Negotiations aimed at de-escalating the conflict in Ukraine are intensifying as high-level talks are scheduled this weekend in Miami between U.S. and Russian officials, despite the absence of planned trilateral discussions. Simultaneously, European leaders are meeting in Brussels to address the contentious issue of leveraging frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s financial stability. This dual-track diplomatic effort reflects the growing international pressure to find a path toward resolution, even as reports emerge of continued Russian military advancements and alleged espionage within Europe.
Negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian envoys are expected to take place in Miami this weekend, with U.S. officials also involved, though a trilateral meeting is not currently planned. The discussions come as European leaders convene in Brussels today to decide on the contentious issue of utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The debate highlights the growing pressure to find ways to support Kyiv as the conflict continues.
Denmark reports two cyberattacks from pro-Russian groups
Two groups with ties to Russia carried out cyberattacks on a Danish water treatment facility in 2024 and during local elections in the Scandinavian country last month. The Danish Defense Minister stated that the government will summon the Russian ambassador to discuss the matter. The 2024 attack compromised the water supply after pipes exploded, officials said.
Russia-U.S. meeting scheduled for Saturday in Miami, Dmitriev to meet Witkoff and Kushner
A Russia-U.S. meeting is set to take place in Miami on Saturday, with Moscow represented by Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the U.S. side by Steve Witkoff, an envoy for Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. A U.S. official confirmed the meeting, which follows discussions held Monday in Berlin between Witkoff, Kushner, and Ukrainian and European officials regarding security guarantees for Kyiv, potential territorial concessions, and other aspects of a U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Sánchez reaffirms Spain’s support for Ukraine to Zelensky
“In Brussels, I conveyed to President Volodymyr Zelensky Spain’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and its future within the EU.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a post on X, following a meeting with the Ukrainian president as the European Council discusses the use of frozen Russian assets. “It is essential to ensure strong and sustainable European financial support for Kyiv,” Sánchez added, voicing support for using the assets to fund Ukraine in 2026 and 2027.
CNN: Russia using shadow fleet for espionage and sabotage
Russia is reportedly using its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers not only to circumvent Western sanctions on crude oil exports but also as a tool for espionage and sabotage in European waters. Western and Ukrainian intelligence indicates that personnel linked to Russian military and security services are operating aboard the vessels with duties extending beyond simple protection. In many cases, ships with largely foreign crews carry one or two Russian citizens with backgrounds in security services. According to sources, many of these individuals are employed by Moran Security Group, a private company with strong ties to Russian intelligence and the military apparatus, which was sanctioned by the United States in 2024. Some reportedly have experience with Russian military contractors, including the Wagner Group. European security agencies report that these operators, often the only Russians onboard, monitor ship captains and have photographed military installations along European coasts. In at least one instance, a Western source reported sabotage activity, without providing details. Concerns are also growing about a connection between some vessels in the shadow fleet and mysterious drone sightings near European airports and military bases, particularly in the Baltic Sea. A senior European intelligence official stated that the “working hypothesis” is that Russian ships are involved in at least some of these incidents. Analysts and former intelligence officials believe employing armed personnel under private cover provides Moscow with plausible deniability, fitting into the Kremlin’s strategies of “hybrid warfare” to test European defenses below the threshold of open conflict.
Kremlin: Europe is ‘obsessed’ with funding the war
There is a sense that Europe is “obsessed” with finding funds to continue the war and therefore wants to “steal” Russian capital, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Rossiya 24 television. “At the moment, it seems that they are all obsessed with one thought: how to find the funds to continue the war,” Peskov said. “And when they talk about this money – he continued – they mainly focus on the possibility of stealing our money, which is blocked there.”
Spiegel: Ukrainian soldier suspected in Nord Stream explosion
Serhiy K., the Ukrainian arrested in connection with the explosions of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, was reportedly a member of a special unit of the Ukrainian armed forces at the time of the incident. This information comes from a document from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reviewed by Spiegel. Roman Chervinsky, his superior, confirmed this: “Serhiy was under my command at the time,” Chervinsky told the magazine. “He carried out all the orders of our unit and did not leave the troop without authorization,” he added. Chervinsky’s statements corroborate the lines of inquiry being followed by Spiegel. The source, however, declined to comment on participation in the operation, either for himself or for others: “I am not authorized to make statements about individual operations,” Chervinsky said.
Merz: “Ready to use Russian assets in Germany”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to use the assets of the Central Bank of Russia immobilized in Germany to support Ukraine, a concession to demands from the Belgian government. The German Press Agency (DPA) reports this, citing people involved in the negotiations.
