Russia will not make any concessions on territory in talks to end the war, its deputy foreign minister said as Ukraine and the US hailed great progress in Berlin.
Sergei Ryabkov said Russia would hold on to the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine, as well as Crimea and the southern swathe of land Moscow calls ‘Novorossiya’.
Ryabkov dismissed public chatter about an emerging peace deal, as he said Washington has not yet updated the Kremlin on the progress of recent talks.
He shot down the idea of a Nato peacekeeping force in a post-war Ukraine after the US finally said it was open to offering Article 5-style guarantees, backed by European efforts.
Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine overnight as more than 280,000 households were left without power in the southern port region of Odesa.
Donald Trump said on Monday that he believed peace was closer than it ever has been before.
Key Points
- Trump claims peace is 'closer than ever' after direct talks with Putin
- Ukraine will ask US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects peace effort, says Zelensky
- European leaders push for 'multinational force' to secure peace in Ukraine
- Trump hints at Nato-style security guarantees for Ukraine
- Belgium still unconvinced by plan to use frozen Russian assets
Pictured: Russian "Grad" self-propelled multiple rocket launchers fire towards Ukrainian positions near Kostiantynivka
18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Ukraine blows up Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
17:30 , Bryony GoochWhat we know about the latest Ukraine peace deal – and the main hurdles Russia keeps putting in the way
17:00 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump said on Monday that “I think we're closer now than we have been, ever” towards an agreement on a peace deal for Ukraine.
After two days of talks in Berlin, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyemerged flanked by his European allies with a framework for the security guarantees he says he needs to end the war.
With the US now offering Nato-style protections, the main barrier to peace is territory - something Zelensky says he cannot and will not give up.
He was optimistic enough to say that talks in the US could follow as soon as this weekend, though.
Any agreement on the revised 20-point plan still depends on the Kremlin, which says it is waiting for an update from Washington.
Russia remained unyielding on Tuesday, shooting down any prospect of giving back land or accepting peacekeepers in Ukraine, before seeing the proposals.
James C. Reynolds reports on what we know about the plan - and potential problems - so far.
What we know about the latest Ukraine peace deal – and Russia’s objections
Lithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus
16:44 , Bryony GoochLithuanian authorities said Tuesday they had arrested 21 people allegedly connected to a criminal network that smuggled cigarettes using specially equipped weather balloons from Russia-allied Belarus which have violated the Baltic country's airspace in recent weeks.
Investigators conducted more than 80 searches, seizing cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps, SIM cards, communication and tracking signal jammers and firearms among other things, the Lithuanian general prosecutor's office said in a statement. Luxury cars and valuable property were also confiscated.
Lithuania earlier this month declared a national emergency over security risks posed by the meteorological balloons sent from Belarus.
The balloons forced Lithuania to repeatedly shut down its main airport, stranding thousands of people, and led to the closure of border crossings between the two countries, as Europe remains on alert over previous intrusions into NATO airspace during the war in Ukraine.
Tuesday's operation involved more than 140 officers from the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, Vilnius police and special anti-terrorism units.
The prosecutor's office said in a statement the alleged network was "characterised by a very strict conspiracy and distribution of roles, cigarette smuggling was carried out systematically, in a coordinated manner, under strict control of its organisers (leaders) and their trustees."
The prosecutors allege that "the organisers may have had direct contacts with accomplices operating in the Republic of Belarus, from where, under favourable weather conditions, balloons with smuggled cigarettes were launched.
"Using tracking (GPS) equipment and appropriate programs, the movement of the balloons was monitored, and the exact coordinates of their landing in Lithuania were transmitted to the executors," prosecutors said.
Occupied nuclear power plant only running on one power line
16:27 , James ReynoldsThe Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is currently receiving electricity through only one of two external power lines, its occupying Russian management said.
The other line was disconnected due to military activity, the management said, adding that radiation levels remain normal.
Repair work will begin as soon as possible.
Zelensky stresses vital need for frozen assets loan
15:47 , James ReynoldsZelensky on Tuesday reiterated the importance of access to frozen Russian assets ahead of a key vote on Thursday.
He said Ukraine could not stay strong without the package, worth around 210bn euro, adding that it could offset the reduction in support from some countries.
