President Donald Trump has said he will only meet with Putin and Zelensky over a proposed peace deal when it reaches its “final stages”.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday evening, the US president said he had sent envoys to Moscow and Kyiv in a bid to iron out a “few remaining points of disagreement” between the warring countries.
It comes as Mr Trump said negotiators are getting “very close” to a deal, with reports suggesting Ukraine is ready to “move forward” with a peace framework proposed by the US.
But a Ukrainian official said the most sensitive issues of the agreement would need to be discussed by Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, after a US official claimed that Kyiv had accepted the terms of an agreement.
Kyiv said that it supports the “essence” of a peace agreement after intense negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva.
One Ukrainian official deeply involved in negotiations told The Independent’s Sam Kiley that the US appeared to have agreed to a document set out by Europe’s allies in Geneva over the weekend – not a US plan.
The official in Zelensky’s office said that if the deal was “the framework from Geneva, we’re okay. It’s not a bad framework to work further”.
Key Points
- Ukraine and US edge towards peace deal as Trump says ‘We’re getting very close’
- Trump sends envoys to Moscow and Ukraine in bid to work through 'few remaining points'
- Kyiv 'ready to move forward' with peace plan, Zelensky says
- Starmer hits out at Putin’s ‘depraved ambitions’
- Lavrov says peace plan must reflect 'spirit and letter' of Alaska agreement
Trump backs away from Ukraine peace plan deadline
03:35 , Arpan RaiUS president Donald Trump has backed away from a Thursday deadline for Ukraine to agree to a US-proposed peace plan.
Trump, speaking to reporters on board Air Force One as he flew to Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, said US negotiators were making progress in discussions with Russia and Ukraine, and Moscow had agreed to some concessions. He did not detail them.
But he and his aides have moved away from a firm deadline and now say they would like an agreement as soon as possible.
“The deadline for me is when it's over," Trump said on the presidential aircraft.
A US-based framework for ending the war, first reported last week, prompted fresh concerns that the Trump administration might be willing to push Ukraine to sign a peace deal heavily tilted toward Moscow.
Several rounds of talks have followed, and Ukraine now says it has an "understanding" with the US on a new version.
Ukraine destroys Russian laser aircraft in successful strikes on bases
03:16 , Arpan RaiUkraine says it has carried out successful strikes on multiple Russian airbases, hitting an experimental A-60 airborne laser platform and a Russian Il-76 transport aircraft.
The aircraft were identified in an update from Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's drone forces.
Earlier, Ukraine's armed forces General Staff reported successful strikes on several strategic Russian targets, including the Taganrog Aircraft Repair Plant and the Atlant Aero drone manufacturing facility in Rostov oblast.
The General Staff had said that the A-60 at the Taganrog aircraft repair plant in southwestern Russia had likely been hit, before Brovdi shared a satellite image confirming the damage.
The A-60 is a rare Soviet-era experimental aircraft based on the Il-76 and is equipped with an airborne laser system. Estimated to be worth between $150m and $480m, it was developed to test missile defence and anti-satellite technologies.
Trump says Ukraine peace plan proposal 'fine-tuned'
02:52 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has said a proposal to end Russia's war in Ukraine has been "fine-tuned" and announced he's sending his special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Vladimir Putin.
Witkoff reportedly advised Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov that Putin should call Trump to congratulate him for the Gaza peace deal, say Russia had supported it and that he respects the president as a man of peace. The remarks from the transcript were published by Bloomberg yesterday.
The White House did not dispute the veracity of the transcript, and Trump described Witkoff's reported approach to the Russians in the call as "standard" negotiating procedure.
“He's got to sell this to Ukraine. He's got to sell Ukraine to Russia," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to his home in Florida last night. "That's what a dealmaker does."
Watch: Zelensky says Ukraine peace deal has fewer than 28 points after Geneva talks
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: As Trump bends to Putin’s will again on Ukraine, it is time for Europe to go it alone
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
As Trump bends to Putin’s will again on Ukraine, it is time for Europe to go it alone
Recap: Russia dashes Trump’s hope of quick peace deal in Ukraine after rejecting European proposal
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Russia dashes Trump’s hope of quick peace deal after rejecting European proposal
Ukraine must cede land for peace deal, Witkoff reportedly told Kremlin
Tuesday 25 November 2025 23:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkraine must cede land including the Donetsk region in order to achieve a peace deal, US special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly told officials in Moscow last month.
Bloomberg reported that the conversation took place on 14 October.
“Now, me to you, I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere,” Mr Witkoff reportedly told senior Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov during the five-minute conversation, according to Bloomberg’s transcript.
“But I’m saying instead of talking like that, let’s talk more hopefully because I think we’re going to get to a deal here.”
Starmer says changes to draft peace plan are 'constructive' and 'could be accepted'
Tuesday 25 November 2025 23:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports...
Sir Keir Starmer says the changes that have been proposed to the draft peace plan are "constructive" and "could be accepted", arguing the talks are moving "in a positive direction".
Speaking at the top of a Coalition of the Willing call, the prime minister said: "I welcome some of the developments that have now come forward.
"It was a chance to ensure that the draft plan fully reflects Ukraine’s interests and lays the ground for a lasting peace."
He added: "They’ve proposed some constructive changes. And of course some of our National Security Advisers were there in Geneva to support the talks.
"So I do think we’re moving in a positive direction – and indications today that in large part the majority of the text looks as though, Volodymyr is indicating, could be accepted."