Lukashenko: “Oreshnik already operational in Belarus”
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that Russia’s new hypersonic nuclear-capable missile, “Oreshnik,” has been deployed in Belarus and is already operational. “The Oreshnik has been in Belarus since yesterday and has entered combat duty,” Lukashenko said in his end-of-year address. Russia, Minsk’s main ally, had previously announced that the missile system could be deployed in Belarus during 2025 as part of strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
Kremlin: “Preparing contacts with the U.S.”
“We are actually preparing some contacts with our American counterparts to get information about the results of the work done by the United States with Europeans and Ukrainians.” This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by the TASS agency, responding to reports by Axios and Politico that Russian-American contacts could take place in Miami this weekend. Previously, Axios and Politico had reported on a possible trip to Miami by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special representative, Kirill Dmitriev, for a new round of talks on the latest changes to the American peace plan with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov: Russia has equipped a brigade with the new Oreshnik missiles
This year, Russia has formed a military brigade equipped with its new medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, said Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, quoted by the TASS news agency at a briefing for foreign military attachés. Russia launched the Oreshnik against Ukraine for the first time in November 2024. President Vladimir Putin has stated that it is impossible to intercept and has destructive power comparable to that of a nuclear weapon, even with a conventional warhead. Some Western experts have called these claims exaggerated.
Zelensky: Donbas and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remain unresolved issues
The issue of the Donbas region, partially occupied by the Russian army, and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are among the main unresolved issues in ongoing talks to try to end the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a press conference in Brussels during the European Council. “Speaking of sensitive issues we discussed with the United States – he explained – yes, the Donbas is an issue that has not been resolved. We have different opinions.” Furthermore, “the nuclear power plant that was occupied by the Russians is not working, it has been destroyed. But it must work, it must produce energy. It is our right: this issue has not been resolved,” he concluded.
Zelensky: “Trump can stop Putin”
“With the United States, it is not a simple dialogue, in reality. We are at war, the United States can really stop Putin and I count on that. I very much count on the pressure of the United States on Russia, because I think Putin does not want to stop this war, but, if the United States puts more pressure, President Trump can.” This was said by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Brussels.
Zelensky: End of war linked to security guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the end of the conflict in Ukraine is linked to security guarantees.
EU adds another 41 ships to Russia’s shadow fleet blacklist
“The Commission welcomes the publication of the decision by Member States to designate 41 new ships of the Russian shadow fleet. These ships are prohibited from accessing EU ports and benefiting from maritime services. With these new listings, the total number of ships listed by the EU rises to 597.” This is stated in a note. Countering the Russian shadow fleet has been identified as a crucial point in further limiting the revenues Russia generates from seaborne oil exports and hindering its ability to finance the war of aggression against Ukraine. By imposing restrictions on the shadow fleet, the EU effectively increases costs for Russia, disrupting its maritime operations and cutting off its ties with EU operators. The listings also address the serious risks to maritime safety and the environment posed by shadow fleet ships, which are often old and underinsured. With this decision, the EU demonstrates its commitment to taking new measures to increase pressure on Russia, particularly during the ongoing peace negotiation process. In addition, today’s designation is a continuation of the sanctions adopted previously following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
Moscow: “We will seek compensation from EU for assets”
On the day of the European Council’s decision on the use of frozen Russian assets, the Central Bank of Russia warns that it will sue European banks in Russian arbitration courts for lost profits resulting from the blocking and illegal use of its assets. In a brief press release, the Central Bank of Russia stated that “in connection with the ongoing attempts to seize and illegally use” its assets, it will take legal action to “recover damages from European banks in a Russian arbitration court,” seeking not only the value of the “illegally retained assets” but also lost profits. Last week, the EU launched a procedure to indefinitely freeze approximately 210 billion euros of Russian assets frozen in Europe, which should be used as collateral for a 90 billion euro loan to Kyiv. In response, Russia warned of possible countermeasures if its funds are used to support Ukraine. As a retaliatory measure, among other things, Moscow would consider the possibility of confiscating remaining Western property on its territory. The Central Bank of Russia has filed a $229 billion lawsuit against Belgian depositary Euroclear, which holds the frozen Russian funds; the first hearing is scheduled for mid-January. Meanwhile, measures have been developed to simplify the seizure of foreign property in response to “hostile actions.”
Peskov confirms: “We are preparing contacts with the U.S.”