A number of allies have raised concerns about using the frozen assets to fund Ukraine, with Russia threatening legal action.
What is the International Claims Commission and why does it matter?
15:15 , James ReynoldsEurope on Tuesday launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
The commission aims to ensure Kyiv is compensated for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
How could Ukraine be compensated?
Details on how any damages awarded by the commission, to be based in the Netherlands, would be paid still need to be worked out.
Early discussions have touched on using Russian assets frozen by the EU, supplemented by member contributions.
What grounds does Ukraine have to claim?
The two-year-old Register of Damage, which will become part of the claims commission, has already received over 86,000 claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine under a wide range of categories.
Alleged abuses in Ukraine include sexual violence and child deportations to the destruction of religious sites.
Who can claim?
Claims can be filed for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian acts committed in or against Ukraine upon or after the 2022 invasion.
The claims, which cover violations of international law, can be brought by affected individuals, companies or the Ukrainian state, a draft of the proposal said.
Starmer cautions peace still a way off
14:45 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer has cautioned that the path to peace in Ukraine was "not an entirely straight line" after "productive" talks in Berlin.
European leaders joined in support of Ukraine in the German capital on Monday and offered security guarantees as Kyiv and Washington discussed peace terms.
Downing Street said on Tuesday that setting out the UK's contribution to a Europe-led multinational force in Ukraine was still "a few steps away yet".
Sir Keir, updating his Cabinet on the Berlin discussions on Tuesday, said progress had been made, but that the path to peace was not an entirely straight line, according to a No 10 readout.
ICYMI: EU targets Russia’s shadow fleet with new sanctions
14:29 , James ReynoldsIn case you missed it...
The European Union has adopted its latest package of sanctions directly targeting companies and individuals accused of assisting Moscow in circumventing Western restrictions on oil exports.
The new EU sanctions prohibit citizens of the bloc from conducting business with the newly listed entities and individuals.
Read the full story on why it matters:
US to discuss 20-point plan with Russia, says Zelensky
13:54 , James ReynoldsThe United States will discuss the 20-point plan with Russia following discussions with Ukraine in Berlin, Zelensky said this afternoon.
He said Ukraine’s reconstruction, security guarantees and the latest peace proposal will be on the agenda.
Zelensky said the terms under discussion were "very workable" from his perspective.
Starmer orders probe into foreign election interference
13:40 , James ReynoldsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered a probe into foreign election interference after a former senior member of Reform UK was jailed for taking bribes to promote Russian interests in the European Parliament, The Times reported on Tuesday.
Russia can't escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine, Kallas says
13:01 , James ReynoldsRussia cannot escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague on Monday.
The commission, which will validate war damages in Ukraine to be paid by Russia, sends a message to future aggressors, Kallas said, that "if you start a war, you will be held to account".
Forcing Ukraine to give up land would violate international law, says top lawyer
12:25 , James ReynoldsA peace deal that obliges Ukraine to give up its land would break fundamental international law, an international rights lawyer has warned.
Wayne Jordash KC, president of international law foundation, Global Rights Compliance, said on Tuesday that European leaders must stand by their legal obligations to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“A peace plan that forces Ukraine into conceding its sovereign territory will amount to a violation of the UN Charter - the most fundamental principle of international law - and an abandonment of Ukrainian civilians living under brutal Russian occupation,” he said.
He added: “Guarantees for Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity must be accompanied by a path to accountability for the horrific crimes endured by civilians and prisoners of war at the hands of Russian forces, including the widespread use of sexual violence and starvation as weapons of war and the forced abduction of Ukraine's children."
The comments came as Zelensky addressed senior officials in The Hague about a mechanism for compensation for Russian aggression.
Watch: Zelensky's address to Dutch parliament
12:15 , James ReynoldsEuropean leaders are in the Netherlands today to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
Zelensky delivered a speech to the Dutch parliament, saying the war in Ukraine “must become a clear example so that others learn not to choose aggression”.
“We hope the tribunal for Russian aggression will truly begin its work, not just for us, but for everyone who wants peace in Europe,” he said:
Together with partners, we are working not only to stop the bloodshed, but to change the situation along Russia’s borders – so that there is no opportunity to start another war. It is also about making Russia finally learn to live by the rule of law. And it will only work if… pic.twitter.com/3Bm7dntDYt
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 16, 2025
Where were peace talks left?
12:02 , James ReynoldsMonday concluded two days of talks in Berlin, as European leaders met on the sidelines of a US-Ukraine summit to talk through security guarantees.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that a ceasefire was now conceivable for the first time. Trump also said he thought a deal was “closer now than we’ve ever been”, as his envoy offered Ukraine Nato-style security guarantees.
Hedging his bets, Zelensky said that he would ask the US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects their peace efforts.
Europe came away from talks with clearer plans for a European-led peacekeeping force, including a six-point security and recovery framework for Ukraine.
They said Ukraine must have defined security guarantees before any decisions are made on potential territorial concessions.
Kyiv again rejected the possibility of Russia controlling any of the Donbas region.
Britain pledges £600mn in air defences for Ukraine
11:42 , James ReynoldsBritain pledged £600 million in air-defences to support Ukraine on Tuesday as Kyiv braces for winter attacks on its energy network.
Defence minister John Healey said the air defence investment "is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia's barbaric attacks."
The package is to include advanced turret systems designed to shoot down Russian drones,
In pictures: Devastation in Donetsk as US and Ukraine discuss peace in Europe
11:27 , James Reynolds
Belgium still unconvinced by plan to use frozen Russian assets with just two days to go
11:17 , James ReynoldsBelgium still appears to be unconvinced by the EU’s plan to harness some €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, diplomats have warned with just two days to go until the main vote.
Bart de Wever’s government has repeatedly raised objections to using assets held in Belgium, fearing Russian reprisals. They worry that liability could fall solely on Belgium to repay the value if Russia successfully challenges it in court.
The European Commission has looked to assuage those concerns with an assurance that Belgium could access as much as €210 billion if Russia sues - which it preparing to do.
But four EU diplomats told POLITICO that the offer had not been enough to sway Belgium during a meeting of EU ambassadors on Monday.
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
11:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine revealed yesterday how underwater drones had successfully disabled a Russian attack submarine in the Black Sea.
Read the full story:
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Zelensky reflects on ongoing diplomacy
10:48 , James ReynoldsZelensky spoke about ongoing diplomatic efforts to an audience of senior European figures in The Hague.
He thanked his partners for their support and said: “We are working in great detail on documents that could stop the war and guarantee security.”
He said the talks this week had been “really intensive”.
Russia must be held responsible for aggression, Zelensky says at The Hague
10:40 , James ReynoldsRussia must be held responsible for the "crime of aggression", Zelensky told an audience in The Hague this morning.
He is speaking ahead of a conference to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, which will validate claims of war damages to be repaid by Russia.
You can read more about that here:
Zelenskyy and some 30 countries to approve compensation body for Ukraine damages
Ukraine and US may continue talks this weekend
10:27 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s Zelensky told reporters that Ukrainian and US teams could look to build on their work in Berlin with more talks in the US this weekend.
Leaving Germany for the Netherlands today, he said teams are in the process of finalising documents to shape the next stage of talks.
“After that, the negotiators will meet with the US president, and then our teams will reconvene in the United States. It could even happen this weekend,” said the president.
Recap: US offers Ukraine Nato-style guarantees
10:03 , James ReynoldsThe United States has offered to provide Ukraine with Nato-style security guarantees for Kyiv as negotiators reported progress in talks on Monday.
Ukraine’s Zelensky had said he was willing to give up on Ukraine’s Nato ambitions in return for clear assurances. Europe has been quick to shoulder much of that offer of support.
Trump’s envoys then made the unprecedented offer at talks in Berlin, but warned such a deal would not be on the table forever.
Sticking points remain over territorial concessions, and Moscow has yet to agree to any of the changes discussed in Germany - and has not indicated any willingness to do so.
Lukashenko invites Maduro to move to Belarus
09:29 , James ReynoldsLongtime Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko told Newsmax that Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro is welcome to move to his country amid clashes with Donald Trump.