Watch: Starmer hits out at Putin’s ‘depraved ambitions’
Tuesday 25 November 2025 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSeven injured after Russian drones cause mass damage in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia
Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:54 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussian forces staged a mass drone attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia late on Tuesday, triggering fires, injuring at least seven people and badly damaging buildings and vehicles, the regional governor said.
Ivan Fedorov, posting on the Telegram messaging app, said the attack had destroyed shops, damaged other buildings and smashed cars. He said seven people had been injured, with three of them in hospital.
"A rescue operation is currently underway at 12 locations," Mr Fedorov said in a video posted online. "The maximum number of units from the State Emergency Services, national police and our medical teams has been deployed."
Pictures posted online showed firefighters battling blazes at high-rise apartment buildings and gutted vehicles on city streets.
The Russia-appointed head of the Zaporizhzhia region held by Russia, Yevgeny Belitsky, said Ukrainian forces had attacked power grid infrastructure in Russian-controlled areas.
Belitsky, writing on Telegram, said power had been cut to 40,000 customers in Russian-controlled towns in the region.
Zelensky says sensitive issues to be discussed with Trump
Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVolodymyr Zelensky has said a proposed peace plan now under discussion with the United States and Europe has incorporated "correct" points, but sensitive issues were to be discussed with US president Donald Trump.
"As of now, after (talks in) Geneva, there are fewer points, no longer 28, and many correct elements have been incorporated into this framework," Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
"Our team has already reported today on the new draft of steps and this is truly the right approach. The sensitive issues, the most delicate points, I will discuss with President Trump,” he said.
Zelensky said the process of producing a final document would be difficult and Ukraine appreciated the assistance offered by other countries and the "constructive" US approach.
He said it was in Russia's interests to disrupt the peace process and warned Ukrainians to pay particular attention to air raid alerts in the days and weeks to come "as we fully understand who we are dealing with".
Zelensky said that if negotiations proceeded on resolving the war "there must be no missiles, no massive strikes on Ukraine and our people. This is something that those who are strong in the world can ensure.”
Ukrainian president's chief of staff expects US army secretary Driscoll in Kyiv
Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:22 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said on Tuesday he spoke to US army secretary Daniel Driscoll, a key member of the US negotiating team on a Ukrainian settlement, and expected him in Kyiv this week.
"Thank you for your objectivity and constructiveness," Yermak wrote on Telegram. "As set out by President Trump, we expect the (army secretary) in Kyiv this week, and we are ready to continue working as quickly as possible to finalise the steps necessary to end the bloodshed."
Yermak, part of the Ukrainian delegation that held talks in Geneva with US officials on Washington's peace proposal, said those talks were "a good foundation" and added that Zelensky and his team were "fully committed to further work".
'Nothing to suggest' Moscow are willing to engage in 'serious' peace talks, Swedish PM says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThere have been no indications Russia is “ready to engage constructively in serious negotiations,” Swedish prime minister Ulf Krissterson has said.
In a post on X, he wrote that the ball “now clearly lies” with Moscow.
“I participated just now in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine,” he wrote.
“The main point of the meeting was the framework for peace, which Ukraine and the USA have now jointly reviewed.
“The ball now lies, as so often before, clearly with Russia. If Russia were to have a genuine will to end the war, they have all the opportunities to do so. But so far, we have seen nothing to suggest that they would be ready to engage constructively in serious negotiations.
“At the meeting, I therefore emphasized that we must continue to increase the pressure on Russia. We know that the sanctions have a significant effect on the Russian economy and freedom of action. We must also use the frozen Russian assets to the benefit of Ukraine.”
'Much depends on the US,' Zelensky says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is “counting on” continued cooperation from the US.
In his evening address on X, he said it is “America's strength that Russia takes most seriously”.
“We worked with the Ukrainian negotiating team today on the text of the document prepared with the United States in Geneva,” he wrote. “The principles in this document can be developed into deeper agreements. It is in our shared interest that security is real.
“I count on continued active cooperation with the American side and President Trump. Much depends on the United States because it’s America's strength that Russia takes most seriously.
“I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine.”
We worked with the Ukrainian negotiating team today on the text of the document prepared with the United States in Geneva.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 25, 2025
The principles in this document can be developed into deeper agreements.
It is in our shared interest that security is real.
I count on continued… pic.twitter.com/JtoR9eAzYH
'Coalition of the Willing' supports Trump's efforts to put an end to Ukraine war
Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:02 , Holly EvansCoalition of the Willing leaders agreed to “accelerate” work on security guarantees for Ukraine alongside the US, according to a joint statement released after their meeting on Tuesday.
The statement from President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, and Sir Keir Starmer said: “Building on the work and planning conducted within the Coalition during the past few months, leaders agreed with Secretary (Marco) Rubio to accelerate joint work with the United States to take forward the planning on security guarantees.
“They tasked their military authorities to complete joint planning work to that effect.
“Leaders also reiterated their determination to continue to reinforce their financial and military support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia and its war machine, as long as Russia refuses to engage on the path toward a just and lasting peace.”
Europe, America, and Ukraine are 'aligned' in peace agreement conditions, Dutch PM says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEurope, America, and Ukraine are all “aligned” in conditions they require for a peace deal, Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof has said.
In a post on X, he wrote it is “essential” that Russia and Ukraine sit down at the negotiating table together if an agreement is to be reached.
