Overview
- In a New Year address, Volodymyr Zelensky said a U.S.-brokered framework to end the war is 90% ready and emphasized he will not sign a weak deal that compromises sovereignty or enforceable security guarantees.
- Russia publicized a handover to a U.S. military attaché of a drone navigation controller it says proves Ukrainian targeting of a presidential residence in Novgorod, a claim Ukraine rejects and outside outlets have not verified.
- U.S. intelligence briefed President Trump that there is no credible evidence Ukraine aimed drones at Vladimir Putin’s residences, and Trump signaled doubt by sharing an editorial blaming Moscow for obstructing peace efforts.
- Russian-installed officials in occupied Khorly reported at least 24 dead and more than 50 injured in a New Year’s Eve drone strike on a cafe and hotel, with investigators identifying victims as Ukraine stresses it targets military and energy sites.
- Both sides reported expansive holiday-period drone operations, with Kyiv citing attacks on its power infrastructure and Russian authorities claiming numerous interceptions and temporary flight restrictions near Moscow.