While Kyiv has reported progress in negotiations, and is accelerating talks in the coming days, major questions remain unresolved about which countries will provide what kind of security for how long.

Denys Shmyhal, 50, is one of the most experienced government officials in Ukraine, praised by analysts for his skills to maintain economic stability and ensure efficient government operations after Russia's invasion.

The CIA has assessed Ukraine was not targeting a residence used by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent drone attack in the north of his country, according to US officials, undercutting an assertion the Russian president had made to Trump in a Monday phone call.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence allegedly targeted by Ukrainian drones, but drone expert Cameron Chell says the claims lack credibility due to tactical impossibilities.

For Ukraine, regaining control of the plant is not just about undoing an illegal seizure. It is central to the country’s postwar energy independence. Before the war, the plant supplied roughly a quarter of the country’s electricity needs. Its generation capacity would be vital for powering reconstruction efforts, energy experts say.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his New Year address to the nation, said late Wednesday that Kyiv wanted the war to end, but not at any cost, adding he would not sign a "weak" peace agreement that would only prolong the war.

Ukraine faked the assassination of Russian opposition leader Denis Kapustin to trick Moscow into paying a $500,000 bounty that funded the war effort.

European national security advisers arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss the latest peace proposals as a US led diplomatic push to end the nearly 4 year old war in Ukraine intensifies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders meet next week.