Donald Trump has said “we’re closer now than we have been ever” to a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine following talks between European leaders and US officials - but key differences remain on the issue of territory.
The US president told reporters on Monday that he had held a “long talk” with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine’s European allies over the status of peace talks taking place in Berlin.
“I think we're closer now than we have been ever and we'll see what we can do. We want to save a lot of lives,” he said.
He added that he had spoken directly to Russia’s president Vladimir Putin recently, who he claimed “wants to see it end”.
It follows news that the US president believes he can get Putin to accept a Nato-like article five security guarantee for Ukraine following almost three days of negotiations with the Kyiv delegation.
Echoing the US leader’s optimism, German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on social media: “For the first time since the war began, a ceasefire now seems possible.”
Key Points
- Britain will not abandon Ukraine, MI6 chief to say
- Ukraine drops Nato goal as Trump envoy sees progress in peace talks
- Russian air defence units destroy Moscow-bound drone, mayor says
- German defence minister says involvement of Trump's envoys is 'good sign' for talks
The Independent View: How the West can still win
01:00 , Bryony Gooch“Thanks to the growing Russian threat against Europe and Nato – at a time when AI is changing the very nature of warfare – the new head of MI6 is right to caution that ‘the front line is everywhere’. The appropriate response can be summed up in one word: deterrence.”
Read more here:
Armed forces chief says ‘whole nation must step up’ amid Russia threat
00:00 , Bryony GoochRussia is a growing threat to the UK and the nation’s “sons and daughters” must be ready to fight in the event of an attack, the head of the British armed forces has warned.
Making the case for a society-wide approach to “defence and deterrence”, chief of defence staff Sir Richard Knighton said the situation is “more dangerous than I have known during my career”.
He called on “people who are not soldiers, sailors or aviators to nevertheless invest their skills – and money” on building up national resilience.
Sir Richard said: “Sons and daughters. Colleagues. Veterans. …will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means.
“That is why it’s so important we do explain the changing threat and the need to stay ahead of it.”
Millie Cooke, Political Correspondent reports:
Russia is a threat and our children must be ready to fight, armed forces chief warns
In pictures: European leaders meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
Monday 15 December 2025 23:00 , Bryony Gooch
As US offers Nato-style guarantees, territorial concessions remains a 'painful' topic
Monday 15 December 2025 22:30 , Bryony GoochThe United States has offered to provide NATO-style security guarantees for Kyiv as US and European negotiators reported progress in talks on Monday to end the war with Russia, but a deal on territorial concessions remained elusive.
Envoys sent by US president Donald Trump made the unprecedented offer at talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, US officials said, but warned such a deal would not be on the table forever.
The talks in the German capital have sparked some optimism from European leaders on a path to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. However, Moscow is yet to agree to any of the changes discussed in Germany and has not indicated any willingness to do so.
"We're trying to get it done," Trump said of an agreement to end the war, speaking at the White House after he called into a dinner involving the key officials in Berlin. "We had numerous conversations with President Putin of Russia, and I think we're closer now than we have been ever and we'll see what we can do," Trump added.
The US is also leaning on Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the eastern Donetsk region, an official familiar with the matter said, in what would be a massive concession that could cause a ferocious backlash in Ukraine.
Calling the issue of territorial concessions "painful", Zelensky told reporters later: "Frankly speaking, we still have different positions." But he said he believed US mediators would help find a compromise.
Ukraine hits Russian submarine in first-ever underwater drone attack
Monday 15 December 2025 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Trump issues update following European leaders dinner
Monday 15 December 2025 21:30 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump gave an update as US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner attended a dinner with European leaders, which the US president called into.
"I had a long talk with President Zelensky. Also, I spoke with the heads of Germany, Italy, NATO, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. We had very long and very good talks. And again, I think things are going along pretty well.
