DONBAS CONFLICT
Trump envoys bring Russia and Ukraine together for first peace talks in 9 months
Russian and Ukrainian officials recently convened in Abu Dhabi for the first US-brokered talks since February. US envoy Jared Kushner indicated that both sides have narrowed their differences but remain far apart on terms. Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for security guarantees and lasting peace to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed a preference for broader European security talks first.
US-brokered truce in Russian-occupied city of Oleshky begins
A US-brokered truce between Russia and Ukraine has begun in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, aiming to allow humanitarian aid to reach residents facing severe shortages of food and medicine. Announced by US First Lady Melania Trump, the limited ceasefire is intended to facilitate aid deliveries and evacuations, though details of the humanitarian operation and monitoring arrangements remain unclear.
'First time in long time, we're maybe close to deal': Trump on Ukraine conflict
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for South Carolina, Trump highlighted the delicate state of peace discussions, arguing that imposing additional economic penalties could derail diplomatic momentum.
Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes
Ukraine is set to enhance its attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to recent changes in military tactics. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that civilian infrastructure would not be targeted during these operations. Ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensives have recaptured significant territory in the eastern Donbas region.
Putin tells US envoys Witkoff, Kushner that situation in Ukraine is 'difficult'
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoys at the Kremlin for peace talks. Both sides agreed to pause strikes on each other's capitals during the discussions. US envoys will also visit Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, for the first time. Russian attacks killed five people at a Ukrainian industrial site. Ukrainian attacks wounded three people in Russia's Belgorod region.
How escalating attacks are upending daily life in Kyiv
Kyiv residents endure constant drone attacks, making daily life increasingly difficult for many. New jet-propelled drones are more destructive and harder to intercept by air defenses. Commuting and shopping are significantly impacted by frequent air raid alerts and disruptions. Schools are adapting to new dangers, with children studying in underground shelters. The escalating air war intensifies, while frontline fighting yields few territorial gains.
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A year after Alaska summit, Trump-Putin peace push gives way to war escalation
A summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict has failed. Diplomatic initiatives have stalled, and both sides are now escalating attacks. This has resulted in more civilian deaths than at any point since the war's early months. Russia's demands for territorial concessions and sanctions relief remain unmet by Ukraine. The "spirit of Anchorage" has dissipated, leading to a brutal escalation of the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to escalate Ukraine war, despite Donald Trump peace push, sources say
Kremlin sources indicate a high probability of conflict escalation in coming months. President Putin rejects peace talks, seeking full Donbas control as a key victory. Ukraine's intelligence suggests Putin prepares new operations, possibly beyond its borders. Recent drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have strengthened Putin's resolve. This situation intensifies the ongoing grinding ground war in eastern Ukraine.
Putin says Russia will press on with front-line campaign regardless of Ukraine proposals
President Putin declared Russia's intent to fully capture four Ukrainian regions, dismissing a Ukrainian proposal for a ceasefire as a tactic to ease pressure on its forces. He emphasized the need to bolster air defenses against Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russia's oil industry, while asserting these strikes do not impact front-line combat. Putin also indicated potential U.S. diplomatic engagement following regional conflicts.
Russia renews hardline demands for ending Ukraine war
Russia has reiterated its firm stance on ending the Ukraine war. Moscow insists Ukraine must withdraw its forces from the Donbas region for any ceasefire or comprehensive peace negotiations to begin. This comes as President Putin previously stated the conflict was nearing its end. Ukraine's President Zelensky has rejected these demands, viewing them as a surrender.
What is Donnyland, and where is it? Size and location explained
What is Donnyland, and where is it? Ukrainian negotiators explored naming a part of the Donbas region Donnyland to influence US support during Russia war talks. The idea appeared in discussions but never became policy. Talks included free economic zone plans, governance questions, and stalled negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. This explainer covers the proposal, the Monaco model, the Donbas conflict, and ongoing diplomacy.
Donnyland? Ukraine's most unusual Trump strategy yet — renaming a whole region just to win him over
Ukraine Donnyland proposal: Ukrainian negotiators reportedly proposed renaming a contested Donbas territory "Donnyland," a move analysts suggest could be a strategic appeal to Donald Trump for increased support. The proposal, which included a flag and anthem drafted by AI, aims to secure the region's protection amidst stalled peace talks.
Ukraine, Russia to hold second day of direct talks on US plan
Diplomats from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi. They are discussing a plan to end the ongoing war. The fate of the Donbas region remains a major obstacle. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to find a political solution. President Trump believes a deal is possible.
