The Kyiv Independent

Trump's Mar-a-Lago meeting with Zelensky ends without agreement on how peace in Ukraine should look

A new poll published Dec. 29 found 76% of Ukrainians consider it unacceptable to recognize Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories as part of Russia in exchange for ending the war. The survey was conducted between Dec. 5 and 16, 2025, in Ukrainian government-controlled areas where there was no active fighting. Meanwhile, a court in Mykolaiv Oblast has convicted two Russian soldiers in absentia for torturing civilians during Russia’s occupation of the region in 2022, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported Nov. 29. Read today's full report at the link in bio. Photo: Bulent Kilic / AFP

“I was very angry about it,” U.S. President Donald Trump said in response to reports that Ukrainian drones had allegedly attempted to strike Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence. Earlier on Dec. 29, the Russian independent media outlet Meduza reported, citing official statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, that Ukrainian drones had allegedly attempted to strike Putin's state residence with 91 drones in Russia's Novgorod Oblast overnight. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russia's claims as "another lie," warning that Moscow is using the allegation to justify potential strikes, most likely targeting Kyiv. "With this statement about an alleged attack on some residence, they are preparing the ground to strike, most likely the capital and government buildings," Zelensky said while speaking to Ukrainian media on Dec. 29. Zelensky said the statement was made amid progress in Ukraine's talks with the U.S. on a revised peace agreement framework, calling th

A day before President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders privately warned the Ukrainian president that the talks could go badly and urged him to "be careful," according to detailed notes from the call shared with the Kyiv Independent by a senior diplomatic source. The caution came ahead of Zelensky's Dec. 28 meeting with Trump at the U.S. president's Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago — a high-stakes encounter focused on Washington's latest push to broker a peace framework to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. European leaders feared that Trump's diplomacy, coupled with direct U.S.-Russia contacts, could pressure Kyiv into premature concessions on territory and security guarantees. Before meeting Trump on Dec. 28, Zelensky met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The two held a call with European and NATO leaders to coordinate positions ahead of the Mar-a-Lago meeting. The call was hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and included

Dr. Strangelove or: How the West taught Putin to stop worrying and love his bombs

Ukraine could forfeit $4.2B in EU funds after missing reform conditions

Exclusive: 'Be careful' — European leaders warned Zelensky to assess Trump's real stance at Mar-a-Lago

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russia's claims that Ukrainian drones attempted to attack a state residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin as "another lie," warning that Moscow is using the allegation to justify potential strikes, "most likely on Kyiv." "With this statement about an alleged attack on some residence, they are preparing the ground to strike, most likely the capital and government buildings. We've already seen this before, when they attacked the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine," Zelensky said while speaking to Ukrainian media on Dec. 29. Zelensky said the statement was made amid progress in Ukraine's talks with the U.S. on a revised peace framework, calling the timing deliberate. "It's obvious that yesterday we had a meeting with President Trump, and it's clear that when there is no scandal for the Russians, when there is progress, it is a failure for them. They do not want to end this war and are only capable of doing so under pressure. So they are looking

'They are looking for a pretext' — Zelensky denies drone attack on Putin's residence

Trump, Putin hold phone call following Zelensky's visit to Florida

'A continuous field of battle' — Huliaipole becomes gray zone as fighting intensifies in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Southern Command says

In Ukraine's cemeteries, some graves are more than symbols of memory. They hold the truth about the country's enduring place in European culture, testifying to centuries of creative achievement and innovation — and to the lengths Russia has gone to obscure and even try to steal that legacy. "The Invisible Gallery," a new cultural initiative that highlights the lives of eight Ukrainian artists, seeks to bring greater attention to Ukraine’s historical contributions to the art world. Through a guided tour of Lukianivske Cemetery in Kyiv, visitors can discover how these artists contributed to art amid empire collapse, war, and repression. "Russia's long-standing colonial policy toward Ukraine has historically led many Ukrainian artists to be mistakenly associated with Russian culture, or for their legacy to have been suppressed in the USSR," said journalist Darka Hirna, who conceived the project. "The ongoing full-scale war has intensified discussions in Ukrainian society about these ar