“Developments continue to follow one another at a rapid pace,” he wrote.
“We have once again confirmed that Europe, America, and Ukraine are aligned when it comes to the conditions for a peace agreement. A deal can only succeed if Ukraine agrees to it.
“To that end, it is essential that Ukraine and Russia continue working on the peace plan and ultimately come to the table with each other. That is the only chance for a sustainable and just peace.”
Met een brede groep van de Coaliton of the Willing verder gesproken over het vredesplan voor Oekraïne, waarbij ook de Oekraïense president Zelensky en de Amerikaanse minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Rubio aansloten.
— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) November 25, 2025
De ontwikkelingen blijven zich in een hoog tempo opvolgen. We… pic.twitter.com/8yxD05ILi9
Who are the key players in Ukraine-Russia peace talks?
Tuesday 25 November 2025 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNegotiations are continuing as US president Donald Trump aims to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine before Thanksgiving.
It comes after a peace plan proposed by Washington on Friday was criticised as pro-Russian. European leaders have responded with a counter-proposal that reasserts Ukraine’s demands.
It includes respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, freedom to advance its Nato ambitions and EU membership aspirations and maintain a large military to deter the threat of future Russian aggression.
Several countries and high-profile individuals are involved in the discussions. The Independent looks at some of the key characters below.
From blacklisted businessman to ex-film producer: Key players in Ukraine peace talks
War 'not over yet', Zelensky says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 20:09 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia’s war in Ukraine is “not over yet”, Zelensky has said following a call between the “coalition of the willing”.
In a post on X he thanked leaders for their continued support and said it was “important” Kyiv continues to rally for “defence and democracy”.
Russia’s war against Ukraine hasn’t ended yet – every day, Russia kills our people on the front lines and attacks our cities and energy infrastructure. So, while diplomatic efforts to end this war continue, it is crucial that our partners don’t forget that Ukraine still needs… pic.twitter.com/pdYlHOoUBB
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 25, 2025
Trump sends envoys to Moscow and Ukraine in bid to work through 'few remaining points'
Tuesday 25 November 2025 19:41 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS president Donald Trump has said he will send envoys to Moscow and Kyiv in a bid to iron out a “few remaining points of disagreement” in his peace plan.
In a post on Truth Social, he said special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Putin in Moscow, as secretary of the army Dan Driscoll will meet with the Ukrainians.
He added he “looked forward to hopefully” meeting with Zelensky and Putin “soon” but that it would only be when the deal is “final, or in its final stages”.
“Let’s all hope that PEACE can be accomplished AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!,” he wrote.
Ukraine and US edge towards peace deal as Trump says ‘We’re getting very close’
Tuesday 25 November 2025 19:16 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkraine and the United States appear to be edging closer to a peace deal over the war with Russia, in a potentially significant diplomatic shift following crunch talks in Switzerland.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday Kyiv was ready to move forward with a framework to end the war with Russia.
In a day of fast moving developments, Kyiv said it supported the “essence” of the Geneva plan while stressing there were still some sensitive issues still needing to be fixed.
Our reporter James C. Reynolds has the latest...
Ukraine and US edge towards peace deal as Trump says ‘We’re getting very close’
Europe-US taskforce planned to 'solidify' security guarantees, French officials say
Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:56 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined a "coalition of the willing" video call on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine on Tuesday - the first time a senior US official has taken part in the meeting, French presidency officials said.
In the gathering, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the leaders decided to set up a task force between the United States and the coalition countries to "solidify" these security guarantees, the French officials told reporters.
Analysis: Ukraine has shown the US a viable peace deal - but can Trump shake off Putin’s influence?
Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:36 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Ukraine has shown US a viable peace deal - but can Trump shake off Putin’s influence?
'Solid and encouraging' progress made towards peace deal, Von der Leyen says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:16 , Nicole Wootton-Cane“Solid and encouraging” progress has been made towards a peace deal in Ukraine, president of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen has said.
She said talks would continue over financing for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
In a post on X, she wrote: “Today, the partners of the Coalition of the Willing convened to discuss ongoing negotiations toward a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
“In recent days and hours, we have seen solid and encouraging progress. We welcomed the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during our call. We need strong transatlantic cooperation.”
Ms Von der Leyen added the EU would continue to “increase” pressure on Russia until Moscow showed a “genuine willingness to engage on a credible path toward peace.”
Today, the partners of the Coalition of the Willing convened to discuss ongoing negotiations toward a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 25, 2025
In recent days and hours, we have seen solid and encouraging progress.
We welcomed the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during…
Macron says France will discuss financial support for Ukraine
Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFrench President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that France will finalise with other European Union countries a solution for providing financial support to Ukraine as he referred to frozen Russian assets.
Macron, who was speaking after a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, said Ukraine needed a peace that was "serious" and "respectful of international law".
It comes after Ukrainian officials said Russia's frozen assets should not be used as a bargaining chip in peace talks.
'I think we're making progress' Trump tells reporters
Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS President Donald Trump has told reporters he believes negotiations on peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are “making progress”.
Speaking at a turkey pardoning at the White House on Tuesday, he said: “I think we’re getting very close to a deal we’ll find out...I think we’re making progress.”
Watch: Zelensky confirms Trump talks and claims Ukraine will not be an obstacle to peace
Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:45 , Maira ButtKyiv 'ready to move forward' with peace plan, Zelensky says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:26 , Nicole Wootton-CaneZelensky has indicated Ukraine is ready to move forward with a US-backed peace deal, according to documents seen by the news agency Reuters.
