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Ukraine

Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe after Russia, gaining independence from the Soviet Union and declaring neutrality in 1991. In February 2022, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine under the auspices of a "special military operation" to "de-nazify" the country. The move turned Moscow into a global pariah, and the Ukrainian army - backed financially and militarily by the US and western European countries - continues to fight off the invading forces. Nuclear-armed Russia has warned of consequences if Nato interferes in the war, while strategic ally China urges a peaceful, diplomatic solution.

Capital

Kyiv

Head of State

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Head of Government

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal

Ukraine

Zelensky says Kyiv strike proves Russia does ‘not want to end war’

Moscow hit the Ukrainian capital with nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles a day ahead of US-Ukraine talks, leaving a third of Kyiv without heat.

Russia likely moving new nuclear missiles that are hard to intercept to Belarus

Trump says Zelensky ‘doesn’t have anything until I approve it’ ahead of talks

Zelensky brings ‘90% ready’ peace plan to Trump in Florida

Leaders will discuss security guarantees and a 20-point plan on Sunday, even as conflicting demands over territory persist.

Inside Chernobyl: Ukraine races to repair radiation shield as war drags on

While engineers scramble to patch drone damage at Chernobyl, Ukraine’s president holds ‘substantive’ talks with US envoys.

Britain’s King Charles calls for ‘reconciliation’ in Christmas speech

UK monarch praises the courage of those who risked their lives for others during his fourth Christmas broadcast as king.

‘Christmas under fire’: Ukraine, Russia report fatal air strikes

Ukraine has been warding off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.

Zelensky details US-backed 20-point peace plan for Russia and Putin

Zelensky weighs land concessions to Putin in a US-backed deal, seeking a ceasefire and a demilitarised zone in Donetsk to end Russia’s war.

Moscow blast kills 2 police near site of Russian general’s car bombing

Moscow hit by second bombing in three days, following a series of assassinations Russia blames on Ukraine.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Can Belarus balance relations with Russia, China and the US?

Minsk aims to rebalance its foreign policy towards Beijing and Washington but geopolitical realities prevent a full break from Russia.

Huge drone barrage ‘strikes Ukraine before Christmas’, killing 3

The latest attack, targeting homes and the power grid, came when people want to be ‘at home, in safety’, said President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Opinion | How the West’s sanctions against Russia are fuelling a protracted war

For hubs of transit trade from Armenia to the UAE, economic self-interest is best served by having sanctions on Russia in place indefinitely.

10 most read Daily Pulse briefings of 2025

SCMP Plus looks back at the year’s 10 most popular Daily Pulse bulletins, covering China issues related to diplomacy, trade and economics.

No Ukraine ceasefire breakthrough despite ‘productive’ talks

Talks in Miami focused on aligning US, European and Ukrainian positions as uncertainty remains if Russia will accept proposed terms.

Starmer and Trump discuss Ukraine, Gaza and new UK ambassador in call

Leaders spoke about issues of mutual interest in the pre-Christmas phone call, according to Downing Street.

Russia says Putin open to Ukraine war talks with France’s Macron

Moscow’s response came after the French president urged Europe to ‘re-engage’ with the Russian leader.

Zelensky says only US can persuade Russia to end Ukraine war

The president says Washington proposed first face-to-face talks between Kyiv and Moscow, but he expressed scepticism that this would help.

Rubio swaps hawk for diplomat in year-end pivot on China

Top US envoy eschews ‘pacing threat’ label, stressing cooperation and Western hemisphere priorities for 2026.

Rubio says won’t force deal on Ukraine as Europeans join Miami talks

Trump envoys are meeting officials from Kyiv and Moscow, but the question of ceding territory remains a stumbling block in negotiations.

Putin says West holds key to peace as Russia advances in Ukraine

Putin demands the West and Kyiv act on Ukraine peace, vows more territorial gains and warns of severe consequences over frozen assets.

EU agrees US$106 billion loan for Ukraine, but without Russian assets

EU leaders reach a compromise after plans to use frozen Russian assets failed to gain backing.

Russia deploys nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile to Belarus amid Ukraine talks

Russian state media says it would take the weapon only 17 minutes to reach Nato headquarters in Brussels.

EU facing crunch talks over Ukraine, China and its economic future

EU leaders are set to meet amid growing concern in Brussels that the bloc’s divisions will impede meaningful action across a range of issues.

Putin vows victory in Ukraine as US and Russia prepare for Miami talks

Russian leader boasts of battlefield gains in Ukraine while his envoys prepare to meet the Americans this weekend.

Trump administration readies new sanctions if Putin rejects peace deal

The new measures could arrive this week, targeting the tankers and traders fuelling Putin’s war as peace talks reach a critical stage.

Opinion | As Doha Forum made clear, Europe is losing its seat at the table

Consumed by Ukraine, the EU has effectively retreated from global engagement. An urgent foreign policy recalibration is needed.

Zelensky demands justice as nations back Ukraine reparations; will Russia pay?

US$232 billion in frozen Russian assets are central to a new Hague-based commission managing Ukraine war damage claims.

As I see it | Russia will end the European Union, not the other way around

The end of history is more history, as Hegel might have said, with the postmodern unified EU potentially reverting back to rival modern states.

Opinion | Can Belarus balance relations with Russia, China and the US?