On December 29, major international events regarding the Ukraine war unfolded. Valeriy Klychok reported that Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin ahead of meeting Volodymyr Zelensky in Mar-a-Lago. The main topic of the Trump-Putin call was the Donetsk region; Russia insisted on control, urging Ukraine to make a decision given the critical frontline situation. The conversation lasted around 1 hour and 15 minutes and was described as 'friendly and businesslike,' according to Ushakov.
After a two-hour meeting, Trump and Zelensky held a joint press conference. Negotiations are ongoing, with the formation of U.S.-Ukraine working groups on security and economics (including Kushner, General Keane, and potentially Ukrainian participants). About 90% of the peace plan points have reportedly been agreed. Zelensky noted ongoing coordination on security guarantees with the U.S. and Europe and raised the possibility of a referendum.
European leaders (Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Scholz, and others) gave positive feedback on the talks and agreed to finalize security guarantees for Ukraine. Talks on the Donbas remain challenging: Russia wants an immediate agreement, while Ukraine seeks a ceasefire first and then a referendum.
Frontline updates include a new drone attack: Russia launched 25 drones, with Ukrainian air defense neutralizing 21; four hit targets. In response, Ukrainian drones attacked Russia’s Novgorod region, and over 100 drones from both sides were reported downed in a day.
Political developments: Valerii Zaluzhnyi may resign as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, and the Security Service of Ukraine is conducting searches in Zakarpattia. Meanwhile, China is conducting large-scale military exercises near Taiwan.
Conclusion: All parties are moving closer to an agreement; negotiations continue, and both military and diplomatic dynamics remain fluid.