In a speech to the so-called coalition of the willing, Zelensky urged European leaders to hash out a framework for deploying a "reassurance force" to Ukraine and to continue supporting Kyiv for as long as Moscow shows no willingness to end its war.
Seven people killed in overnight strikes in Ukraine, Kyiv says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSeven people were killed and 21 injured by overnight Russian strikes in Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s state emergency service.
“In Kyiv, emergency rescue operations have been completed following the Russian shelling: 7 people were killed, and another 21 people were injured, including 1 child.,” it said in a post on X.
“Emergency responders saved 18 people, including 3 children. Psychologists from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine provided assistance to 64 people.”
У Києві завершили аварійно-рятувальні роботи після російського обстрілу: загинули 7 осіб, ще 21 людина постраждала, в тому числі 1 дитина.
— DSNS.GOV.UA (@SESU_UA) November 25, 2025
Надзвичайники врятували 18 людей, серед яких 3 дітей. Психологи ДСНС надали допомогу 64 людям. pic.twitter.com/BrCME4Ri5C
Revised peace plan could see Ukraine's army capped at 800,000, reports say
Tuesday 25 November 2025 16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe revised US peace plan could reportedly see Ukraine’s army capped at 800,000 soldiers.
First reported by the Financial Times, who cite unnamed Ukrainian officials, the plan would see Ukraine remain the second-largest force in Europe after Russia.
It comes after the original peace plan proposed by the US capped Ukrainian soldiers at 600,000 - something Zelensky refused to agree to.
Ukraine has not publicly confirmed agreeing to restricting its military size, and no agreement has been reached at this time.
'Tough road' remains to peace deal, Downing Street says
Tuesday 25 November 2025 16:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkraine has not yet fully agreed to a peace proposal from the US, Downing Street suggested, amid suggestions from the Americans that Kyiv had done so.
The Prime Minister's official spokesperson told reporters: "I've seen those reports, but our position hasn't changed.
"We welcome the progress made, but there are still several points to work through.
"We are all resolute in our focus on securing Ukraine a just and lasting peace."
He also pointed to Sir Keir Starmer's statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, in which he said there is still a "tough road ahead" to reach peace.
Sir Keir Starmer said talks on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine were “moving in a positive direction” as he spoke to leaders of the “coalition of the willing”.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said: “I do think we are moving in a positive direction and indications today that in large part the majority of the text, Volodymyr is indicating, can be accepted.”
Ukraine loses land, no Nato and Russia back in the G8: What is in Trump’s 28-point plan to end the war?
Tuesday 25 November 2025 16:10 , Maira ButtA Trump administration proposal to end the war in Ukraine would force Kyiv into giving up land while compensating the United States for upholding the peace.
The 28-point plan, drawn up following talks between Washington and Moscow, offers a guarantee of US protection for Ukraine.
In return for Kyiv must give up on its Nato ambitions and European allies agree to not station troops in Ukraine, rebuffing British-led plans to deploy international peacekeepers.
Russia back in G8, no Nato for Ukraine: What is in Trump’s 28-point plan to end war?
How much of Ukraine does Russia currently occupy as negotiations intensify
Tuesday 25 November 2025 15:37 , Maira ButtAmong the key sticking points between Russia and Ukraine are the territorial rights each country believes it has.
Russia seeks to claim territory according to a predetermined assessment of their rights, while Ukraine hopes to freeze Russia’s expansion at the current frontlines.
White House says 'further talks' needed as 'delicate' differences remain
Tuesday 25 November 2025 15:08 , Maira ButtThe White House has provided an update on peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, amid reports that Ukraine has accepted the “essence” of a proposed peace deal.
Delicate but not insurmountable details remain that “must be sorted out”, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. These differences will require “further talks” between Ukraine, Russia and the US.
“Over the past week, the United States has made tremendous progress towards a peace deal by bringing both Ukraine and Russia to the table,” Leavitt wrote in a statement on X/Twitter.
“There are a few delicate, but not insurmountable, details that must be sorted out and will require further talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US.”
Zelensky and German chancellor discuss Geneva talks in phone call, says spokesperson
Tuesday 25 November 2025 14:58 , Maira ButtGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the status of negotiations over a US-backed peace deal following talks in Geneva over the weekend, a German government spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The 28-point plan was criticised for being pro-Russian, prompting a counter-proposal from Europe.
This is Europe’s counter-proposal for peace in Ukraine – with several key changes to Trump’s plan
Tuesday 25 November 2025 14:45 , Maira ButtDonald Trump’s latest plan to end the war in Ukraine came as a shock to Kyiv’s international backers after 10 months of trying to negotiate careful compromise.
The 28-point plan seems to cater to Russia’s hardline positions, offering Ukraine very few of the security guarantees it says it needs to ensure a lasting peace.
Britain, France and Germany were left out of the conversations that produced the US proposal for peace but within hours, the E3 nations had pulled together a counteroffer.
This is Europe’s counter-proposal for peace in Ukraine – with changes to Trump’s plan
US appears to have agreed to Geneva plan, Ukrainian official tell Sam Kiley
Tuesday 25 November 2025 14:34 , Sam KileyA Ukrainian official deeply involved with ceasefire negotiations said that the United States appears to have agreed to a document set out by Europe’s allies in Geneva over the weekend – not a US plan.