"27,000 soldiers were killed last month. Shouldn't happen. Should have never happened. Should have never started that war should have never ever started, but it did and we're trying to get it solved — that was Biden's situation which I'm to get it done, and I think we're closer now —and they, they will tell you that they're closer now.
“We had numerous conversations with President Putin of Russia, and I think we're closer now than we have been ever and we'll see what we can do. We want to save a lot of lives. You know, we sell equipment to NATO. We don't spend any money, but we do want to see if we can save a lot of lives when you're losing 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers, mostly soldiers, so other people too, from towns then, like places like Kiev, various other places throughout Ukraine, it's pretty bad. Nobody's seen anything like it actually since World War Two.
“But we're getting closer. We're having tremendous support from European leaders. They want to get it ended also, and at this point, this moment, Russia wants to get it and the problem is, they'll want to get it ended and then all of a sudden they won't and Ukraine will want to get it ended and all of a sudden, they won't. So we have to get them on the same page. But I think that's working along. Very good talk."
Trump claims peace is 'closer than ever' after direct talks with Putin
Monday 15 December 2025 21:05 , Daniel KeanePresident Donald Trump has claimed that a peace agreement is “closer than ever” after speaking directly with Vladimir Putin.
“We had numerous conversations with President Putin of Russia, and I think we're closer now than we have been ever and we'll see what we can do. We want to save a lot of lives.”
He added: “We have to get them on the same page. But I think that's working along.."
In pictures: Zelensky and Steve Witkoff gather for family photo at the Chancellery in Berlin
Monday 15 December 2025 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
What is Nato and will Ukraine become a member?
Monday 15 December 2025 20:30 , Bryony Gooch
What is Nato? Zelensky says Ukraine will give up ambition of membership
Ukraine and Europe set out peace deal conditions
Monday 15 December 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine and its European allies, including the UK, have set out conditions for a peace deal with Russia following a meeting in Berlin on Monday night.
In a joint statement, the leaders of 10 countries and the EU said they and the US had “committed to work together to provide robust security guarantees and economic recovery support measures for Ukraine”.
They said any agreement should include commitments to provide support for Ukraine’s armed forces, which should continue to have 800,000 troops; involve a European-led multinational force and a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
An agreement should also include a legally binding commitment for allies to “take measures to restore peace and security” if Russia attacks again; investment in Ukraine’s economic future; and support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, they said.
They added: “It is now incumbent upon Russia to show willingness to work towards a lasting peace by agreeing to President Trump’s peace plan and to demonstrate their commitment to end the fighting by agreeing to a ceasefire. Leaders agreed to continue to increase pressure on Russia to bring Moscow to negotiate in earnest.”
Merz: 'A ceasefire seems possible for the first time'
Monday 15 December 2025 19:45 , Bryony GoochChancellor Friedrich Merz has said that for the first time since Russia started its war with Ukraine, “a ceasefire now seems possible.”
He said in a post on social media: “For the first time since the war began, a ceasefire now seems possible.
“We want to move along the path to peace together with the Ukrainians, our European partners, and the United States.
“I believe that today, in Berlin, we are taking an important step forward on that path.”
Anti-Kremlin punk band 'Pussy Riot' designated an extremist group by Russian court
Monday 15 December 2025 19:30 , Bryony GoochRussian anti-Kremlin feminist punk band and art collective 'Pussy Riot' was designated an extremist organisation by a Moscow court on Monday, banning its activities inside Russia as part of a wider crackdown on dissenting voices.
The ruling, announced by Moscow's court service, was made at a closed-door court hearing at the request of the General Prosecutor's Office.
The band's exiled members have often spoken out against Moscow's war in Ukraine, and in September a court handed them jail sentences in absentia of up to 13 years each after convicting them of telling lies about the Russian army.
The group, whose members have been labelled as "foreign agents" by the authorities, rejected the charges at the time, saying they were politically motivated.
Monday's ruling - which now sees the group share a designation with the Jehovah's Witnesses and the political organisation of late opposition politician Alexei Navalny among others - will make it easier for the authorities to go after the band's supporters inside Russia or people who have worked with them in the past if they want to.
