Senior security advisers from 15 countries, plus NATO and EU representatives, met in Kyiv to review a US-brokered peace proposal Kyiv says is about "90 percent" complete. The opening session focused on security guarantees, framework documents and the sequencing of joint steps. The talks took place amid continued deadly strikes across Ukraine and ongoing disagreement over territorial issues, particularly Russia's push for control of Donbas. Kyiv maintains it will not accept a deal that endangers Ukraine's future security.
Allies Meet in Kyiv to Review US-Brokered Peace Plan as Violence Continues
Russia now occupies around a fifth of Ukraine and has hit its smaller neighbour almost daily (SERGEY BOBOK)(SERGEY BOBOK/AFP/AFP)
Senior security advisers from 15 countries, together with representatives from NATO and the European Union, gathered in Kyiv on Saturday to review a US-brokered proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia. Ukraine has said the deal is roughly "90 percent" complete, and officials described the session as the first of several meetings planned for the new year.
Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed on Telegram that national security advisers from across Europe had arrived and that the meeting had begun. He said the opening session reviewed framework documents, including proposed security guarantees, approaches to the peace plan and the sequencing of subsequent joint steps.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff joined the talks virtually, according to Ukrainian officials. The proceedings were, however, overshadowed by reports of a separate US military action in Venezuela earlier in the day, which drew international attention and commentary.
Diplomatic Context
Diplomatic momentum to resolve what has become Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II has accelerated in recent weeks, but fundamental disagreement remains over territory. Russia, which currently occupies roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, is seeking inclusion of the eastern Donbas region under its control as part of any settlement. Kyiv insists it will not sign any peace deal that cedes territory in a way that would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression.
Deadly Strikes and Security Concerns
The Kyiv talks came amid a week of deadly attacks and heated allegations. Russia accused Ukraine of launching drones at a residence of President Vladimir Putin, a claim Kyiv denied. Moscow also said Ukrainian strikes hit a hotel and café in the Russia-held part of southern Kherson early on Thursday, alleging 28 people were killed; Ukraine described the site as a military gathering and disputed the account.
Regional officials reported additional civilian casualties: a woman and a three-year-old child were killed in a missile strike on Kharkiv late Friday, and Russian bombardment in Kyiv-held areas of southern Kherson killed two people early Saturday. An AFP analysis of Institute for the Study of War data found Russia made larger battlefield gains last year than in any other year since the invasion began in 2022.
Political Shake-Up in Kyiv
As the new year began, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant changes in his inner circle, naming a new chief of staff and a new defence minister and indicating plans to replace several regional governors. Ukrainian leaders framed the personnel moves as part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and the war effort while pursuing diplomatic avenues.
Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, describing it as a "special military operation" aimed at preventing NATO expansion — a rationale Kyiv and many Western governments reject. Moscow continues daily drone and missile strikes and ground operations that have devastated many urban areas across Ukraine.
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