Donald Trump says he and European leaders exchanged "pretty strong words" on a call discussing his proposal to end the Ukraine war.
Sir Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz spoke with Trump late on Wednesday, and said afterwards that it was a "critical moment for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region".
Trump also said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky “has to be realistic” about his country’s position on a peace plan, and said the US will “make a determination depending on what they come back with”.
The French government said Ukraine's allies – the Coalition of the Willing – will discuss the negotiations today by video call. Territorial gains, post-war reconstruction and economic development will be among the subjects on the table.
The Trump administration was earlier reported to be pressuring Kyiv into agreeing a rapid peace deal with Russia, with the US president setting a Christmas deadline for an end to the fighting.
During a two-hour call, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are said to have told Zelensky the president wants to see a peace deal agreed within weeks.
Key Points
- Ukraine officially responds to US peace plan amidst pressure from Trump
- Trump sets new Christmas deadline for Ukraine peace deal
- All airports in Moscow shut after drone attacks
- Starmer pays tribute to British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise
Trump sets new Christmas deadline for Ukraine peace deal
04:07 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has been told by Donald Trump that Ukraine has until Christmas to accept his deal to end the war with Russia.
The latest deadline was relayed to the Ukrainian president by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner during a two-hour phone call, reported The Telegraph.
The Trump administration has resumed its efforts to pressure Ukraine into ceding territory to Russia in exchange for undefined security guarantees, Ukrainian officials were quoted as saying.
Ukrainian negotiators have said they feel like they have not been offered sufficient details about potential security guarantees from Washington in order to decide on the matter of giving up territory, which they have always held as a non-negotiable in the peace talks.
Watch: Starmer pays tribute to British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise
03:57 , Arpan RaiAll airports in Moscow shut after drone attacks
03:40 , Arpan RaiRussia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia says operations have been suspended at all airports in the Moscow area.
At least 31 drones en route to Moscow were shot down on Wednesday evening and overnight, the city's mayor said.
Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, said on Telegram it was handling flights diverted from the capital.
Several airports in central Russia also suspended arrivals and departures.
Russia downs 31 Moscow-bound drones, mayor says
03:35 , Arpan RaiRussian air defences shot down at least 31 drones en route to Moscow on Wednesday evening and overnight, the city's mayor said.
The drones were downed over a period of about three and a half hours, said mayor Sergei Sobyanin. One drone was downed in the afternoon, he said.
Sobyanin said emergency crews were dispatched to examine debris on the ground. He gave no indication of any damage or injuries.
Moscow typically only confirms how many Ukrainian drones it has downed, and does not provide the total number fired.
British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise named and pictured
03:20 , Arpan RaiA British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment, died in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability on Tuesday morning.
Paying tribute at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise named and pictured
Russia launches large mechanised assault in Pokrovsk, Ukraine says
03:13 , Arpan RaiA Russian mechanised attack took place inside the eastern city of Pokrovsk yesterday, Kyiv’s military said.
"The Russians used armoured vehicles, cars, and motorcycles. The convoys attempted to break through from the south to the northern part of the city," Ukraine's 7th rapid response corps said in a statement on Wednesday morning's assault.
It comes as part of Moscow’s campaign to seize the entire industrial Donbas region, in which Russian troops have pushed forward in small infantry groups for months to capture of former logistics hub.
Russia has claimed it has full control of Pokrovsk, but Kyiv maintains that it holds the northern part of the city, where fierce urban battles have raged.
Ukraine disables 'shadow fleet' vessel with sea drones in Black Sea
02:30 , Shaheena UddinUkrainian sea drones hit and disabled a tanker involved trading Russian oil as it sailed through the Black sea in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone on its way to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, a Ukrainian official reported.
This marks the third sea drone in two weeks on vessels which form Russia’s “shadow fleet” of unregulated ships which Kyiv says are helping Moscow export oil and fund its war.
Insurance costs for ships sailing to the Black sea have peaked as the conflict spills into sea lanes.
Ukraine's EU membership is 'inevitable' despite Hungary's objections
01:30 , Shaheena UddinThe European Union’s enlargement chief said on Wednesday that she is Ukraine’s EU membership is "inevitable”, and that she is confident Hungary will not derail it’s path.
“I’m not worried,” Commissioner Marta Kos told reporters while visiting a thermal power plant in Western Ukraine that was badly damaged by Russia’s campaign against civilian infrastructure. “I would be worried if there were real concerns.”
“On EU membership of Ukraine — which is inevitable — I see this as a political anchor of security guarantees,” she said, noting that “There has never been a war on the territory of the European Union.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has opposed launching membership talks while the war continues, arguing it would be a disaster for the EU, including Hungarian farmers.
Yet, Kos dismissed his objections saying “We do not need Orbán to do the reforms which are necessary for Ukraine to become a member of the EU."
Kyiv applied for EU membership in 2022 shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Ukraine hopes to join the block by the end of the decade, meanwhile its path to NATO membership looks uncertain.
In pictures: Apartment buildings destroyed by Russian drone strike
01:00 , Shaheena Uddin
Trump sets new Christmas deadline for Ukraine peace deal
00:00 , Shaheena UddinVolodymyr Zelensky has been told by Donald Trump that Ukraine has until Christmas to accept his deal to end the war with Russia.
The latest deadline was relayed to the Ukrainian president by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner during a two-hour phone call, reported The Telegraph.
The Trump administration has resumed its efforts to pressure Ukraine into ceding territory to Russia in exchange for undefined security guarantees, Ukrainian officials were quoted as saying.
Ukrainian negotiators have said they feel like they have not been offered sufficient details about potential security guarantees from Washington in order to decide on the matter of giving up territory, which they have always held as a non-negotiable in the peace talks.
Comment | The sinister conspiracy theory behind Trump’s blistering attacks on Europe
Wednesday 10 December 2025 23:30 , Shaheena UddinIt’s official. Europe is decaying and run by a cabal of weak leaders, according to a blistering attack by Donald Trump.
The reason for this is simple: Europe’s disastrous policy on immigration means “the people coming in have a totally different ideology” which is fatally weakening the continent.
His outburst follows a new US international policy stance which argues that Europe faces “civilization erasure” and is already indulging in the “censorship of free speech and the suppression of opposition”.
These are not the latest social media post from a crank in the White House. This is the assessment of its finest minds who have just produced the 2025 National Security Strategy. This is the written version of how all in the White House must see the world and the means by which they intend to get the rest of us to view the planet.
World affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
The sinister conspiracy theory behind Trump’s blistering attacks on Europe
Ukraine officially responds to US peace plan amidst pressure from Trump
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:54 , Shaheena UddinUkraine officially handed over its point-by-point response to the latest US peace plan, as reported by Axios.
This move comes amongst growing pressure from US president Donald Trump for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept the 20-point peace plan, which concedes major territorial losses.
Zelensky’s national security advisor and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov forwarded the Ukrainian response to Jared Kushner, Trump’s advisor and son-in-law.
The response includes comments and proposed ideas to “make the whole thing doable”, according to a Ukrainian official.
This follows days of consultations with European allies, including with Keir Starmer and the French president Emmanuel Macron and the German chancellor Friedrich Merz, who held a phone call with Trump on Wednesday.
A virtual meeting between the US and Ukraine is expected to take place on Thursday to continue discussions on the peace plan, a Ukrainian official said.
Trump says Zelensky needs to be 'realistic'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:44 , Shaheena UddinUS president Donald Trump has commented on the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Mr Trump said” "I think he has to be realistic. And I do wonder about, you know, how long is it going to be till they have an election democracy? It's a long time they haven't had an election in a long time. It's losing a lot of people. And it's possible that the people, if you look at the polls, I will say 82% there was a vote came out. 82% of the people are demanding a settlement be made.
“Ukrainian people, they want to see a settlement. And I understand that they're losing thousands and thousands of people a week. They want to see it ended. And I do say, you know, at what point, when do they have a an election in Ukraine?
“That's not casting dispersions on anybody, but they do have a massive corruption situation going on there. And they do say, you know, when, when are they people are asking this question, when do they have an election? Are they going to have an election, or are they going to just keep it going like this? So I think it's time to get that war settled."
Here's why Ukraine hasn't held elections since Russia's full-scale invasion
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:30 , Shaheena UddinUS president, Donald Trump, has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of using the war as an excuse to not hold elections.
In an interview with Politico, Mr Trump said: “They’re using war not to hold an election, but, uh, I would think the Ukrainian people ... should have that choice. And maybe Zelenskyy would win. I don’t know who would win.
“But they haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
This sentiment mirrors the Kremlin in Moscow’s stance using the expired term as a way of painting Zelensky as an illegitimate leader.
However, a wartime election would illegal as Ukraine has been under martial law since February 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Although Zelenskyy’s term formally expired in May 2024, Ukraine's constitution allows him to legitimately remain in office until a newly elected president is sworn in.
Any nationwide election would also pose security risks for citizens to gather as Russia bombs Ukraniain cities with missiles and drones.
Logistically, a nationwide ballot would prove impractical, given that approximately one-fifth of the country under Russian occupation and millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad, and it would be difficult for front-line soldiers to cast their votes.
Despite previously declining to hold election, Zelensky on Tuesday responded to Mr Trump’s criticisms, saying he was ready for elections.
He said: “I am now asking — and I am stating this openly — for the United States, possibly together with our European colleagues, to help me ensure security for holding elections,” he told reporters on WhatsApp. “And then, within the next 60–90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold them.”
Watch: Starmer reiterates support for Ukraine as Zelensky meets European allies at Downing Street
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:00 , Shaheena UddinZelensky reaffirms Ukraine will not cede land to Russia
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:30 , Shaheena UddinUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his strong refusal to cede any territory, resisting US pressure for painful concessions to Russia.
“Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, don't want to give up anything. That's what we are fighting for," Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp chat late on Monday.
“Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we don't have such right," he said. "According to Ukraine's law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we don't have a moral right either,” he said.
In an interview with Politico released yesterday, US president Donald Trump pressed Zelensky to accept the US proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russia, Trump has wrongfully argued Moscow has the "upper hand" in its nearly 4-year-old invasion, and that Zelensky's government must "play ball”.
Vladimir Putin’s forces have not made any significant territorial gains, the Institute for the Study of War said.
“Russian forces have gained 0.77 percent of Ukrainian territory since the start of 2025 while suffering disproportionately high personnel costs,” the think tank said in an update last night.
NEW: The Kremlin is significantly intensifying its cognitive warfare effort to present the Russian military and economy as able to inevitably win a war of attrition against Ukraine. ⬇️
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 10, 2025
The Kremlin’s cognitive warfare effort aims to achieve several of Putin’s original war aims… pic.twitter.com/zXxCKrI06x
Zelensky says he is hopeful of 'bringing the bloodshed to an end'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:00 , Shaheena UddinMr Zelensky hinted that “this week may bring news for all of us – and for bringing the bloodshed to an end.”
Mr Zelensky’s team is due to hand its latest peace proposals to United States negotiators and the Ukrainian president said Ukraine would hold talks with the US on plans for post-war reconstruction and economic development.
Meanwhile a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” – the countries led by the UK and France prepared to support Ukraine and deter Russia if there is a ceasefire – will take place on Thursday.
Ukraine is also working on a 20-point document “that could define the parameters for ending the war”.
British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise named
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:30 , Shaheena UddinA British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been named by the Ministry of Defence as 28-year-old Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to him at Prime Minister’s Questions. He said: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
Our senior reporter Dan Haygarth brings the report:
British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise named and pictured
Kherson maternity hospital attack highlights worsening risks for pregnant women
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:30 , Shaheena UddinLast week, a maternity hospital in Kherson, which was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was damaged by an strike.
This latest attack comes amid new UNFPA data which shows the maternal mortality rate has risen by approximately 37 per cent in the past year, as repeated strikes on hospitals force women to give birth in increasingly dangerous conditions.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, more than 80 maternity and neonatal facilities have been damaged or destroyed, among the 2,763 healthcare sites hit nationwide.
Florence Bauer, UNFPA's Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia said: “These are not abstract statistics – they are people and families living under unbearable stress and reflect a health system under attack. Safe childbirth must be protected even in war, and international humanitarian law is clear: health facilities, health workers and humanitarian access must never be targeted.”
Kherson City Clinical Hospital, the facility struck by artillery fire on 4 December , lies just 1.5 km from active front lines and remains under constant threat from artillery and drone attacks. During the strike, staff and patients sheltered in the bunkerised maternity unit constructed with UNFPA’s support. All personnel and patients were unharmed, and a baby girl was safely delivered during the attack.
Thousands of Nato soldiers pass through Lapland amid Russian threat
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:00 , Maira ButtNato soldiers have been passing through Rovaniemi in Finland for training exercises at Rovajärvi, which is Europe’s largest military exercise area.
The region, frequented by tourists hoping to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, is 55 miles from the Russian border.
Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ in Ukraine
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:23 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer has led tributes to a member of the British armed forces who has been killed in Ukraine.
The prime minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.