It could also potentially make the group's dealings with Western financial institutions more difficult.
Group founder Tolokonnikova, who is outside Russia and describes herself as "geographically anonymous" for security reasons, shrugged off the designation.
"I can say what I think about (President Vladimir) Putin” that he is an ageing sociopath spreading his venom around the world like cancer. In today’s Russia, telling the truth is extremism. So be it - we’re proud extremists, then," the 36-year-old said in a statement.
"This court order is designed to erase the very existence of Pussy Riot from the minds of Russians. Owning a balaclava, having our song on your computer, or liking one of our posts could lead to prison time. Pussy Riot has effectively become 'those who cannot be named,'" she said.
European leaders agree Ukraine territorial concessions not possible until security guarantees in place
Monday 15 December 2025 19:15 , Bryony GoochDecisions on potential Ukrainian territorial concessions can only be made by the people of Ukraine and once robust security guarantees are in place, European leaders said in a joint statement after meeting for peace talks in Berlin on Monday.
Among the security guarantees agreed on Monday were a European-led force made up from contributions from willing nations that would assist "in securing Ukraine's skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine", according to the statement.
Russian troops claim they have full control of Kupiansk according to IFX
Monday 15 December 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochRussian troops are maintaining full control of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, Interfax news agency reported on Monday, citing Russia's western military grouping.
Ukrainian attempts to advance from the southwest toward the city's outskirts are being repelled, the agency said.
EU adopts fresh sanctions against Russian oil interests
Monday 15 December 2025 18:30 , Bryony GoochThe European Union adopted fresh sanctions against Russian oil interests on Monday, targeting traders Murtaza Lakhani and Etibar Eyyub for helping Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions on crude exports that help to fund Russia's war in Ukraine.
The EU has imposed 19 packages of sanctions so far, but Moscow has managed to adapt to most measures and is still selling millions of barrels of oil to India and China, albeit at discounts to global prices. Much of this is transported using a so-called shadow fleet of vessels operating outside of the Western maritime industry.
The latest EU sanctions prohibit the bloc's citizens from doing business with the listed companies and individuals, reducing their access to shipping and insurance providers. The EU has listed more than 2,600 individuals and companies in total.
US negotiators told Kyiv to withdraw from eastern Donetsk
Monday 15 December 2025 18:00 , Bryony GoochUS negotiators have told Ukraine during peace talks in Berlin that it must agree to withdraw its forces from the eastern Donetsk region as part of any deal to end the nearly four-year-old war, an official familiar with the matter said.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity as Ukrainian and US negotiators concluded a second day of talks in the German capital, said Kyiv had requested further discussions. A second person familiar with the talks said there were still major obstacles to overcome to reach an agreement on the issue of territory.
It comes as a US official gave a diplomatic response to questions about whether Ukraine would be asked to cede territory just hours ago.
They said that security guarantees were the "major focus" of today's talks with "drafts going back and forth."
Russia open to Ukraine joining EU after peace deal, US officials say
Monday 15 December 2025 17:45 , Bryony Gooch
Russia open to Ukraine joining EU after peace deal, US officials say
Zelensky says Ukraine needs clear security guarantees before deciding on front line
Monday 15 December 2025 17:28 , Bryony GoochUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Kyiv needs a clear understanding of security guarantees from its allies before making any decisions about the front line in peace talks to end its war with Russia.
Speaking to reporters in Berlin, he added that any security guarantees should include ceasefire monitoring.
US has offered Ukraine considerable security guarantees, Merz says
Monday 15 December 2025 17:11 , Bryony GoochThe chance of a real peace process around the Ukraine war is now closer than at any time since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, adding that the U.S. had offered "considerable" security guarantees.
"What the US has placed on thetable here in Berlin in terms of legal and material guarantees is really considerable," Merz told a joint news conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky after hours of talks with US negotiators.
