainian pullbacks and a free economic zone in parts of Donbas would need to be approved via a national referendum in Ukraine.
- He indicated that prior draft demands for Kyiv to legally renounce its NATO bid and to change the constitution to bar NATO membership have been removed in the new version.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Moscow has the latest draft, said Russia is 'formulating its position,' and criticized negotiation details being aired in the media.
10:38 AM
U.S. and Ukraine reach consensus on key issues aimed at ending the war
New information:
- Zelenskyy says the United States and Ukraine have reached consensus on "all other" points of a 20‑point U.S. peace proposal, with only Donetsk‑area territorial issues (point 14) and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant management (point 12) still unresolved between Washington and Kyiv.
- The 20‑point draft, hammered out in recent marathon talks in Florida, has now been formally shown by the U.S. side to Russian negotiators, with a response expected from Moscow on Wednesday.
- For Donbas, Russia is demanding Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory in Donetsk and Luhansk that Moscow does not yet control; the U.S. is proposing to transform the contested areas into a demilitarized free economic zone, while Ukraine insists any such arrangement must be approved by a Ukrainian referendum and backed by an international force.
- The draft envisages freezing the current contact line across five Ukrainian regions once the agreement is signed and halting hostilities for about 60 days to allow a referendum process to take place, under Ukraine’s proposal.
- On the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the U.S. proposes a three‑way consortium in which Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. each hold equal stakes, while Zelenskyy is countering with a joint U.S.–Ukraine venture in which Washington would decide whether to allocate part of its share to Russia.
- Zelenskyy characterizes Donbas arrangements and Zaporizhzhia control as "the most difficult" points and says those matters will be discussed at leaders’ level.
December 21, 2025
8:30 PM
Finnish president says Russia-Ukraine peace deal closer than any point during the war
New information:
- Alexander Stubb publicly confirms that after recent Berlin talks, Europe, Ukraine and the U.S. remain united on the goal of a "just and lasting peace" and on providing security guarantees to Ukraine.
- He characterizes the negotiations as being in their final and most difficult stage, estimating that roughly the last "5%" of outstanding issues remains.
- Stubb says he has been directly coordinating with Kushner and Witkoff as talks "intensified" in recent weeks and that he spoke with President Trump several weeks ago about the process.
- He emphasizes that the perceived gap between Putin’s hardline public rhetoric and behind‑the‑scenes flexibility among Russian negotiators is "quite typical in diplomacy."
- He specifically highlights the leverage created by U.S. sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft and suggests further escalations would come if Russia refuses a framework accepted by Ukraine, Europe and the U.S.
8:20 AM
Russia says talks on US peace plan for Ukraine 'are proceeding constructively'
New information:
- Confirms that U.S.–Russia discussions on the near-final U.S. peace plan are now taking place in Miami and are described by the Kremlin side as 'constructive.'
- Specifies that Kirill Dmitriev is directly involved in the Miami talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Adds Zelenskyy’s Saturday remark that Ukraine is waiting to see what U.S. posture emerges from these U.S.–Russia talks.
December 20, 2025
12:24 AM
Kremlin’s military goals in Ukraine will be met, Putin says at annual news conference
New information:
- Putin used his Dec. 19 Moscow news conference to publicly respond to U.S. peace efforts, praising Trump’s initiative but re‑asserting maximalist terms including recognition of Russian control over all territory it claims in four regions plus Crimea.
- He warned that if Kyiv does not accept Russia’s conditions in talks, Moscow will achieve its goals militarily, claiming Russian forces have the strategic initiative and will make further gains by year’s end.
- Putin said he had agreed to unspecified "compromises" with Trump at their Alaska summit, hinting at room for maneuver but offering no concrete concessions.
December 18, 2025
5:53 PM
Witkoff to meet with Kremlin envoy in Miami on U.S. peace plan for Ukraine
New information:
- Identifies Kirill Dmitriev as the Kremlin envoy slated to meet U.S. envoys in Miami on the U.S.-drafted Ukraine peace plan.
- Clarifies that the Miami meeting is a follow-on to Berlin talks and that Moscow is preparing for these contacts, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
- Notes that Witkoff and Kushner are involved not only in Ukraine talks but also in the next phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza deal, which includes an international security force.