The official in president Volodymyr Zekensky’s office said that if the deal was “the framework from Geneva, we’re okay. It’s not a bad framework to work further”.
US media organisations said they had been briefed by US officials after a meeting in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine’s head of military intelligence major general Kyrylo Budanov and Dan Driscoll, US army secretary.
“Following the meetings In Geneva, we see many prospects that can make the path to peace real. There are solid results, and much work still lies ahead,” Zelensky wrote on X.
The Geneva plan gives a written “article 5”-style US guarantee of Ukraine sovereignty.
If the White House has accepted this it would be a significant U-Turn by Donald Trump who has consistently ruled out offering American forces to guarantee Ukraine’s future security. It gives Nato protection to Ukraine without it actually joining the alliance.
The Geneva plan would freeze Russian control of captured Ukrainian territory along the current front lines, restricts Ukraine’s peacetime forces to 800,000, forbids Nato troops from being stationed there in peacetime and demands both sides sign a non-aggression pact.
It also allows for progressive sanctions to be lifted for Russia and for Moscow to rejoin the G8 economic group of nations.
Zelensky has said that some of the sensitive parts of this plan would need to be left for discussion with president Trump.
But Russia has already outright rejected the scheme. If an agreement has been made between Kyiv and Washington this would be the first time this year that the Trump administration has fallen in with the demands that Ukraine and its European allies say are the bare minimum for their future security.
UK still committed to multinational force in Ukraine after ceasefire
Tuesday 25 November 2025 14:31 , Alex CroftBritain is still making plans for a multinational force in Ukraine after a ceasefire is agreed, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
In a call on Tuesday, Starmer and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky discussed "the importance of the continued work by coalition partners in preparation for the deployment of the multinational force following the cessation of hostilities", Starmer's spokesperson said.
Asked if UK was still willing to put boots on the ground in Ukraine after any end to the fighting in Ukraine, the spokesperson said: "That commitment remains."
Russia has rejected any potential foreign military deployment in Ukraine, calling it "unacceptable".
Daughter of ex-South African leader accused of luring men to fight for Russia
Tuesday 25 November 2025 14:16 , Alex CroftSouth African police have launched an investigation into serious allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of Jacob Zuma, enticed 17 men into fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine under false pretences.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the probe, which stems from an affidavit submitted by Zuma-Sambudla's sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube.
The document claims Ms Zuma-Sambudla, alongside two unnamed individuals, misled the men by promising them security training in Russia, only for them to become embroiled in the conflict without their consent. The identities of the two other alleged accomplices remain undisclosed.
Read the full report:
Daughter of ex-South African leader accused of luring men to fight for Russia
Ukraine supports 'essence' of peace deal, 'sensitive issues' yet to be agreed upon
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:59 , Maira ButtUkraine supports the “essence” of a peace deal framework following Geneva talks, a Ukrainian official told Reuters on Tuesday.
The most sensitive issues are yet to be discussed between Trump and Zelensky, according to the source.
Nato must speed up strengthening of protection of eastern flank
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:57 , Alex CroftNato must speed up work on strengthening the protection of its eastern flank from drones, Polish defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said after Romania scrambled fighter jets on Tuesday after drone incursions into its airspace.
"Operation Eastern Sentry requires reinforcement. Eight countries have declared their forces, this must be accelerated. This is also a conclusion if this violation is confirmed today," Mr Kosiniak-Kamysz said after a meeting with his French counterpart.
Romanian defence minister Ionut Mosteanu earlier said the NATO pilots came close to shooting down a drone which had repeatedly entered the alliance member country's airspace, but had held off, over concern about causing damage on the ground.
Drone fragments without an explosive charge were later found on Romanian territory.
"We are dealing with a new Russian provocation against Romania, a drone which the Romanian army and German Eurofighters have tried to shoot down," Mr Mosteanu said.
Starmer says UK’s ‘best understanding’ is there is no new agreement from Kyiv
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:46 , Kate DevlinIn the Commons, the prime minister told MPs he wanted to update them “in relation to the news, as I understand it.”
However, he added, it was coming to him “second hand” and might not be “entirely accurate” - promising to return with more information if he was wrong.
He added: “But my understanding is, this is not a new agreement. It is Ukraine confirming that they are happy with the draft that emerged in Geneva yesterday, which of course, doesn't have the question of territory.
“So our best understanding is this is a confirmation of basically what came out of Geneva, but it isn’t a new set of proposals or agreements in any way.”
Watch: Kyiv residential buildings on fire after Russian strikes
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:38 , Alex CroftUkraine accepts terms of Trump peace deal, reports US media
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:20 , Alex CroftUkraine has accepted the terms of a Washington-brokered peace deal, according to US reports, after days of wrangling between the White House, Moscow and Kyiv.
A US official said Kyiv had "agreed to a peace deal" to stop Russia’s four-year invasion, CBS News reported hours after Ukraine’s national security adviser Rustem Umerov said it had reached a “reached a common understanding” with the White House.
Umerov had said that president Volodymyr Zelensky is likely to visit the US in the next few days to finalise a deal with President Donald Trump to end Ukraine's war with Russia.
International unity must be shown in support of Ukraine, Starmer tells Zelensky
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:17 , Alex CroftThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the UK's support for Ukraine on a call with Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday morning, telling him that international unity has to be shown in support of the war-torn nation.