"A territorial settlement remains a key question," he added. "Only the Ukrainian people, the American President, the Ukrainian President, here defending his territory, can give an answer... Only Ukraine can decide about territorial concessions. No ifs or buts."
MI6 chief says Putin is stalling efforts to end the war
Monday 15 December 2025 16:51 , Bryony GoochThe head of MI6 has said Monday that Russian president Vladimir Putin is stalling efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine, and is testing the West with tactics that fall "just below the threshold of war."
Blaise Metreweli said Putin is "dragging out negotiations" on stopping the conflict, and remains determined to "subjugate Ukraine and harass NATO members."
Metreweli made the comments in her first public speech since becoming chief of Britain's foreign intelligence agency two months ago.
US 'absolutely' prepared to go to Russia if needed as negotiators set to dine with Zelensky and European leaders tonight
Monday 15 December 2025 16:28 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will be having dinner with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelensky tonight for discussions of "next steps".
President Trump will be calling in to address them, according to a US official.
More meetings with "working groups" in Miami this weekend.
The US official says he believes "90 percent" of issues have been solved "but there's some more things that have to be worked out.
"And are we prepared to go to Russia, if needed? Absolutely. Are we prepared to come to go to Ukraine if needed? Absolutely, we are under instructions to do what it takes to help facilitate, on behalf of President Trump, a lasting and durable peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and we intend to do our best."
Trump believes he can get Russia to accept 'Article Five-like guarantee'
Monday 15 December 2025 16:26 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
Security agreement would have to be ratified by the Senate for the "article five-like guarantees", a US official has said.
" It would have to go before the Senate, and President Trump is willing to do that."
"Giving this NATO-like Article Five guarantee, is something that President Trump believes he can get Russia to accept."
Security guarantees 'major focus' of talks, as conversations continue about territory
Monday 15 December 2025 16:24 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
Responding to questions about whether or not Ukraine would have to cede territory, the US official gave a diplomatic response that focused on security guarantees.
They said that security guarantees were the "major focus" of today's talks with "drafts going back and forth."
They were "very specific, palpable conversation" on how to "deter" and "punish" any "further incursions" by Russia.
The official continued: “I think the Ukrainians would tell you, as with the Europeans, that this is the most robust set of security protocols they have ever seen. It is a very, very strong package."
"I think hopefully the Russians are going to look at it and say to themselves, 'that's okay,' because we have no intention. We're going to take them at their word. ... but violations are going to be addressed with this securities package. And I think the Europeans now know that. They know that we mean business, and the Ukrainians know it too."
"It's oversight, and it's verification and it's deconfliction, anything that that that we felt needed to be addressed to make the Ukrainian people feel safe, is included in this package."
Russia 'open to Ukraine joining EU'
Monday 15 December 2025 16:19 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
A US official has said that Russia is "open to Ukraine joining the EU."
"The biggest win so far for Ukraine and for Europe in the conclusion is that there's a very, very strong security package, which includes Article Five, like security guarantees. We believe the Russians, in a final deal, will accept all these things which will allow for a, you know, a strong and free Ukraine."
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a sticking point for both Ukraine and Russia
Monday 15 December 2025 16:18 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a sticking point for both Ukraine and Russia, according to a US official, who said that they hoped the two warring countries might be able to agree a 50-50 split of power from the power station.
They said there was "still a little bit of a gap between the Russians and the Ukrainians on how that should go.
"But at the end of the day, they both want it to be, you know, repaired and functioning in a good way, and providing energy. And it seems like we're close to them agreeing to essentially a 50-50, split of the power, which would be, I think, a good outcome there."
Zelensky highlighted flawed past agreements so mistakes can be learned from, US official says
Monday 15 December 2025 16:16 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
The US official has also said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky raised flaws in past agreements, such as the Budapest memo, and negotiators "discussed ways to make better from the mistakes that previous presidents and leaders have made, and what has been wrong with those agreements."
