Former US President Donald Trump has outlined a peace plan for Ukraine that includes significant concessions to Russia, such as restoring energy flows to Europe and substantial US investment in Russian strategic sectors. This proposal, detailed in appendices to peace overtures delivered to European leaders, suggests American financial firms could tap $200 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets for projects in Ukraine. One notable project mentioned is a large data center powered by the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.

Trump’s plan also reportedly involves US companies investing in Russian industries like rare-earth extraction and Arctic oil drilling. The restoration of Russian energy supplies to Western Europe is a central tenet of his proposal. An unnamed European official reportedly likened these proposed US-Russian energy deals to an economic equivalent of the 1945 Yalta Conference, highlighting the significant geopolitical implications of such an arrangement.

These proposals emerge as military aid to Ukraine has seen a notable decline, particularly following the Trump administration’s stance that Kyiv must be compensated by other NATO countries for supplies. While European aid has continued, its flow has become more inconsistent, with varying levels of support across the continent. Data from the Kiel Institute indicates that Ukraine has received €32.5 billion ($37.8 billion) in military aid this year, a decrease from the average annual aid of €41.6 billion ($48.4 billion) provided between 2022 and 2024.

Despite the overall reduction in aid, several European nations have substantially increased their contributions. Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have notably boosted their assistance, while Germany has nearly tripled its monthly allocations. France and the UK have also more than doubled their contributions. Conversely, Spain has provided no new military aid in 2025, and Italy has reduced its already modest contributions by 15% compared to the 2022-2024 period.

Trump recently stated that “pretty strong words” were exchanged during a call with European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz, regarding his peace proposal. He also indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “has to be realistic” about his country’s position. The US will reportedly make a determination on future support based on Ukraine’s response to these proposals, suggesting a potential shift in American policy.

Sources indicate that Trump has set a Christmas deadline for Ukraine to accept his peace deal. This ultimatum was reportedly conveyed to President Zelensky by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Ukrainian officials suggest the Trump administration is pressuring Kyiv to cede territory in exchange for unspecified security guarantees, a condition they find lacking in detail and unacceptable given their stance on territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have launched a large mechanized assault in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, attempting to push through the northern part of the city. This offensive is part of Moscow’s broader campaign to seize the entire Donbas region. Fierce urban battles are reported in the northern sector, with Ukraine asserting it still holds control of this area, contradicting Russian claims of full control.

Separately, Russian air defenses reportedly shot down at least 31 drones targeting Moscow on Wednesday evening and overnight. The city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, confirmed the interception of the drones, which were downed over a period of approximately three and a half hours. Emergency crews were dispatched to examine debris, though no immediate reports of damage or casualties were provided. Airports in the Moscow area were temporarily shut down due to the drone activity, with flights diverted to St. Petersburg.

Tragically, a British soldier, Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment, was killed in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability. The Ministry of Defence confirmed his death, and Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to his courage and service in the cause of freedom and democracy.

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Keywords: Ukraine war, Trump peace plan, Russia energy, frozen Russian assets, military aid Ukraine, European leaders, Volodymyr Zelensky, Pokrovsk assault, Moscow drone attacks, British soldier killed