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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Maira Butt,Alex Croft,Bryony Gooch and Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Ukraine-Russia war latest: US insists Trump ‘not giving up on peace’ as Zelensky calls for talks to start early

Donald Trump hasn’t given up on peace and remains deeply involved in the process ahead of Sunday’s trilateral talks, the US has insisted.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the president’s commitments to peace after both Russia and Ukraine officials met for two days’ worth of talks in Abu Dhabi, dubbed as “constructive” by Kyiv.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said a US security agreement for Ukraine was “100 per cent ready” to be signed.

Ukraine’s leader has called for talks to resume even sooner than Sunday, adding that the steps taken in Abu Dhabi should be monitored.

It comes as Moscow was dealt a financial blow after European Union countries gave final approval for a ban on Russian gas imports by late 2027, meaning the proposal can now become continental law.

The law was pushed and co-legislated by the European parliament, signed into law by president Roberta Metsola, making it legally binding for members of the bloc to cut ties with its former top gas supplier.

The proposal met opposition from Slovakia and Hungary. Hungary, which imports around 90 per cent of its natural gas from Russia, threatened to take the case to the European Court of Justice.

Key Points

  • Trump not giving up on Ukraine peace process, White House says
  • Zelensky calls for Ukrainian and Russian teams to meet before Sunday
  • US security agreement for Ukraine is '100 per cent ready', says Zelensky
  • EU countries give final approval to Russian gas ban
  • Trilateral peace talks to continue this weekend

Russian attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv causes mass power outages

03:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Russian drones and missiles have hit Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, knocking out power to 80 per cent of the city and the surrounding region and striking apartment buildings, a school and a kindergarten, local officials said.

Two people were injured, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said yesterday.

"Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage. All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly," Syniehubov said.

"About 80 per cent of the city of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region is without electricity," he added.

The constant threat of further air raids was complicating repair efforts, he said.

Russian drones strike high-rise in Zelensky's hometown

03:06 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Russian drones yesterday struck a high-rise apartment building president Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown southeast of Kharkiv.

Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s military administration, said the drone strike in Kryvyi Rih triggered a fire, but there were reports of casualties.

"Again, animals hit a high-rise building in the Ternivskyi district with a shaheed. Fire," he wrote on Telegram.

Zelensky says military issues were primary topic at trilateral talks

03:00 , Alex Croft

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said military issues were the primary topic of discussion at trilateral talks with the US and Russia over the weekend, but that political issues were also discussed.

“The meetings covered a range of important issues – primarily military, essential to bringing the war to an end,” he wrote on X.

“Complex political matters that remain unresolved were also discussed. The key positions of all parties were analyzed.

"Preparations are now underway for new trilateral meetings this week," he added.

Kremlin says territory of fundamental importance to Russia

01:29 , Alex Croft

We’ve heard from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who has said that the territorial issue remains of fundamental importance to Russia in peace talks with the US and Ukraine.

State news agency RIA cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peksov as saying that Moscow positively assesses what he called "constructive talks" on Ukraine.

Peskov confirmed that the three-way talks would continue.

Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand

00:30 , Alex Croft

Trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to continue this week, following initial "constructive" discussions held in Abu Dhabi.

Here’s everything you need to know in The Independent’s five-point Bulletin:

Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand

Mass power outages after Russian attack on Kharkiv

Monday 26 January 2026 23:46 , Harriette Boucher

Russian drones and missile strikes on Kharkiv have knocked out power to 80 per cent of the city and its surrounding region, as apartment buildings and a school and kindergarten were struck.

Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov posted on Telegram to say the at least two people had been injured in the strikes on Monday and confirmed that the majority of the city was without electricity.

He said: "Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage. All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly.”

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said an "energy site" had been targeted as night-time temperatures dipped to -14 degrees Celsius.

UNESCO World Heritage site damaged in Russian assault

Monday 26 January 2026 23:30 , Alex Croft

Buildings among the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were damaged during a Russian missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, according to the reserve’s director general.

Maksym Ostapenko told Interfax Ukraine that the building had been damaged due to military action “for the first time since World War II”.

“Each time, Moscow has been behind this – as in 1918; as when, on orders from Moscow, the Dormition Cathedral was blown up in 1941; and now, again on orders from Moscow, Shahed drones and missiles are flying against Kyiv and causing damage, including now to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” Mr Ostapenko said.

The blast shattered some windows and doors, with fragments of plasterwork damaged in several places, he said.

