On December 25, Valeriy Kluchok extends Christmas greetings and analyzes the current events in Ukraine and the world. He expresses hope that the coming year will be the last year of war, although no decision on a ceasefire has yet been reached. Signals from the US and Europe indicate ongoing discussions. Matthew Whitaker, US Ambassador to NATO, announced that the war could end within the next 90 days. Emmanuel Macron said that security guarantees will be discussed in January. France's Le Monde published details of a 20-point peace plan, the main provisions being the withdrawal of Russian troops from several Ukrainian regions, creation of economic zones, and international oversight.
According to the plan, Russia must withdraw troops from Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv regions, and the details of economic zones will be defined by a special task force. The plan also calls for adherence to the Geneva Conventions, lifting of most sanctions against Russia after the peace agreement, security guarantees in the event of violations, and the establishment of a Ukrainian Development Fund for reconstruction.
During Christmas calls, Donald Trump stressed the importance of addressing issues related to Ukraine, Russia, and China. The release of phone transcripts between Putin and Bush (2001, 2005, 2008) highlighted Russia's consistent aggressive stance and opposition to Ukraine's NATO ambitions. At one point, Putin even hinted at Russia's interest in joining NATO, but this proposal received no support.
The West remains cautious: Trump pushes for quick decisions, Whitaker forecasts an end to the war by spring, and Russian officials are not commenting on the revised peace plan. Meanwhile, Indian refineries are resuming Russian oil imports despite sanctions, and Venezuela faces potential economic isolation by the US.
The Czech government is preparing documents on continued aid to Ukraine, despite a pro-Russian political shift. Germany has allocated extra funds for energy sector recovery—Ukraine's Energy Support Fund has received 245 million euros. The energy sector faces renewed Russian attacks: 131 drones, ballistic strikes on Sumy and Odesa, and attacks on Chernihiv are reported. Ukrainian drones targeted facilities in Russia’s Krasnodar region.
In diplomatic news, Ukraine's ambassador to Israel left an event due to the presence of his Russian counterpart. The author warns that prolonged war brings the risk of further international tolerance of Russia. Kluchok wishes Ukrainians peaceful holidays and a swift end to the war.
