Russia will not make any concessions on territory in talks to end the war, its deputy foreign minister said as Ukraine and the US hailed great progress in Berlin.
Sergei Ryabkov said Russia would hold on to the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine, as well as Crimea and the southern swathe of land Moscow calls ‘Novorossiya’.
Ryabkov dismissed public chatter about an emerging peace deal, as he said Washington has not yet updated the Kremlin on the progress of recent talks.
He shot down the idea of a Nato peacekeeping force in a post-war Ukraine after the US finally said it was open to offering Article 5-style guarantees, backed by European efforts.
Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine overnight as more than 280,000 households were left without power in the southern port region of Odesa.
Donald Trump said on Monday that he believed peace was closer than it ever has been before.
Key Points
- Trump claims peace is 'closer than ever' after direct talks with Putin
- Ukraine will ask US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects peace effort, says Zelensky
- European leaders push for 'multinational force' to secure peace in Ukraine
- Trump hints at Nato-style security guarantees for Ukraine
- Belgium still unconvinced by plan to use frozen Russian assets
Ukrainian air defence units in action in Kyiv, mayor says
04:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian air defence units were in action in a northern district of the capital Kyiv, mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram after authorities warned of a possible drone attack.
Reuters witnesses reported explosions in the city.
Air raid alerts were also issued for areas north of the capital.
Russia names German broadcaster Deutsche Welle as 'undesirable organisation'
03:56 , Namita SinghRussian authorities on Tuesday named German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle as an "undesirable organisation," effectively outlawing its operation in the country.
Under Russian law, involvement with an "undesirable organisation," including sharing its content, is a criminal offence.
Deutsche Welle was added to the Russian justice ministry's list of undesirable organisations following an announcement on Saturday by lawmaker Vasily Piskaryov, who leads a parliamentary commission on foreign interference in Russian affairs.
Piskaryov also criticised the broadcaster's academy program, accusing it of training "disinformation specialists”.
In a statement, Deutsche Welle director general Barbara Massing called the designation Russia's latest attempt to silence independent media.
"We will continue to report independently on the war of aggression against Ukraine and other topics about which little information is available in Russia, so that people can form their own opinions," she said.
Russia's foreign ministry shuttered Deutsche Welle's Moscow office shortly before Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It also withdrew accreditation for its staff in retaliation for a German move against Russia's state-funded RT TV.
Deutsche Welle is Germany's international public broadcaster. It is funded by taxpayer money but is editorially independent. It says it provides content in 32 languages.
Russia's crackdown on Kremlin critics, journalists and activists has intensified to unprecedented levels since the invasion.
Russia's list of "undesirable organisations" currently covers more than 275 entities, including prominent independent news outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, think tanks like Chatham House, anti-corruption group Transparency International and environmental advocacy organisation WWF.
Zelensky plays down prospects of peace by Christmas as Russia hardens stance
03:54 , Namita SinghUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has dampened hopes of a ceasefire by Christmas, warning that Russia may reject a new European-backed peace plan and that Ukraine is preparing for further fighting if talks fail.
Speaking on Tuesday, Zelensky said a final set of proposals would be ready within two days and presented by the United States to Moscow. He said Kyiv expected the Kremlin could refuse the plan, despite Washington’s push for a breakthrough.
Russia swiftly signalled resistance. The Kremlin said it remained committed to achieving its objectives in Ukraine and ruled out Kyiv’s call for a Christmas ceasefire, arguing any pause must meet Moscow’s conditions.
The United States has offered what it describes as “platinum standard” security guarantees, based on Nato’s Article 5, to underpin any truce, while warning the offer “will not be on the table forever”. Kyiv remains wary, citing failed assurances given by Britain and the US in 1994 when Ukraine surrendered its nuclear arsenal.
President Donald Trump has also pressed Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, including Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Zelensky rejected that option, despite US proposals to turn remaining Ukrainian-held areas into a demilitarised “free economic zone”.
“I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ does not mean under the control of Russia. We do not want to give up our Donbas,” he said. “Nevertheless, we are discussing the territorial issue. At this point, there is no consensus on it yet.”
He warned Vladimir Putin could choose to continue the war, adding: “I believe the United States will apply sanctions pressure and provide us with more weapons if [Putin] rejects everything.”
