As Ukraine enters the fourth year of its war with Russia, uncertainty looms over its support from the United States, as President Trump pushes for a rapid peace deal while sidelining Kyiv.
Ukraine has entered the fourth year of its conflict with Russia, facing mounting uncertainty over support from its key ally, the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing him as an "unpopular dictator" who should quickly negotiate peace. Zelenskyy countered, calling Trump’s perspective a result of a "disinformation bubble."
In a significant policy shift, U.S. officials held direct talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia last week, excluding Ukraine and European leaders. Washington has made it clear that no U.S. troops will be offered as a security guarantee if a peace deal emerges, placing the burden on Europe, which may struggle without U.S. backing.
Amidst these tensions, Zelenskyy has made over a dozen calls to European leaders since Friday, seeking support and strategising a way forward. European leaders are expected to visit Kyiv to commemorate the anniversary of what has become the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War Two.
On the front lines, Ukrainian troops face a numerically superior opponent while grappling with concerns over potential shifts in U.S. military support. Evhen Kolosov, head medic for Ukraine’s Spartan brigade, described the troops as psychologically worn down after years of relentless fighting.
Former Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said relations with Washington have not yet reached a crisis point, despite Trump’s sharp rhetoric. Klimkin did not anticipate a fair and lasting peace deal this year but suggested there could be progress toward a ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine relations are complicated by ongoing discussions about a deal that could grant the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral wealth. Trump is reportedly seeking hundreds of billions of dollars in return for past support, while Zelenskyy has refused to sign an initial draft, citing inadequate security guarantees.
Trump has pressed Ukraine to hold a wartime election, echoing Russian claims that Zelenskyy’s mandate is no longer legitimate. Zelenskyy, whose mandate was due to expire last May, expressed willingness to step down if it meant peace, quipping that he could exchange his departure for Ukraine's entry into NATO.
Despite the uncertainty, many Ukrainians continue to rally around Zelenskyy, with his trust ratings remaining above 50% according to recent polls. As one Kyiv resident put it, “Although I did not vote for him, I supported him throughout martial law and will continue to support him.”
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The Kremlin on Friday dismissed proposals for a ceasefire to allow a territorial referendum in Ukraine, describing any pause in hostilities as a tactical ploy rather than a genuine step toward ending the conflict.
Ukraine has presented the U.S. with a revised 20-point framework to end the war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday, adding that the issue of ceding territory remains a major sticking point in negotiations.
Ukraine has handed the United States a revised 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia, a Ukrainian official said on Thursday, 11 December.
European leaders say they will intensify work on a U.S.-led plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict after a joint call with President Donald Trump, marking what they see as a decisive moment for Kyiv’s political and security direction.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
The resignation of Bulgaria's government on Thursday (11 December) puts an end to an increasingly unpopular coalition but is likely to usher in a period of prolonged political instability on the eve of the Black Sea nation's entry into the euro zone.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
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Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
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Greek farmers blocked the Port of Thessaloniki on Friday (12 December) as part of nationwide protests demanding delayed European Union subsidies and compensation for rising production costs and livestock losses.
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