Lukashenko, a close Putin ally, said Belarus and Venezuela had longstanding relations and that Maduro was welcome to come to Minsk if he so wished.
He noted that no discussions have been held to that effect, but remained open to talking to Trump.
Donetsk left entirely without power following Russian attack
09:16 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s eastern Donetsk region has been left entirely without power following a Russian attack, the country’s deputy energy minister said this morning.
Russia claims to destroy drone flying towards Moscow
09:00 , James ReynoldsRussian air defences destroyed an unidentified drone flying towards Moscow, the city’s mayor said early on Tuesday.
Russia still unclear on progress from Berlin talks
08:34 , James ReynoldsRussia is still none the wiser on the outcome of Ukraine’s talks in Berlin.
Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said in comments published by RIA on Tuesday that Russia has no understanding of where the talks were left.
The Kremlin’s spokesperson had said on Monday that the US is not keeping Russia updated in real time.
Russia won't make concessions on Donbas
08:24 , James ReynoldsRussia’s deputy foreign minister told TASS on Tuesday that Russia will not make any concessions on the Donbas, southern Russia or Crimea.
Territorial concessions are the biggest sticking point to peace, with the US and Europe now offering Ukraine security guarantees in principle.
Pakistan seeks oil deal with Russia
07:58 , James ReynoldsRussia and Pakistan are in talks on a potential oil-sector agreement, Pakistan’s Finance Minister told Russian media.
Pakistan has stepped up engagement with Russia in recent years as Moscow sought new energy markets after Western sanctions over Ukraine, and Islamabad looked to lower import costs.
Donald Trump has been trying to compel buyers of Russian energy to stop in a bid to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine.
What happened overnight?
07:37 , James ReynoldsMonday concluded two days of talks in Berlin, as European leaders met on the sidelines of a US-Ukraine summit to talk through security guarantees.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that a ceasefire was now conceivable for the first time. Trump also said he thought a deal was “closer now than we’ve ever been”.
Hedging his bets, Zelensky said that he would ask the US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects their peace efforts.
Europe came away from talks with clearer plans for a European-led peacekeeping force, including a six-point security and recovery framework for Ukraine.
They said Ukraine must have defined security guarantees before any decisions are made on potential territorial concessions.
Kyiv again rejected the possibility of Russia controlling any of the Donbas region.
European leaders push for 'multinational force' to secure peace in Ukraine
06:56 , Arpan RaiEuropean leaders gathered in Berlin said they and the US committed to work together to provide "robust security guarantees," including a European-led "multinational force" in Ukraine supported by the US.
They said the force's work would include "operating inside Ukraine" as well as assisting in rebuilding Ukraine's forces, securing its skies and supporting safer seas.
They said Ukrainian forces should remain at a peacetime level of 800,000.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the guarantees by the US are "truly remarkable" and a “very important advancement” that he greatly welcomes.
Trump hints at Nato-style security guarantees for Ukraine
06:50 , Arpan RaiThe United States has offered to provide Nato-style security guarantees for Kyiv as US and European negotiators reported progress in talks to end the war with Russia.
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.
Under the deal being discussed in Berlin, Ukraine would receive security guarantees similar to those provided in Article 5 of the Nato treaty, which requires the alliance to come to the defence of any member that comes under attack, a US official aware of the matter said.
Another US official said Russia was open to Ukraine joining the European Union and that Trump wanted to prevent Russia from encroaching further westwards in Europe.
One official said security guarantees, including deconfliction and oversight of any deal, were the major focus of Monday's talks and that an Article 5-like guarantee was something Trump believed he could get Moscow to accept.
Working groups are expected to meet in the US during the coming weekend, possibly in Miami, one of the officials said. "Are we prepared to go to Russia if needed? Absolutely," the official added.
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
06:39 , Arpan RaiUkrainian officials announced on Monday that their underwater drones successfully struck and disabled a Russian Kilo-class attack submarine.
This unprecedented operation targeted the Russian navy's most important remaining Black Sea base, located in Novorossiysk.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the strike, executed by its "Sub Sea Baby" drones.
The port of Novorossiysk has become a critical location for Russia, where many naval vessels have been rebased to protect them from Ukrainian attacks.