"Hopefully this agreement addresses all of those and leads to a real, proper agreement that can be enduring in that regard," the official added.
“What President Trump is trying to do is to save Ukraine as a country and make sure that they then have the ability to be from a military perspective and security perspective, but then make sure that they can become viable."
Basis of agreement with Kyiv is to have 'really strong guarantees'
Monday 15 December 2025 16:15 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
A US official has said that “strong guarantees” are being put in place to safeguard Ukraine.
"The basis of that agreement is basically to have really, really strong guarantees. Article Five like also very, very strong deterrence, you know, size of military weaponry. If you're writing such a strong guarantee, you want to make sure that there's really good safeguards in place so that the chance of being called is as low as possible. You want very, very strong deconfliction to try and figure out how to stop things from becoming small things, from becoming big things, and then intense monitoring. So all that's now been been very, very well defined in a way that all parties are are very satisfied."
The official added that Europeans "expressed a lot of appreciation for President Trump's willingness to lean into this issue and to offer such guarantees.
"Those guarantees will not be on the table forever. Those guarantees are on the table right now if there's a conclusion that's reached in a good way, and President Trump's very focused on reaching a conclusion to this conflict, that really stops the Russians from from moving west."
US official says 'a lot of progress' made on security guarantees
Monday 15 December 2025 16:12 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
A US official has said that they’ve made "a lot of progress" on security guarantees.
"We met with President Zelensky for just over five and a half hours, and today, just over two hours, we had in the meetings in and out, where German National Security Advisor, UK security advisor and French Security Advisor, along with Zelensky and his delegation, Steve and I were joined by General Grinch, who really helped us on a lot of the security issues.
“There's been a working group going with United States NATO and the Ukrainians, and that document is in very good shape."
White House officials praise European community for support in peace progress
Monday 15 December 2025 16:11 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
US officials have issued a positive statement following discussion with Kyiv officials about progress with peace.
A White House official said: “We've delegated to working groups, lots of, you know, lots of comments so that we could revise and change some of the proposals that we had been discussing, including some things that we had discussed directly with the Russians. Took that to the Ukrainians.
“We spent a lot of time with our colleagues in the European community, who have been outstanding, absolutely outstanding, the Germans. The English, the French, I can't, I can't say enough good things about them, because everybody has been dug in to try to end this conflict. And we've given two briefings to President Trump and I think I would assess that he's really pleased with where we are today."
"Hopefully we are on the path to peace, and we will have proven to be helpful in that endeavor."
White House officials reached 'positive consensus' on peace deal with Kyiv officials
Monday 15 December 2025 16:09 , Bryony GoochReporting from DC correspondent Andrew Feinberg
White House officials have issued an update after almost three days of meeting with the Ukrainian delegation. They said that they have reached consensus on a number of issues “crucial to getting a peace deal”.
A US official said: "We've spent the last two and a half days meeting with the Ukrainian delegation that includes President Zelensky and Rustem Umerov, as well as the as many as well as many European leaders, including national national security advisors, foreign ministers and in some cases, heads of state.
“We've actually spent eight hours a long, not alone, but directly with President Zelensky, and I would assess that it was really, really positive in almost every respect we've met. We've got consensus on a number of issues that we view as critical to getting to a peace deal.
“We've touched everything in the 20 point plan. Had some very, very positive discussion around it.”
MI6 head warns ‘the front line is everywhere’ as Russia threat grows
Monday 15 December 2025 16:04 , Bryony Gooch
New MI6 head warns ‘the front line is everywhere’ as Russia threat grows
In case you missed it: US hails ‘progress’ after five hours of peace talks with Zelensky in Berlin
Monday 15 December 2025 15:50 , James ReynoldsUS special envoy Steve Witkoff hailed “progress” in Ukraine peace talks with Volodymyr Zelensky following five hours of negotiations in Berlin on Sunday.
