Russia threatened retaliation after accusing Ukraine of attempting to attack president Vladimir Putin’s residence, casting uncertainty over fragile peace efforts.
US president Donald Trump said Putin told him about the alleged attack during a phone call on Monday, leaving him angry, even as he maintained that an agreement to end the war could be close.
Trump had met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida on Sunday, saying talks to end the conflict were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close”, despite unresolved territorial disputes.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said 91 long-range drones were intercepted near Putin’s residence in Novgorod on 28-29 December, describing the alleged attack as “state terrorism”.
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” he said.
Zelensky dismissed the Russian claims as “a complete fabrication”, warning that Moscow was laying the groundwork for further strikes.
“I am sure they are simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings,” he said.
Russia offered no evidence for its claims, which could not be independently verified.
Cracks in Trump’s peace plan as Ukraine accuses Russia of lies over ‘attack on Putin residence’
Zelensky can buy Europe 15 years to finally get its act together
Trump: Ukraine peace deal ‘closer than ever before’ after talks with Zelensky
Key details of the latest Ukraine peace deal – and the main hurdles Russia keeps putting in the way
Key Points
- Peace hopes dented as Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence
- Russia signals more hardline approach to ending the war
- Trump says peace possible after ‘productive’ call with Putin
China urges restraint after Russia claims attempted attack on Putin residence
07:45 , Namita SinghChina’s foreign ministry, responding to Russia’s claim that Ukraine attempted to attack president Vladimir Putin’s residence, urged all parties to adhere to the principle of preventing any spillover of the battlefield and avoiding escalation.
‘One question’ holding up peace, Zelensky says after Trump claims Putin wants Ukraine to succeed
07:11 , Namita SinghVolodymyr Zelenskyy said progress towards ending the war was being blocked by a single unresolved issue as he pushed back against Donald Trump’s suggestion that Putin had told him Russia wanted Ukraine to succeed.
In an interview with Fox News, broadcast after his meeting with the US president in Florida, the Ukrainian leader said talks were edging closer to a breakthrough but remained stalled over territory.
“I think we have a problem with one question: it's about territories,” he said, adding that he was “thankful” to Trump for efforts to broker peace.
Zelensky outlined possible compromises under a developing 20-point peace plan, including a demilitarised buffer zone.
“I think the compromise, if we do a free economic zone that we have, and we have to move some kilometres back,” he said.
“It means that Russia has to make minor steps some kilometres back.”
He suggested any arrangement would require special rules and public consent. “This free economic zone will have specific rules. Something like this referendum is the way how to accept it or not accept it,” he said.
The interview aired after Moscow accused Ukraine of attempting to attack one of president Vladimir Putin’s residences, a claim Kyiv rejected.
It also followed Trump’s remark in Florida that Putin wanted Ukraine to succeed, a claim Zelensky appeared to contradict, saying he did not trust the Russian leader’s intentions.
“I don’t trust Putin. And he doesn’t want success for Ukraine, really, he doesn’t want — he can say it. I believe that he can say such words to President Trump. I believe in it, that he can say it, but it’s not true."
During a press conference with Zelensky on Sunday, the US president was asked by a Reuters reporter about his discussion with Putin on the subject of “what responsibility Russia will have for any kind of reconstruction of Ukraine".
“They’re going to be helping, Russia is going to be helping. Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed,” Trump replied.
After Trump made the comments in the press conference, Zelensky appeared briefly puzzled.
Trump ‘very angry’ about alleged Ukrainian attack on Putin’s residence
07:00 , Namita SinghUS president Donald Trump said on Monday that Russian president Vladimir Putin told him Ukraine had tried to attack his residence in northern Russia, a claim Kyiv has denied.
“I don't like it. It's not good,” Trump told reporters when asked if the allegation could affect his peace-brokering efforts. “I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it.”
The US president added: “It's a delicate period of time. This is not the right time. It's one thing to be offensive, because they're offensive. It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that.”
Asked whether there was any evidence of the attack, Trump said: “We'll find out.”
He described his call with Putin earlier on Monday as a “very good talk” and acknowledged that “we have a few very thorny issues” to resolve in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
06:29 , Namita SinghPrisoners of war are being systematically executed by Russian forces, according to one of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers.
Major Oleh Shyriaiev, who was awarded the top national decoration of Hero of Ukraine for his leadership on the battlefield, told The Times that he often intercepts transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given by Russian military leaders.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraineeven as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
Report:
West must recognise that Russia holds strategic initiative in Ukraine, says Lavrov
05:47 , Namita SinghRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the West must accept that Russia holds the strategic initiative in Ukraine as talks continue on a possible settlement to the war.
In a wide-ranging interview with the state news agency RIA, published late on Monday, Lavrov also said Moscow was still awaiting a response from Washington to president Vladimir Putin’s proposal in September to extend limits under a strategic arms control pact for a further year.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine approaches, Lavrov said Kyiv and its Western backers needed to recognise what he described as the battlefield reality.
“Our principled position remains unchanged. The strategic initiative rests wholly with the Russian army and the West understands this,” he said.
He added that negotiations must reflect conditions on the ground, noting that Russia controls about 19 per cent of Ukrainian territory. Moscow has claimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, in addition to Crimea, which it seized in 2014.
Ukrainians withstand days-long power cuts in crowded 'resilience' shelters
04:34 , Namita SinghFor three days since the latest Russian air strikes on Ukraine, Olena Pazhydaieva has been without electricity or heating in her flat in Vyshhorod, a satellite town about 20km north of Kyiv.
With night-time temperatures falling to minus 3C, she now spends much of the day with her six-year-old son in a small shelter equipped with heat and power, allowing her to work and charge essential devices.
Around 20 people gather inside the building, labelled an “islet of warmth and power”, plugging in phones and laptops to stay connected.
“After the last attack, we haven’t had electricity for the third day,” Pazhydaieva said. “We’re forced to work here, where we can charge our laptops. It’s good there’s internet.”
Russian drone and missile strikes have repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread outages. The latest large-scale attack cut power to about 19,000 customers in the Kyiv region, according to the energy ministry.
The shelter is part of a nationwide network of “resilience points” set up to help residents cope. Still, daily life remains difficult. “We went to an after-school group today and it was freezing. All the kids were wearing jackets,” she said. “At least it’s warm here.”
Pazhydaieva said she had little confidence in US-backed peace efforts, particularly after US president Donald Trump suggested Russia’s leader wanted Ukraine to prosper.
“When missiles are flying at us, those words don’t really add up,” she said.
Trump says peace possible after ‘productive’ call with Putin
04:00 , Namita SinghUS president Donald Trump said his conversation with Vladimir Putin on Monday was productive.
"We have a couple of issues that we're going to get resolved, hopefully, and if we get them resolved, you're going to have peace," he said.
Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday a bilateral agreement had been outlined with Trump on security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump said they were only 95 per cent ready and Zelensky said on Monday he had sought a 50-year security deal.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, in a wide-ranging interview with state news agency RIA published late on Monday, said Ukraine and Western countries had to come to terms with the fact that Russia held the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine.
"Our principled position remains unchanged. The strategic initiative rests wholly with the Russian army," Lavrov said.
Trump said he expected European countries to "take over a big part" of the security efforts in Ukraine with US backing. Any such arrangement would be complicated, however, as Russia has said any foreign troop deployment in Ukraine would be unacceptable.
Zelensky told Fox News in an interview that aired late on Monday that Ukraine could not win the war without US support and that he did not trust Russian president Vladimir Putin.
"I don't trust Putin and he doesn't want success for Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Earlier on Monday, the Ukrainian president said two main issues in the 20-point peace proposal remained to be resolved: control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which is in Russian hands, and the fate of the Donbas area.
Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.
Watch: Trump uses Zelensky peace talks to indulge in conspiracy theories about 2020 election and the ‘Russia hoax’
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia signals more hardline approach to ending the war
03:25 , Namita SinghRussia has signalled a more hardline approach towards ending its war with Ukraine.
This comes as Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine had tried to attack Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region west of Moscow earlier this week with 91 long-range drones, which were all destroyed by Russian air defences.
No one was injured and there was no damage, he said in comments reported by Russian media.