Russia is preparing contacts with the United States to obtain information from Washington on the negotiations between U.S., European, and Ukrainian representatives. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “We are actually preparing some contacts with our American counterparts to get information about the results of the work that the Americans have done with the Europeans and the Ukrainians,” he said when asked to comment on reports by Axios and Politico that Russian-American contacts could take place in Miami this weekend.
U.S.-Russia and U.S.-Ukraine meetings scheduled for this weekend in Miami. No trilateral meetings planned
A meeting between Russian and American envoys on the war in Ukraine will take place this weekend in Miami, Florida. A White House official announced this. The U.S. side has not provided details on the composition of the delegations. According to Politico, the United States will be represented by its envoy to Ukraine, Steve Witkoff, and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, while Russia is expected to send Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s special economic envoy. This new round of talks comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted “progress” toward a compromise between Kyiv and Washington on the content of a plan to propose to Moscow to end the fighting, following meetings in Berlin on Sunday and Monday between U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials. Zelensky, however, warned that Russia is preparing, in his view, for another “year of war” in 2026. A new round of talks between Ukraine and the United States will also take place tomorrow and Saturday as part of the peace negotiation. This was announced this morning by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reporters, without providing details on the composition of the delegation. “Our team will be in the United States tomorrow and Saturday; they are already on their way and the Americans are waiting for them. I don’t know who else might be present, perhaps there will be Europeans,” Zelensky said. No trilateral meetings between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are planned.
Salvini: “Tusk’s words are unacceptable”
“There are too many words of war even today, Tusk’s words are unacceptable, who said either money to Ukraine today or blood tomorrow in Brussels.” This was said by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on RTL 102.5, commenting on the words of Donald Tusk about military aid to Ukraine: “Let’s listen to the Holy Father, help the Trump process and avoid continuing to talk about war at the time of dialogue and diplomacy, not blackmail or threats.”
Council of the EU draft: “Guarantees for assets outside public debt”
“Member States’ guarantees are accounted for as contingent liabilities without any impact on the level of public debt of the Member States.” This is stated in the draft conclusions of the EU Summit relating to the chapter on Ukraine, separate from the general text. The guarantees must be provided by the participants in the scheme for loans to Kyiv based on immobilized Russian assets to cover the risks of retaliation by Russia, as requested by Belgium. “The European Union – it further reads – will act in full solidarity with the Member States and EU financial institutions affected in the context of the repair loan.”
Zelensky: Ukrainian delegation in U.S. for talks
The Ukrainian delegation will be in the United States tomorrow and Saturday for new talks. This was said by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to journalists, quoted by the Unn agency. “Our delegation will be in the United States, they are already on their way. The Americans are waiting for them there. I don’t know who else might be present, perhaps there will be Europeans,” he explained.
Merz: “I believe we will reach a solution on the assets”
“My impression is that we can reach a solution” on Russian assets. “I understand the concerns of some Member States, particularly the Belgian government. But I hope we can address them together, that we can also embark together on a path to send a signal of strength and determination from the European Union to Russia.” This was said by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz upon arriving at the European Council in Brussels.
Costa: We won’t leave here without a decision on how to help Ukraine
European leaders will not leave this week’s summit without a definitive decision to ensure Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026-2027, said Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. “We will never leave the Council without a definitive decision to ensure Ukraine’s financial needs,” Costa told reporters this morning.
Zelensky: A European decision on assets would be a serious problem for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in Brussels for the European Council meeting called to discuss the use of frozen Russian assets, stated that “a failure to decide would be a serious problem for Ukraine” which is awaiting aid from Europe.
Orbán: “The proposal on assets is stupid, there is no support to make it”
“Guarantees for what? The idea is completely stupid: there are two countries at war, it is not the EU, they are Russia and Ukraine. And someone, the European Union, wants to take the money from one of the warring parties and then give it to the other: it is a march into war. So the Belgian Prime Minister is right: we shouldn’t do it.” This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán upon his arrival at the EU leaders’ summit. Regarding the Prime Minister’s statements that the proposal for a repair loan to Ukraine based on immobilized Russian assets is no longer on the table at the summit, Orbán clarified that the proposal was in fact “killed” because “there is not enough support behind it.”
Tusk on assets: “Either money today or blood tomorrow”
For European leaders, the “choice” is simple: “Either money today or blood tomorrow. And I’m not talking about Ukraine, but about Europe.” This was said by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, arriving at the European Council in Brussels, which must decide on the use of frozen Russian assets.
Tajani: “Europeans are not piglets, but leaders elected by the people”
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani commented to reporters on the word “piglets” used by the Russian president to denigrate EU leaders: “We are not piglets, but leaders elected by the people.”