Ukraine's energy minister welcomes EU's ban on Russia gas imports

Monday 26 January 2026 22:30 , Alex Croft

Ukraine's energy minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the EU's 2027 ban on Russian gas imports, saying in a statement on Monday that independence from Russian energy "is, above all, about a safe and strong Europe."

He said that “penalties for violations range from EUR 2.5 million (£2.2m) for individuals to EUR 40 million (£34.7m) for companies. The regulation will enter into force in early February.

Ukraine drone attack kills one in Russia's Belgorod region, governor says

Monday 26 January 2026 22:04 , Bryony Gooch

A ‌Ukrainian drone attack killed a resident of Russia's ‌border region of Belgorod on Monday, the regional ‌governor ​said. Vyacheslav Gladkov, ​writing on Telegram, said ‍the drone ‍hit a ​car near ‍the border, killing a man before ‍the arrival ⁠of an emergency crew. Ukrainian forces have frequently struck targets in Belgorod region since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of its smaller ‌neighbour in February ​2022.

This could not be independently verified.

France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean

Monday 26 January 2026 21:31 , Alex Croft

The captain of a tanker intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by the French navy on suspicion of shipping oil in violation of sanctions against Russia was reported Sunday as being held in custody for questioning.

The ship’s Indian captain was handed to judicial authorities following the diversion of the oil tanker, Grinch, and its arrival at anchorage in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, French media reported, citing a statement by the Marseille prosecutor’s office.

The Ici Provence radio broadcaster reported that the crew, also of Indian nationality, was being kept on board. A preliminary investigation was opened on charges of failure to fly a flag.

Read more here:

France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean

Talks with US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were constructive but major challenges remain, Kremlin says

Monday 26 January 2026 20:30 , Alex Croft

Negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are yielding apparent signs of progress, but major challenges remain on the path to a final settlement, a senior Kremlin official said Monday.

Talks between envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the United States in recent days in Abu Dhabi were constructive and another round is planned for next week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

He reported no major breakthrough so far, however, and added: “The very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive way can be assessed positively, but there is still serious work ahead.”

Read the full report:

Talks with US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were constructive but major challenges remain, Kremlin says

Recap: Russian forces injure two in attack on school and kindergarten in Kharkiv

Monday 26 January 2026 20:00 , Bryony Gooch

Russian forces on Monday ‌launched a drone and missile attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, hitting apartment buildings, a school and ‌a kindergarten and ​injuring ​at least two people, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said ‍on Telegram.

Unofficial Telegram channels posted ‍pictures ​showing the city, a ‍frequent Russian target located 30 km (18 miles) from the Russian border, had been plunged into darkness.

In Kryvyi Rih, president Volodymyr Zelensky's home town to the southeast of Kharkiv, the head of the industrial city's military administration said Russian drones hit a high-rise apartment building.

Oleksandr Vilkul, writing on Telegram, said the impact had triggered a fire, but gave no immediate indication of any casualties.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports and there was no immediate reaction from Russian officials.

Trump not giving up on Ukraine peace process, White House says

Monday 26 January 2026 19:44 , Bryony Gooch

US president Donald Trump is ‌not giving up on the ‌Ukraine ​peace ​process and ‍remains deeply involved, ‍White ​House Press ‍Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters ‍on Monday, ⁠adding that she was not tracking any scheduled calls with Russian or Ukrainian ‌leaders at ​this point.

Kremlin demands Ukraine cede Donbas region

Monday 26 January 2026 19:29 , Alex Croft

The Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine will cede all of the Donbas region, according to statements in Russian state media on Monday.

“It's no secret that this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the Anchorage formula, is of fundamental importance to the Russian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said trilaterial discussions between Russia, Ukraine and the US had been “constructive” but reiterated the importance of territory to a successful agreement.

The issue has been a key sticking point throughout discussions that have taken place over the last few weeks.

Drone debris sparks fire in Russia's Krasnodar region leaving one person injured

Monday 26 January 2026 18:40 , Alex Croft

One person was left injured and two enterprises caught on fire after drone fragments fell in the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in Russia's Krasnodar region, the regional emergencies centre said on Monday.

It did not identify what enterprises were affected, but the city hosts a private refinery with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, which provides fuel for both domestic use and export.

Russia's defence ministry said air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 40 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 34 in the Krasnodar region.

Hungary summons Ukraine's ambassador over alleged 'attempt to interfere in election'

Monday 26 January 2026 18:20 , Bryony Gooch

Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban said on ‌Monday that Budapest would summon Ukraine's ambassador over ‌what ​Orban ​says is attempts by ‍Kyiv to ‍interfere in ​a Hungarian ‍parliamentary election due on 12 April.