"Such reckless actions will not go unanswered," Lavrov said in a statement, describing the attack as "state terrorism" and adding that targets had already been selected for retaliatory strikes by Russia's armed forces.
Reuters could not independently verify Lavrov's comments. Neither Lavrov nor any other Russian officials offered any evidence for the attack assertions. It was not clear where Putin was at the time.
Lavrov said the attack took place during negotiations about a possible peace deal, and said Russia would review its negotiating stance but not quit the negotiations.
Denying Ukraine had planned such an attack, Zelensky accused Russia of preparing the ground to strike government buildings in Kyiv."It is clear that we had a meeting with Trump yesterday, and it is clear that for the Russians, if there is no scandal between us and America, and we are making progress.
For them it is a failure, because they do not want to end this war," Zelensky told reporters via WhatsApp.
He added: "I am sure they are simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings."
Peace hopes dented as Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence
03:05 , Namita SinghRussia accused Ukraine on Monday of trying to attack president Vladimir Putin's residence and vowed retaliation, providing no evidence for a claim Kyiv dismissed as baseless and aimed at derailing arduous peace talks.
The angry exchanges between the warring neighbours on Monday including a statement by Russia that it was reviewing its stance in negotiations in response to the attack dealt a new blow to prospects for peace in Ukraine.
US president Donald Trump said Putin had told him about the alleged attack in a phone call on Monday morning, which had angered him.
Still, Trump repeated his belief that a peace deal may be near."It's one thing to be offensive," Trump told reporters.
"It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that. And I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it."
On Sunday, Trump met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Florida and the US president said they were "getting a lot closer, maybe very close" to an agreement to end the war, although "thorny" territorial issues remained.
On Monday, Putin struck a defiant tone, telling his army to press on with a campaign to take full control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. The Kremlin repeated demands for Kyiv to pull its forces out of the last part of the Donbas area that they still hold in eastern Ukraine.
Putin told Trump in Monday's phone call that Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, was reviewing its stance following the reported drone attack, an aide said. Zelensky dismissed Russia's allegation as "a complete fabrication" and the Kremlin's own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war.
After the call with Putin, Trump told reporters outside his home in Palm Beach, Florida, that he had no further information about the alleged attack.
"I don't like it, it's not good," Trump said. Asked if US intelligence agencies had evidence of such an attack, Trump said: "We'll find out."
What's next for Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as Trump discusses plan
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
What next for Ukraine’s key nuclear power plant as Trump discusses plan
Putin amends law to officially let Russia ignore foreign criminal courts
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePresident Vladimir Putin has formally enacted changes granting Russia the unilateral right to ignore judgments issued by foreign and international courts in criminal cases.
This controversial decision comes as Ukrainian and European nations continue their concerted efforts to impose penalties on Moscow for its ongoing actions in Ukraine.
You can read more below:
Putin amends law to officially let Russia ignore foreign criminal courts
Watch: Putin warns Russia will accomplish goals by force if Ukraine doesn’t want to resolve conflict peacefully
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCracks in Trump’s peace plan as Ukraine accuses Russia of lies over ‘attack on Putin residence’
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDonald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine looked fragile on Monday as Volodymyr Zelensky lashed out at Russian “lies” about a drone attack on one of Vladimir Putin’s residences, accusing the latter of trying to undermine diplomatic efforts.
Moscow claimed that Kyiv carried out a massive assault on the presidential residence in Novgorod and said their negotiating position would be “revised” as a result.
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukraine had launched 91 long-range drones at the forest retreat on Lake Valdai overnight, but all had been shot down with no damage reported.
Mr Zelensky dismissed the claim as “lies” that he said were cynically intended to “undermine diplomacy and justify dragging out the war”.
The Independent’s James C. Reynolds has this story:
Cracks in peace plan as Ukraine accuses Russia of lies over ‘Putin residence attack’
Russia vows response after claim of attempted attack on Putin residence, TASS says
Monday 29 December 2025 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia will respond to what it said was an attempted Ukrainian attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, TASS state news agency cited Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying on Tuesday.
