The Kremlin issued a stark ultimatum on Monday, insisting that Ukrainian forces must completely abandon the Donbas region before any cessation of hostilities can begin. Warning of the consequences of delay, Peskov added that Kyiv would “lose more territory” if a deal is not struck. The Russian pivot to territorial demands provides a cold reality check to the diplomatic momentum built on Sunday. Trump announced that American, Ukrainian, and Russian working groups—focused separately on security and economics—will be established by early January. Zelenskyy emphasised that any deal involving “thorny territorial issues” must pass through the Ukrainian parliament or a popular vote.

Source: Daily News Egypt December 29, 2025 15:56 UTC