Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to ongoing peace talks, saying that he is ready to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin “in any format”, according to Reuters.
Zelensky said he was committed to continuing talks on how to end the war in a WhatsApp chat with media.
He added that he had discussed the possibility of US troops stationed in Ukraine as part of peace talks with US president Donald Trump.
It comes as Moscow accused Ukraine of a 91-drone attack on the Russian leader’s personal residence but has failed to provide “plausible evidence” for its claims according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Russia declined to provide evidence of an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s personal residence in Valdai.
A statement by Russia’s defence ministry claimed that 49 drones were shot down over the Bryansk region, 450km from Valdai, one over Smolensk and 41 over the heavily forested Novgorod region.
Cracks in Trump’s peace plan as Ukraine accuses Russia of lies over ‘attack on Putin residence’
Zelensky can buy Europe 15 years to finally get its act together
Trump: Ukraine peace deal ‘closer than ever before’ after talks with Zelensky
Key details of the latest Ukraine peace deal – and the main hurdles Russia keeps putting in the way
Key Points
- Peace hopes dented as Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence
- Russia signals more hardline approach to ending the war
- Trump says peace possible after ‘productive’ call with Putin
- 'Peace on the horizon' says Polish PM after meeting with European leaders
- Russian losses rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
Are Ukraine and the US any closer to a workable peace deal?
23:24 , James ReynoldsNatia Seskuria, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) thinks not.
She told The Independent following the latest talks in Florida: “I believe it is premature, and in many ways exaggerated, to suggest that the parties are genuinely closer to peace when the most critical questions - above all the territorial settlement-remain unresolved.
“The core issue of the future of the occupied territories, including the remaining parts of the Donbas region under Ukrainian control, lacks any clarity, which severely limits how much weight can be attached to talk of ‘progress.’
“There is also no clear evidence that President Trump is exerting serious pressure on Russia to make substantive concessions, whereas Russian officials have repeatedly reaffirmed their determination to secure control over the entire Donbas region - a concession that Kyiv has consistently described as a red line it cannot cross.
“There has been some degree of progress on other problematic issues, such as the framework for security guarantees, but as long as the territorial question remains unresolved, it can easily derail the entire process.”
Watch: Trump reacts to unproven claims of attacks on Putin's residence
23:01 , James ReynoldsZelensky hopeful for US boots on the ground in Ukraine
22:00 , James ReynoldsZelensky said today that Ukraine was discussing the possibility of hosting US troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees.
He told reporters that a troop presence in Ukraine would be a major security boost for Kyiv.
"Of course, we are discussing this with President Trump and with representatives of the (Western) coalition (supporting Kyiv). We want this. We would like this. This would be a strong position of the security guarantees," he said.
The White House had no comment on the issue of dispatching US troops to Ukraine under any peace settlement with Russia.
US removes sanctions on former CFO of Russia's state-owned Sberbank
22:00 , Maira ButtThe United States Treasury announced on Tuesday that it had removed sanctions on Alexandra Buriko, the former chief financial officer of Russia's state-owned Sberbank.
Buriko resigned from the Western-sanctioned company shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US targeted Buriko as part of a campaign against “individuals and entities critical to Russia’s ability to wage war against Ukraine.”
It included eight other current and recent senior executives at the time.
Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater more than 3 years after Moscow airstrike killed hundreds there
21:00 , Maira ButtA historic theater in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol has opened its doors more than three years after it was pummeled in a Russian airstrike that killed hundreds of civilians sheltering inside.
Moscow-installed authorities marked the rebuilding of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater with a gala concert on the building’s new main stage Sunday night. Images shared by Russian state media outlets showed the building's marbled pillars and staircases, and dancers wearing traditional Russian headdresses known as kokoshniks performing.
The original theater was destroyed when it was targeted by a Russian airstrike on March 16, 2022, as Moscow’s forces besieged the city in the weeks after their invasion.
Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater more than 3 years after Moscow airstrike killed hundreds there
Germany shares Ukraine's concern over possible Russian escalation
20:30 , Daniel KeaneThe German government has said it shares Ukraine's concern that Russia will use allegations of a drone attack on one of Vladimir Putin’s residences to escalate the war in Ukraine.
They pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's rejection of the Russian claims and his warning that Moscow might exploit the accusations.
"We share this concern," a German government spokesperson said in a statement.
What is Russia's Oreshnik missile?
20:00 , Daniel KeaneRussia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.