"There will be a response for this," TASS cited Zakharova as telling Russia's public broadcaster.
Moscow did not provide evidence to support its assertions that Ukraine tried to attack Putin's residence and Kyiv dismissed Russia's claims as baseless and designed to undermine peace negotiations.
West must recognise that Russia holds strategic initiative in Ukraine, says Lavrov
Monday 29 December 2025 22:30 , Holly EvansRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview published late on Monday, said the West must understand that Russia holds the strategic initiative in Ukraine as discussions move forward on a possible settlement.
Lavrov told RIA news agency that the West had to come to terms with the territorial realities on the ground nearly four years after the launch of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which it describes as a "Special Military Operation".
He said the United States now supported the notion, which had become clear to all, that with the expiry of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's mandate, a new election was needed.
Lavrov also again stressed that a settlement required an end to any notion of a NATO presence in Ukraine and that the country had to adopt a neutral, non-aligned status.
Italy approves decree to keep aid flowing to Ukraine
Monday 29 December 2025 22:00 , James ReynoldsItaly's cabinet on Monday approved a decree to keep military aid flowing to Ukraine through 2026, sealing a coalition compromise after weeks of debate.
The new decree is similar to bills approved in the past three years, stating that the government will transfer military vehicles, materials and equipment to Ukraine.
Priority will be given to logistical and medical items for civilian use, and for equipment needed to defend against missile, drone and cyber attacks.
Trump uses Zelensky peace talks to indulge in conspiracy theories about 2020 election and the ‘Russia hoax’
Monday 29 December 2025 21:00 , James ReynoldsTrump still can’t stop talking about 2020 when Zelensky is in the room. John Bowden ponders: Will that make dragging Putin to the table impossible?
Trump uses Zelensky peace talks to indulge in conspiracy theories about 2020 election
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Monday 29 December 2025 20:00 , James ReynoldsOne of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers has said he often intercepts Russian transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine even as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
Read the full story:
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Trump says of alleged Ukraine attack on Putin: 'I was very angry about it'
Monday 29 December 2025 19:13 , Holly EvansPresident Donald Trump said Putin told him Ukraine tried to attack the Russian president’s residence in northern Russia, which Kyiv has denied.
"I don't like it. It's not good," Trump told reporters when asked if he was worried the allegation could affect his efforts to broker peace. "I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it."
"It's a delicate period of time. This is not the right time. It's one thing to be offensive, because they're offensive. It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that," he said.
When asked if there was any evidence of such an attack, Trump said: "We'll find out."
He described his call with Putin earlier on Monday as a "very good talk."
"We have a few very thorny issues," Trump said about talks to end the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky appraises latest peace talks
Monday 29 December 2025 19:00 , James ReynoldsUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shared his assessment of where peace talks were left with reporters via WhatsApp on Monday:
On security guarantees
Zelensky said Sunday “confirmed” Ukraine would have “strong” security guarantees from the US, after weeks trying to secure a concrete assurance.
He said the terms set out in draft were for 15 years with possibility of extension.
Zelensky said he was pushing for 30-50 years, given that Ukraine had been at war for almost 15 years already.
On foreign troops
Zelensky reiterated that foreign troops in Ukraine would be a “real security guarantee”.
”It is a strengthening of the security guarantees that our partners are already offering us,” he said.
Referendum on peace?
Zelensky also indicated on Monday that peace talks would need the consent of the Ukrainian people via referendum, contingent upon a 60-day ceasefire that Russia “does not want to give us”.
Future talks
Zelensky confirmed that European leaders would meet in January to discuss next steps. He wants a meeting with the US and European allies in the coming days.
Trump hails 'very good talk' with Putin
Monday 29 December 2025 18:42 , Holly EvansDonald Trump said he had "just heard about" Russia's accusation that Ukraine tried to attack President Vladimir Putin's residence in northern Russia, which Kyiv has denied.
Trump also said he had a "very good talk" with Putin earlier in the day.
"We have a few very thorny issues," Trump said about talks to end the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine among 17 countries singled out for new US aid
Monday 29 December 2025 18:26 , James ReynoldsThe United States on Monday pledged $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to tens of millions of people, following major cuts by the Trump administration earlier this year.