The announcement ⁠by Orban in a Facebook video comes as he has intensified his anti-Ukrainian campaign in the past weeks, and ‌has sought ​to associate Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar ⁠with Brussels and Ukraine.

Finland tackles undersea cable sabotage amid Russian threat

Monday 26 January 2026 17:54 , Alex Croft

Finland is set to establish a new maritime surveillance centre in the Gulf of Finland, a move aimed at protecting critical undersea infrastructure amidst heightened regional tensions.

The initiative, announced by Finland's Border Guard, will involve cooperation with other Baltic Sea states and the European Commission.

This development comes as the Baltic Sea region remains on high alert following a series of incidents involving power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The most recent event occurred on New Year's Eve, when Finnish authorities intercepted a cargo vessel en route from Russia to Israel on suspicion of sabotaging an undersea telecoms cable.

Read the full report:

Finland tackles undersea cable sabotage amid Russian threat

Zelensky calls for Ukrainian and Russian teams to meet before Sunday

Monday 26 January 2026 17:29 , Bryony Gooch

Talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are ‌expected to resume on Sunday, president Volodymyr Zelensky said, ‌calling ​on allies ​not to weaken their pressure ‍on Moscow.

In his ‍evening ​address on ‍Monday, Zelensky said the two sides ‍had discussed ⁠steps to end the war and how that should be monitored during talks last weekend in Abu Dhabi. He ‌added it would ​be good if those talks could ⁠resume even sooner than Sunday.

No link between Ukraine and Greenland discussions, Rutte says

Monday 26 January 2026 17:20 , Alex Croft

There is no link between talks on Ukraine and on Greenland, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has said.

The two issues remain totally separate, he added, about the issues which have both seen European countries at odds with the Trump administration.

Nato's Rutte urges EU to be flexible on how Ukraine can use loan

Monday 26 January 2026 16:47 , Alex Croft

European Union countries should show flexibility on how Ukraine can use the 90 billion euros (£78bn) EU loan to buy weapons and finance its budget, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said on Monday, adding EU should not impose "buy EU" at all cost.

"I would really strongly urge you to ensure flexibility in how these funds can be spent and not to be overly restrictive with ‘Buy EU’ caveats," he told members of the European Parliament.

"Europe is now building its defence industry and that is vital but it cannot, at the moment, provide nearly enough of what Ukraine needs to defend itself today and to deter tomorrow."

Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) (PA Wire)

US security agreement for Ukraine '100% ready' to be signed, says Zelensky

Monday 26 January 2026 16:15 , Alex Croft

Investment for Ukraine's Dobra lithium deposit could surpass £500m, says Kyiv

Monday 26 January 2026 15:43 , Alex Croft

The initial investment for the development of Ukraine's Dobra lithium deposit could amount to $700 million, (£511m) economy minister Oleksiy Sobolev told broadcaster Deutsche Welle in an interview cited on the ministry website.

"There is currently no agreement. Its draft will be developed and agreed upon by the parties within one year, in accordance with Ukrainian law,” Mr Sobolev added in the comments quoted on the ministry website.

“But we plan to conclude an agreement within a few months.”

Earlier this month, Ukraine awarded development rights for the deposit to a US-backed consortium, seeking to unlock one of the country’s largest lithium resources.

Zelensky says military issues were primary topic at trilateral talks

Monday 26 January 2026 15:12 , Alex Croft

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said military issues were the primary topic of discussion at trilateral talks with the US and Russia over the weekend, but that political issues were also discussed.

“The meetings covered a range of important issues – primarily military, essential to bringing the war to an end,” he wrote on X.

“Complex political matters that remain unresolved were also discussed. The key positions of all parties were analyzed.

"Preparations are now underway for new trilateral meetings this week," he added.

Ukraine's energy minister welcomes EU's ban on Russia gas imports

Monday 26 January 2026 14:03 , Alex Croft

Ukraine's energy minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the EU's 2027 ban on Russian gas imports, saying in a statement on Monday that independence from Russian energy "is, above all, about a safe and strong Europe."

He said that “penalties for violations range from EUR 2.5 million (£2.2m) for individuals to EUR 40 million (£34.7m) for companies. The regulation will enter into force in early February.

France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean

Monday 26 January 2026 13:39 , Alex Croft

The captain of a tanker intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by the French navy on suspicion of shipping oil in violation of sanctions against Russia was reported Sunday as being held in custody for questioning.

