The weight of war hangs heavy in the air as Ukraine's President Zelenskyy steels himself for the possibility of continued conflict, even as diplomatic efforts intensify. A summit in the US, potentially by the end of January, is the goal, aiming to hash out proposals to end the war with Russia. But what happens if those talks fail? Zelenskyy's vow is clear: Ukraine will fight on.
A meeting of security advisors from Ukraine's key allies in Kyiv set the stage. Representatives from 15 nations, including the UK, France, and Germany, alongside NATO and EU delegates, gathered to discuss a US-brokered peace plan, with reports suggesting a deal was already 90% ready. The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, joined virtually.
Next week, the discussions will continue during a European leaders’ meeting in Paris, and then with US negotiators. The aim is a high-level meeting in the US, ideally before the end of January.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite these diplomatic pushes, the core issue of territory remains a massive stumbling block. Russia, currently occupying about 20% of Ukraine, is demanding complete control of the eastern Donbas region. Ukraine, however, is steadfast, believing that ceding any ground would only embolden Moscow and is unwilling to sign a peace deal that doesn't guarantee future protection.
During a Saturday evening press conference, Zelenskyy laid out the stark reality: if diplomacy fails, Ukraine will continue to defend itself. He stated, “If Russia blocks all of this – and as I said, it depends on our partners – if our partners do not compel Russia to stop the war, there will be another path: to defend ourselves.”
The Guardian’s Shaun Walker reports that despite the positive noises from the US, exhausted Ukrainians remain wary after almost four years of war.
The meeting took place during a week marked by devastating strikes and counterclaims. Russia alleged that Ukraine launched drones at a residence of Vladimir Putin in an unsuccessful attack, a claim Kyiv denied. In return, Russia accused Kyiv of firing drones at a hotel and cafe in the Moscow-held part of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, resulting in the reported deaths of 28 people celebrating the new year. Ukraine insists it was a military gathering.
Adding to the tragedy, a woman and a three-year-old child were killed in a Russian missile strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Early Saturday, Russian bombardment in the southern Kherson region, which is held by Kyiv, claimed two lives.
And this is the part most people miss... Russia also strongly condemned the US attack on Venezuela, demanding the release of its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Moscow, one of the few nations to recognize Maduro's disputed re-election in 2024, expressed solidarity with Venezuela but stopped short of offering immediate military or financial aid. Venezuela is Russia’s closest partner in South America and a major buyer of Russian military hardware.
What do you think? Is a negotiated peace possible, or is continued conflict inevitable? Do you believe the international community is doing enough to support Ukraine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