“He was injured in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Trump blasts European nations as weak and decaying in tirade against US allies
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:56 , Maira ButtDonald Trump has accused European leaders of being “weak” and claimed their countries are “decaying” in an extraordinary attack on Washington’s traditionally closest allies.
The US president claimed European nations had failed to control migration or take decisive action to end the war in Ukraine, calling into question America’s longstanding alliances.
“I think they’re weak,” Trump said in a wide-ranging interview with Politico. “But I also think that they want to be so politically correct. I think they don’t know what to do. What they’re doing with immigration is a disaster.”
James C Reynolds reports:
Trump blasts European nations as weak and decaying in tirade against US allies
Starmer and European allies discuss Ukraine peace plan with Trump
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:39 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer and European allies spoke to US president Donald Trump about securing a peace plan in Ukraine.
The prime minister was joined by French president Emmanual Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz in their talks with Mr Trump, as the US relationship with Europe remains precarious and strained.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing.
“Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.
“They agreed that this was a critical moment – for Ukraine, its people, and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region.”
At a White House briefing later on Wednesday, Trump admitted that " very strong words" were used during the call.
He did not confirm if he would attend a meeting this weekend involving Washington and Kyiv, at the behest of European leaders.
Drones did not threaten Zelensky but concerning, says Irish PM
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:29 , Maira ButtIreland’s prime minister Micheal Martin has said that drones that appeared near Dublin shortly after the arrival of President Volodymyr Zelensky were not a threat to the Ukrainian leader.
However, their presence remains concerning, he admitted.
“The drones were not a threat to President Zelensky's aircraft - that needs to be clear - because it had safely landed quite some time prior to this incident,” he said on Wednesday.
“Circumstances are suggestive of this being part of a Russian-inspired hybrid campaign against European Union and Ukrainian interests,” he added.
Russia denies it is engaging in hybrid warfare.
Ministry of Defence releases image of British soldier killed in Ukrainian training exercise
Wednesday 10 December 2025 16:58 , Maira ButtLance Corporal George Hooley, a British soldier who died during a Ukrainian military training exercise has been pictured for the first time in an image released by the Ministry of Defence.
His Company Commander said: “If you met George Hooley, you remembered it. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy.
“And we loved him for it. George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued. He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so.”
China strengthening cooperation with Russia, says Zelensky
Wednesday 10 December 2025 16:41 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that China and Russia are intensifying their collaboration as he cited a report of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (UFIS).
“We are tracking a growing trend of the de-sovereignisation of parts of Russian territory in China's favour - primarily through the use of resource-rich land and the sale of scarce resources to China,” he said on Wednesday.
“We also note that China is taking steps to intensify cooperation with Russia, including in the military-industrial sector.”
China held a third round of joint military drills with Russia last week.
French President Macron says he has discussed Ukraine with Trump and others
Wednesday 10 December 2025 16:20 , Maira ButtFrench president Emmanuel Macron has said he has spoken with US president Donald Trump and other colleagues regarding Ukraine.
It follows a discussion between the Coalition of the Willing meeting on Monday, which involved Macron, UK prime minister Keir Starmer, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
UK, France and Germany issue update on Trump talks in statement on Ukraine
Wednesday 10 December 2025 16:03 , Maira ButtLeaders of Britain, France and Germany have discussed Ukrainian peace efforts with US president Donald Trump.
“The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing,” a spokesperson for Downing Street said on Wednesday.
They agreed it was a critical moment for Ukraine and that work on a peace plan would continue.
Exiled Belarus opposition leader says US must use stick as well as carrot with Lukashenko
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:50 , Maira ButtBelarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that the US must use both incentives and pressure to negotiate with President Alexander Lukashenko.
“You have to understand that for Lukashenko, political prisoners are just bargaining chips. He wants to sell political prisoners as expensively as possible,” Tsikhanouskaya told Reuters on Wednesday.
“It's like revolving doors at the moment: some are released, twice more are detained. But we need to stop repressions fully.”
Ukraine fending off Russian mechanised assault in Pokrovsk since morning
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:36 , Maira ButtFighting continues in Pokrovsk as Ukraine’s military issued an update on Wednesday.
“The Russians used armoured vehicles, cars, and motorcycles. The convoys attempted to break through from the south to the northern part of the city,” the 7th Rapid Response Corps said on Facebook.
Russia says it has claimed control of the whole city but Ukraine insists it only holds the northern part.
Three people killed in Ukrainian shelling of hospital, says Russia
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:16 , Maira ButtThree people have been killed and two wounded in the shelling of a hospital in Russian-controlled Kherson, Russia-installed governor Vladimir Saldo said on Wednesday.
The people killed were all employees of the medical facility.
"The injured are receiving medical attention, and a seriously injured man is in intensive care,” he wrote in a post on Telegram.
Merz to host European talks in Berlin on Monday
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:02 , Alex CroftWe reported earlier that German chancellor Friedrich Merz said that European leaders planned further talks on the Ukraine peace process in the coming days.
Reuters is now reporting two EU diplomats saying that Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron will be among those who convene with Mr Merz in Berlin on Monday to discuss any progress, along with next steps.
At least a dozen leaders, all allies of Ukraine, are expected, the diplomats said on Wednesday.
Ukraine and US to hold talks on peace plan draft today, says Zelensky
Wednesday 10 December 2025 14:43 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine and the US will discuss a peace plan on Wednesday as each country tries to come to an agreement on the best course of action to resolve the conflict with Russia.
The topics of discussion will include issues of post-war reconstruction and economic development as part of a wider peace plan between the warring nations.
He said that a 20-point framework would be delivered to the US in the near future.
Ukraine and US to resume talks to discuss plans for peace - Zelensky
Wednesday 10 December 2025 14:37 , Alex CroftUkrainian officials are set to hold further talks with US counterparts to discuss plans for peace in the country, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
They are due to discuss issues of post-war reconstruction and economic development, part of a wider plan for peace with Russia, the Ukrainian president said.
A broader Ukrainian 20-point framework for a peace plan would be delivered to the US in the near future, he added.
Starmer refutes Trump's claim that Europe is 'weak'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 14:31 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer has again reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine, as Kyiv and Europe face increasingly disparaging criticism from US president Donald Trump.
A new US national security strategy, published last week, warned that Europe faced "civilizational erasure" and must change course. In an interview with Politico on Tuesday, Trump called Europe's political leaders "weak” and said the continent was “decaying”.
Responding to questions by a British lawmaker in parliament about the strategy, Starmer contended that Europe remains strong.
"What I see is a strong Europe, united behind Ukraine and united behind our long standing values of freedom and democracy, and I will always stand up those freedoms," he said.
