Today, December 13, while a quiet day, brought several important news items. Among the highlights is the anticipated meeting of Kushner, Vitkov, and Zelensky, which may take place in Berlin. According to the New York Times, Ukraine has presented its version of a peace plan to Donald Trump, insisting on no withdrawal from Donetsk and no renunciation of NATO aspirations. The plan, prepared after consultations with European leaders, does not include concessions Ukraine considers unacceptable, complicating dialogue with Russia—though Russia remains in the process.
Turkish President Erdogan, after meeting Putin, stated that the war between Ukraine and Russia could be nearing its end. Media reports that Donald Trump is pressuring President Zelensky to make concessions, especially regarding the Donbas, with Christmas now seen as an unofficial deadline for negotiation results.
Internationally, Belarus unexpectedly released 114 inmates, including five Ukrainian citizens. The United States has lifted some sanctions from Belarusian companies, while Ukraine announced its largest-ever sanctions package against Russia’s shadow fleet, targeting 656 vessels. European countries' reactions vary: Slovakia's Fico opposes supporting Ukraine, the Czech Republic has provided Ukraine with 1.8 million munitions, and Estonia is reinforcing its border with Russia.
On the front line, Ukrainian forces have de-occupied around 16 km² in Pokrovsk, despite Russian advances elsewhere. Russian attacks have led to power outages in several regions, and Odesa is struggling with heating and water supply.
The day's conclusion featured a controversy involving the Ukrainian Biathlon Federation, which published a map of Europe omitting Crimea, later apologizing for the technical error. These are the key developments shaping Ukraine's current political and security context.