Footage released by the SBU showed a powerful explosion erupting from the water at a pier, close to where a submarine and other vessels were docked. Reuters confirmed the video's location by examining the port's layout and piers.
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Putin's troops face 'rapidly worsening' situation in Kupyansk fight – ISW
06:24 , Arpan RaiThe situation for Russian forces fighting in Ukraine’s Kupyansk is deteriorating, several military bloggers in Russia said, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
“A milblogger claimed that Russian forces hold some positions in northern and central Kupyansk but that the rest of the city is either a contested ‘grey zone’ or Ukrainian held,” the US-based think tank monitoring the battlefield fighting said in its latest update.
“Another milblogger claimed that the situation for Russian forces in western Kupyansk is rapidly worsening; that elements of the Russian 68th Motorised Rifle Division (6th Combined Arms Army [CAA], Leningrad Military District [LMD]) are 'desperately fighting' and acknowledged that Ukrainian forces advanced within Kupyansk and Myrove (immediately northwest of Kupyansk),” the ISW said.
It added that Russian forces no longer have manpower superiority in the area and that Ukrainian interdiction efforts are hindering Russian operations, citing the military bloggers.
“The milblogger stated that Ukrainian gains in Kupyansk have forced Russian drone operators to withdraw from the area to the east (left) bank of the Oskil River,” it said.
Zelensky refuses to give up Ukraine's Donbas in negotiations
06:04 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine has no intention of giving up territory in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in peace talks.
“Donbas is an important issue for me. First, since I have already started talking about the east of our country, let’s continue,” he said in his WhatsApp chat last night with reporters.
“As for the position of the Russians, so far it has not changed. They know that they want our Donbas. Our position is practical, realistic, and fair; we stand by it, and we do not want to give up our Donbas,” the Ukrainian president said, recognising that the Trump administration wants a compromise with Ukraine and Russia.
“I want to emphasise once again: a free economic zone does not mean under the control of the Russian Federation. These are important features for me of any format regarding Donbas. Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognise Donbas as Russian,” he said.
Europe to launch international commission for Ukraine war damages
05:46 , Arpan RaiUkraine and European leaders are set to launch today an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
The one-day conference, co-hosted by the Netherlands and the 46-nation Council of Europe, the continent's top rights group, will be attended by dozens of senior figures including European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The two-year-old Register of Damage, which will become part of the commission, has received more than 80,000 claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine under a wide range of categories.
More than 50 states and the European Union have drafted a Council of Europe convention to create the commission, which will take force after it has been ratified by 25 signatories, as long as sufficient funds have been secured to finance the work.
Watch: Trump claims peace deal ‘closer than ever’ after long call with Zelensky
05:30 , Arpan RaiTurkey says it downs uncontrolled drone coming from Black sea
05:25 , Arpan RaiTurkey shot down an uncontrolled drone approaching its airspace from the Black Sea, the defence ministry said this morning.
The incident follows Turkey's warning last week of Black Sea escalation after Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports that damaged three Turkish-owned cargo vessels.
In a statement, the ministry said Turkish and Nato F-16 jets were put on alert to ensure the security of Turkish airspace after the detection of the drone.
It was determined that the drone was out of control and it was shot down in a safe area, the ministry added in Monday's statement, but did not elaborate on its type or origin.
The attacks on Ukrainian ports came days after Moscow threatened to "cut Ukraine off from the sea" following Kyiv's attacks that damaged three 'shadow fleet' tankers heading to Russia to export its oil in the Black Sea.
Russia destroys drone flying towards Moscow
05:04 , Arpan RaiRussia's air defence units destroyed a drone flying towards Moscow, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said this morning on his Telegram channel.
"Emergency services are working at the site where the debris fell," Sobyanin said.
Allied defence ministers to meet after US offers Kyiv security guarantees
04:50 , Arpan RaiThe Defence Secretary will meet allied counterparts today after an apparent breakthrough in talks on security guarantees for Ukraine.
John Healey will chair the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) alongside German defence minister Boris Pistorius.
The group, which was chaired by the US until Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, brings together around 50 nations committed to providing military support for Kyiv.
It follows a meeting in Berlin on Monday night that saw European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer set out conditions for any peace deal with Russia.
And US officials reportedly offered Ukraine unspecified security guarantees in the event of an end to hostilities.
Allied defence ministers to meet after US offers Kyiv security guarantees
Kremlin rejects idea of Christmas deadlines for peace talks
04:32 , Arpan RaiAsked whether negotiations to end Putin's invasion of Ukraine could be over by Christmas, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said trying to predict a time frame for a peace deal was a "thankless task."
“I can only speak for the Russian side, for President Putin," Peskov said."He is open to peace, to a serious peace and serious decisions. He is absolutely not open to any tricks aimed at stalling for time,” Peskov said.
Putin has himself been accused of stalling for time during US-led peace talks while his forces continue to try and seize more territory in eastern Ukraine.
Russia has set out a number of red lines during the negotiations, while demanding Ukraine hand over swathes of land, and does not seem to have budged from those positions.
The Russian president has cast Ukraine's bid to join Nato as a major threat to Moscow's security and a reason for launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine has now offered to end its efforts to join the alliance in exchange for other forms of security guarantees, saying it is open to compromise.
Trump claims peace is 'closer than ever' after direct talks with Putin and Zelensky
04:11 , Arpan RaiPresident Donald Trump has claimed that a peace agreement is “closer than ever” after speaking directly with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
“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."
Envoys sent by Trump made an offer of Nato-style guarantees for Ukraine at talks with Zelensky in Berlin, US officials said, but warned such a deal would not be on the table forever.
European leaders push for 'multinational force' to secure peace in Ukraine
03:20 , Arpan RaiEuropean leaders gathered in Berlin said they and the US committed to work together to provide "robust security guarantees," including a European-led "multinational force" in Ukraine supported by the US.
They said the force's work would include "operating inside Ukraine" as well as assisting in rebuilding Ukraine's forces, securing its skies and supporting safer seas.
They said Ukrainian forces should remain at a peacetime level of 800,000.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the guarantees by the US are "truly remarkable" and a “very important advancement” that he greatly welcomes.
Trump hints at Nato-style security guarantees for Ukraine
03:03 , Arpan RaiThe United States has offered to provide Nato-style security guarantees for Kyiv as US and European negotiators reported progress in talks to end the war with Russia.
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.
Under the deal being discussed in Berlin, Ukraine would receive security guarantees similar to those provided in Article 5 of the Nato treaty, which requires the alliance to come to the defence of any member that comes under attack, a US official aware of the matter said.
Another US official said Russia was open to Ukraine joining the European Union and that Trump wanted to prevent Russia from encroaching further westwards in Europe.
One official said security guarantees, including deconfliction and oversight of any deal, were the major focus of Monday's talks and that an Article 5-like guarantee was something Trump believed he could get Moscow to accept.
Working groups are expected to meet in the US during the coming weekend, possibly in Miami, one of the officials said. "Are we prepared to go to Russia if needed? Absolutely," the official added.
Ukraine will ask US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects peace effort, says Zelensky
02:52 , Arpan RaiUkraine will ask the US for more sanctions pressure on Russia and additional weapons, including long-range, if Moscow rejects diplomatic efforts to end the war, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Ukraine supports the idea of a ceasefire, in particular for energy strikes, during the Christmas period, he told reporters in a WhatsApp chat.
What is Ukraine looking for if not Nato membership?
02:00 , James ReynoldsRussia has long opposed the idea of Ukraine joining Nato, warning against the perceived ‘enlargement’ of the military alliance on its border. Crucially, this is also opposed by the Trump administration.
Ukraine’s president Zelensky said on Sunday it was willing to give up on Nato membership - if Europe and the United States can offer tangible security guarantees to ward off future invasion.
These will have to be clearly defined and binding; Ukraine was offered security assurances before, in 1994, when it gave up its nuclear weapons. Russia then annexed Ukrainian territory in 2014.
Zelensky has asked for Article 5-style guarantees without Nato membership as part of a potential peace deal. Nato’s Article 5 clause commands all members to treat an attack on any Nato ally as an attack on all.
This would not necessarily require all members to attack Russia in the event of an invasion of Ukraine.
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 GoochAs 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 GoochUkraine 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
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”.