China intensifying cooperation with Russia, warns Ukrainian intelligence
Wednesday 10 December 2025 14:08 , Alex CroftA report from the head of Kyiv’s foreign intelligence service shows that China is taking steps to intensify cooperation with Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
"We note that China is taking steps to intensify cooperation with Russia, including in the military-industrial sector," the Ukrainian president wrote on X.
"Partner intelligence services have similar information."
European countries plan further talks in coming days - Merz
Wednesday 10 December 2025 13:46 , Alex CroftEuropean countries are planning further talks in the next few days to coordinate efforts on a peace process for the war in Ukraine, Friedrich Merz has said,
"European security interests must be safeguarded ... Against this backdrop, we plan further coordination talks in the coming days," said the German chancellor at a news conference with his Croatian counterpart.
Mr Merz added that he adding he wanted to see an EU agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine.
Earlier, Paris said a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing was set to take place on Thursday.
British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise named
Wednesday 10 December 2025 13:25 , Alex CroftA British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been named by the Ministry of Defence as 28-year-old Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to him at Prime Minister’s Questions. He said: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
Our senior reporter Dan Haygarth brings the report:
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
British soldier killed in Ukraine military training exercise named
Putin hosts Indonesian president for talks on military cooperation
Wednesday 10 December 2025 13:02 , Alex CroftVladimir Putin held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday, where the pair discussed growing military ties between their countries.
Putin, hosting Prabowo in the Kremlin, said Moscow was pleased with the deepening ties, but also wanted to talk about what he called a slight decrease this year in the volume of Russian wheat exports to Indonesia.
It was the second time the pair have met this year in Russia, as Putin courts the leader of the world's fourth most populous country in part of a strategy to build stronger ties with the Global South, as his economy remains under Western sanctions because of the war in Ukraine.
Prabowo hailed the "excellent" state of relations during a televised exchange between the leades.
He has maintained Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy, ready to befriend both Russia and the United States, adding that Indonesia will not be joining any military bloc.
The Kremlin has previously praised what it says is Indonesia's balanced position on the war in Ukraine.
Latest EU proposal for funding Ukraine closest yet to being legal - ECB
Wednesday 10 December 2025 12:39 , Alex CroftThe latest version of a European Union proposal to support Ukraine financially is the closest yet to being in compliance with international law, European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday.
EU leaders have been debating for months how to use immobilized Russian assets to finance Ukraine while remaining in compliance with international law that prohibits outright confiscation.
Most leaders want to put to work some 210 billion euros ($244 billion) of Russian sovereign assets immobilized in Europe, but this will likely require some guarantees to Belgium, where most of the funds are held.
"The scheme that has been put in place and which is going to be debated at the next European Council (meeting) is ... the closest I have seen to something that is in compliance with the international law principles," Ms Lagarde told a Financial Times event.
"It's our duty as Europeans to continue to support, defend and act in favour of Ukraine," Ms Lagarde added.
Kremlin welcomes Trump's comments on Russia
Wednesday 10 December 2025 12:21 , Alex CroftThe Kremlin has welcomed remarks by Donald Trump regarding Russia’\s advantage on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The US president had also said it would be impossible for Ukraine to join Nato, and claimed that Russia is in a stronger negotiating position to end the war.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that these comments were “very important” and aligned with Russia’s view, according to Ukrainska Pravda citing AFP.
"In many ways, on the subject of NATO membership, on the subject of territories, on the subjects of how Ukraine is losing land, it is in tune with our understanding,” he added.
Comment | The sinister conspiracy theory behind Trump’s blistering attacks on Europe
Wednesday 10 December 2025 11:59 , Alex CroftIt’s official. Europe is decaying and run by a cabal of weak leaders, according to a blistering attack by Donald Trump.
The reason for this is simple: Europe’s disastrous policy on immigration means “the people coming in have a totally different ideology” which is fatally weakening the continent.
His outburst follows a new US international policy stance which argues that Europe faces “civilization erasure” and is already indulging in the “censorship of free speech and the suppression of opposition”.
These are not the latest social media post from a crank in the White House. This is the assessment of its finest minds who have just produced the 2025 National Security Strategy. This is the written version of how all in the White House must see the world and the means by which they intend to get the rest of us to view the planet.
World affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
The sinister conspiracy theory behind Trump’s blistering attacks on Europe
Coalition of the Willing meeting to be held on Thursday, says France
Wednesday 10 December 2025 11:40 , Alex CroftThe French presidency has announced that there will be another meeting of the leaders of the 'coalition of the willing' group of nations representing Ukraine's allies on Thursday.
The meeting of the coalition, which is led jointly by Britain and France, will be held on a videoconference.
The leaders will likely discuss the ongoing efforts to secure a peace deal by the US.
British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron are also expected to update the coalition on talks held with Volodymyr Zelensky and German chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday.
Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ in Ukraine
Wednesday 10 December 2025 11:17 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer has led tributes to a member of the British armed forces who has been killed in Ukraine.
The prime minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.
“He was injured in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Jane Dalton reports:
Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in Ukraine ‘tragic accident’
In pictures: Apartment buildings destroyed by Russian drone strike
Wednesday 10 December 2025 10:57 , Alex CroftUS senator calls on Trump to replace Witkoff and Kushner due to 'bias against Ukraine'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 10:53 , Alex CroftA senator has proposed that Donald Trump replace his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been leading peace negotiations on Washington’s behalf, arguing they are “biased against Ukraine”.
Senator Richard Blumenthal was speaking to Suspilne, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, according to European Pravda.
"I am deeply concerned that [Trump] appears to be abandoning Ukraine to its fate,” Mr Blumenthal said.
“He is forcing it to make territorial concessions that are unjust and unwise, and depriving it of the military aid needed to defend against Putin's slaughter."
Mr Blumenthal said the talks appeared "completely one-sided in the way Trump's envoys have conducted them".
He added: "[Witkoff and Kushner] seem biased against Ukraine. I think Trump needs new envoys – Witkoff and Kushner seem to side with Russia instead of being neutral or objective negotiators. A
“And the entire 'peace plan' needs to be thrown out. They need to go back to square one."
Russian drones strike gas pipes in Odesa
Wednesday 10 December 2025 10:10 , Alex CroftRussian drones hit the gas transport system in Ukraine's southern Odesa region, Mykola Kolisnyk, deputy energy minister, said on Wednesday.
Kolisnyk told Ukrainian TV on Wednesday: "In the past 24 hours alone, we have seen the enemy carry out targeted strikes, particularly in the Odesa region, including on the gas transport system and gas transport system's facilities.”
It is the latest in repeated Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the region, which includes the Orlovka interconnector, a repeated target of drone strikes.