A UN spokesperson said Ukraine, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan were among the 17 countries covered in Monday's package.
The US slashed its aid spending this year, and leading Western donors such as Germany also pared back assistance as they pivoted to increased defence spending.
Putin amends law to officially let Russia ignore foreign criminal courts
Monday 29 December 2025 17:47 , James ReynoldsPresident Vladimir Putin has formally enacted changes granting Russia the unilateral right to ignore judgments issued by foreign and international courts in criminal cases.
Read the full story:
Putin amends law to officially let Russia ignore foreign criminal courts
Kyiv rubbishes Russian claims of assault on Novgorod residence
Monday 29 December 2025 16:46 , James ReynoldsUkraine's foreign minister urged world leaders on Monday to condemn Russian "manipulations" about an alleged Ukrainian attack on Vladimir Putin's residence, saying Moscow was seeking "false justification" for further strikes on its neighbour.
"Usual Russian tactic: Accuse the other side of what you are doing or planning yourself," Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the Russian accusations were "fake" and that he had discussed the matter with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Russian manipulations regarding the alleged “attempt to attack Putin’s residence” are fabricated for only one reason: to create a pretext and false justification for Russia’s further attacks against Ukraine, as well as to undermine and impede the peace process.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) December 29, 2025
Usual Russian…
Trump concludes 'positive' call with Putin
Monday 29 December 2025 15:56 , James ReynoldsThe White House has shared that Trump has just concluded a ‘positive’ call with Vladimir Putin by phone on Ukraine.
Zelensky denies assault on Putin's residence
Monday 29 December 2025 15:44 , James ReynoldsZelensky has just denied emerging reports of a Ukrainian assault on Putin’s Novgorod residence as “lies”.
He said Russia was deliberately trying to undermine progress in talks with the US, and claimed it was preparing to strike government buildings in Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had accused Ukraine of trying to attack Putin’s residence, explaining that Moscow’s negotiating position would change as a result.
Zelensky still has cards to play in Trump’s Ukraine poker game
Monday 29 December 2025 15:09 , James ReynoldsEditorial: As Trump talks peace deals and Putin digs in, Zelensky is playing a subtler game.
His proposal for a referendum on Ukraine’s borders could reshape the negotiations – and expose who is really serious about ending the war:
Zelensky still has cards to play in Trump’s Ukraine poker game
Zelensky appraises latest peace talks
Monday 29 December 2025 14:15 , James ReynoldsUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shared his assessment of where peace talks were left with reporters via WhatsApp on Monday:
On security guarantees
Zelensky said Sunday “confirmed” Ukraine would have “strong” security guarantees from the US, after weeks trying to secure a concrete assurance.
He said the terms set out in draft were for 15 years with possibility of extension.
Zelensky said he was pushing for 30-50 years, given that Ukraine had been at war for almost 15 years already.
On foreign troops
Zelensky reiterated that foreign troops in Ukraine would be a “real security guarantee”.
”It is a strengthening of the security guarantees that our partners are already offering us,” he said.
Referendum on peace?
Zelensky also indicated on Monday that peace talks would need the consent of the Ukrainian people via referendum, contingent upon a 60-day ceasefire that Russia “does not want to give us”.
Future talks
Zelensky confirmed that European leaders would meet in January to discuss next steps. He wants a meeting with the US and European allies in the coming days.
Carry on advancing on Zaporizhzhia, Putin tells generals
Monday 29 December 2025 13:42 , James ReynoldsVladimir Putin has told his generals to carry on with their operations to capture the city of Zaporizhzhia, it emerged this afternoon.
Explained: The options for Ukraine's contested nuclear plant
Monday 29 December 2025 13:30 , James ReynoldsThe occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, is one of the main sticking points in Trump’s plan to end the war.
Almost all countries say it belongs to Ukraine, but Moscow says it is owned by Russia.
The US previously suggested a joint trilateral operation with an American chief manager, Zelensky said.
A Ukrainian proposal envisages Ukrainian-American use of the plant, with the US itself determining how to use 50% of the energy produced.
But Russia has reportedly considered joint Russian-US use of the plant.