December 16, 2025
4:15 PM
Zelenskyy says U.S.-negotiated proposals to end the war in Ukraine could be presented to Russia within days
New information:
- Zelenskyy says proposals negotiated with U.S. officials could be finalized within days, after which American envoys will present them to the Kremlin before possible U.S. meetings next weekend.
- An official from a NATO nation says Europeans would lead a multinational, multi‑domain force to secure Ukraine by land, sea and air, while the U.S. would lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with international participation.
- Zelenskyy: Kyiv is 'very close' to strong security guarantees based on keeping Ukraine’s army strong.
- Zelenskyy confirms U.S. proposals include a Donbas 'free economic zone,' stressing it would not be under Russian control.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejects a temporary truce and says Russia wants a comprehensive peace that secures its goals.
- Trump says, 'I think we’re closer now than we have been, ever' to a peace settlement.
12:56 PM
Zelenskyy says Russia could get "very workable" Ukraine peace plan within days
New information:
- Zelenskyy said a 'very workable' U.S.-authored peace plan could be finalized within days and then presented to the Kremlin by American envoys, with possible further meetings in the U.S. next weekend.
- U.S. officials said Ukraine and Europe have reached consensus on about 90% of the plan.
- Zelenskyy said up to five related documents are being prepared, several focused on security guarantees.
- He said the Americans proposed a Donbas 'free economic zone' and stressed it would not be under Russian control.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected a mere truce and said Russia seeks a comprehensive deal that secures its goals.
- President Trump said, 'I think we're closer now than we have been, ever' to a settlement.
- UK Defense Secretary John Healey said the Berlin talks signaled progress more advanced than at any time during the war.
December 15, 2025
7:42 PM
US officials tout progress in talks to reach 'lasting and durable peace' between Ukraine, Russia
New information:
- U.S. officials in a Monday briefing called the current security package 'very, very strong' with Article Five-like guarantees, oversight and deconfliction mechanisms.
- BlackRock has assembled a pro bono team coordinating with the World Bank to address Ukraine’s financial needs and reconstruction planning.
- Officials framed Trump’s goal as stopping Russia from 'moving west' and said the package is designed to deter and punish future incursions.
- U.S. officials said Europeans view a financially viable Ukraine as critical to their security.
- Officials indicated Russia has signaled openness to Ukraine joining the EU, per the briefing.
6:27 PM
Ukraine and U.S. divided over territory after intense negotiations
New information:
- U.S. draft envisions Ukraine pulling back from roughly 14% of Donbas it currently controls, turning it into a demilitarized 'free economic zone'.
- U.S. is offering NATO‑like ('Article 5') security guarantees that officials say would go to the Senate; a U.S. official claims '90%' of issues with Ukraine are resolved.
- Zelenskyy said the sides still have 'different positions on territory' and questioned why Russia wouldn’t seize areas if Ukrainian troops withdraw; he also noted any concessions may require a referendum.
- Working‑level map talks are expected in the U.S. (potentially Miami) this coming weekend; Trump is expected to call into a dinner with Zelenskyy and European leaders.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz participated and was positive about the U.S. security‑guarantee proposal; a U.S. official asserted Russia could accept the guarantees.
- A U.S. official warned the broader offer 'will not be on the table forever.'
4:16 PM
Latest talks between Ukraine and U.S. yield ‘progress’ as Trump seeks swift peace
New information:
- Ukraine’s negotiator Rustem Umerov said 'real progress' was achieved after a 90-minute Monday session that followed a five-hour meeting on Sunday in Berlin.
- A post from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s account said 'a lot of progress was made.'
- Zelenskyy reiterated readiness to drop NATO membership bid if guarantees are legally binding and backed by the U.S. Congress, while still rejecting ceding territory.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow expects updates from the U.S., avoided predicting a timeline, and asserted Putin is 'open to serious peace.'
- French President Emmanuel Macron planned to travel to Berlin Monday; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesperson emphasized the centrality of security guarantees.
December 14, 2025
6:37 PM
Zelenskyy offers to drop NATO bid in exchange for security guarantees, refuses to cede land
New information:
- Zelenskyy publicly says Ukraine is willing to drop its NATO membership bid in exchange for legally binding Western security guarantees backed by the U.S. Congress.