Russia has demanded territorial concessions, limits on Ukraine’s armed forces and a permanent ban on Nato membership. Ukraine’s European allies have warned such terms would threaten wider European security.
Russian embassy rejects MI6 chief’s claim Moscow is trying to bully the UK
03:42 , Namita SinghThe Russian embassy in London has pushed back against accusations from Britain’s new intelligence chief that Moscow is seeking to intimidate the UK and its allies through covert hostile activity.
The response followed remarks by Blaise Metreweli, the first woman to lead the Secret Intelligence Service, who warned that Russia was using tactics designed to “bully, fearmonger and manipulate” without tipping into open conflict.
In her first major public speech since taking up the role, Metreweli said the UK was now “operating in a space between peace and war”, arguing that the nature of modern threats meant “the frontline is everywhere” and that the public needed to understand the risks involved.
She also placed strong emphasis on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accusing president Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging talks aimed at ending the war. On a second mention, Putin was accused of “dragging out negotiations” while continuing a conflict she described as devastating.
Metreweli said the outcome of the war in Ukraine would have consequences far beyond the country’s borders, warning that Kyiv’s fate was “fundamental not just to European sovereignty and security but to global security”.
The Russian embassy issued its response after the speech, rejecting the accusations levelled by the MI6 chief and contesting the characterisation of Moscow’s actions.
Calling for "an end to portraying Russia as an enemy of the UK and Europe", it said, "we consider it necessary to recall several obvious facts".
"Russia has no plans, intentions, or reasons to engage in armed conflict with the United Kingdom, as the local media keeps frightening its audience with."All slander of the 'hybrid threats' type is also completely unfounded."
Merz says peacekeepers could repel Russian forces under post-war guarantees
03:35 , Namita SinghGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz said international peacekeepers could, in specific circumstances, push back Russian forces if Moscow breached the terms of a future ceasefire in Ukraine.
Speaking to ZDF public television, Merz said: “We would secure a demilitarized zone between the warring parties and, to be very specific, we would also act against corresponding Russian incursions and attacks. We’re not there yet.”
His remarks followed talks in Berlin on Monday between US officials and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, where possible post-ceasefire guarantees were discussed.
Merz described Washington’s apparent willingness to extend protection to Ukraine as a significant shift in US policy.
“The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment – to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were Nato territory – I think that’s a remarkable new position for the United States of America,” he said.
He underlined, however, that discussions on enforcement mechanisms and peacekeeping roles were still at an early stage and depended on progress towards a ceasefire.
Trio of Russian athletes barred from luge World Cup in Lake Placid amid neutrality concerns
03:25 , Namita SinghThe International Luge Federation has withdrawn the eligibility of three Russian athletes who intended to slide in Lake Placid, New York, this weekend in hopes of moving closer to qualifying for the Milan Cortina Olympics, the governing body announced on Tuesday.
The federation's executive board made the decision to remove Alexsandr Gorbatsevich, Sofiia Mazur and Kseniia Shamova from the list of eligible sliders after "new evidence" was presented and discussed with, among others, the International Olympic Committee.
FIL officials did not reveal the nature of the evidence, but a person familiar with the situation said it called into question the neutrality of Gorbatsevich, Mazur and Shamova regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because that detail was not released publicly.
The neutrality issue is paramount in the process of determining which Russian athletes will be allowed to even have a chance of qualifying for the Olympics.
Certain sports federations are preparing to let Russian athletes compete, but only after they are cleared by an independent review process to ensure that they have not publicly supported the war and are not affiliated with Russia's military or other forces.
For now, Russian sliders Matvei Perestoronin, Pavel Repilov and Daria Olesik are still expected to compete at this weekend's luge World Cup stop in Lake Placid. All three participated in official training on Tuesday and are expected to again on Wednesday, before likely taking part in a Nations Cup race on Thursday.
The Nations Cup is a qualifying race for those not automatically assured of a spot in the World Cup field.
Russians have not taken part in a World Cup luge race since January 2022, part of the response that the FIL and other sports governing bodies had to that country's invasion of Ukraine.
The IOC wants Russians – in many sports – to have the opportunity to compete as neutral athletes at the Milan Cortina Games. Luge, like some other sports, originally refused to allow any Russians to take part this year, then amended those decisions after appeals.
