Kremlin Rejects Christmas Truce in Ukraine Without Agreement

The Kremlin stated that there would be no ceasefire in Ukraine for Christmas unless Kyiv agrees to the terms of a peace agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had stated that Kyiv supports the idea of a ceasefire, especially for attacks on energy infrastructure, during the Christmas period.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is unlikely that Russia would participate in such a ceasefire if Ukraine focuses on "short-term, unsustainable solutions" instead of a lasting settlement.

Donald Trump stated that talks to end the war in Ukraine are "closer than ever" to an agreement, following talks with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelensky.