Russia and Ukraine report progress as peace framework takes shape

Friday 26 December 2025 - 08:20

Russia and Ukraine have confirmed measurable progress in talks mediated by the United States, offering the clearest sign yet that both sides may be inching toward an end to the war that has gripped the region for nearly four years. While optimism remains guarded, statements from both Moscow and Kyiv suggest that months of quiet diplomacy are beginning to yield results.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the discussions as showing “slow but steady progress,” though she accused some Western European nations of obstructing the process. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a more confident assessment, noting that U.S.-drafted proposals reflect much of Ukraine’s position and that “almost 90%” of Kyiv’s priorities have been incorporated into preliminary texts.

At the center of negotiations lies a 20-point framework shaped through high-level talks involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and representatives from both sides. Witkoff characterized the meetings in Florida as productive and forward-moving, though U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that the process remains “going OK.” The draft framework reportedly outlines Kyiv’s future role in Europe’s security structure, including the maintenance of an 800,000-strong military, a defined path toward European Union membership, and defense guarantees from France and the United Kingdom, backed by Washington. A separate security document between Ukraine and the United States is expected to undergo congressional review under classified terms.

Territorial control remains the most divisive issue. The status of the eastern Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to block consensus. Current proposals would establish demilitarized buffer zones rather than mandate immediate withdrawals, a measure designed to prevent renewed fighting. However, Zelenskyy acknowledged that some Ukrainian troops might need to reposition as part of the agreement. Moscow, meanwhile, has resisted compromising on its claims, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirming that Russia is still assessing the U.S. proposal and refining its stance.

The Kremlin also maintains demands for Ukraine’s permanent exclusion from NATO and the recognition of territories it occupies in the east and southeast conditions Kyiv firmly rejects as unacceptable. Despite U.S. pressure for a deal to materialize by Christmas, the complexity of the remaining disputes suggests that negotiations are likely to extend into the new year.