The prime minister also shared his condolences after a number of people were killed in overnight Russian strikes on Kyiv, with Downing Street saying that Sir Keir paid tribute "to the Ukrainian people who showed such courage and resilience in the face of daily hardship and bloodshed from Putin’s ongoing onslaught".
In a readout of the call, a spokesperson added: "Reflecting on talks in Geneva, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace. The prime minister said Ukraine can rely on the UK’s support as discussions continue.
"Looking ahead to this afternoon’s Coalition of the Willing call, the leaders discussed the international unity that has to be shown in support of Ukraine and underlined the importance of the continued work of coalition partners in preparation for the deployment of the multinational force following the cessation of hostilities.”
Starmer hits out at Putin’s ‘depraved ambitions’
Tuesday 25 November 2025 13:00 , Alex CroftWhitehall correspondent Kate Devlin reports:
The prime minister has condemned Vladimir Putin as he updated MPs on the situation in Ukraine.
He said that more than a million Russians had been killed and injured in the war “all because of the depraved ambitions of one man”.
In a rare personal moment, the Labour leader also said that last night he celebrated his daughter’s 15th birthday and “later I saw images on the news of a young girl about the same age being pulled from the rubble of a building in Ukraine where her mother had just been killed. It is abhorrent.”
Starmer warns ‘a long way to go and a tough road ahead’ on Ukraine
Tuesday 25 November 2025 12:57 , Alex CroftThe Independent’s Whitehall correspondent Kate Devlin reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has warned that there is “a long way to go and a tough road ahead” on possible peace for Ukraine.
The PM also revealed he had spoken to President Zelensky again this morning as he set out the UK’s position to MPs in the House of Commons.
He also stressed again that any decision on Ukraine’s future must be determined by Ukraine.
Sir Keir and President Zelensky discussed ongoing work by the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ to prepare for the deployment of a multinational force to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, Downing Street said.
Trump's 28-point plan included elements that were unacceptable - Starmer
Tuesday 25 November 2025 12:42 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer is currently addressing the House of Commons on the Ukraine peace process, ahead of talks wit other members of the Coalition of the Willing later.
He tells MPs that “the initial draft of the 28-point plan included points that were not acceptable”.
But also it included some elements that “will be essential for a just and lasting peace”, he says, referencing US security backstop plans.
“Elements relating to Europe and Nato will need the consent of Europe and Nato members,” he added.
Lavrov says peace plan must reflect 'spirit and letter' of agreement at Trump-Putin Alaska summit
Tuesday 25 November 2025 12:23 , Alex CroftRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that an amended peace plan for Ukraine must reflect the "spirit and letter" of an understanding reached between president Vladimir Putin and US president Donald Trump at their Alaska summit.
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said Russia had welcomed an initial version of a US peace plan for Ukraine and was waiting for an amended interim version of the plan after Washington had coordinated with Ukraine and Europe.
If the amended version did not reflect what Putin and Trump had discussed when they met in Alaska in August, Lavrov said that Russia - whose representatives were reported to be preparing to hold more talks with the US in Abu Dhabi later on Tuesday - would take a very different view of the initiative.
"Our assessments remain valid in the sense that the key provisions of Trump's (original) plan are based on understandings reached in Anchorage at the Russian-American summit in August this year. And these principles are generally reflected in the plan, which we welcomed," he said.
Watch: Zelensky says Ukraine peace deal has fewer than 28 points after Geneva talks
Tuesday 25 November 2025 12:03 , Alex CroftIn pictures: Heavy damage in Kyiv after huge Russian air attack
Tuesday 25 November 2025 11:45 , Alex Croft
What happened in today's Russia-US peace talks?
Tuesday 25 November 2025 11:24 , Alex CroftUS Army secretary Dan Driscoll is set to continue talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi as part of an intense new push by the Trump administration to end the war in Ukraine.
US and Ukrainian officials are seeking to narrow the gaps between them over a peace plan, with core issues still unresolved and Ukraine wary of being strong-armed into accepting a deal largely on the Kremlin's terms.
The exact nature of the talks in Abu Dhabi were not immediately clear, and it was not known who was in the Russian delegation. A US official told Reuters news agency that Driscoll, who has emerged as a point man for diplomatic efforts, was also expected to meet Ukrainian officials while in Abu Dhabi.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he has nothing to say about the talks, adding that the "only substantive thing is the American project, the Trump project”. The Russia-US proposals are widely viewed by Kyiv and its allies as a capitulation for Ukraine.
We’ll keep you updated on all the latest from today’s continued talks in Abu Dhabi.
Comment | This is what Europe must do to call Putin’s bluff on Ukraine
Tuesday 25 November 2025 11:04 , Alex CroftOur world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
Europe is taking baby steps towards walking away from America and ending the Russian threat against its democracies. But the time has come to take giant leaps for mankind.
A non-Nato, Nato-style alliance of the West would be a powerful entity that would give Putin pause for thought if it acted together and with the sort of confidence the Kremlin has shown on the world stage.
The combined size of the economies of Nato nations – minus the US, Hungary and Slovenia – is over four times that of the Russian Federation. It spends 3.5 to 4 per cent more on defence than the Kremlin.
This bloc could muster about 3.2 million troops vs Russia’s 1.5 million. This is a massive amount of power for an alliance to wield and far beyond anything that Russia could resist.
