On December 24, as the Western world marks Christmas Eve, international negotiations on the war in Ukraine continue. US NATO representative Matthew Whitaker stated that Washington is probing Russia’s willingness to compromise for peaceful settlement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured that Ukraine has never been an obstacle to peace and emphasized that Washington remains constructive in its approach to securing an agreement.
The talks consider four core documents: a 20-point peace plan, multilateral security guarantees, separate US security guarantees, and a plan for Ukraine’s postwar economic recovery.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon reported on China’s growing military power, indicating that Beijing is learning from Russia’s actions in Ukraine and deepening its cooperation with Moscow. China also criticized Ukraine for imposing sanctions on Chinese companies allegedly linked to Russia’s defense sector and called on Kyiv to reverse its “mistakes.”
Within Russia, the economic situation is deteriorating, with over 30 defense executives prosecuted for failure to fulfill state contracts. European countries, especially Germany, are increasing military preparedness amid heightened regional security risks.
Ukraine’s air defenses downed 60 out of 116 attack drones last night, while several civilian sites were struck. Reports also indicate Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian targets. In Moscow, a new incident involving explosives and police officers occurred.
On the diplomatic front, Russia continues to accuse the US and Donald Trump of interference in Venezuela. Ukraine is auditing energy companies and discussing possible upcoming elections. The situation remains tense, with active international contacts ongoing.