The ship’s Indian captain was handed to judicial authorities following the diversion of the oil tanker, Grinch, and its arrival at anchorage in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, French media reported, citing a statement by the Marseille prosecutor’s office.

The Ici Provence radio broadcaster reported that the crew, also of Indian nationality, was being kept on board. A preliminary investigation was opened on charges of failure to fly a flag.

Read more here:

France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean

In pictures: Ukraine receives hundreds of generators from Poland amid power cuts

Monday 26 January 2026 13:16 , Alex Croft

Person takes a picture of generators, which Kyiv received from Poland as the country faces power outages after recent Russian missile and drone strikes on critical infrastructure, as a humanitarian aid (REUTERS)
Czechs have also raised millions of pounds to fund generators in Ukraine (REUTERS)

Kremlin says territory of fundamental importance to Russia

Monday 26 January 2026 13:05 , Alex Croft

We’ve heard from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who has said that the territorial issue remains of fundamental importance to Russia in peace talks with the US and Ukraine.

State news agency RIA cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peksov as saying that Moscow positively assesses what he called "constructive talks" on Ukraine.

Peskov confirmed that the three-way talks would continue.

UNESCO World Heritage site damaged in Russian assault

Monday 26 January 2026 12:52 , Alex Croft

Buildings among the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were damaged during a Russian missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, according to the reserve’s director general.

Maksym Ostapenko told Interfax Ukraine that the building had been damaged due to military action “for the first time since World War II”.

“Each time, Moscow has been behind this – as in 1918; as when, on orders from Moscow, the Dormition Cathedral was blown up in 1941; and now, again on orders from Moscow, Shahed drones and missiles are flying against Kyiv and causing damage, including now to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” Mr Ostapenko said.

The blast shattered some windows and doors, with fragments of plasterwork damaged in several places, he said.

Kremlin demands Ukraine cede Donbas region

Monday 26 January 2026 12:49 , Alex Croft

The Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine will cede all of the Donbas region, according to statements in Russian state media on Monday.

“It's no secret that this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the Anchorage formula, is of fundamental importance to the Russian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said trilaterial discussions between Russia, Ukraine and the US had been “constructive” but reiterated the importance of territory to a successful agreement.

The issue has been a key sticking point throughout discussions that have taken place over the last few weeks.

Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand

Monday 26 January 2026 12:02 , Alex Croft

Trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to continue this week, following initial "constructive" discussions held in Abu Dhabi.

Here’s everything you need to know in The Independent’s five-point Bulletin:

Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand

Czechs fundraise over $6m to buy generators for freezing Ukraine

Monday 26 January 2026 11:35 , Alex Croft

Czechs have collected more than $6 million in just five days in a grassroots fundraising effort to buy generators, heaters and batteries for Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands are freezing in subzero temperatures after Russian attacks on power plants.

Ukrainian engineers have been working around the clock in hazardous conditions for weeks since Russia escalated its attacks on Ukraine's grid during a cold snap that has seen temperatures plunge to minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 F).

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky declared an energy emergency after the Russian strikes.

The European Commission said on Friday it would send 447 emergency generators worth 3.7 million euros (£3.2 million).

US security agreement for Ukraine '100% ready' to be signed, says Zelensky

Monday 26 January 2026 11:04 , Alex Croft

Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery in Krasnodar, says military

Monday 26 January 2026 10:40 , Maira Butt

Ukraine’s military has said it struck the Slavyansk Eko oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region overnight.

“Strike drones were recorded hitting the plant's territory and explosions were heard in the target area. According to preliminary information, elements of the primary oil processing facility were hit,” a statement released on the Telegram app by the military said on Monday.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un visits memorial for soldiers fallen in Ukraine

Monday 26 January 2026 10:15 , Maira Butt

Kim Jong Un visited a memorial for soldiers who have been killed in Ukraine, on Sunday.

North Korea sent 14,000 troops to support Russia in its ongoing war, with at least 6,000 of those reported to have been killed in the fighting.

The leader visited an art studio to guide the creation of sculptures to be displayed at the memorial.

EU countries give final approval to Russian gas ban

Monday 26 January 2026 09:50 , Maira Butt

European Union countries have finalised approval to ban Russian gas imports by late 2027, enabling the motion to now pass into law.

It will make it legally-binding for members of the bloc to cut ties with its former top gas supplier.

The policy was approved at a meeting in Brussels on Monday – Slovakia and Hungary voted against the law.

Hungary said it would take the case to the European Court of Justice, the country relies heavily on Russian fuel. It imports around 90 per cent of its natural gas from Russia.

