Overview
- Zelensky spoke on Christmas Day with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, saying the call produced new ideas on formats, meetings and timelines, with more intensive diplomacy expected in the coming weeks.
- The U.S.-backed proposal has been delivered to the Kremlin, and officials in Moscow say they are formulating their position after receiving a report from emissary Kirill Dmitriev.
- The 20-point framework includes NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, a legally binding Peace Council chaired by President Donald Trump, and a proposed joint U.S.–Ukraine arrangement to operate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- Kyiv outlined conditional territorial steps such as reciprocal withdrawals and potential demilitarized or special economic zones in parts of Donetsk, without recognizing Russian sovereignty or renouncing a future NATO bid.
- Large strikes on the power grid, including a reported 650 drones and 38 missiles, triggered nationwide blackouts and precautionary output cuts at three nuclear plants, with fresh attacks hitting Kharkiv and deepening civilian hardship.