Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky ‘ready’ for wartime election after Trump parrots Putin criticism

Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ in Ukraine

Pope Leo criticizes Trump for trying to ‘break apart’ US-European alliance

Trump says European leaders are ‘weak’ and countries are ‘decaying’ in extraordinary attack on US allies

Zelensky turns to WhatsApp as he’s forced to improvise to get his message out on busy 36-hour trip

Key Points

• Zelensky says he is open to holding a wartime election after Trump's criticism
• UK armed forces member dies in Ukraine after 'tragic accident'
• Trump says 'decaying' European nations failed to end Ukraine war
• Pope criticises US bid to 'break apart' US-Europe alliance
• Zelensky reaffirms his refusal to cede land to Russia

Zelensky reaffirms Ukraine will not cede land to Russia

Ukrainian 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. ⬇️

The Kremlin’s cognitive warfare effort aims to achieve several of Putin’s original war aims… pic.twitter.com/zXxCKrI06x

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 10, 2025

Watch: Starmer reiterates support for Ukraine as Zelensky meets European allies at Downing Street

Trump sets new Christmas deadline for Ukraine peace deal

Volodymyr 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

Sir 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'

A 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

Donald 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

Pope 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.

Zelensky uses Whatsapp group chat to answer questions

The 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

Keir Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in ‘tragic accident’ 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.

Starmer pays tribute to member of UK armed forces killed in Ukraine ‘tragic accident’

Zelensky reaffirms his refusal to cede land to Russia

Ukrainian 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

Oil 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

The 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

Ukrainian 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

Ukrainian 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

The 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

Yvette Cooper countered Trump's remarks about European nations "decaying"

Yvette 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

Sir 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

Ukraine 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

We’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?

The 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.

Will Europe fight for Ukraine?

Porsches across Russia suddenly stop working

Hundreds 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.

Porsches across Russia suddenly stop working

Zelensky 'deeply appreciates' support of Pope Leo

President 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

Donald 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

A 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

German 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

Russia 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

President 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

There 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

President 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

President 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

Britain 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