"The peace agreement is 90% complete, while the remaining 10% is still unfinished. This is not just a mere number. This 10% will determine the fate of peace, as well as the future of Ukraine and Europe," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a speech on the night of 31/12/2025.
President Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine wants to end the conflict, but "not at all costs", and any agreement requires strong security guarantees to prevent a resurgence of hostilities. His remarks came hours after US officials held phone discussions with Ukrainian and European security advisors, exchanging views on the next steps to end the nearly 4-year-long war.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Russian people to believe in victory in Ukraine. He described Russian soldiers as "heroes", emphasizing Moscow's trust in them.
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President Zelensky in Palm Beach, Florida, US, on 28/12/2025. Photo: AFP
In late 11/2025, the US introduced a plan aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, urging both Moscow and Kyiv to accept it. The initial proposal outlined 28 points, which included requirements for Ukraine to cede some territory, accept limits on its military size, and cease its pursuit of NATO membership.
Ukraine and several European nations opposed this proposal, believing it disproportionately benefited Russia. Following numerous negotiations, President Zelensky announced on 23/12/2025 that a new 20-point draft peace plan had been agreed upon by the Ukrainian and US delegations.
US President Donald Trump later stated that he and his counterpart Zelensky "may have come very close" to an agreement to end the conflict, though a "thorny issue" regarding territory remained. Russia seeks full control of the Donbass region, including Donetsk and Lugansk provinces, while Ukraine proposes freezing the current front lines.
Russian officials stated on 30/12/2025 that their negotiating stance would become tougher. This change in position was linked to accusations that Ukraine had deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack President Putin's residence in Novgorod province. Ukraine has denied the accusation.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
