(2025-12-21 22:23:00) — Russia on Sunday criticized proposed amendments to a U.S. plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, asserting they do not improve the prospects for peace. The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue, including talks involving negotiators from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
Russia has voiced skepticism about changes to a U.S. proposal for resolving the conflict in Ukraine, while ongoing negotiations and drone strikes signal continued fighting.
- Russia’s top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, said proposed changes to a U.S. peace plan could prolong the conflict.
- Donald Trump’s negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are in talks with Russia’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Miami.
- Ukrainian forces are battling a Russian breakthrough attempt in the Sumy region, and drones struck a Russian oilfield.
Russia Criticizes Amended Peace Proposal
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Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aide, told reporters Sunday that the alterations proposed by European and Ukrainian officials to the U.S. plan do not enhance the possibility of achieving a lasting peace, according to reports. Ushakov added that he had not reviewed the specific proposals and his assessment was “not a forecast.”
Fighting Continues in Eastern Ukraine
Ukrainian forces are currently engaged in battling a Russian attempt to break through in the village of Grabovske, located in the north-eastern Sumy region, Ukraine’s joint taskforce stated. The taskforce disputed reports claiming Russian troops had occupied the nearby village of Ryasne. Ukraine’s rights ombudsman reported that Russian forces forcibly relocated approximately 50 individuals from Grabovske to Russia.
Intelligence Assessment and Ongoing Negotiations
U.S. intelligence believes Putin remains determined to capture all of Ukraine and reclaim territories formerly part of the Soviet Union, Reuters reported, citing six sources familiar with the intelligence. Last week, Putin reportedly referred to European leaders as “little pigs” and affirmed Russia’s commitment to achieving its objectives through diplomacy or force.
Despite the ongoing conflict, diplomatic efforts are underway. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, lead negotiators for Donald Trump, are holding discussions with Russia’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Miami, with the belief that a peace agreement may be within reach.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, indicated that diplomatic initiatives were “advancing quite quickly” and that his negotiators in Florida were collaborating with the American side. The Ukrainian delegation has also held separate meetings with American and European diplomats in the U.S.
On Sunday evening, Witkoff wrote on X that the talks held between American, European and Ukrainian officials in Florida over the last three days had been “productive and constructive.” He stated that “particular attention was given to discussing timelines and the sequencing of next steps,” adding that Ukraine “remains fully committed to achieving a just and sustainable peace.”
Three-Way Talks and International Reactions
Zelenskyy expressed support for a U.S. proposal for three-way talks involving Washington and Moscow, contingent on facilitating prisoner exchanges and other conditions. However, Ushakov stated that a proposal for three-way talks had not been seriously considered.
France has welcomed reports that Putin was open to talks with Emmanuel Macron. The French president’s office stated that discussions with Putin would be beneficial “as soon as the prospect of a ceasefire and peace negotiations becomes clearer.”
Putin’s apparent willingness to engage in talks followed a decision by EU leaders on Friday to provide Ukraine with €90 billion (£79 billion) to bolster its economy and military campaign, ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes
On Saturday, Ukraine’s military general staff reported that Ukrainian drones targeted an oil rig and other facilities at Russia’s Filanovsky oilfield in the Caspian Sea, located over 700km (435 miles) from Ukraine’s border.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Guardian and added independent analysis and context.