Kyiv, in response, is attempting to secure alternative routes for its gas and oil imports, such as by importing US liquefied natural gas through Greece and Poland.
Ukraine seizes Russian shadow fleet ship in Odesa
Wednesday 10 December 2025 10:07 , Alex CroftUkraine’s SSU security service has detained a cargo vessel in Odesa which it says was part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
The vessel had been illegally transporting Ukrainian agricultural products away from occupied Crimea, the SSU said.
The bulk carrier had arrived under the flag of an African state to load a shipment of steel pipes. Before the full-scale invasion, it had transported almost 7,000 tons of grain from Sevastopol to northern Africa.
Kyiv has imposed sanctions on the vessel’s owner. The captain and 16 crew members were on board at the time of the detention, with voyage plans, navigation charts and communication logs seized.
Pope Leo criticizes Trump for trying to ‘break apart’ US-European alliance
Wednesday 10 December 2025 09:40 , Alex CroftPope Leo XIV has insisted that Europe must play a role in any future Ukraine peace deal, while also criticizing the Trump administration for its past efforts to “break apart” the long-standing U.S.-European alliance.
Leo made the comments to reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently on a tour to rally European support for Kyiv. The American pontiff confirmed that their discussions covered the urgent need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.
Addressing questions about a U.S. peace proposal that appears to sideline European powers, Pope Leo, speaking from his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, underscored Europe's crucial involvement.
Read the full report here:
Pope Leo criticizes Trump for trying to ‘break apart’ US-European alliance
In pictures: Ukrainian troop searches for residents in war-torn frontline town of Dobropilia
Wednesday 10 December 2025 09:20 , Alex Croft
Trump administration denies pressuring Kyiv to accept peace deal
Wednesday 10 December 2025 08:56 , Alex CroftOfficials in the Trump administration have denied that they are pushing Kyiv into accepting a deal which it dislikes, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
The officials said the goal is an agreement which is acceptable to both sides, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and that it is defended in the long term.
They pointed to the direct negotiations between the head of Ukraine’s peace delegation Rustem Umerov and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as evidence of Washington’s commitments to Kyiv.
But it comes amid reports that Donald Trump wants a peace deal to be agreed by Christmas, a message reportedly conveyed by Witkoff and Kushner in a two-hour phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky.
The issue of territory also remains a sticking point in negotiations, with the US trying but failing to convince Kyiv to give up parts of the Donbas - the area including the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions - which it already controls.
One senior European official said the Americans “want quick results”, but questioned, “with the complexity of the issues on the table, how we can have quick results”.
Russia launches 80 drones at Ukraine overnight
Wednesday 10 December 2025 08:47 , Alex CroftThe Ukrainian Air Force has just issued its daily update, where it revealed Russia launched 80 drones at Ukraine in an overnight attack.
A total of 50 of these are believed to have been shot down, while another 29 hit their targets across seven locations, the air force said.
Drones were launched from the areas of Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Millerovo in Russia, and the Chauda training ground in occupied Crimea, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
As of Wednesday morning, the overnight drone attack was still ongoing, the air force reported.
Denmark facing more external threats than it has done in years - military intelligence
Wednesday 10 December 2025 08:12 , Alex CroftDenmark faces more external threats than it has done in many years amid rising geopolitical conflicts and doubts over US commitment to Europe's security, the Nato country's military intelligence agency (FE) said on Wednesday.
"The world's reat powers are increasingly prioritising their own interests and using force to achieve their goals," FE said in its annual report, naming Russia and China among the nations posing challenges to Denmark.
Moscow's war against Ukraine is particularly shaping the security development, the agency added.
"At the same time, uncertainty has arisen about the role of the United States as a guarantor of European security, and this will increase Russia's willingness to intensify its hybrid attacks against," FE said.
"The military threat from Russia to Nato will increase, even though there is currently no threat of a regular military attack against the Kingdom of Denmark," it added.
Russian oil refinery halted operations after Ukrainian strike - report
Wednesday 10 December 2025 08:10 , Alex CroftRussia’s Syzran oil refinery was forced to halt operations 5 December sustaining damage in a Ukrainian drone attack, Reuters reported on 9 December, citing sources in the industry.
The drones hit the refinery’s crude distillation unit, which required two weeks of repair when struck in August. Repair work for the latest strike could take up to a month.
Kyiv’s military said the operation intended to "reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor”.
The oil refinery is located around 700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, and belongs to the state-owned oil company Rosneft. Ukraine has been targeting Russia’s oil as it looks to hamper the key driver behind Moscow’s war economy.
One killed and two injured in Dnipropetrovsk overnight
Wednesday 10 December 2025 07:54 , Alex CroftOne person was killed and two injured in Russian strikes on the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, according to regional authorities.
A man was killed in the Zelenodolsk area in the Kryvyi Rih district, according to Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting head of the Dnipropetrovsk military administration.
Two men, aged 23 and 39, were injured, he said on Telegram, adding that “the enemy attacked the settlement with an FPV drone” and “damaged a gas pipeline”.
The city of Nikopol and the Marhanets, Pokrovske and Chervonohryhorivka areas were also struck, he said.
Trump says 'decaying' European nations failed to end Ukraine war
Wednesday 10 December 2025 07:15 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has called Europe a “decaying” group of nations led by “weak” people who failed to end the war in Ukraine and control migration.
“I think they’re weak,” Trump said, refering to Europe’s political leaders in an interview with Politico. “But I also think that they want to be so politically correct.”
“I think they don’t know what to do,” he added. “Europe doesn’t know what to do,” Trump said in an interview given at the White House on Monday.
Trump offered no reassurance to Europeans on backing Ukraine and declared that Russia was obviously in a stronger position than its smaller neighbour.
Trump also said that he put little stock in the role of European leaders in seeking to end the war: “They talk, but they don’t produce, and the war just keeps going on and on.”
Europe must play a central role in ending Ukraine war, says Pope Leo
Wednesday 10 December 2025 07:10 , Arpan RaiEurope must play a central role in efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Pope Leo said, warning that any peace plan sidelining the continent is "not realistic”.
Hours after meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, the pontiff said Europe's unity was "significant, especially in this case," and called on leaders to seize what he described as a great opportunity to work together for a just peace.
“The war is in Europe," he said, stressing that security guarantees must involve Europe. He lamented that "not everyone understands this," but insisted European countries be part of any negotiations to end the nearly four-year-old conflict.
The pope said recent remarks targeting Europe risked weakening ties that remain crucial. "I think they are trying to break apart what I think needs to be a very important alliance today and in the future," he said.
Zelensky turns to WhatsApp as he’s forced to improvise to get his message out on busy 36-hour trip
Wednesday 10 December 2025 06:40 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to improvise mid-flight in order to get his message out during a whirlwind 36-hour trip across Europe this week.
For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of his country, Zelensky — who usually takes reporters’ questions in person while trotting the globe — communicated with the news media via group chat.
While flying between London and Brussels, he answered a long list of questions from reporters, relaying audio clips on WhatsApp.
His chosen mode of communication was, if not unprecedented, at the very least extremely rare for a world leader.
The low drone of the aircraft blended with his hoarse, tired-sounding voice, yet his message cut through clearly: Amid uncertain negotiations to end the war, Ukraine, he said, cannot surrender land.
Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ in Ukraine
Wednesday 10 December 2025 07:19 , Arpan RaiSir Keir Starmer has led tributes to a member of the British armed forces who has been killed in Ukraine.
The prime minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.
“He was injured in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in Ukraine ‘tragic accident’
Ukraine reclaims large parts of key city Pokrovsk
Wednesday 10 December 2025 06:03 , Arpan RaiUkraine has regained almost half of the key strategic city of Pokrovsk, the country’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said.
Syrskyi, quoted by public broadcaster Suspilne, said Ukrainian forces had made gains from mid-November. Russia's military last week said its forces had captured Pokrovsk, but Ukrainian officials denied the claim.
“The defence of Pokrovsk continues," Syrskyi said yesterday, adding that Ukrainian forces have reclaimed about 13 sq km (5 square miles) of the city's total 29 sq km (11 square miles) since mid-November.
“We are continuing to hold the northern part of the city, approximately up to the rail line. In addition, to the west of Pokrovsk, we have cleared and controlled about 54 sq km.”
Russian troops, he said, were staging a build-up in the area under cover of rain and fog.
“Initially, in autumn, our troops were not present in Pokrovsk as our possibilities were limited. But from November 15 as a result of offensive action, we secured about 13 sq km (5 sq miles)," Syrskyi said.
Kyiv's European allies says push for peace at 'critical stage' now
Wednesday 10 December 2025 05:25 , Arpan RaiSir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly backed Ukraine after their talks on Monday, with the UK leader saying that the push for peace was at a "critical stage".
Sir Keir stressed the need for "a just and lasting ceasefire”.
Merz, meanwhile, said he was "skeptical" about some details in documents released by the US.
“We have to talk about it. That's why we are here," he said. "The coming days — could be a decisive time for all of us.” he said.
European leaders are working to ensure that any ceasefire is backed by solid security guarantees both from Europe and the US to deter Russia from attacking again. US president Donald Trump has not given explicit guarantees in public.
Volodymyr Zelensky and his European allies have repeatedly accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of dragging out the talks while he presses ahead with his invasion.
Zelensky reaffirms Ukraine will not cede land to Russia
Wednesday 10 December 2025 05:03 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his strong refusal to cede any territory, resisting US pressure for painful concessions to Russia.
“Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, don't want to give up anything. That's what we are fighting for," Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp chat late on Monday.
“Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we don't have such right," he said. "According to Ukraine's law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we don't have a moral right either,” he said.
In an interview with Politico released yesterday, US president Donald Trump pressed Zelensky to accept the US proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russia, Trump has wrongfully argued Moscow has the "upper hand" in its nearly 4-year-old invasion, and that Zelensky's government must "play ball”.
Vladimir Putin’s forces have not made any significant territorial gains, the Institute for the Study of War said.
“Russian forces have gained 0.77 percent of Ukrainian territory since the start of 2025 while suffering disproportionately high personnel costs,” the think tank said in an update last night.
NEW: The Kremlin is significantly intensifying its cognitive warfare effort to present the Russian military and economy as able to inevitably win a war of attrition against Ukraine. ⬇️
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 10, 2025
The Kremlin’s cognitive warfare effort aims to achieve several of Putin’s original war aims… pic.twitter.com/zXxCKrI06x
Watch: Starmer reiterates support for Ukraine as Zelensky meets European allies at Downing Street
Wednesday 10 December 2025 04:59 , Arpan RaiTrump sets new Christmas deadline for Ukraine peace deal
Wednesday 10 December 2025 04:34 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has been told by Donald Trump that Ukraine has until Christmas to accept his deal to end the war with Russia.
The latest deadline was relayed to the Ukrainian president by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner during a two-hour phone call, reported The Telegraph.
The Trump administration has resumed its efforts to pressure Ukraine into ceding territory to Russia in exchange for undefined security guarantees, Ukrainian officials were quoted as saying.
Ukrainian negotiators have said they feel like they have not been offered sufficient details about potential security guarantees from Washington in order to decide on the matter of giving up territory, which they have always held as a non-negotiable in the peace talks.
Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ in Ukraine
Wednesday 10 December 2025 03:52 , Arpan RaiSir Keir Starmer has led tributes to a member of the British armed forces who has been killed in Ukraine.
The prime minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.
“He was injured in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in Ukraine ‘tragic accident’
UK armed forces member dies in Ukraine after 'tragic accident'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 03:32 , Arpan RaiA member of the UK armed forces in Ukraine has died in an accident, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.
“It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday 9 December," the MoD said in a statement.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time."
The UK has sent a “small number of personnel” to Ukraine to train local forces, according to the government’s previous reports, and they do not perform frontline roles.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence. pic.twitter.com/ChouhKNZSl
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) December 9, 2025
Trump says 'decaying' European nations failed to end Ukraine war
Wednesday 10 December 2025 03:22 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has called Europe a “decaying” group of nations led by “weak” people who failed to end the war in Ukraine and control migration.
“I think they’re weak,” Trump said, refering to Europe’s political leaders in an interview with Politico. “But I also think that they want to be so politically correct.”
“I think they don’t know what to do,” he added. “Europe doesn’t know what to do,” Trump said in an interview given at the White House on Monday.
Trump offered no reassurance to Europeans on backing Ukraine and declared that Russia was obviously in a stronger position than its smaller neighbour.
Trump also said that he put little stock in the role of European leaders in seeking to end the war: “They talk, but they don’t produce, and the war just keeps going on and on.”
Pope criticises US bid to 'break apart' US-Europe alliance
Wednesday 10 December 2025 03:00 , Arpan RaiPope Leo XIV has called for Europe to have a role in any Ukraine peace deal and criticised what he said was the Trump administration's effort to "break apart" the long-standing US-European alliance.
Leo spoke to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who is on another tour to rally European support for Kyiv. The American pope said they discussed the need for a ceasefire and the Vatican's efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.
Leo was asked about the US peace proposal and the seeming sidelining of European powers in the process.
Speaking as he left his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, Leo insisted that Europe's role was crucial to any deal.
“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe," he said.
"Guarantees are also being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together,” he said.
China strengthening cooperation with Russia, says Zelensky
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:35 , Shaheena UddinPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that China and Russia are intensifying their collaboration as he cited a report of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (UFIS).
“We are tracking a growing trend of the de-sovereignisation of parts of Russian territory in China's favour - primarily through the use of resource-rich land and the sale of scarce resources to China,” he said on Wednesday.
“We also note that China is taking steps to intensify cooperation with Russia, including in the military-industrial sector.”
China held a third round of joint military drills with Russia last week.
Zelensky uses Whatsapp group chat to answer questions
Wednesday 10 December 2025 02:30 , Shaheena UddinThe Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy had no time to hold a traditional news conference during a 36-hour trip across Europe this week, so he improvised.
Whilst the president usually answers reporters’ questions in person, he communicated with the news media via Whatsapp group chat.
Whilst flying between London and Brussels, he responded to a long list of questions from Ukrainian and international reporters by relaying voice notes on WhatsApp.
His unprecedented chosen mode of communication was extremely rare for a world leader.
In pictures: Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican
Wednesday 10 December 2025 02:00 , Shaheena Uddin
Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ in Ukraine
Wednesday 10 December 2025 01:30 , Shaheena UddinThe prime minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in Ukraine ‘tragic accident’
Zelensky reaffirms his refusal to cede land to Russia
Wednesday 10 December 2025 01:00 , Shaheena UddinUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had reiterrated his refusal to cede any territory to Russia, resisting pressure from the U.S.
This comes as the president is rallying to gain more European support during the war efforts.
President Zelensky told reporters: “Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, don’t want to give up anything. That’s what we are fighting for.”
“Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we don’t have such right," he said.
"According to Ukraine’s law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we don’t have a moral right either."
Oil prices ease by 1 per cent amidst Ukraine peace talks
Wednesday 10 December 2025 00:30 , Shaheena UddinOil prices fell on Tuesday after lowering 2 per cent in the previous session, as investors keep a close eye on peace talks to bring an end to the war.
Ukraine are set to share a revised peace plan with the U.S after conducting talks in London between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of France, Germany and Britain.
Explainer: What to know about the massive defense bill that seeks release of boat strike videos and more
Wednesday 10 December 2025 00:00 , Shaheena UddinThe White House legislation authorizes $400 million for each of the next two years to manufacture weapons to be sent to Ukraine.
What to know about the massive defense bill that seeks release of boat strike videos and more
Ukrainian troops hold part of Pokrovsk but withdraw from some positions
Tuesday 9 December 2025 23:30 , Shaheena UddinUkrainian troops have been holding parts of the beleaguered city of Pokrovsk since mid-November.
However, some units were ordered to withdraw from impractical positions outside the city in the past week, according to Ukraine's top commander.
"We are continuing to hold the northern part of the city, approximately up to the rail line. In addition, to the west of Pokrovak we have cleared and control about 54 sq. km," Oleksandr Syrskyi, told Ukrainian journalists, as reported by public broadcaster Suspiilne.
Zelensky says he is open to holding a wartime election after Trump's criticism
Tuesday 9 December 2025 23:23 , Shaheena UddinUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he was willing to hold wartime elections within three months if the U.S. and Kyiv's other allies would guarantee security of the vote .
This comes as Zelensky is facing renewed pressure from U.S. president Trump over holding an election, after his term expired last year.
Wartime elections are currently forbidden by law, but in an interview with Politico, Trump suggested Ukraine's government was using the war as an excuse to avoid elections.
Mr Trump said: "You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Trump is also pushing Kyiv to secure peace quickly as the war with Russia reaches its fourth year.
Zelensky said in comments to reporters: "I'm ready for elections, and moreover I ask...that the U.S. help me, maybe together with European colleagues, to ensure the security of an election,"
"And then in the next 60-90 days Ukraine will ready to hold an election."
'Ukraine must decide its own future', Yvette Cooper said
Tuesday 9 December 2025 23:00 , Shaheena UddinThe foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Ultimately, Ukraine’s future has to be for Ukraine, and the things that we have discussed, that Secretary Rubio has set out as well, is the importance of having a just and lasting peace, so that Russia is deterred and cannot simply come again, but also so we support the strength and sovereignty of Ukraine.
“That’s why all of the discussions are taking place.
“But ultimately it’s again, as I said in the speech, two presidents are working for peace, and one president – President Putin – has so far simply sought to escalate the conflict with further drone and missile attacks.”
Video: Starmer reiterates support for Ukraine as Zelensky meets European allies at Downing Street
Tuesday 9 December 2025 22:30 , Shaheena UddinYvette Cooper countered Trump's remarks about European nations "decaying"
Tuesday 9 December 2025 22:00 , Shaheena UddinYvette Cooper responded to Donald Trump’s comments that Europe’s nations are “decaying” and have “weak leaders”.
The foreign secretary said: “What I see in Europe is strength: The strength and commitment to the support for Ukraine and also strength to step up to the plate and to ensure that we are increasing our investment in defence, and also ensure that we are doing our bit through the coalition of the willing, as well as through investment in military support and the energy infrastructure support that Ukraine needs.”
Starmer leads tributes to British armed forces member killed in Ukraine
Tuesday 9 December 2025 21:30 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer has led tributes to a British armed forced member who was killed in Ukraine.
The prime minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
He shared on social media: “My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our armed forces who sadly lost their life today.
“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
How Trump’s 28-point peace plan for Ukraine was whittled down - with several key changes
Tuesday 9 December 2025 20:54 , Maira ButtUkraine is to present a revised peace plan to President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday after weeks of negotiations which have failed to produce an agreement.
The latest iteration of the deal comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky remained firm in his refusal to cede crucial strategic territory to Russia.
The Ukrainian leader insisted that he had “no legal right to do so” under Ukrainian or international law and no “moral right either”.
How Trump’s 28-point peace plan for Ukraine was whittled down to 20 points
Comment: Donald Trump is selling out his allies while he still has time
Tuesday 9 December 2025 20:26 , Maira ButtWe’ve heard a lot over the past few weeks and, indeed, for about a decade on and off about how so much of the coverage of Donald Trump in the mainstream media (that’s me) is biased, unbalanced, and suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome”.
Well, the man can be maddening in all manner of ways but, as ever, I’d love to offer a balanced assessment of his peace plan for Ukraine so far as we understand it, and his motivations.
Donald Trump is selling out his allies while he still has time
Will Europe fight for Ukraine?