Belarusian president calls for fast action on Ukraine war while US is engaged
03:15 , Namita SinghBelarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, in an interview made public in part on Tuesday, called for swift action to end the conflict in Ukraine while the US remains engaged in diplomatic efforts.
Lukashenko is an ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin and allowed Belarusian territory to be used for Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
He said US president Donald Trump was right to push for a rapid resolution, adding that had Trump’s policies been in place at the outset, the conflict might not have occurred.
“A lot now depends on the position of Trump and the United States of America. The main thing is that Trump not back away from this position,” Lukashenko told US television outlet Newsmax.
Excerpts of the interview were posted by the Belarusian state news agency BelTA.
“He is a man with a strong personality, sometimes impulsive. Let him not give up on this, throw up his hands and walk away. If he makes firm moves in this way, there will be results.”
“If everything depended strictly on Trump, the war would have been over long ago. But this is a process with many sides and Trump cannot solve it all himself. The conflict has to be frozen from top to bottom. Once people are not being killed, you can sit down and agree on whatever you like.”
Lukashenko said failure to halt the war could “end badly for Europe and the entire world. It is bound to grow into some sort of global conflict".
Trump has led efforts to find a solution to end the conflict, and an initial US peace proposal, criticised by many in Europe as tilted in favour of Russia, has since undergone changes.
US and Ukrainian officials have held consultations on the proposed agreement alongside European officials, including two days of talks in Berlin this week.
Trump has expressed frustration with both Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky over the failure to agree on an end to nearly four years of war.
Russian forces hold about 19 per cent of Ukraine’s territory and are engaged in a slow drive west to secure control over the eastern Donbas region.
Watch: Ukraine blows up Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
03:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian drone attack on Russia's Krasnodar injures two people, regional authorities say
02:57 , Namita SinghA Ukrainian drone attack injured two people, damaged several houses and cut power to parts of Russia's Krasnodar, regional authorities said on Wednesday.
The injured were hospitalised, the authorities of the southern Russian region said on the Telegram messaging app.
Zelensky says new US-brokered peace plan will be ready in days - but Moscow is already pushing back
02:00 , Bryony Gooch
Zelensky says new peace plan will be ready in days but Moscow is already pushing back
Ukraine hits $400m Russian submarine using underwater drones
01:00 , Bryony Gooch
Ukraine hits $400m Russian submarine using underwater drones for first time
Merz: 'there's a 50-50 chance of securing European agreement on use of immobilised Russian assets'
00:00 , Bryony GoochGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he believed there was a "50:50" chance of securing a European agreement on using immobilised Russian assets to fund Ukraine's continuing defence. It was essential to do so, he added, since Ukraine would need funding for at least two more years after the current round of European funding runs out in the first quarter of 2026.
"There are reservations throughout Europe, and I can well understand these reservations," he said. "But ... if we don't act now and make the decision we could make to halt this advance of the Russian army, when will we?"
The hostile tone towards Europe in the new US National Security Strategy had not surprised him, he said, since it mirrored many of the criticisms vice president JD Vance made of Europe in his speech to the Munich Security Conference at the start of the year.
But Merz said any isolationist drift on the part of the US was unlikely to be sustained.
"America first is all well and good, but America alone would not be good for America either," he said. "And taking a look at the economic data in America, I can imagine that the Americans will eventually approach us and say, 'Don't we want to talk about some issues that benefit us both?'"
Under Ukraine security guarantees, Western troops could repel Russian forces post-ceasefire, says Germany's Merz
Tuesday 16 December 2025 23:00 , Bryony GoochUnder post-ceasefire guarantees provided by the United States and Europe to Ukraine, peacekeepers could in certain circumstances repel Russian forces, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF public television in an interview, adding that this remained a far-off prospect.
Pressed by interviewers for details on the possible security guarantees floated by the United States in Monday's Berlin talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Merz said the guarantors would need to repel Russian forces should there be a violation of any ceasefire terms.
"We would secure a demilitarized zone between the warring parties and, to be very specific, we would also act against corresponding Russian incursions and attacks. We're not there yet," he said.
"The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment - to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were NATO territory - I think that's a remarkable new position for the United States of America."