Ukraine This Year: a year of stalled peace and escalating war

Russian troops shot dead two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war on Dec. 27 in the village of Shakhove near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office reported on Dec. 29, in what appeared to be at least the third reported case this month of captured Ukrainian soldiers being killed after being taken prisoner. According to the investigation, Russian soldiers forced one of the POWs to partially undress at gunpoint before executing both. "Seeing that the prisoners of war were dead, they also took off the clothes of the second defender who had already been killed," the Prosecutor General's Office said. A pretrial investigation has been launched under Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which covers war crimes resulting in death. The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the case. Earlier this month, DeepState, a Ukrainian open-source mapping group, reported that three Ukrainian POWs were executed south of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast o

Russian forces executed 2 Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk Oblast, prosecutors say

In a draft document, U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine are outlined for a period of 15 years, with a possibility for extension, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on Dec. 29. Security guarantees were one of the topics discussed during Zelensky's two-hour meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at his residence in Mar-a-Lago in Florida, which ended without breakthrough. Zelensky described the security guarantees discussed with Trump as "strong," though adding that "for now, they are not permanent." Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

Bringing art to the cemetery — How 'The Invisible Gallery' reclaims legacy overshadowed by Russian imperialism

Recent photos from Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, captured on Dec. 28, show the systematic destruction of civilian life and infrastructure as Russian forces continue their grinding offensive across eastern Ukraine. Photos: Diego Herrera Carcedo / Getty Images.

Recent photos from Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, captured on Dec. 28, show the systematic destruction of civilian life and infrastructure as Russian forces continue their grinding offensive across eastern Ukraine. The photos capture the stark human cost of the invasion: a soldier from the 24th Brigade patrolling the ruins, a solitary civilian grave dug in front of a residential building, and residents gathering firewood to survive the freezing temperatures. Since June 2025, Kostiantynivka has been facing a looming “humanitarian catastrophe” as ongoing Russian strikes destroy critical infrastructure, leaving residents without electricity, gas, and a stable water supply. Despite the constant bombardment and harsh conditions, those who remain continue to navigate a fractured daily life amidst the ruins of their city. Photos: Diego Herrera Carcedo / Getty Images.

US security guarantees set for 15 years, with Ukraine pushing for extension, Zelensky says

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 29, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Explosions reportedly rock Russia's Khanskaya military airfield

“Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed,” U.S. President Donald Trump said at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky following their meeting on Dec. 28. Zelensky met with Trump in Florida on Dec. 28, where the two leaders discussed ongoing peace efforts to end Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale war against Ukraine. When asked about Russia’s potential involvement in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been “very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine succeeding.” Video: White House

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Dec. 28, as the two leaders discussed the latest peace efforts to end Russia's nearly four-year full-scale war in Ukraine. The meeting began at around 2 p.m. EST (9 p.m. Kyiv time) on Dec. 28, and took place at Trump’s Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. The talks lasted for nearly two hours, ending around 4:15 p.m. EST (11:15 p.m. Kyiv time). Zelensky arrived to Miami a day prior. Video: White House

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Dec. 28, as the two leaders are expected to discuss the latest peace efforts to end Russia's nearly four-year full-scale war in Ukraine. The meeting began at 1 p.m. EST (8 p.m. Kyiv time) on Dec. 28, and is taking place at Trump’s Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. Zelensky arrived to Miami a day prior. Before the meeting started, Trump and Zelensky took a few questions from journalists. Trump offered a vague outlook on talks over a revised 20-point peace plan, saying the war could "either end or drag on for a long time with many more casualties." He also said there was no deadline for reaching a peace deal and added that he believed both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders want an agreement. Trump dismissed a question about security guarantees for Ukraine as “stupid,” but went on to say a strong security agreement would be reached with significant involvement from European countries. He also claimed that Ukr

Why Russia sent Ukrainian children to North Korea, explained

Trump holds call with Putin hours before scheduled meeting with Zelensky

In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home. The episode examines how Ukraine navigated another year of pressure on the battlefield, in government, and on the streets as it heads into 2026. Watch the full video at the link in bio.

Freedom of speech in 2026: Between Brussels' demands and the realities of war

Russia strikes Kherson thermal plant, cuts residents from heating

Russia, Ukraine agree temporary ceasefire near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for power line repairs, IAEA says

As Russia continues its winter campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, power plants across the country are coming under repeated missile and drone attacks. The Kyiv Independent’s Dominic Culverwell reports from an undisclosed thermal power plant operated by DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, to show how energy workers are keeping critical infrastructure running as temperatures drop and attacks continue. Watch the full video at the link in bio.

Ukraine This Year: a year of stalled peace and escalating war

Ukraine, Russia publish videos from Myrnohrad, claim control of front-line town

The Kyiv Independent’s Myroslava Chauin speaks with Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights and a children’s rights activist, about evidence that Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories were transferred to a children’s camp in North Korea. Rashevska explains how Russia has abducted and indoctrinated Ukrainian children since 2014, why these transfers amount to serious violations of international law, and how her testimony before the U.S. Senate shocked lawmakers. Watch the full interview at the link in bio.

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 28, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since 2022

Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Syzran Oil Refinery, General Staff confirms

En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump

Ukraine denies Russia's claims of capturing key front-line cities ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting

Kyiv came under a mass combined missile and drone attack overnight on Dec. 27. The attack started with Russia launching several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and a group of Kalibr cruise missiles at the capital shortly before 2 a.m. Kyiv time, monitoring channels reported. Drones kept attacking the capital throughout the night. The air raid alert lasted for nearly 10 hours, and was only turned off after 11 a.m. on Dec. 27. Another wave came at noon, with drones targeting Kyiv for an hour, until it was all clear again at 1:30 p.m. “When it seemed that the terrible night was over, we woke up to a terrifying explosion at eight in the morning,” Tetiana Donets, a Kyiv resident, told the Kyiv Independent. “We didn’t understand what had happened and only later saw in the news that a missile had hit the fourth floor of the neighboring building. The whole street is covered with debris and glass. It’s been emotionally difficult.” As she was still recovering from

Kyiv recovering from mass Russian attack that left 2 killed, 32 injured, ahead of peace talks

Russia aims to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief says

When approaching the quaint yard of Viktor Shelvinsky's house, one can scarcely believe it serves as a haven for hundreds of birds of all kinds. But quickly, the entry gate gives way to a spacious garden filled with aviaries of different shapes and sizes, housing storks, buzzards, pheasants, owls, and parrots. Shelvinsky, a 48-year-old veterinarian, has built the Free Wings (Vilni Kryla) rehabilitation center around his house on the outskirts of Lviv. He takes care of approximately 470 birds — some found injured in nature, and others entrusted to Shelvinsky's care by their owners due to the circumstances of war. The well-tended sanctuary, filled with lively chirps and green shrubs — even in the dreary December weather — stands as a testament to humanity in wartime Ukraine. Read the full story at the link in bio. Photo: @serhiikorovayny / The Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes, anti-corruption agency says

Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine

This place in Ukraine keeps birds safe from the war

Russia preparing to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence

Russia launched a mass drone and missile attack on the city of Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast on Dec. 27. A 47-year-old woman was killed and at least five others were injured after a Shahed-type drone struck near a bus stop, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service and regional authorities. Among the injured, a 31-year-old man was hospitalized with severe lacerations to his leg, while other victims, including a 24-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and concussions. The strike was part of a broader assault that targeted four separate locations across the city, sparking fires and causing significant destruction in both residential and industrial sectors. Video: State Emergency Service; BilaTserkvaBT / Telegram.