Tuesday 9 December 2025 19:50 , Maira ButtThe meeting at Downing Street between Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of his country’s principal allies in Europe is designed to demonstrate, both to Mr Zelensky and the wider world, that the Ukrainian people are not alone in their struggle for freedom. Specifically, it is a reminder to the Americans and the Russians that there can be no lasting peace settlement without the freely given consent of Ukraine.
The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is joint leader of the “coalition of the willing” with President Macron, Europe’s pre-eminent military and nuclear powers, while the chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, is at the helm of its largest economy, and one that remains a formidable industrial player.
Porsches across Russia suddenly stop working
Tuesday 9 December 2025 19:20 , Maira ButtHundreds of Porsche cars have stopped working in Russia due to an issue with a satellite-based security system, according to local reports.
Owners reported various issues with their vehicles, including not being able to start the engine, or it shutting down soon after ignition. Others said that they had been locked out of their cars.
The root cause of the issue is not yet known, though a representative for Russia’s largest dealership group told local media that it could be an act of sabotage.
“It’s possible this was done deliberately,” the Rolf spokesperson told the RBC news website, without providing any evidence.
Zelensky 'deeply appreciates' support of Pope Leo
Tuesday 9 December 2025 18:50 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed appreciation for Pope Leo XIV and his support of Ukraine after a meeting at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo.
“I informed the Pope about diplomatic efforts with the United States to achieve peace. We discussed further actions and the Vatican's mediation aimed at returning our children abducted by Russia,” he wrote on X on Tuesday.
Trump says European leaders are ‘weak’ in extraordinary attack on US allies
Tuesday 9 December 2025 18:20 , Maira ButtDonald Trump has said that European leaders are “weak” in an extraordinary attack on some of Washington’s closest allies.
Speaking to Politico, the US president claimed that “decaying” European countries such as France and Germany had failed to control migration or take action to end the war in Ukraine.
“I think they’re weak,” he said of European leaders. “But I also think that they want to be so politically correct”.
He added: “I think they don’t know what to do. Europe doesn’t know what to do.”
James C Reynolds reports:
Trump says European leaders are ‘weak’ in extraordinary attack on US allies
Deal to release ‘£100bn of Russian assets’ for Ukraine expected imminently
Tuesday 9 December 2025 17:50 , Maira ButtA deal to release up to £100 billion of frozen Russian assets in Europe to aid Ukraine is just days away, Downing Street believes, after Sir Keir Starmer and allies held crunch talks in London yesterday.
The prime minister said talks about the future of Ukraine have reached a “critical stage”, while European leaders agreed that pressure on Vladimir Putin must be ramped up.
Sir Keir met with French president Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and German chancellor Friedrich Merz at No 10 Downing Street on Monday as Mr Zelensky warned that Kyiv “can’t manage” without European and American backing.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Deal to release ‘£100bn of Russian assets’ for Ukraine expected imminently
Germany's Merz says Europe must become less dependent on United States
Tuesday 9 December 2025 17:20 , Maira ButtGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz has responded to a strategy paper by President Donald Trump’s administration that declared Europe faced “civilisational erasure”, saying that the continent needed to be less dependent on the US.
“Some of it is understandable, some of it is comprehensible, and some of it is unacceptable to us from a European perspective,” Merz told reporters on a visit to the western German state of Rheinland-Pfalz.
“I see no need for the Americans to now want to save democracy in Europe. If it were necessary to save it, we would manage that on our own.”
He added: “The question of what this means for our security cooperation is obviously the most important question. It confirms my assessment that we in Europe, and therefore also in Germany, must become much more independent from the U.S. in terms of security policy.”
Europe has turned Ukraine into a bargaining chip, says Russia
Tuesday 9 December 2025 16:49 , Maira ButtRussia has accused Europe of turning Ukraine into a bargaining chip at a UN Security Council meeting held on Tuesday.
Ukraine’s representative urged countries to take action in an address to the group, saying: “What is an unbearable tragedy for us is perceived as little more than a routine ledger of a distant conflict.”
Trump says Zelensky is 'losing' war with Putin
Tuesday 9 December 2025 16:18 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has said that Ukraine must make concessions to Russia as it is “losing” the war.
“Well, he [President Volodymyr Zelensky] is going to have to get on the ball and start accepting things when you’re losing — because he’s losing,” the president said in an interview with Politico.
“He [President Vladimir Putin] had no respect for Zelensky, didn’t like Zelensky. They really hate each other. And part of the problem is they hate each other really a lot, you know. And it’s very hard for them to try and make a deal. It’s harder than most.”
Analysis: Europe needs to shove Trump aside - it has the power to stop Putin in Ukraine and it must use it
Tuesday 9 December 2025 16:15 , Maira ButtThere is no reason why Ukraine should entertain a Russian-American proposal which will not bring peace to the country - because there is no answer as to how the US could impose it.
Indeed, now is the time to ditch the White House altogether and for Europe - dismissed by the US president as “weak” - to take the lead.
Much is being made of how Ukraine is refusing to give up the land in the Donbas, eastern Ukraine, which remains under its control.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley reports:
Europe need to shove Trump aside - it has the power to stop Putin and must use it
In pictures: Zelensky meets Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome
Tuesday 9 December 2025 16:04 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Tuesday.
He told reporters that he “trusts” the leader with peace negotiations.
Zelensky says 'everything depends' on Russia being ready to stop war
Tuesday 9 December 2025 15:45 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has said that “everything depends” on whether Russia is ready to stop the war as negotiations towards a peace deal continue.
He said a revised proposal would be sent to the US soon.
“The Ukrainian and European components are now more developed, and we are ready to present them to our partners in the US,” he wrote on X.
“Together with the American side, we expect to swiftly make the potential steps as doable as possible.”
Britain should retaliate against Putin's cyber army, urges Yvette Cooper
Tuesday 9 December 2025 15:30 , Maira ButtBritain and Europe must urgently unite to fight back against escalating attacks by Russia and other hostile states, Yvette Cooper is set to warn on Tuesday in a major speech.
Just 24 hours after Sir Keir Starmer led a mini summit to try to prevent Ukraine being forced into a humiliating deal to get peace with Russia, the foreign secretary will say that ongoing cyber attacks and disinformation are the new front in the war against Vladimir Putin.
Ms Cooper will tell an audience of diplomats that there is an “escalating” danger to the UK and Europe, adding: “Across Europe we are witnessing an escalation in hybrid threats – from physical through to cyber – designed to weaken critical national infrastructure, undermine our interests and interfere in our democracies all for the advantage of malign foreign states.
UK is under attack from Putin’s cyber army, warns Yvette Cooper