Finland to team up with EU and Baltic Sea states for undersea infrastructure monitoring

Monday 26 January 2026 09:25 , Maira Butt

Finland’s Border Guard will team up with the European Union and Baltic Sea states for the protection of critical undersea infrastructure in the region, it said on Monday.

“Competent authorities must have the capability and the authority to intervene in situations occurring in the territorial sea and the exclusive economic zone,” a statement read.

The Baltic Sea region is on high alert after a spate of power cable, telecom link and gas pipeline outages since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nato has enhanced its Baltic Sea presence with frigates, aircraft and naval drones in light of the situation.

Russia’s attacks have devastated Ukraine’s energy grid – and history explains why

Monday 26 January 2026 09:05 , Maira Butt

In the middle of Ukraine’s fiercest winter of the war, many Ukrainians are unable to prepare hot meals or are unable to heat their homes while temperatures have dipped as low as -20C in the past few weeks. Harsher weather is forecast.

Russia has once again targeted Ukraine with sustained attacks on power stations, energy grids and heating nodes affecting electricity, as well as heating systems and water pumps.

Following the Russian strikes on January 20, around 5,600 apartment buildings in Kyiv were left without heating and almost half of Kyiv was believed to be without heat and power, affecting around one million people. The situation is so dire that the city has set up “heating tents” to help people stay warm in the freezing temperatures. Other cities have also been attacked.

Russia’s attacks have devastated Ukraine’s energy grid – and history explains why

Drone debris sparks fire in Russia's Krasnodar region leaving one person injured

Monday 26 January 2026 08:50 , Maira Butt

One person was left injured and two enterprises caught on fire after drone fragments fell in the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in Russia's Krasnodar region, the regional emergencies centre said on Monday.

It did not identify what enterprises were affected, but the city hosts a private refinery with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, which provides fuel for both domestic use and export.

Russia's defence ministry said air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 40 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 34 in the Krasnodar region.

Trilateral peace talks to continue this weekend

Monday 26 January 2026 08:45 , Maira Butt

Discussions between Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to continue this weekend, according to US officials.

“I think getting everyone together was a big step,” a US official said on Saturday.

“I think it’s a confirmation of the fact that, number one, a lot of progress has been made to date in really defining the details needed to get to a conclusion.”

The talks were said to be “constructive” according to both Kyiv and the Kremlin.

They are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (1 February).

Zelensky appeals for air defence support from allies

Monday 26 January 2026 08:40 , Maira Butt

President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for more air defence support from allies after Russian strikes on energy infrastructure once again left vast swathes of the country’s capital without heating.

“This week alone, the Russians have launched more than 1,700 attack drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs, and 69 missiles of various types,” Zelensky said as he arrived in Vilnius on Sunday.

Hundreds of buildings without electricity in Kyiv in freezing temperatures after Russian strikes

Monday 26 January 2026 08:23 , Maira Butt

At least 1,330 buildings in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv have been left without electricity after Russian strikes.

The attack launched on Saturday targeted the country’s energy system, causing explosions that left 1.2 million homes without power.

The country is facing freezing sub-zero temperatures.

“Russia’s main targets right now are our energy sector, critical infrastructure, and residential buildings,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on X/Twitter in the aftermath of the attacks.

(REUTERS)

Kremlin demands Ukraine cede Donbas region

Monday 26 January 2026 08:10 , Maira Butt

The Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine will cede all of the Donbas region, according to statements in Russian state media on Monday.

“It's no secret that this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the Anchorage formula, is of fundamental importance to the Russian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said trilaterial discussions between Russia, Ukraine and the US had been “constructive” but reiterated the importance of territory to a successful agreement.

The issue has been a key sticking point throughout discussions that have taken place over the last few weeks.

Watch: US security agreement for Ukraine '100% ready' to be signed, says Zelensky

Monday 26 January 2026 08:06 , Maira Butt

US security agreement is '100 per cent ready', says Zelensky

Monday 26 January 2026 08:05 , Maira Butt

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that a US security agreement is now “100 per cent ready” to be signed after trilateral talks with his country, Russia and the US over the weekend.

“For us, security guarantees are first and foremost guarantees of security from the United States,” Mr Zelensky told reporters during a visit to Lithuania on Sunday.

“The document is 100 per cent ready, and we are waiting for our partners to confirm the date and place when we will sign it.”

Once the agreement is signed, it will go to the US Congress and Ukrainian parliament to be ratified.

(AP)

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