Georgia and Ukraine have Russian forces occupying chunks of their territory. The Kremlin would think twice about moving forwards if they risked attack by the aircraft and long range missiles of the biggest, richest, and best equipped military and economic bloc on the planet.
As Europe gets its ceasefire proposal off the ground, it needs a threat that will shake Putin. A Nato-style defence pact would do that.
Mapped: The territory Ukraine stands to lose in a peace deal
Tuesday 25 November 2025 10:46 , Alex CroftMoscow claims it has captured village in Donetsk region
Tuesday 25 November 2025 10:27 , Alex CroftRussia's Defence Ministry said on Tuesday its forces had captured the settlement of Ivanopillia in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
The Independent could not verify the battlefield report, but authoritative Ukrainian battlefield map DeepState shows Russian forces edging into the outskirts of the town as of 24 November.
More on drone incursion into Romania
Tuesday 25 November 2025 10:09 , Alex CroftAs we reported earlier, Romania had scrambled fighter jets after drones breached its airspace near its border with Ukraine on Tuesday.
The drones breached its territory near the border with Ukraine early on Tuesday, and one was still advancing deeper into the country, the defence ministry said.
Romania said it initially scrambled two Eurofighters - part of German air-policing missions in Romania - which tracked a drone in the southeastern county of Tulcea before it re-entered Ukraine.
The army later scrambled two Romanian F-16 fighter jets after radar showed a second airspace breach in the county of Galati. The planes tracked it moving inland towards the county of Vrancea, the ministry said.
Residents of all three counties were warned to take cover.
The EU and Nato member shares a 650-km (400-mile) land border with Ukraine and has had drones breach its airspace and fragments fall onto its territory repeatedly since Russia began attacking Kyiv's ports across the Danube.
Starmer to hold call with Ukraine's European allies on Tuesday
Tuesday 25 November 2025 09:48 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer is set to speak to Ukraine’s European allies on Tuesday following the latest talks to secure peace in the war-torn nation.
The Prime Minister will host a coalition of the willing call after efforts over the weekend between the US and Kyiv to broker a truce with Moscow.
Sir Keir and other western leaders had pushed back against US president Donald Trump’s original 28-point peace plan ahead of the talks in Geneva, Switzerland, raising concerns about the prospect of a cap on Ukraine’s armed forces and land being ceded to Russia.
Foreign Office officials appeared confident that progress made in Geneva meant this was no longer a hard deadline.
Ahead of the coalition of the willing call, Sir Keir said all partners in the alliance were focused on achieving a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The peace “matters for all of us, because the conflict in Ukraine has had a direct impact here in the United Kingdom”, the Prime Minister added.
Zelensky could visit US finalise peace deal with Trump in coming days, says top Kyiv official
Tuesday 25 November 2025 09:31 , Alex CroftVolodymyr Zelensky could visit the US in the next few days to finalise a deal with president Donald Trump to end Ukraine's war with Russia, Kyiv's national security chief said.
"We look forward to organising a visit of Ukraine's President to the US at the earliest suitable date in November to complete final steps and make a deal with President Trump," Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook.
He said the US and Ukraine had held “productive and constructive meetings” in Geneva and praised Trump for his “steadfast efforts to end the war”.
“Our delegations reached a common understanding on the core terms of the agreement discussed in Geneva,” Mr Umerov added.
Ukraine strikes oil refinery in huge drone attack across southern Russia
Tuesday 25 November 2025 09:22 , Alex CroftThree people were killed and at least 16 injured in a major Ukrainian drone attack on southern Russia with residential buildings damaged in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and the cities of Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar, Russian officials said.
The Russian Defence Ministry said that 249 Ukrainian drones were downed over Russian regions overnight, including 116 over the Black Sea, 92 over the southern regions of Krasnodar and Rostov.
Moscow does not typically reveal how many drones were fired in total.
Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar said that a paint shop, a warehouse, four apartment buildings and 12 houses were damaged in the attack, which left at least three dead.
Unverified video footage on Telegram showed what sounded like a drone flying directly into a large residential apartment block in Novorossiysk - home to a major oil port - and exploding in a ball of flame.
"Overnight the Krasnodar region was subjected to one of the longest major attacks by the Kyiv regime," Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said, adding that an apartment building at Tuapse, a town beside an oil export terminal, had been damaged.
Six killed and 13 wounded in Kyiv after major Russian attack
Tuesday 25 November 2025 09:00 , Alex CroftMore details are coming through on Russia’s large and deadly drone strike on Ukraine overnight, with Kyiv one of its main targets.
Six people have been killed and 13 wounded in the Ukrainian capital, during an attack which disrupted electricity and heating systems, officials said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces launched more than 460 drones and 22 missiles, in what was the second major Russian strike on Kyiv this month.
The Ukrainian president said on Telegram that the “primary targets were the energy sector and everything that keeps normal life going”.
Across the country, electricity supplies to more than 102,000 people in five Ukrainian regions, Kyiv’s energy ministry said.
Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the military administration for Kyiv , said damage was recorded at 13 sites across Kyiv.
The blacklisted businessman, the former film producer and the ex-soldier: Key players in Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Tuesday 25 November 2025 08:41 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has claimed that “big progress” is being made in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The US and Ukraine sought on Monday to narrow gaps in a peace plan proposed by Washington on Friday that was criticised as pro-Russian. European leaders have responded with a counter-proposal that reasserts Ukraine’s demands.
