Ever feel like you're watching the climax of a blockbuster series? 🚀 That's the vibe around the latest Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Russia says negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict are in their final stage, bringing hopes of a ceasefire closer than ever.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that any peace plan must be signed by Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the United States. He even pledged a referendum to let the people of Ukraine have the final word. ✍️
France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that Ukraine's allies will hold another 'Coalition of the Willing' summit in Paris in early January 2026. For many, this gathering could be the moment when deal details come into focus. 🗓️
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump remarked that, although a deal is closer than ever, there’s still no breakthrough on the sensitive issue of territory after talks with the countries' leaders. Negotiators hit a wall over control of land in eastern Ukraine. 🤝
The Kremlin has one non-negotiable demand: Ukraine must withdraw its troops from the part of the Donbas that it still controls if it wants lasting peace. ⚔️
In a different sign of moving forward, the Mariupol Drama Theater—one of the most haunting symbols of the 2022 siege—has reopened after a major redevelopment project, according to Russian authorities. 🏰🎉
On the energy front, the head of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant said the facility could restart power generation by mid-2027 if the conflict wraps up soon. ⚛️
And in a recent development on the ground, Russian troops have taken control of the village of Dibrova in eastern Donetsk, the Defense Ministry reported. 📍
As we count down to January 2026, all eyes will be on Paris and the leaders who hold the keys to a potential peace deal. Stay tuned! ✌️
Reference(s):
Kremlin agrees peace deal is close as Zelenskyy pledges referendum
cgtn.com