Putin indicated Russia could be open to territory swap as part of Ukraine deal, Kommersant says
Andrei Kolesnikov, the Kremlin correspondent for the Kommersant, one of Russia's top newspapers, said that Putin briefed top businessmen on the details of the plan at a late-night Kremlin meeting on December 24. "Vladimir Putin asserted that the Russian side is still ?ready to make the concessions that he made in Anchorage. In other words, that 'Donbas is ours,'" Kommersant reported.
US envoy Keith Kellogg says Ukraine peace deal is really close
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops in the Donbas, which is made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Ukraine war is the deadliest European conflict since World War Two and has triggered the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the depths of the Cold War.
How rich is Donbas? The Ukrainian coal and mineral hub that Putin wants to end the war
In Alaska, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the fate of Ukraine's Donbas region, with Trump reportedly considering Putin's proposal to freeze frontlines in exchange for Kyiv withdrawing from Donetsk and Luhansk. Zelensky has dismissed abandoning Donbas, a region rich in coal and critical minerals, control of which would give Russia a significant economic and military advantage.
US, NATO note Ukraine army gains but see war dragging on
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the invasion launched by Putin in February is "entering a critical phase". "Ukrainian forces have been able to stall Moscow's offensive in Donbas, strike back behind Russian lines and retake territory," he said. But Stoltenberg warned that allied unity will be tested in coming months, "with pressure on energy supplies and the soaring cost of living caused by Russia's war." He renewed calls for allies to supply special uniforms, generators, tents and equipment to help Ukraine's army weather the coming winter.
'Massive' Russian shelling on Ukraine's Sloviansk: Mayor
Ukrainian authorities have on several occasions urged Sloviansk residents to leave the region as the frontline approaches the city following Russia's capture of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk in the neighbouring region of Lugansk.
Ukraine war: The battle of Donbas could prove decisive
If Russia prevails in the battle of Donbas, it will mean that Ukraine loses not only land but perhaps the bulk of its most capable military forces, opening the way for Moscow to grab more territory and dictate its terms to Kyiv. A Russian failure could lay the grounds for a Ukrainian counteroffensive -- and possibly lead to political upheaval for the Kremlin.
Boris Johnson says Russia making slow but palpable progress in Donbas
Johnson said Ukraine needed more military support, including multiple-launch rocket systems, and said the conflict had to end.
Ukraine's president accuses Russia of waging 'total war'
That battle is only one part of the Russian campaign to take the Donbas, which is now the Kremlin's focus after its forces failed to overrun Kyiv in the early weeks of the war and were forced to withdraw and pursue more a limited objective. But its troops have become bogged down again in the eastern industrial heartland of coal mines and factories.
200 bodies found in Mariupol basement as war rages in east
The bodies were decomposing and a stench permeated the neighborhood, said Petro Andryushchenko, an adviser to the mayor. It's not clear when they were discovered. Perched on the Sea of Azov, Mariupol was relentlessly pounded during a months long siege that finally ended last week after some 2,500 Ukrainian fighters abandoned a steel plant where they had made their last stand.
Italy floats 4-point peace plan to end Ukraine conflict including winding down of sanctions against Russia
The plan calls for local cease-fires to allow for civilian evacuations, and creating the conditions for a general cease-fire leading “to a long-lasting peace,” Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Friday, according to the Associated Press. The Italian Foreign Minister recently visited India to widen partnership.
Finland moves toward joining NATO amid Russian threats
Finland’s president and prime minister announced that the Nordic country should apply right away for membership in NATO, the military defense pact founded in part to counter the Soviet Union.
Russian President Vladimir Putin preparing for prolonged war in Ukraine: US spy chief
"We assess President Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas," Haines told lawmakers.
Russia ratchets up battle for control of eastern Ukraine
In recent weeks, Russian forces that withdrew from Kyiv have regrouped in preparation for an all-out offensive in the Donbas, where Moscow-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces for the past eight years and have declared two independent republics that have been recognized by Russia.
Explainer: After failed Kyiv blitz, Russia focuses on east
When Russian forces invaded Ukraine from the north, east and south on Feb. 24. President Vladimir Putin counted on a quick victory, similar to its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.
5 things to know about why Russia might invade Ukraine - and why the US is involved
Russia has amassed an estimated 100,000 troops along its border with Ukraine over the past several months. The U.S. has responded by sending several thousand troops to two of Ukraine's neighboring countries: Poland and Romania.
Five things to know about why Russia might invade Ukraine - and why the US is involved
Ukraine's layered history offers a window into the complex nation it is today - and why it is continuously under threat. As an Eastern Europe expert, I highlight five key points to keep in mind.
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