It includes respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, freedom to advance its Nato ambitions and EU membership aspirations and maintain a large military to deter the threat of future Russian aggression.
From blacklisted businessman to ex-film producer: Key players in Ukraine peace talks
Kremlin says it still has "nothing to say" about Driscoll's talks with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi
Tuesday 25 November 2025 08:25 , Alex CroftKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that he had "nothing to say" about US Army secretary Dan Driscoll's talks with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi.
Moscow has not yet received any updated plans on Ukraine, Peskov said.
"Currently, the only substantive thing is the American project, the (U.S. President Donald) Trump project. We believe that this could become a very good basis for negotiations. We still adhere to this point of view," Peskov said.
He also spoke on Europe's role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, saying that it is impossible to discuss the security system without the participation of Europeans, so at some stage Europe's participation will be necessary.
Peace talks reportedly taking place in Abu Dhabi
Tuesday 25 November 2025 08:03 , Maira ButtPeace talks are taking place between US delegates and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, according to reports.
US army secretary Dan Driscoll is leading the discussions, according to the Financial Times.
The discussions are reportedly taking place in secret, in contrast to the public progress that has been made with other meetings.
The discussions come after US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that “tremendous progress” had been made in negotiations in recent days.
President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan was criticised for being pro-Russian and Europe demanded amendments in response.
The White House said revisions had been made to the plan, but Russia said it was not happy with the changes.
Romania scrambles fighter jets after drones breach airspace
Tuesday 25 November 2025 07:18 , Maira ButtRomania’s defence ministry has reportedly scrambled fighter jets after drones breached its airspace near its border with Ukraine on Tuesday.
It follows a spate of reported airspace violations across Europe in recent weeks.
Death toll in Russian attack on Kyiv rises to six
Tuesday 25 November 2025 06:56 , Arpan RaiAt least six people have been killed in Kyiv in Russian missile and drone attacks overnight, mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.
He also said at least nine people were injured.
Russia launched a wave of attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv in the early hours today, striking residential buildings and energy infrastructure, according to video footage and local authorities.
A residential building in the central Pechersk district and another in Kyiv's eastern district of Dniprovskyi were badly damaged, the mayor said.
Only 'red line' on Ukraine peace plan is Russia, says France's Macron
Tuesday 25 November 2025 06:49 , Arpan RaiFrench president Emmanuel Macron said only Russia stands in the way of peace in Ukraine.
“The only red line we have since three years is called Russia," Macron said, in a pre-recorded clip posted on X by French radio RTL.
Macron added that the US peace plan for Ukraine goes in the right direction but there are things that need to be improved in it.
“We want peace for Ukraine but not something that would represent a capitulation,” he said, adding that no one can tell Ukraine what territory they should give up.
The first 28-point peace proposal caught many in the US government, Kyiv and Europe off-guard and prompted fresh concerns that the Trump administration might be willing to push Ukraine to sign a peace deal heavily tilted towards Moscow.
The plan, which the US has denied was drafted by Moscow, would require Kyiv to cede more territory, accept curbs on its military and bar it from ever joining Nato, conditions Kyiv has long rejected as tantamount to surrender.
It would also do nothing to allay broader European fears of further Russian aggression.
Ukraine's European allies drew up a counter-proposal which, according to a copy reviewed by Reuters, would halt fighting at the present frontlines, leave discussions of territory for later, and include a Nato-style US security guarantee for Ukraine.
Only Trump wants Putin in G8, says Merz
Tuesday 25 November 2025 06:22 , Arpan RaiOnly Trump wants Russia back in G8, says MerzGermany’s chancellor has indicated that other European nations do not want Russia to be allowed back into the G8 group of nations.
“At the moment, I cannot see that among the six members of today’s G7 who are not America, there is a willingness to readmit Russia to this group,” Friedrich Merz said.
Russia’s re-entry into what was the G8 is among the issues being discussed as part of talks to end the war in Ukraine.
Watch: Kyiv residential buildings on fire after Russian strikes
Tuesday 25 November 2025 06:14 , Arpan RaiWhite House denies Trump plan favours Russia
Tuesday 25 November 2025 06:02 , Arpan RaiA White House spokesperson has denied president Donald Trump is favouring one side over another, after his peace proposals appeared heavily weighted in Russia’s favour.
Officials on Monday said progress was made in urgent weekend talks on amending the draft, but the Kremlin said it hadn't seen the changes.
An adviser to Ukraine's president who attended the talks in Geneva between US and Ukrainian officials told the Associated Press they managed to discuss almost all the plan's points, and one unresolved issue is that of territory, which can only be decided at the head of state level. Ukraine and allies have ruled out territorial concessions.
In photos: Kyiv under attack despite US peace push
Tuesday 25 November 2025 05:51 , Arpan RaiRussia launched a wave of attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv early today, striking residential buildings and energy infrastructure, according to video footage and local authorities.
A residential building in the central Pechersk district and another in Kyiv's eastern district of Dniprovskyi were badly damaged, mayor Vitali Kitschko said.
Video footage posted to Telegram showed a large fire spread through multiple floors of the nine-story building in Dniprovskyi. At least four people were injured, the head of Kyiv city administration, Tymor Tkachenko said.
Ukraine's energy ministry said that energy infrastructure had been hit, without specifying what type or the extent of the damage.
The Russian attack followed talks between US and Ukraine representatives in Geneva on Sunday about a US-Russia brokered peace plan.
