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By Staff Writer
Vladimir Putin has dismissed European leaders as “little pigs”, as Russia hardened its public stance on a US-backed peace framework that would offer Ukraine Nato-style security guarantees but stop short of full alliance membership.
Russian officials said they would not return territory occupied in Ukraine or accept the presence of foreign peacekeepers, following the presentation of a revised 20-point framework discussed during talks involving Ukraine, the United States and European governments. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said Moscow viewed the proposals with “extreme seriousness”, but added that Russia would not agree to terms that, in his words, “ignore the realities on the ground”. “There can be no question of any withdrawal from these territories,” he said.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels on 18 December to press EU leaders for financial support. “If we can agree upon a plan to end the war, then a decision on using this money will be directed fully towards reconstruction,” Zelensky said. “Right now, we are talking about €200 billion located within the European Union.” He said discussions on the peace framework could move to the United States, depending on Russia’s response. US officials said about 90 per cent of the draft framework had been agreed.
Zelensky has also linked any peace settlement to the use of frozen Russian assets held in the West. “Today we are talking about reparations money not only in the sense of reconstruction,” he said. “If there is a war, we need this money. We need a decision that supports our armed forces and our defence production. Of course, [we need] European support and, of course, air defence missiles from the United States.” One senior official said Washington had proposed security arrangements modelled on Nato’s Article 5 collective defence clause, describing them as the “platinum standard” of protection. Details of how the United States would respond to any ceasefire violation have not been made public.
European governments have proposed a multinational force drawn from countries participating in the so-called Coalition of the Willing, with backing from the United States. Russian officials have repeatedly said they would not accept any Nato-linked force operating in Ukraine.
During extended talks with US negotiators, Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s long-standing ambition to join Nato. He has said Ukraine is prepared to step back from membership as part of a settlement. President Donald Trump, who has opposed Ukrainian Nato membership since returning to office, said prospects for a deal were improving. “We’re closer now than we have been, ever,” Trump told reporters.
Territorial issues remain among the most contentious. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 82 drones, including around 50 Shahed loitering munitions, overnight, with hits recorded at 12 locations. “The enemy attacked with 82 unmanned aerial vehicles,” the Ukrainian Air Force said. Air defences destroyed or jammed 63 of the drones, but strikes were recorded at 12 locations across the country, underlining Kyiv’s argument that security guarantees and air defence remain central to any settlement. Ukraine’s constitution prohibits the formal ceding of territory, and Zelensky has said he cannot agree to surrender land currently occupied by Russia. A US official said discussions had included territorial proposals that Zelensky would take back to his team, adding that “real progress” had been made, without giving details.
The talks also covered the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, under Russian control since the early stages of the invasion. Zelensky has identified the plant as one of the most difficult unresolved issues in negotiations, alongside questions of reparations and long-term financing for Ukraine. A proposal in an earlier 28-point US draft, later reduced to 20 points, included shared arrangements for electricity generation from the site. A US official said negotiators were close to an agreement in principle, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Ukraine’s future relationship with the European Union is also included in the framework. EU leaders are also weighing a proposed so-called reparations loan for Ukraine, drawing on frozen Russian assets. “I will speak to all leaders, present our arguments and I very much hope we can get a positive decision,” Zelensky said. “Without it, there will be a big problem for Ukraine.” US officials said Russia would accept Ukrainian EU membership as part of a broader settlement. A senior source told AFP that accession could take place as early as January 2027, although EU diplomats cautioned that the timeline was optimistic.