Ukraine’s future hinges on Western security guarantees, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on Dec. 27 as he was en route to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a peace proposal. Security guarantees for Ukraine will be at the forefront of these talks, Zelensky said. Without them, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement. "If the American side raises the issue of a referendum or elections, this absolutely cannot take place under the conditions in which we are living today — particularly regarding air attacks," Zelensky said, adding that he is "politically ready" for elections. "I'm not clinging to my chair," Zelensky said, answering journalists' questions through a WhatsApp group managed by his press service. Before meeting Trump on Dec. 28, Zelensky will have a stopover in Canada to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and hold an onlin

Russia’s latest mass attack over the holiday period shows that Moscow only wants to inflict more pain on Ukraine rather than end the war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the morning of Dec. 27. Russia launched nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles overnight on Dec. 26-27, largely targeting Kyiv’s energy and civilian infrastructure. The devastating strikes, which injured dozens, and killed at least one, come as Zelensky is due to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Dec. 28 amid a push for peace talks over the last two months. "Where is the Russian response to the proposals to end the war, which were made by the United States and the world?" Zelensky said in a statement shared on his Telegram channel. "Russian representatives are having long conversations, but in reality, the Kinzhals (missiles) and Shaheds (drones) are speaking for them. This is the real attitude of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his entourage. They do not want to end the war." Since November, b

'Missiles and drones speak for Russia' – Zelensky blasts Moscow for 10-hour air attack ahead of Trump meeting

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 27, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russia's mass missile attack targets Kyiv, injures 22 ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes there is a "good shot" at reaching peace between Russia and Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Florida. "I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t," Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call. Trump made the remarks ahead of a meeting with Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence on Dec. 28. Zelensky will present a new 20-point peace proposal, a revised version of a 28-point plan drafted in November by Trump’s negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The latest proposal from Kyiv reportedly includes a demilitarized "free economic zone" and has so far been met with silence from Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose top demand has been Ukraine relinquishing control over the remaining fortified areas of Donetsk Oblast. Trump also told Politico in a separate interview that he has not yet endorsed Zelensky’s plan. "He do

Kyiv came under a mass combined missile and drone attack overnight on Dec. 27. The attack started with Russia launching several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and a group of Kalibr cruise missiles at the capital shortly before 2 a.m. Kyiv time, monitoring channels reported. Drones kept attacking the capital throughout the night. The air raid alert lasted for nearly 10 hours, and was only turned off after 11 a.m. on Dec. 27. Drones and falling debris slammed into apartment blocks across the city, igniting fires that spread floor by floor. In one 18-story building in the city’s Dniprovskyi district, a person is believed to be trapped under the rubble on the fifth floor, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. At least 22 people were injured in Kyiv during the attack, including two children, Klitschko reported on the morning of Dec. 27. Of the wounded, 12 have been sent to the hospital. The attack cut off heat to a third of the capital, including 4,000 residential bui

Top anti-Putin Russian commander killed fighting for Ukraine

Kyiv came under a mass ballistic missile attack overnight on Dec. 27 after Russia launched several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and a group of Kalibr cruise missiles at the capital, monitoring channels reported. At least 22 people were injured in Kyiv during the attack, including two children, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on the morning of Dec. 27. Of the wounded, 12 have been sent to the hospital. The attack cut off heat to a third of the capital, including 2,600 residential buildings, 187 kindergartens, and 138 schools, Klitschko added. Engineers are working to restore power. Polish military aircraft were mobilized overnight in response to Russia’s large-scale attack on Ukraine, Poland’s Armed Forces reported on X. Several explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary and surrounding areas following the strikes. Bro

UPD: At least 32 people were injured in Kyiv during the attack, including two children, according to the latest update shared by Klitschko. Kyiv came under a mass ballistic missile attack overnight on Dec. 27 after Russia launched several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and a group of Kalibr cruise missiles at the capital, monitoring channels reported. At least 22 people were injured in Kyiv during the attack, including two children, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on the morning of Dec. 27. Of the wounded, 12 have been sent to the hospital. The attack cut off heat to a third of the capital, including 2,600 residential buildings, 187 kindergartens, and 138 schools, Klitschko added. Engineers are working to restore power. Drones and falling debris slammed into apartment blocks across the city, igniting fires that spread floor by floor. In one 18-story building in the city's Dniprovskyi district, a person is believed to be trapped under the rubble on the fi