Russia has yet to agree to the ceasefire that both the U.S. and Europe have said would be a prerequisite for any security guarantees, or to the presence of Western troops on the ground in Ukraine to help end the full-scale war begun when President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Boy, 10, killed in knife and pepper spray attack at Russian school with fellow pupil arrested
Tuesday 16 December 2025 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Boy, 10, killed in knife attack at Russian school with fellow pupil arrested
Russia is main threat to peace in Euro-Atlantic area, eight northern and eastern European countries say
Tuesday 16 December 2025 21:00 , Bryony GoochRussia is the most significant, direct and long-term threat to security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
Leaders of the eight European Union countries met in Helsinki to discuss defence of the EU's eastern flank.
Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper declines to share details on UK's role in security guarantees
Tuesday 16 December 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochForeign secretary Yvette Cooper declined to give details on the UK’s role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine should the conflict end.
When asked during an appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee, she said: “We are obviously a leading part of the coalition of the willing, and that has involved discussion between the, effectively, defence ministries and armed services across different nations that are already to be part of the coalition of the willing.
“So the UK is clearly a central part of that. And we’ve had discussions across other European nations. And we’ve also been discussing with the US what role they would play in terms of backing up, providing that backup for the coalition of the willing and providing those security guarantees.
“I totally understand why you are asking these questions and pressing on them, but you will also understand while these discussions are still under way, I think it would be premature for me to try and go into further detail.”
Urgent review ordered into foreign interference in UK politics
Tuesday 16 December 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochThe UK government has launched an independent review of foreign financial interference in UK politics, after the jailing of a former Reform MEP for taking Russian bribes.
Nathan Gill, a former Reform UK party leader in Wales, was jailed for 10 and a half years last month after he admitted being paid £40,000 to make pro-Russian statements in the European parliament – conduct that housing secretary Steve Reed described as a “stain on our democracy”.
Announcing the review in the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Reed said that the government now needs to consider whether its “firewall is enough” to protect the country from electoral interference.
Read more here:
Urgent review ordered into foreign interference in UK politics
Russia names German broadcaster Deutsche Welle as 'undesirable organization'
Tuesday 16 December 2025 18:30 , Bryony GoochRussian authorities on Tuesday named German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle as an "undesirable organization," effectively outlawing its operation in the country.
Under Russian law, involvement with an "undesirable organization," including sharing its content, is a criminal offense.
Deutsche Welle was added to the Russian Justice Ministry's list of undesirable organizations following an announcement on Saturday by lawmaker Vasily Piskaryov, who leads a parliamentary commission on foreign interference in Russian affairs.
Piskaryov also criticized the broadcaster's academy program, accusing it of training "disinformation specialists."
In a statement, Deutsche Welle Director General Barbara Massing called the designation Russia's latest attempt to silence independent media.
"We will continue to report independently on the war of aggression against Ukraine and other topics about which little information is available in Russia, so that people can form their own opinions," she said.
Pictured: Russian "Grad" self-propelled multiple rocket launchers fire towards Ukrainian positions near Kostiantynivka
Tuesday 16 December 2025 18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Ukraine blows up Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Tuesday 16 December 2025 17:30 , Bryony GoochWhat we know about the latest Ukraine peace deal – and the main hurdles Russia keeps putting in the way
Tuesday 16 December 2025 17:00 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump said on Monday that “I think we're closer now than we have been, ever” towards an agreement on a peace deal for Ukraine.
After two days of talks in Berlin, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyemerged flanked by his European allies with a framework for the security guarantees he says he needs to end the war.
With the US now offering Nato-style protections, the main barrier to peace is territory - something Zelensky says he cannot and will not give up.
He was optimistic enough to say that talks in the US could follow as soon as this weekend, though.
Any agreement on the revised 20-point plan still depends on the Kremlin, which says it is waiting for an update from Washington.
Russia remained unyielding on Tuesday, shooting down any prospect of giving back land or accepting peacekeepers in Ukraine, before seeing the proposals.
James C. Reynolds reports on what we know about the plan - and potential problems - so far.
What we know about the latest Ukraine peace deal – and Russia’s objections
Lithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus
Tuesday 16 December 2025 16:44 , Bryony GoochLithuanian authorities said Tuesday they had arrested 21 people allegedly connected to a criminal network that smuggled cigarettes using specially equipped weather balloons from Russia-allied Belarus which have violated the Baltic country's airspace in recent weeks.
