The Kyiv Independent
@kyivindependent.com
Independent English-language journalism in Ukraine
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Become a member: kyivindependent.com/membership
⚡️'I have no deadlines' — Zelensky, Trump take questions from journalists before meeting begins
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was “no deadline” for reaching a peace deal and added that he believed both Russian and Ukrainian leaders want an agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was “no deadline” for reaching a peace deal and added that he believed both Russian and Ukrainian leaders want an agreement.
'I have no deadlines' — Zelensky, Trump hold talks in Florida to discuss an end to Russia's war (LIVE)
A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told the Kyiv Independent that they don't know how the meeting will unfold and are ready for "all scenarios."
kyivindependent.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:26 PM
⚡️'I have no deadlines' — Zelensky, Trump take questions from journalists before meeting begins
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was “no deadline” for reaching a peace deal and added that he believed both Russian and Ukrainian leaders want an agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was “no deadline” for reaching a peace deal and added that he believed both Russian and Ukrainian leaders want an agreement.
⚡️Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky.
“I just had a good and very productive phone call with President (Vladimir) Putin of Russia prior to my meeting with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“I just had a good and very productive phone call with President (Vladimir) Putin of Russia prior to my meeting with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Dec. 28 that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
kyivindependent.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:24 PM
⚡️Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky.
“I just had a good and very productive phone call with President (Vladimir) Putin of Russia prior to my meeting with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“I just had a good and very productive phone call with President (Vladimir) Putin of Russia prior to my meeting with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"In 2026, we will continue working to free journalists from Russian captivity, protect the rights of media professionals, and support free media," writes Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Ukrainian MP and chair of the parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech, in this op-ed.
Freedom of speech in 2026: Between Brussels' demands and the realities of war
About the author: Yaroslav Yurchyshyn is a Ukrainian MP and chair of the parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech.
For Ukraine's media environment, 2026 is set to be an intense year — no less dem...
kyivindependent.com
December 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
"In 2026, we will continue working to free journalists from Russian captivity, protect the rights of media professionals, and support free media," writes Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Ukrainian MP and chair of the parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech, in this op-ed.
In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home.
Ukraine This Year: a year of stalled peace and escalating war
YouTube video by Kyiv Independent
www.youtube.com
December 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 28, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
December 28, 2025 at 8:36 AM
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 28, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
⚡️Russia's Syzran Oil Refinery under attack by Ukrainian drones, media reports.
The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.
The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.
Russia's Syzran Oil Refinery under attack by Ukrainian drones, media reports
The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.
kyivindependent.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:44 AM
⚡️Russia's Syzran Oil Refinery under attack by Ukrainian drones, media reports.
The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.
The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.
⚡️Update: Zelensky holds call with European, NATO leaders ahead of Trump talks.
"All participants in the discussions...agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media after the call. "These guarantees must be concrete and reliable."
"All participants in the discussions...agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media after the call. "These guarantees must be concrete and reliable."
En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump
Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement.
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 11:42 PM
⚡️Update: Zelensky holds call with European, NATO leaders ahead of Trump talks.
"All participants in the discussions...agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media after the call. "These guarantees must be concrete and reliable."
"All participants in the discussions...agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media after the call. "These guarantees must be concrete and reliable."
⚡️Ukraine denies Russia's claims of capturing key front-line cities ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting.
Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation."
Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation."
Ukraine denies Russia's claims of capturing key front-line cities ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting
Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation."
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 11:12 PM
⚡️Ukraine denies Russia's claims of capturing key front-line cities ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting.
Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation."
Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation."
⚡️Russia aims to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief says.
Russia aims to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief says
Russia has fulfilled its mobilization goals in 2025 and has set its mobilization target to recruit 409,000 Russian soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, told Suspiln...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 8:53 PM
⚡️Russia aims to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief says.
⚡️Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes, anti-corruption agency says.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies exposed a criminal group involving lawmakers who received cash in exchange for parliamentary votes, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Dec. 27.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies exposed a criminal group involving lawmakers who received cash in exchange for parliamentary votes, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Dec. 27.
Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes, anti-corruption agency says
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies exposed a criminal group involving lawmakers who received cash in exchange for parliamentary votes, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Dec. 27.
The ...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 7:31 PM
⚡️Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes, anti-corruption agency says.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies exposed a criminal group involving lawmakers who received cash in exchange for parliamentary votes, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Dec. 27.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies exposed a criminal group involving lawmakers who received cash in exchange for parliamentary votes, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Dec. 27.
⚡️Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine.
Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.
Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.
Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine
Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:28 PM
⚡️Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine.
Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.
Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.
Shelvinsky, a 48-year-old veterinarian, has built the Free Wings rehabilitation center around his house on the outskirts of Lviv. He takes care of approximately 470 birds — some found injured in nature, and others entrusted to Shelvinsky's care by their owners due to the circumstances of war.
This place in Ukraine keeps birds safe from the war
KOZHYCHI, Lviv Oblast — When approaching the quaint yard of Viktor Shelvinsky's house, one can scarcely believe it serves as a haven for hundreds of birds of all kinds.
But quickly, the entry gate gi...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Shelvinsky, a 48-year-old veterinarian, has built the Free Wings rehabilitation center around his house on the outskirts of Lviv. He takes care of approximately 470 birds — some found injured in nature, and others entrusted to Shelvinsky's care by their owners due to the circumstances of war.
⚡Russia preparing to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence.
As Ukraine is beginning to prepare for a belated presidential election, Russia is already preparing to proclaim it rigged, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As Ukraine is beginning to prepare for a belated presidential election, Russia is already preparing to proclaim it rigged, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Russia preparing to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence
Elections have been floated as part of a peace or ceasefire deal that Ukraine has been discussing with the U.S., but voting in the occupied territories complicates the process.
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM
⚡Russia preparing to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence.
As Ukraine is beginning to prepare for a belated presidential election, Russia is already preparing to proclaim it rigged, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As Ukraine is beginning to prepare for a belated presidential election, Russia is already preparing to proclaim it rigged, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Amid daily attacks, occupation, and displacement, many of the country's most remarkable cultural projects continue — thanks to steadfast support from ERSTE Foundation, one of the most consistent international partners in Central and Eastern Europe.
Beyond emergency aid — How Austrian ERSTE Foundation became Ukraine's cultural partner
From the grand halls of Kyiv's cultural institutions to small regional initiatives shaping public dialogue, Ukraine's cultural life has faced unprecedented pressures.
Amid daily attacks, occupation, ...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Amid daily attacks, occupation, and displacement, many of the country's most remarkable cultural projects continue — thanks to steadfast support from ERSTE Foundation, one of the most consistent international partners in Central and Eastern Europe.
⚡️En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump.
Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, Zelensky told journalists today.
Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, Zelensky told journalists today.
En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump
Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement.
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:46 PM
⚡️En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump.
Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, Zelensky told journalists today.
Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, Zelensky told journalists today.
⚡️'Missiles and drones speak for Russia' – Zelensky blasts Moscow for 10-hour air attack ahead of Trump meeting.
"They do not want to end the war," Zelensky said.
"They do not want to end the war," Zelensky said.
'Missiles and drones speak for Russia' – Zelensky blasts Moscow for 10-hour air attack ahead of Trump meeting
Russia launched nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles overnight on Dec. 26-27, largely targeting Kyiv’s energy and civilian infrastructure.
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 11:17 AM
⚡️'Missiles and drones speak for Russia' – Zelensky blasts Moscow for 10-hour air attack ahead of Trump meeting.
"They do not want to end the war," Zelensky said.
"They do not want to end the war," Zelensky said.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 27, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
December 27, 2025 at 10:02 AM
These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 27, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
⚡️Top anti-Putin Russian commander killed fighting for Ukraine.
Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre "White Rex," leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was killed by an FPV drone on the southern front, according to preliminary reports.
Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre "White Rex," leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was killed by an FPV drone on the southern front, according to preliminary reports.
Top anti-Putin Russian commander killed fighting for Ukraine
Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre "White Rex," led the right-wing Russian Volunteer Corps until he was killed by an FPV drone on the southern front, according to preliminary reports. Mor...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 9:40 AM
⚡️Top anti-Putin Russian commander killed fighting for Ukraine.
Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre "White Rex," leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was killed by an FPV drone on the southern front, according to preliminary reports.
Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre "White Rex," leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was killed by an FPV drone on the southern front, according to preliminary reports.
⚡️Russia's mass missile attack injures 5 in Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting.
A fire was reported in the city’s Holosiivskyi district, while debris fell in the Obolonskyi and Desnianskyi districts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on the morning of Dec. 27.
A fire was reported in the city’s Holosiivskyi district, while debris fell in the Obolonskyi and Desnianskyi districts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on the morning of Dec. 27.
Russia's mass missile attack targets Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting
Several waves of explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary an...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:45 AM
⚡️Russia's mass missile attack injures 5 in Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting.
A fire was reported in the city’s Holosiivskyi district, while debris fell in the Obolonskyi and Desnianskyi districts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on the morning of Dec. 27.
A fire was reported in the city’s Holosiivskyi district, while debris fell in the Obolonskyi and Desnianskyi districts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on the morning of Dec. 27.
⚡️Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace has 'good shot,' New York Post reports.
"I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t," Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call.
"I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t," Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call.
Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace has 'good shot,' New York Post reports
"I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t," Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call.
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 3:45 AM
⚡️Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace has 'good shot,' New York Post reports.
"I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t," Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call.
"I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t," Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call.
⚡️Russia's mass missile attack targets Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting.
Several waves of explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary following the strikes.
Several waves of explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary following the strikes.
Russia's mass missile attack targets Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting
Several explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary and surroun...
kyivindependent.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:17 AM
⚡️Russia's mass missile attack targets Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting.
Several waves of explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary following the strikes.
Several waves of explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary following the strikes.
⚡️Explosions reported in Kyiv overnight on Dec. 27.
Explosions were reported in the capital in the early hours of Dec. 27, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground. Ukraine’s Air Force warned of the possible missile threats for numerous regions.
Explosions were reported in the capital in the early hours of Dec. 27, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground. Ukraine’s Air Force warned of the possible missile threats for numerous regions.
December 27, 2025 at 12:03 AM
⚡️Explosions reported in Kyiv overnight on Dec. 27.
Explosions were reported in the capital in the early hours of Dec. 27, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground. Ukraine’s Air Force warned of the possible missile threats for numerous regions.
Explosions were reported in the capital in the early hours of Dec. 27, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground. Ukraine’s Air Force warned of the possible missile threats for numerous regions.
Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky and suspect in a major corruption investigation, gave his first media interview since leaving Ukraine in November, speaking with Ukrainska Pravda in an interview published Dec. 26.
Mindich speaks to Ukrainian media for first time since fleeing country, denies guilt, claims no contact with Zelensky or Yermak
Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky and suspect in a major corruption investigation, gave his first media interview since leaving Ukraine in November, speaking with Ukrain...
kyivindependent.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky and suspect in a major corruption investigation, gave his first media interview since leaving Ukraine in November, speaking with Ukrainska Pravda in an interview published Dec. 26.
⚡️Russia continues systematically recruiting foreign fighters for war, Ukraine says.
Russia is continuing to systematically recruit foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, on Dec. 26.
Russia is continuing to systematically recruit foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, on Dec. 26.
Russia continues systematically recruiting foreign fighters for war, Ukraine says
Russia is continuing to systematically recruit foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, on Dec. 26.
kyivindependent.com
December 26, 2025 at 7:31 PM
⚡️Russia continues systematically recruiting foreign fighters for war, Ukraine says.
Russia is continuing to systematically recruit foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, on Dec. 26.
Russia is continuing to systematically recruit foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, on Dec. 26.
⚡️Russian attacks on the cities of Uman and Kharkiv killed at least two, injured 14, local authorities reported on Dec. 26.
Russian attacks on Uman and Kharkiv's 'busiest road' kill at least 2, injure 14
Kharkiv Oblast was struck with with three KAB guided bombs, one of which targeted the city of Kharkiv, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.
kyivindependent.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
⚡️Russian attacks on the cities of Uman and Kharkiv killed at least two, injured 14, local authorities reported on Dec. 26.