“I think he and Putin want an agreement”

While diplomatic channels try to pave the way for “long talks”, Kinzhal missiles and Shahed drones once again speak for Russia. On the eve of the decisive meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the horror of one of the most violent bombings in recent months: an attack that lasted ten hours, with almost 500 drones and 40 missiles hitting Kiev and the country’s main infrastructure.

The energy hell and Putin’s ultimatum

The toll of the raids is dramatic: two victims, dozens injured and over a million families left without electricity and heating in the depths of winter. On the field, Moscow claims the conquest of the eastern cities of Myrnohrad and Huljaipole. For Zelensky, this brutality unmasks the true face of Vladimir Putin, demonstrating Russia’s utter lack of will to end the conflict. For his part, the Tsar reiterated his hard line: if Kiev does not accept a peaceful resolution on Moscow’s terms – which include Ukrainian withdrawal from the claimed territories – Russia will complete the military operation by force.

Europe closes ranks: the summit before Florida

Before heading to the United States, Zelensky stopped in Canada to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney and participated in a strategic video conference with key European leaders. Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni and Keir Starmer reiterated the need for “specific and reliable” security guarantees for Ukraine, to avoid a peace imposed from above. The European Union recalled the 90 billion euro aid package agreed on December 18, a “bridge loan” fundamental for the stability of Kiev.

Hypotheses of compromise and reconstruction

For the first time, Zelensky explicitly mentioned the possibility of territorial concessions, speaking of a 20-point plan that hypothesizes the freezing of the conflict and the creation of demilitarized zones. “There are compromise proposals, but they are very sensitive issues,” the Ukrainian leader said. The focus is already on post-war reconstruction: a long-term roadmap, projected until 2040, which could require investments of between 700 and 800 billion dollars.

Internal tensions in Kiev

Complicating the picture for Zelensky is an increasingly unstable internal front. As the country fights for survival, the anti-corruption agency (NABU) has launched a new investigation that would implicate some MPs. In a climate of great tension, the security services blocked officials from the same agency who were attempting to search the offices of Parliament, a sign of institutional friction that risks weakening the government’s unity.