Moscow first used the Oreshnik, which is Russian for “hazelnut tree,” against Ukraine in November 2024, when it fired the experimental weapon at a factory in Dnipro that built missiles when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union.
Russia claims that its multiple warheads, which plunge toward a target at speeds up to Mach 10, are immune to being intercepted.
Russia’s missile forces chief has also declared that the Oreshnik, which can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, has a range allowing it to reach all of Europe.
US ambassador to NATO casts doubt on Russian drone attack claims
19:49 , James ReynoldsMatthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, cast doubt on Russia’s claim that Ukraine attacked President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Tuesday.
"It is unclear whether it actually happened," Whitaker told Fox Business "Varney & Co."
"It seems to me a little indelicate to be this close at a peace deal, Ukraine really wanting to get a peace deal done, and then to do something that would be viewed as reckless or not helpful," he said.
Whitaker said that he wants to see U.S. intelligence on the incident.
Watch: Ukraine hits major Russian oil refinery with British missiles
19:30 , Daniel KeaneWatch: Trump reacts to claims of drone strike on Putin’s home
19:00 , Daniel KeanePutin raises stakes in peace talks with boast of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus
18:30 , Maira ButtRussia bragged it had deployed nuclear-capable missiles inside Belarus on Tuesday as Vladimir Putin sought to escalate tensions over Ukraine – just as peace talks appeared to be gaining momentum.
The intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and are reportedly immune to interceptions, according to Vladimir Putin.
He had previously warned that the weapons could be used against Nato’s allies in retaliation for supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons.
Putin raises stakes and deploys nuclear-ready missiles in Belarus
Coalition of the Willing to meet in early January, says Zelensky
18:00 , Maira ButtUkraine and the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' group of nations backing Kyiv plan to hold their next meetings at the start of January, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The countries' national security advisers will meet in Ukraine on 3 January and then leaders in France on 6 January.
Led by Britain and France, the group includes more than 3 nations.
No evidence Ukraine targeted Putin residence, says sourced close to Macron
17:30 , Maira ButtA source close to French president Emmanuel Macron has said that there is no evidence that Kyiv targeted Russian president Vladimir Putin’s personal residence, according to Reuters.
“Ukraine and its partners are committed to a path of peace, while Russia has chosen to continue and intensify its war against Ukraine,” the source said. “This is in itself an act of defiance against President Trump's peace agenda.”
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
17:00 , Daniel KeanePrisoners of war are being systematically executed by Russian forces, according to one of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers.
Major Oleh Shyriaiev, who was awarded the top national decoration of Hero of Ukraine for his leadership on the battlefield, told The Times that he often intercepts transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given by Russian military leaders.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine even as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
Read our full story below.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Comment: This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
16:30 , Daniel KeaneReports of an unlikely aerial raid on Putin’s residence remind us that the Russian president sees endless conflict and confusion as the best means to control, says Mark Almond – he fears victory over Ukraine almost as much as defeat.
This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
Zelensky ready to meet Putin 'in any format'
16:19 , Maira ButtUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to ongoing peace talks, saying that he is ready to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin “in any format”, according to Reuters.
He added that he had discussed the possibility of US troops stationed in Ukraine as part of peace talks.
Putin spoke to Iranian president about nuclear programme, Kremlin says
16:00 , Daniel KeaneVladimir Putin discussed Iran's nuclear programme with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call, the Kremlin press-service has said.
News of the discussion came hours after Moscow urged all parties to refrain from escalation after US President Donald Trump said Washington would support another strike on Iran, during a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump joined Israel’s 12-day bombing campaign on Iran in an attempt to thwart Tehran’s nuclear programme in June.
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Iran would respond “harshly” to any future military strike by the US.
Tehran is a key ally for Moscow and has supplied Russia with drones used in its war in Ukraine.
'Coalition of the Willing' to meet early January, says Zelensky
15:31 , Daniel KeaneThe Coalition of the Willing will meet in early January to discuss the war in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
The group of 30 nations, all of whom support Kyiv’s war effort, will meet in France on January 6, the Ukrainian president confirmed.
It is not immediately clear which leaders will take part in the meeting.
Russian drones hit two ships transporting wheat to Ukrainian port
15:30 , Daniel KeaneRussian attack drones hit two civilian vessels entering a Ukrainian Black Sea port to load wheat, the Ukrainian navy has said.
In a statement on Telegram, officials confirmed the name of the ships were Emmakris III and Captain Karan.