- He posted meeting photos showing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the table with the U.S. delegation in Berlin.
- Zelenskyy described his comments to reporters via a WhatsApp audio chat before talks, framing the guarantees as a compromise to prevent further Russian aggression.
2:19 PM
Zelenskyy to meet with Witkoff and Kushner for talks aimed at ending war
New information:
- Zelenskyy confirms a personal meeting in Berlin with U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and separate talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Zelenskyy says the U.S. floated a plan for Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk and establish a demilitarized free economic zone there; he rejected it as unworkable and called for a freeze along the current line of contact (“we stand where we stand”).
- He demands legally binding, NATO‑like security guarantees backed by the U.S. Congress and says he has not yet received a U.S. response to Ukraine’s latest proposals; he expects updates from a Ukraine–U.S. military meeting in Stuttgart.
- Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov says Russian police and National Guard would remain in parts of Donetsk even if designated a demilitarized zone and claims U.S. proposals were ‘worsened’ by Ukrainian/European edits.
10:48 AM
US envoys arrive in Berlin for latest round of Ukraine peace talks with Zelenskyy
New information:
- President Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Berlin on Sunday, confirmed by German agency dpa.
- Zelenskyy said he will meet Trump’s envoys and European partners in coming days to work on a political agreement to end the war.
- Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Russian police and national guard would remain in parts of Donbas even if designated a demilitarized zone under a potential plan, and complained U.S. proposals were 'worsened' by Ukraine/EU edits.
- Ukraine’s air force reported Russia launched ballistic missiles and 138 attack drones overnight; 110 were intercepted, with hits at six locations.
- Zelenskyy said hundreds of thousands of families remain without power across southern, eastern and northeastern regions.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the 'Pax Americana' era is largely over for Europe and warned Putin seeks to redraw borders.
12:25 AM
Russia and Ukraine trade attacks as U.S. and European officials prepare to resume peace talks
New information:
- Zelenskyy says he will meet President Trump’s envoys in Berlin; White House official names Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as traveling to the talks.
- Ukrainian officials report Russia used more than 450 drones and 30 missiles overnight, with over 1 million people without electricity amid freezing temperatures.
- Odesa port grain silos caught fire; two people were wounded in the wider Odesa region.
- Russian authorities say a Ukrainian drone strike in Saratov killed two and damaged a residential building; Russia’s Defense Ministry claims 41 drones were shot down overnight.
- Ukrainian forces assert the northern part of Pokrovsk remains under Ukrainian control, disputing Russia’s claim of full capture.
- Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov says Moscow will back a ceasefire only after Ukrainian troops withdraw from remaining parts of Donetsk still held by Kyiv.
December 13, 2025
1:25 PM
Russia Bombs Ukraine Port of Odesa Amid Peace Talks
New information:
- Russia launched one of the largest drone-and-missile attacks of the war on Odesa overnight Friday–Saturday, targeting energy, industrial and other infrastructure.
- Much of Odesa lost power, heat and water; hospitals and public drinking water stations switched to generators.
- Officials reported no deaths from the overnight strikes.
- Negotiators from Europe, the United States and Ukraine will meet in Berlin over the weekend, with Zelensky and European leaders expected to hold talks Monday.
- Zelensky said the strikes show Russia is not aiming to end the war and called for increased pressure on Moscow.
11:33 AM
2 killed in Russia; Ukraine's energy infrastructure is targeted
New information:
- At least two people were killed in Russia’s Saratov region after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a residential building; windows at a kindergarten and clinic were blown out.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down 41 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight.
- Zelenskyy said Russia launched over 450 drones and 30 missiles overnight targeting Ukraine’s energy and port infrastructure, leaving thousands without power across seven regions.
- Odesa port grain silos caught fire; two people were wounded in the wider Odesa region.
- Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Russian police and National Guard would remain in Donbas even after a peace settlement and that a ceasefire would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the front line.
- Germany is set to host Zelenskyy on Monday for talks as peace efforts gain momentum, while U.S.-led negotiations continue with President Trump pressing for a swift end to the war.
December 06, 2025