As it happened:
US hails ‘progress’ after five hours of peace talks with Zelensky in Berlin
White House to hold press conference on Berlin developments
Monday 15 December 2025 15:49 , James ReynoldsThe White House is expected to hold a press conference shortly on the talks in Berlin.
Ukraine welcomes 'real progress' following second rounds of talks in Berlin
Monday 15 December 2025 15:09 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s new top negotiator hailed “real progress” in today’s talks in Berlin, building on five hours of discussions on Sunday.
Rustem Umerov thanked the US delegation and president Donald Trump for their work towards peace, and said he hoped to reach an agreement “that will bring us closer to peace by the end of the day”.
Ukraine hits Russian oil in Caspian Sea for third time in a week
Monday 15 December 2025 15:03 , James ReynoldsA security source has shared how Ukrainian long-range drones have struck a Russian oil production platform in the Caspian Sea for the third time in a week.
The latest attack involved the Korchagin oil rig, which Ukrainian forces struck last week, they said, adding that production had been halted.
Poland weighs sending old MiGs to Ukraine
Monday 15 December 2025 14:30 , James ReynoldsPoland is weighing whether to send retiring MiG fighter jets to Ukraine.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk told local media that Poland has some six to eight MiG-29s on course to retire this month that could be better used fighting Russia.
"They could either end up in a museum, be sold for scrap, or be sent to Ukraine and used to kill our enemies," he told TVN24.
Poll: Ukrainians still oppose major concessions, do not trust Washington
Monday 15 December 2025 14:00 , James ReynoldsThree-quarters of Ukrainians reject major concessions in any peace deal, a Kyiv pollster said on Monday as negotiators continued talks with the US in Berlin.
The poll, by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, found that 72% of Ukrainians were prepared for a deal that froze the current front line and contained some compromises.
But 75% believed a plan that included Ukraine ceding territory or capping its army without receiving clear security guarantees was "completely unacceptable".
Sixty-three per cent were ready to continue fighting, and just 9% believed the war would end by early 2026.
The survey was conducted between late November and mid-December, and included 547 respondents across Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Just 21% of Ukrainians trust Washington - down from 41% last December.
US-Ukraine talks come to an end
Monday 15 December 2025 13:58 , James ReynoldsZelensky’s office said early this afternoon that the talks with the US in Berlin had come to an end.
A source said around 11am that talks had started, and it was relayed they had already concluded by 12.30pm.
It was a much shorter second round of talks than yesterday’s, which lasted five hours.
Germany and Ukraine announced 10-point cooperation plan
Monday 15 December 2025 13:53 , James ReynoldsGermany and Ukraine will work together on defence through a new 10-point plan unveiled on Monday during Zelensky’s visit to Berlin.
The document said a strong Ukrainian defence industry was an important part of the security guarantees needed to deter future Russian aggression.
Cooperation will include defence-related research, joint ventures and procurement, with Germany looking into the use of federal investment guarantees.
Joint procurement of Ukrainian-made defence equipment to protect NATO airspace within the European Sky Shield Initiative, particularly interceptor drones, would also be examined, the plan said.
Ukraine can and will win – if its allies get serious about defence
Monday 15 December 2025 13:30 , James ReynoldsIn another 18 months, Russia’s economy will be all but destroyed, writes Robert Fox. If Ukraine is to survive that long, the coalition of the willing needs to step up – with weapons, technology and training:
Ukraine can and will win – if its allies get serious about defence
Russian lawsuit has no bearing on plans to unlock frozen assets, says Germany
Monday 15 December 2025 13:00 , James ReynoldsRussia’s lawsuit targeting Euroclear - the securities depository in Belgium holding many frozen Russian assets - will have no bearing on Europe’s plans to unlock assets to aid Ukraine, a spokesperson for the German government said on Monday.
European countries will vote on the plan on Thursday, but several countries have raised apprehensions. Belgium, notably, worries about taking sole liability should Russia sue.