They added that such attacks "threaten the lives of civilians and undermine global food security".
Watch: Putin warns Russia will accomplish goals by force
15:00 , Daniel KeaneRussia deploys nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile systems
14:28 , Maira ButtRussia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service via deployment in Belarus, Russia’s ministry of defence said on Tuesday.
The precise number of missiles was not disclosed.
Putin has previously praised the Oreshnik’s capabilities, saying that its multiple warheads, which can reach speeds up to Mach 10, are immune to being intercepted.
Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has entered active service
The Independent View: Zelensky can buy Europe 15 years to finally get its act together
13:56 , Maira ButtGiven the capricious nature of Donald Trump, a “security guarantee” for Ukraine envisioned as lasting 15 years is about as reliable as one lasting 150 years – or, for that matter, 15 minutes.
It is, in other words, entirely notional, if not theoretical. This is an “America first” administration, and that extends to everything – defence, trade, climate change, and even public health.
As America’s former friends and partners across the world have discovered during both Mr Trump’s terms of office, any security guarantee, any treaty commitment, and any solemn promise made by this administration, or even by its predecessors, can be rescinded with the stroke of a Sharpie.
Zelensky can buy Europe 15 years to finally get its act together
In pictures: Damaged apartment buildings in Kupiansk amid fighting
13:25 , Maira ButtA drone view shows damaged apartment buildings, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, Ukraine in this handout picture released on Tuesday.
Russia attacks Ukraine's Black Sea ports, says Kyiv
12:55 , Maira ButtAttacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure have continued after a civilian ship and facilities were damaged in the Black Sea ports of Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said a civilian Panama-flagged ship, loaded with grains and oil storage tanks, was damaged.
One person was wounded, according to his statement posted on Telegram on Tuesday.
“This is yet another targeted attack by Russia on civilian port infrastructure,” Kuleba continued. “The enemy is trying to disrupt logistics and complicate shipping.”
'Peace on the horizon', says Polish PM
12:40 , Maira ButtPoland’s prime minister Donald Tusk says that peace is “on the horizon” after a call with European leaders took place on Tuesday.
“Peace is on the horizon, there is no doubt that things have happened that give grounds for hope that this war can end, and quite quickly, but it is still a hope, far from 100% certain,” Tusk told a government meeting.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was part of the discussions and called for “transparency and honesty” from all sides.
“Now we need transparency and honesty from everyone -including Russia,” he wrote on X on Tuesday.
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
12:20 , Maira ButtRussian losses in the war in Ukraine have been growing at a faster rate than at any point so far since the invasion began in February 2022, new analysis suggests.
Analysis by the BBC found that 40 per cent more obituaries of soldiers were published in Russia this year compared with 2024.
The broadcaster, along with independent outlet Mediazona, compiled a list of named individuals using official reports, newspapers and social media as well as new memorials and graves. In total, they were able to confirm the names of around 160,000 people who have been killed.
Experts told the broadcaster that the figure is likely to be far higher, with the BBC's toll only likely to represent between 45 and 65 per cent of the overall total. This would mean that Moscow has suffered between 243,000 and 352,000 casualties since the war began.
Read the full story below
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
Indian PM offers support to Russia in aftermath of suspected drone attack
11:30 , Maira ButtIndia’s prime minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concern about an alleged 91-drone attack by Ukraine on President Vladimir Putin’s personal residence. Ukraine has denied the claims vehemently with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling the accusations “lies”.
“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation,” PM Modi wrote on X/Twitter on Tuesday.
“Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them.”
Russia and India have tightened their strategic allyship in recent weeks, with Putin visiting Delhi earlier this month.
Russia urges restraint as Trump supports possible Iran strike
11:00 , Maira ButtThe Kremlin has urged de-escalation after US President Donald Trump said he would support another massive strike on Iran.
Joined by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the US leader said that Tehran could be working to restore its weapons. Iran has denied it has a nuclear weapons programme.
“I've been reading that they're building up weapons and other things, and if they are, they're not using the sites we obliterated, but possibly different sites,” Trump told reporters.
Mariupol theatre reopens three years after airstrike killed hundreds
10:21 , Maira ButtMoscow-installed authorities reopened the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater in Mariupol this week, three years after a Russian airstrike is reported to have killed hundreds.
The theater was destroyed when it was targeted by a Russian airstrike on 16 March 2022.
An Associated Press investigation later found evidence that 600 people had been killed inside and outside of the building – figures that were nearly double early government estimates.