Investigators conducted more than 80 searches, seizing cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps, SIM cards, communication and tracking signal jammers and firearms among other things, the Lithuanian general prosecutor's office said in a statement. Luxury cars and valuable property were also confiscated.
Lithuania earlier this month declared a national emergency over security risks posed by the meteorological balloons sent from Belarus.
The balloons forced Lithuania to repeatedly shut down its main airport, stranding thousands of people, and led to the closure of border crossings between the two countries, as Europe remains on alert over previous intrusions into NATO airspace during the war in Ukraine.
Tuesday's operation involved more than 140 officers from the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, Vilnius police and special anti-terrorism units.
The prosecutor's office said in a statement the alleged network was "characterised by a very strict conspiracy and distribution of roles, cigarette smuggling was carried out systematically, in a coordinated manner, under strict control of its organisers (leaders) and their trustees."
The prosecutors allege that "the organisers may have had direct contacts with accomplices operating in the Republic of Belarus, from where, under favourable weather conditions, balloons with smuggled cigarettes were launched.
"Using tracking (GPS) equipment and appropriate programs, the movement of the balloons was monitored, and the exact coordinates of their landing in Lithuania were transmitted to the executors," prosecutors said.
Occupied nuclear power plant only running on one power line
Tuesday 16 December 2025 16:27 , James ReynoldsThe Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is currently receiving electricity through only one of two external power lines, its occupying Russian management said.
The other line was disconnected due to military activity, the management said, adding that radiation levels remain normal.
Repair work will begin as soon as possible.
Zelensky stresses vital need for frozen assets loan
Tuesday 16 December 2025 15:47 , James ReynoldsZelensky on Tuesday reiterated the importance of access to frozen Russian assets ahead of a key vote on Thursday.
He said Ukraine could not stay strong without the package, worth around 210bn euro, adding that it could offset the reduction in support from some countries.
A number of allies have raised concerns about using the frozen assets to fund Ukraine, with Russia threatening legal action.
What is the International Claims Commission and why does it matter?
Tuesday 16 December 2025 15:15 , James ReynoldsEurope on Tuesday launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
The commission aims to ensure Kyiv is compensated for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
How could Ukraine be compensated?
Details on how any damages awarded by the commission, to be based in the Netherlands, would be paid still need to be worked out.
Early discussions have touched on using Russian assets frozen by the EU, supplemented by member contributions.
What grounds does Ukraine have to claim?
The two-year-old Register of Damage, which will become part of the claims commission, has already received over 86,000 claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine under a wide range of categories.
Alleged abuses in Ukraine include sexual violence and child deportations to the destruction of religious sites.
Who can claim?
Claims can be filed for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian acts committed in or against Ukraine upon or after the 2022 invasion.
The claims, which cover violations of international law, can be brought by affected individuals, companies or the Ukrainian state, a draft of the proposal said.
Starmer cautions peace still a way off
Tuesday 16 December 2025 14:45 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer has cautioned that the path to peace in Ukraine was "not an entirely straight line" after "productive" talks in Berlin.
European leaders joined in support of Ukraine in the German capital on Monday and offered security guarantees as Kyiv and Washington discussed peace terms.
Downing Street said on Tuesday that setting out the UK's contribution to a Europe-led multinational force in Ukraine was still "a few steps away yet".
Sir Keir, updating his Cabinet on the Berlin discussions on Tuesday, said progress had been made, but that the path to peace was not an entirely straight line, according to a No 10 readout.
ICYMI: EU targets Russia’s shadow fleet with new sanctions
Tuesday 16 December 2025 14:29 , James ReynoldsIn case you missed it...
The European Union has adopted its latest package of sanctions directly targeting companies and individuals accused of assisting Moscow in circumventing Western restrictions on oil exports.
The new EU sanctions prohibit citizens of the bloc from conducting business with the newly listed entities and individuals.
Read the full story on why it matters:
US to discuss 20-point plan with Russia, says Zelensky
Tuesday 16 December 2025 13:54 , James ReynoldsThe United States will discuss the 20-point plan with Russia following discussions with Ukraine in Berlin, Zelensky said this afternoon.
He said Ukraine’s reconstruction, security guarantees and the latest peace proposal will be on the agenda.
Zelensky said the terms under discussion were "very workable" from his perspective.
