Overview
- Zelensky said advisers from the coalition of the willing will meet in Kyiv on 3 January, with a leaders’ session planned in France on 6 January.
- A Der Spiegel transcript reported EU heads telling Zelensky to keep any commitments “on paper” and to show caution over concessions.
- Germany’s Friedrich Merz announced fresh Berlin-format consultations with EU and Canadian partners to advance the peace process.
- Italy approved a 2026 aid decree that emphasizes civilian, logistical and “defensive” support alongside transfers of equipment.
- Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said Kyiv forfeited about €3.6 billion in 2025 Ukraine Facility funds after missing reform benchmarks.