Moscow Cites Progress Amidst Accusations
The Russian Federation has reported 'slow but steady progress' in ongoing peace talks with the United States concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the announcement on Thursday, December 25, 2025, stating, 'In the negotiation process on a settlement of the Ukraine conflict, I mean in the negotiation process with the United States, there is slow but steady progress.' However, Zakharova also accused Western European powers of attempting to 'torpedo' and 'derail' the diplomatic momentum, urging the United States to counter such efforts.
These sentiments were reinforced earlier in the month by Russian President Vladimir Putin. On December 2, 2025, Putin accused Kyiv's European allies of sabotaging US-led peace efforts, asserting that 'They don't have a peace agenda, they're on the side of the war.' He further claimed that Europe was amending peace proposals with 'demands that are absolutely unacceptable to Russia,' thereby 'blocking the entire peace process' and shifting blame onto Moscow.
US-Led Diplomatic Push Continues
The current diplomatic engagement is part of a month-long push for peace initiated by the Trump administration. Key figures involved in these discussions include US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Meetings have taken place at various locations, including a significant encounter in the Kremlin on December 2, 2025, between President Putin and the US delegation. More recently, on December 20 and 21, 2025, Kremlin special envoy Kirill Dmitriev held talks in Miami with Witkoff, Kushner, and White House official Josh Gruenbaum.
Zakharova indicated that Russia remains committed to the framework established during earlier high-level meetings in Anchorage, signaling this structure as a foundational basis for ongoing negotiations.
Ukraine's Stance and Unresolved Issues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also provided insights into the peace process. On December 23, 2025, Zelenskyy stated that initial drafts of US proposals for a peace deal met many of Kyiv's demands and appeared 'quite solid,' with 'nearly 90%' of Ukraine's demands incorporated. However, he emphasized that Ukraine would not accept peace 'at any price' and highlighted that territorial control remains the most challenging aspect of the talks.
A significant point of contention revolves around the Donetsk region. While Ukraine has accepted the principle of a demilitarized zone in its eastern regions, it insists on a reciprocal pullback of Russian forces. Conversely, Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede control of the remaining Donbas territory it holds and formally renounce its intention to join the NATO military alliance. These conflicting demands underscore the complex nature of achieving a lasting resolution.
5 Comments
Fuerza
Peace at Russia's price isn't peace, it's capitulation.
Manolo Noriega
It's encouraging that the US is actively mediating, but the accusations against Europe highlight deep divisions that could easily derail any fragile agreement. All parties need to be genuinely committed.
Fuerza
The idea of a demilitarized zone sounds promising, but Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede Donbas and renounce NATO is a huge hurdle. Both sides need to find common ground on security guarantees.
Ongania
Zelenskyy stating 90% of demands are met is positive, yet the 'not at any price' stance on territory reveals the core impasse. A resolution will likely require creative solutions for border disputes.
Manolo Noriega
Europe is right to be wary. Russia's intentions are clear.