Starmer orders probe into foreign election interference
Tuesday 16 December 2025 13:40 , James ReynoldsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered a probe into foreign election interference after a former senior member of Reform UK was jailed for taking bribes to promote Russian interests in the European Parliament, The Times reported on Tuesday.
Russia can't escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine, Kallas says
Tuesday 16 December 2025 13:01 , James ReynoldsRussia cannot escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague on Monday.
The commission, which will validate war damages in Ukraine to be paid by Russia, sends a message to future aggressors, Kallas said, that "if you start a war, you will be held to account".
Forcing Ukraine to give up land would violate international law, says top lawyer
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:25 , James ReynoldsA peace deal that obliges Ukraine to give up its land would break fundamental international law, an international rights lawyer has warned.
Wayne Jordash KC, president of international law foundation, Global Rights Compliance, said on Tuesday that European leaders must stand by their legal obligations to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“A peace plan that forces Ukraine into conceding its sovereign territory will amount to a violation of the UN Charter - the most fundamental principle of international law - and an abandonment of Ukrainian civilians living under brutal Russian occupation,” he said.
He added: “Guarantees for Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity must be accompanied by a path to accountability for the horrific crimes endured by civilians and prisoners of war at the hands of Russian forces, including the widespread use of sexual violence and starvation as weapons of war and the forced abduction of Ukraine's children."
The comments came as Zelensky addressed senior officials in The Hague about a mechanism for compensation for Russian aggression.
Watch: Zelensky's address to Dutch parliament
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:15 , James ReynoldsEuropean leaders are in the Netherlands today to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
Zelensky delivered a speech to the Dutch parliament, saying the war in Ukraine “must become a clear example so that others learn not to choose aggression”.
“We hope the tribunal for Russian aggression will truly begin its work, not just for us, but for everyone who wants peace in Europe,” he said:
Together with partners, we are working not only to stop the bloodshed, but to change the situation along Russia’s borders – so that there is no opportunity to start another war. It is also about making Russia finally learn to live by the rule of law. And it will only work if… pic.twitter.com/3Bm7dntDYt
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 16, 2025
Where were peace talks left?
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:02 , James ReynoldsMonday concluded two days of talks in Berlin, as European leaders met on the sidelines of a US-Ukraine summit to talk through security guarantees.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that a ceasefire was now conceivable for the first time. Trump also said he thought a deal was “closer now than we’ve ever been”, as his envoy offered Ukraine Nato-style security guarantees.
Hedging his bets, Zelensky said that he would ask the US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects their peace efforts.
Europe came away from talks with clearer plans for a European-led peacekeeping force, including a six-point security and recovery framework for Ukraine.
They said Ukraine must have defined security guarantees before any decisions are made on potential territorial concessions.
Kyiv again rejected the possibility of Russia controlling any of the Donbas region.
Britain pledges £600mn in air defences for Ukraine
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:42 , James ReynoldsBritain pledged £600 million in air-defences to support Ukraine on Tuesday as Kyiv braces for winter attacks on its energy network.
Defence minister John Healey said the air defence investment "is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia's barbaric attacks."
The package is to include advanced turret systems designed to shoot down Russian drones,
In pictures: Devastation in Donetsk as US and Ukraine discuss peace in Europe
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:27 , James Reynolds
Belgium still unconvinced by plan to use frozen Russian assets with just two days to go
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:17 , James ReynoldsBelgium still appears to be unconvinced by the EU’s plan to harness some €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, diplomats have warned with just two days to go until the main vote.
Bart de Wever’s government has repeatedly raised objections to using assets held in Belgium, fearing Russian reprisals. They worry that liability could fall solely on Belgium to repay the value if Russia successfully challenges it in court.
The European Commission has looked to assuage those concerns with an assurance that Belgium could access as much as €210 billion if Russia sues - which it preparing to do.
But four EU diplomats told POLITICO that the offer had not been enough to sway Belgium during a meeting of EU ambassadors on Monday.
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine revealed yesterday how underwater drones had successfully disabled a Russian attack submarine in the Black Sea.
Read the full story:
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Zelensky reflects on ongoing diplomacy
Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:48 , James ReynoldsZelensky spoke about ongoing diplomatic efforts to an audience of senior European figures in The Hague.
