On December 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky departed for Florida to meet with Donald Trump. The main purpose of the visit is to discuss the prospects for a peace agreement. Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching such a deal, though Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov indicated that real negotiations would likely occur in February.
The visit comes as a major corruption scandal broke out in Ukraine: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office revealed an organized criminal group in parliament, especially involving the transport committee. Among those implicated is MP Yuriy Kysil, who, along with two other deputies, was charged with accepting illicit payments for parliamentary votes. Searches were conducted in related offices as well.
Zelensky also plans to confer with European leaders in Canada, emphasizing that language and religious issues in the peace process will be addressed according to EU law. Additionally, Zelensky announced new sanctions aligned with those of the UK against Russia and related individuals and companies.
In a fresh interview, Budanov stated Russia's key goal for 2026 is to fully capture Donbas and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as to push into Dnipropetrovsk. Budanov noted a growing number of voices in Russia calling to end the war, but warned mass attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure may continue.
Amid Trump’s political activity, strained relations with European leaders, and domestic scandals, Ukraine signals readiness for compromise to achieve peace but stresses the importance of coordination with its Western partners.
In Kyiv, energy supply issues remain challenging as authorities work to stabilize the situation. The focus is now on upcoming political developments and the prospects for ending the war through negotiations.