Kremlin says Russia will toughen stance on Ukraine after drone strikes
09:56 , Maira ButtThe Kremlin says Russia will be toughening its stance on Ukraine after an alleged 91-drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai .
“This terrorist action is aimed at collapsing the negotiation process," Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“The diplomatic consequence will be to toughen the negotiating position of the Russian Federation.”
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called the claims “another round of lies”.
Peskov added: “We see that Zelenskiy himself is trying to deny this, and many Western media outlets, playing along with the Kyiv regime, are starting to spread the theme that this did not happen. This is a completely insane assertion.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybihia said that Russia had offered “no evidence” for the attack as it did not exist, on Tuesday.
Russian losses growing faster than at any other point in war, according to new analysis
09:30 , Maira ButtNew analysis has revealed the sheer scale of Russia’s losses since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Deaths of Russian military have risen exponentially with 40 per cent more obituaries of soldiers published in Russian sources compared with the previous year, according to the BBC.
The BBC confirmed the names of 160,000 people who have died fighting for Russia, but the real death toll is expected to be much higher if the confirmed names are taken as representing only 45 - 65 per cent of the complete total.
Between 243,000 and 352,000 Russians could be dead as a result of the war, according to the figures.
European leaders to discuss Ukraine war today
09:01 , Maira ButtEuropean leaders, including Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk, will discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine at 10am GMT on Tuesday, according to private broadcaster TVN24.
It follows weeks of discussions and negotiations to secure a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Belarus demonstrates deployment of Russian nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system in new video
08:23 , Maira ButtBelarus’s ministry of defence released a new video on Tuesday of what it says is the deployment of Russian nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile systems on its territory.
The operation would bolster Moscow’s ability to deliver missiles across Europe.
President Alexander Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced the deployment of the intermediate-range ballistic earlier this month.
A post on the ministry’s telegram stated: “The system is capable of hitting targets at ranges of up to 5,000 km, can be equipped with both conventional and special warheads, and can be launched from any point along a combat patrol route.”
Какой Новый год без «Орешника»?
— Минобороны Беларуси (@MOD_BY) December 30, 2025
Обещали — показываем.
Так выглядит ритуал заступления на боевое дежурство подвижного грунтового ракетного комплекса «Орешник».
Подробнее 👉https://t.co/mdYoCyri6f pic.twitter.com/OInFIIabo1
China urges restraint after Russia claims attempted attack on Putin residence
07:45 , Namita SinghChina’s foreign ministry, responding to Russia’s claim that Ukraine attempted to attack president Vladimir Putin’s residence, urged all parties to adhere to the principle of preventing any spillover of the battlefield and avoiding escalation.
‘One question’ holding up peace, Zelensky says after Trump claims Putin wants Ukraine to succeed
07:11 , Namita SinghVolodymyr Zelenskyy said progress towards ending the war was being blocked by a single unresolved issue as he pushed back against Donald Trump’s suggestion that Putin had told him Russia wanted Ukraine to succeed.
In an interview with Fox News, broadcast after his meeting with the US president in Florida, the Ukrainian leader said talks were edging closer to a breakthrough but remained stalled over territory.
“I think we have a problem with one question: it's about territories,” he said, adding that he was “thankful” to Trump for efforts to broker peace.
Zelensky outlined possible compromises under a developing 20-point peace plan, including a demilitarised buffer zone.
“I think the compromise, if we do a free economic zone that we have, and we have to move some kilometres back,” he said.
“It means that Russia has to make minor steps some kilometres back.”
He suggested any arrangement would require special rules and public consent. “This free economic zone will have specific rules. Something like this referendum is the way how to accept it or not accept it,” he said.
The interview aired after Moscow accused Ukraine of attempting to attack one of president Vladimir Putin’s residences, a claim Kyiv rejected.
It also followed Trump’s remark in Florida that Putin wanted Ukraine to succeed, a claim Zelensky appeared to contradict, saying he did not trust the Russian leader’s intentions.
“I don’t trust Putin. And he doesn’t want success for Ukraine, really, he doesn’t want — he can say it. I believe that he can say such words to President Trump. I believe in it, that he can say it, but it’s not true."
During a press conference with Zelensky on Sunday, the US president was asked by a Reuters reporter about his discussion with Putin on the subject of “what responsibility Russia will have for any kind of reconstruction of Ukraine".
“They’re going to be helping, Russia is going to be helping. Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed,” Trump replied.