He thanked his partners for their support and said: “We are working in great detail on documents that could stop the war and guarantee security.”
He said the talks this week had been “really intensive”.
Russia must be held responsible for aggression, Zelensky says at The Hague
Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:40 , James ReynoldsRussia must be held responsible for the "crime of aggression", Zelensky told an audience in The Hague this morning.
He is speaking ahead of a conference to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, which will validate claims of war damages to be repaid by Russia.
You can read more about that here:
Zelenskyy and some 30 countries to approve compensation body for Ukraine damages
Ukraine and US may continue talks this weekend
Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:27 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s Zelensky told reporters that Ukrainian and US teams could look to build on their work in Berlin with more talks in the US this weekend.
Leaving Germany for the Netherlands today, he said teams are in the process of finalising documents to shape the next stage of talks.
“After that, the negotiators will meet with the US president, and then our teams will reconvene in the United States. It could even happen this weekend,” said the president.
Recap: US offers Ukraine Nato-style guarantees
Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:03 , James ReynoldsThe United States has offered to provide Ukraine with Nato-style security guarantees for Kyiv as negotiators reported progress in talks on Monday.
Ukraine’s Zelensky had said he was willing to give up on Ukraine’s Nato ambitions in return for clear assurances. Europe has been quick to shoulder much of that offer of support.
Trump’s envoys then made the unprecedented offer at talks in Berlin, but warned such a deal would not be on the table forever.
Sticking points remain over territorial concessions, and Moscow has yet to agree to any of the changes discussed in Germany - and has not indicated any willingness to do so.
Lukashenko invites Maduro to move to Belarus
Tuesday 16 December 2025 09:29 , James ReynoldsLongtime Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko told Newsmax that Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro is welcome to move to his country amid clashes with Donald Trump.
Lukashenko, a close Putin ally, said Belarus and Venezuela had longstanding relations and that Maduro was welcome to come to Minsk if he so wished.
He noted that no discussions have been held to that effect, but remained open to talking to Trump.
Donetsk left entirely without power following Russian attack
Tuesday 16 December 2025 09:16 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s eastern Donetsk region has been left entirely without power following a Russian attack, the country’s deputy energy minister said this morning.
Russia claims to destroy drone flying towards Moscow
Tuesday 16 December 2025 09:00 , James ReynoldsRussian air defences destroyed an unidentified drone flying towards Moscow, the city’s mayor said early on Tuesday.
Russia still unclear on progress from Berlin talks
Tuesday 16 December 2025 08:34 , James ReynoldsRussia is still none the wiser on the outcome of Ukraine’s talks in Berlin.
Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said in comments published by RIA on Tuesday that Russia has no understanding of where the talks were left.
The Kremlin’s spokesperson had said on Monday that the US is not keeping Russia updated in real time.
Russia won't make concessions on Donbas
Tuesday 16 December 2025 08:24 , James ReynoldsRussia’s deputy foreign minister told TASS on Tuesday that Russia will not make any concessions on the Donbas, southern Russia or Crimea.
Territorial concessions are the biggest sticking point to peace, with the US and Europe now offering Ukraine security guarantees in principle.
Pakistan seeks oil deal with Russia
Tuesday 16 December 2025 07:58 , James ReynoldsRussia and Pakistan are in talks on a potential oil-sector agreement, Pakistan’s Finance Minister told Russian media.
Pakistan has stepped up engagement with Russia in recent years as Moscow sought new energy markets after Western sanctions over Ukraine, and Islamabad looked to lower import costs.
Donald Trump has been trying to compel buyers of Russian energy to stop in a bid to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine.
What happened overnight?
Tuesday 16 December 2025 07:37 , James ReynoldsMonday concluded two days of talks in Berlin, as European leaders met on the sidelines of a US-Ukraine summit to talk through security guarantees.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that a ceasefire was now conceivable for the first time. Trump also said he thought a deal was “closer now than we’ve ever been”.
Hedging his bets, Zelensky said that he would ask the US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects their peace efforts.
Europe came away from talks with clearer plans for a European-led peacekeeping force, including a six-point security and recovery framework for Ukraine.
They said Ukraine must have defined security guarantees before any decisions are made on potential territorial concessions.
Kyiv again rejected the possibility of Russia controlling any of the Donbas region.