Russia must be involved in peace process, says Germany
Monday 29 December 2025 12:46 , James ReynoldsGermany welcomed Trump’s efforts to secure a peace deal on Monday but insists Russia must be involved, too, to end the war.
A spokesperson for the government said no peace was possible without Russian involvement, while noting a discrepancy between Russia's public statements and its actions on the ground.
The Kremlin yesterday dismissed talk of a ceasefire, suggesting it would prolong the conflict.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Monday 29 December 2025 12:02 , James ReynoldsOne of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers has said he often intercepts Russian transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine even as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
Read the full story:
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Which issues are still unresolved?
Monday 29 December 2025 11:32 , James Reynolds- Trump said that Ukraine and the US have almost entirely agreed on security guarantees, though details remain scarce. Zelensky said they were in 100 per cent agreement, however.
- Zelensky still insists that foreign troops in Ukraine would be a real security guarantee. The Kremlin has consistently opposed such a move.
- Territory remains unresolved, Trump acknowledged. Zelensky said control over the eastern Donbas region was still an issue.
- The status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is another issue still under discussion. Trump previously suggested sharing its output.
Zelensky said today that the 20-point proposal under discussion should be put to a referendum.
Russian submarine followed spy ship into British waters as it mapped gas pipeline
Monday 29 December 2025 11:00 , James ReynoldsOne of our top stories overnight revealed that a Russian submarine was deployed alongside a spy ship to map critical undersea infrastructure around Britain.
The Ministry of Defence said a submarine had shadowed the Yantar as it reportedly surveyed the gas pipeline linking Britain and Ireland.
Last month it emerged that the Yantar had pointed lasers at pilots of surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities in a “deeply dangerous” move.
Russian submarine followed spy ship into British waters as it mapped gas pipeline
Kremlin weighs in on latest peace talks
Monday 29 December 2025 09:57 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin is now commenting on the latest developments in peace talks.
Russia agrees that a peace deal is getting closer - but stresses that Ukraine is still losing territory, in a sign it is unlikely to back down from its demands.
A talk between Putin and Zelensky is not yet under discussion, but Moscow expects another call with Trump very soon.
Watch: Trump says security guarantees '95 per cent' agreed
Monday 29 December 2025 09:45 , James ReynoldsDetails emerge on shape of post-war Ukraine
Monday 29 December 2025 09:31 , James ReynoldsWe are learning more from Zelensky about the issues discussed with Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.
He says that Trump offered strong security guarantees for Ukraine at the meeting, which he said were “100 per cent” agreed.
There was also talk of a prosperity package that could include a free trade agreement with the United States.
Zelensky told reporters that a 20-point peace plan should be signed by Ukraine, the US, Russia and Europe, and also put to a referendum in Ukraine.
Some issues - notably territory - remain unresolved.
Current plan 'details 15 years of security assurances' in blow to Ukraine
Monday 29 December 2025 09:14 , James ReynoldsThe draft plan under discussion to end the war includes US security guarantees for 15 years, Ukraine’s Zelensky told reporters this morning.
It would fall substantially short of the 50 years Ukraine has been asking for.
As a reminder, Trump has assured that Ukraine and the US are 95 per cent aligned on the major issues. Details on the shape of security guarantees are still scarce.
Russian drones pound Ukraine during Trump-Zelensky talks
Monday 29 December 2025 08:50 , Daniel KeaneUkraine’s air force has said that Russia launched 25 drones on Sunday as talks were taking place between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, with the majority shot down.
Drones were fired in the direction of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine and Novodonetsk in the Donetsk region, Ukraine’s military said.
It comes just days after Russia launched a huge aerial bombardment on major cities including Kyiv, where an apartment was hit.
What are Trump's ‘Nato-style’ guarantees?
Monday 29 December 2025 08:23 , Daniel KeaneDonald Trump has said that security guarantees for Ukraine are “95 per cent” finalised - but it remains unclear what these will entail.
Ukraine is still asking for clear security guarantees, which Europe is offering to front with a multinational force supplied by members of the “Coalition of the Willing” and supported by the US.