After Trump made the comments in the press conference, Zelensky appeared briefly puzzled.
Trump ‘very angry’ about alleged Ukrainian attack on Putin’s residence
07:00 , Namita SinghUS president Donald Trump said on Monday that Russian president Vladimir Putin told him Ukraine had tried to attack his residence in northern Russia, a claim Kyiv has denied.
“I don't like it. It's not good,” Trump told reporters when asked if the allegation could affect his peace-brokering efforts. “I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it.”
The US president added: “It's a delicate period of time. This is not the right time. It's one thing to be offensive, because they're offensive. It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that.”
Asked whether there was any evidence of the attack, Trump said: “We'll find out.”
He described his call with Putin earlier on Monday as a “very good talk” and acknowledged that “we have a few very thorny issues” to resolve in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
06:29 , Namita SinghPrisoners of war are being systematically executed by Russian forces, according to one of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers.
Major Oleh Shyriaiev, who was awarded the top national decoration of Hero of Ukraine for his leadership on the battlefield, told The Times that he often intercepts transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given by Russian military leaders.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraineeven as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
Report:
West must recognise that Russia holds strategic initiative in Ukraine, says Lavrov
05:47 , Namita SinghRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the West must accept that Russia holds the strategic initiative in Ukraine as talks continue on a possible settlement to the war.
In a wide-ranging interview with the state news agency RIA, published late on Monday, Lavrov also said Moscow was still awaiting a response from Washington to president Vladimir Putin’s proposal in September to extend limits under a strategic arms control pact for a further year.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine approaches, Lavrov said Kyiv and its Western backers needed to recognise what he described as the battlefield reality.
“Our principled position remains unchanged. The strategic initiative rests wholly with the Russian army and the West understands this,” he said.
He added that negotiations must reflect conditions on the ground, noting that Russia controls about 19 per cent of Ukrainian territory. Moscow has claimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, in addition to Crimea, which it seized in 2014.
Ukrainians withstand days-long power cuts in crowded 'resilience' shelters
04:34 , Namita SinghFor three days since the latest Russian air strikes on Ukraine, Olena Pazhydaieva has been without electricity or heating in her flat in Vyshhorod, a satellite town about 20km north of Kyiv.
With night-time temperatures falling to minus 3C, she now spends much of the day with her six-year-old son in a small shelter equipped with heat and power, allowing her to work and charge essential devices.
Around 20 people gather inside the building, labelled an “islet of warmth and power”, plugging in phones and laptops to stay connected.
“After the last attack, we haven’t had electricity for the third day,” Pazhydaieva said. “We’re forced to work here, where we can charge our laptops. It’s good there’s internet.”
Russian drone and missile strikes have repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread outages. The latest large-scale attack cut power to about 19,000 customers in the Kyiv region, according to the energy ministry.
The shelter is part of a nationwide network of “resilience points” set up to help residents cope. Still, daily life remains difficult. “We went to an after-school group today and it was freezing. All the kids were wearing jackets,” she said. “At least it’s warm here.”
Pazhydaieva said she had little confidence in US-backed peace efforts, particularly after US president Donald Trump suggested Russia’s leader wanted Ukraine to prosper.
“When missiles are flying at us, those words don’t really add up,” she said.
Trump says peace possible after ‘productive’ call with Putin
04:00 , Namita SinghUS president Donald Trump said his conversation with Vladimir Putin on Monday was productive.
"We have a couple of issues that we're going to get resolved, hopefully, and if we get them resolved, you're going to have peace," he said.
Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday a bilateral agreement had been outlined with Trump on security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump said they were only 95 per cent ready and Zelensky said on Monday he had sought a 50-year security deal.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, in a wide-ranging interview with state news agency RIA published late on Monday, said Ukraine and Western countries had to come to terms with the fact that Russia held the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine.
"Our principled position remains unchanged. The strategic initiative rests wholly with the Russian army," Lavrov said.
Trump said he expected European countries to "take over a big part" of the security efforts in Ukraine with US backing. Any such arrangement would be complicated, however, as Russia has said any foreign troop deployment in Ukraine would be unacceptable.
Zelensky told Fox News in an interview that aired late on Monday that Ukraine could not win the war without US support and that he did not trust Russian president Vladimir Putin.
"I don't trust Putin and he doesn't want success for Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Earlier on Monday, the Ukrainian president said two main issues in the 20-point peace proposal remained to be resolved: control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which is in Russian hands, and the fate of the Donbas area.
Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.
