Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explicitly ruled out the possibility of a ceasefire over the Christmas period, as his government prepares to finalise a new set of peace proposals backed by European allies.
No Truce for the Festive Season
In a significant statement on Wednesday 17 December 2025, President Zelensky stated that Ukraine is preparing for continued fighting, anticipating that the Kremlin will reject a forthcoming peace plan. He confirmed that a final set of proposals would be completed within two days and subsequently presented to Moscow by the United States.
Kyiv remains deeply wary of past unfulfilled assurances, despite Washington offering what it describes as "platinum standard" security guarantees linked to NATO's foundational Article 5 collective defence clause. This scepticism underscores the challenging diplomatic landscape as the war continues.
Regional Tensions and an Unprecedented Attack
The announcement follows a major military development, with Ukraine reportedly destroying a Russian submarine in what is being termed an unprecedented underwater drone attack. This event highlights the ongoing and intensifying nature of the conflict, even during the winter months.
Meanwhile, regional tensions have further escalated. Russia has officially designated the German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle as an "undesirable organisation," a move that effectively outlaws its operations within Russian territory and marks a continued crackdown on foreign media.
Calls for Resolution and Trump's Shadow
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has added his voice to calls for a resolution, urging swift action to end the conflict. In a notable comment, he suggested that former US President Donald Trump's earlier policies might have prevented the war from starting and asserted that Trump's continued involvement is now crucial for achieving peace.
As the deadline for the new peace proposal approaches, the international community watches closely. With a Christmas ceasefire off the table and both sides fortifying their positions, the path to a diplomatic resolution appears fraught with difficulty. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this new initiative can gain any traction or if the conflict will extend further into the new year.