Washington has offered Kyiv safeguards modelled on Nato’s Article 5, allowing for collective defence, according to US officials.
Details are still scarce and it’s unclear what kind of response the US will be committed to should Russia break the peace.
Russia still says it will not accept what it calls Nato peacekeepers in Ukraine under any circumstances.
What we know about the Florida talks
Monday 29 December 2025 08:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarTrump and Zelensky held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting and both described the talks as positive.
Despite upbeat language, no clear breakthrough or concrete progress towards peace was announced.
A key unresolved issue is whether Ukraine will have to give up territory, a demand pushed by Russia.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are still unclear, despite claims that they are agreed in principle.
There is no sign that Russia will accept proposals discussed by the US and Ukraine.
Trump continues to speak positively about Vladimir Putin, suggesting pressure remains focused on Kyiv.
Trump warns of ‘thorny issues’ after crunch peace deal talks with Zelensky
Monday 29 December 2025 07:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarTrump planning another call with Putin
Monday 29 December 2025 06:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarDonald Trump is planning to have another call with Putin, whose adviser said Kyiv must make “bold” political decisions on contested territory for a full ceasefire.
While Trump said progress is being made, he warned that unresolved issues could derail talks within weeks.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for peace but stressed that sensitive issues remain.
“Ukraine is ready for peace,” he said.
Russia, meanwhile, insists on keeping occupied Ukrainian territory, blocking Nato membership for Kyiv, limiting Ukraine’s military, and securing other political concessions – demands Ukraine has rejected.
Trump says Ukraine and Russia ‘closer than ever before’ to a peace deal
Monday 29 December 2025 05:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarUS president Donald Trump said Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal after meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida, following a lengthy phone call with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Trump expressed optimism that Putin wants peace, even as Russia continued attacks on Ukraine, but cautioned that negotiations remain complex and could still collapse.
Trump and Zelensky acknowledged major sticking points, particularly the future of the Donbas region and security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions.
Zelensky said a 20-point draft peace plan is about 90 per cent ready, with the US offering Nato-like security guarantees if Ukraine drops its bid to join the alliance.
European leaders were briefed, and Trump said further meetings could take place soon.
Recap: Trump hails ‘terrific’ Ukraine peace plan meeting with Zelensky and claims ‘a lot of progress’ made
Monday 29 December 2025 05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDonald Trump hailed crucial peace talks between the US and Ukraine as “terrific”, but acknowledged “thorny issues” remained before a deal could be achieved over the war with Russia.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday hoping to make progress on the proposed 20-point peace plan, with particular concerns over security and economic agreements.
The two leaders gave little away during a press conference following the discussions, but Mr Trump said he believed “a lot of progress” had been made.
You can read the full report from Bryony Gooch and Nicole Wootton-Cane below:
Trump hails ‘terrific’ Ukraine peace plan meeting with Zelensky
Trump says Ukraine security deal ‘close to 95%’ done
Monday 29 December 2025 04:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarDonald Trump said security guarantees for Ukraine were nearly finalised, with talks “close to 95 per cent” complete.
He admitted, however, that some “thorny issues”, especially the control of territory in the eastern Donbas region, remained unresolved.
Trump was speaking after hosting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida for talks, which both described as productive.
Further US-Ukraine talks are set for next week.
Russian submarine followed spy ship into British waters as it mapped gas pipeline
Monday 29 December 2025 04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Russian submarine was deployed alongside a spy ship to map critical undersea infrastructure around Britain, it has emerged.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declassified a photo of the incident, which saw a submarine shadowing the Yantar, officially described as a Russian research ship, as it reportedly surveyed the gas pipeline linking Britain and Ireland. It was not clear whether the escort was one of Russia’s own purpose-built sabotage submarines.
An anti-submarine Merlin Mk2 helicopter could be seen from the photo tracking the Yantar in the Irish Sea from November last year; a British submarine also emerged from the surface nearby.
It is believed to be one of several operations where Russian submarines have accompanied the Yantar into waters close to the British Isles, according to The Sunday Times.
The Independent’s Bryony Gooch has this story:
Russian submarine followed spy ship into British waters as it mapped gas pipeline
