Overview

• Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky are under increasing international pressure to consider peace talks, with Trump’s administration signaling potential mediation efforts in 2025.
• Zelensky insists Ukraine requires additional Western arms and NATO security guarantees before engaging in negotiations with Russia, citing national survival as a key priority.
• The European Union’s new leadership reaffirmed its strong support for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, while acknowledging challenges in maintaining unified backing among member states.
• Russia continues to escalate its military efforts, including the use of foreign mercenaries and missile strikes, as Ukraine faces setbacks on the battlefield and worsening energy infrastructure damage.
• Analysts warn that any ceasefire or peace agreement could lead to internal political crises for both Ukraine and Russia, with long-term stability remaining uncertain.