A recent poll indicates that Ukrainians are willing to consider peace agreements with security guarantees but strongly oppose plans involving complete withdrawal from Donetsk Oblast. The survey revealed that 75% of respondents rejected a peace plan that included withdrawal from Donbas and military restrictions, while 72% were open to a deal freezing territorial control at the current line of contact with security guarantees. Despite ongoing war and attacks, 63% of those surveyed were prepared to endure the conflict “as long as necessary.” Furthermore, the poll showed that Ukrainians trust President Zelensky and overwhelmingly do not desire elections before the end of hostilities.
Read More
On Tuesday, December 16th, thirty-five countries convened in the Netherlands to sign a convention, creating the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This commission, operating under the Council of Europe, will address damages caused by Russia’s invasion, building upon the foundation laid by the Register of Damage established in 2023. The Commission will assess and process claims alongside the Register of Damage. The final stage of this mechanism is the development of a compensation fund, largely funded by frozen Russian assets, to provide financial relief for those impacted by the conflict.
Read More
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia is uninterested in a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, including a proposed Christmas truce. Moscow’s position is that a pause would allow Kyiv to regroup and prepare for further conflict, instead of achieving Russia’s goals and securing its interests. Peskov stated Russia seeks peace on its own terms and is not prepared to substitute broader peace settlement negotiations with short-term measures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not yet received an official response from the United States regarding Ukraine’s peace plan proposals, though discussions were planned.
Read More
German foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter has warned that 2026 and 2027 will be crucial years for regional security, citing the significant presence of up to 360,000 Russian troops in Belarus as a key concern. Kiesewetter, who previously served in the German Armed Forces and at NATO headquarters, stated that Russia has assembled two army corps in Belarus, raising particular alarm in the Baltic states. He also noted that while the war in Ukraine has not been entirely successful, Putin is training hundreds of thousands of soldiers via a wartime economy, many of whom are not deployed in Ukraine.
Read More
During a speech to the Dutch Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is losing approximately 30,000 soldiers per month on the front lines. He highlighted that these figures fluctuate, with losses ranging from 25,000 to 31,000 in certain months. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia prioritizes power and money over the lives of its soldiers, citing the high casualty rates and the Kremlin’s focus on financial gains. The president is currently in the Netherlands for meetings with European leaders.
Read More
Speaking at the Berlin summit on peace in Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the United States would respond militarily if Russia attacks Ukraine again. Tusk stated that American negotiators, including Steve Witkoff, had been clear in their commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine. This united front of the US, Europe, and Ukraine is seen as crucial in pressuring Russia to engage in serious peace talks or agree to a ceasefire. Tusk emphasized the importance of Western allies acting together to prevent Russia from creating divisions.
Read More
As U.S. pressure on Ukraine grows, Ukrainians are largely opposed to Russian demands, particularly regarding territorial concessions. President Zelensky has stated that any decisions on territorial concessions should be decided by Ukrainians, potentially through a referendum, though this is complicated by martial law. Many Ukrainians view holding a vote during the war as unrealistic due to security concerns and logistical challenges. A recent survey showed that a significant majority of Ukrainians oppose plans that involve troop withdrawal from Donetsk Oblast, with many citizens emphasizing that they would not concede these territories to Russia.
Read More
President Zelenskyy declared Ukraine’s refusal to cede Donbas to Russia or recognize it as Russian territory. The United States has proposed a free economic zone for the region as a possible compromise, but Zelenskyy stressed this would not imply Russian control. Negotiations involving the US, Ukraine, and European leaders have focused on a revised peace plan, with the territorial issue remaining a key point of contention. While a referendum on territorial matters is not currently planned, Ukraine is open to elections in Donbas once a ceasefire is established.
Read More
The United States has agreed to provide Ukraine with unspecified security guarantees as part of a peace deal to end the war with Russia, according to officials. Talks with envoys led to narrowing differences on security guarantees and Moscow’s demand for land concessions in the Donbas region. The U.S. is planning to present the agreement for Senate approval, with discussions set to continue, potentially in Miami. European leaders and the U.S. have committed to joint efforts in providing robust security guarantees, including a multinational force.
Read More
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully disabled a Russian Varshavianka-class submarine in Novorossiysk port using the underwater drone Sub Sea Baby. This submarine, capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles used in attacks against Ukraine, is now effectively out of service. The attack was a joint operation between the 13th Main department of counterintelligence of SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. The estimated cost of this type of submarine is around $400 million, with potential construction costs now reaching $500 million due to international sanctions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker