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Ukraine presents US-backed peace proposal to Russia
Ukraine presents US-backed peace proposal to Russia amid ongoing drone strikes and escalating tensions
Ukraine presents US-backed peace proposal to Russia amid ongoing drone strikes and escalating tensions
– Ukrainian President Zelenskyy offered a 20-point peace proposal to Russia to end the four-year war.
– The plan requires Russian troop withdrawal and includes NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine’s defence.
Ukraine has formally presented a US-backed 20-point peace proposal to Russia, offering a potential framework to end the nearly four-year war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the revised plan on December 23 after weeks of negotiations with American officials and formally delivered it to the Kremlin on December 24. The proposal includes NATO-style security guarantees, demilitarized zones in eastern Ukraine, and other measures designed to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty while reducing the risk of future conflict.
Under the plan, Ukraine would maintain a peacetime force of 800,000 troops and remain a non-nuclear state, with “Article 5-like” guarantees from the United States, NATO, and European partners. Territorial arrangements would require Russian forces to withdraw from parts of Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. Zelenskyy also floated the creation of demilitarized “free economic zones” in parts of Donetsk Oblast, but only if Russian troops pull back as well. One of the most contentious issues remains the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with the US proposing joint management by Ukraine, Russia, and the US, while Zelenskyy countered with a Ukraine-US partnership giving Americans oversight of their allocated energy share.
Fragile reality
Even as peace efforts advanced, the conflict raged on. On Christmas night, Russia launched 131 drones across Ukraine, with 106 intercepted by Ukrainian forces but 22 hitting 15 locations. The attacks killed at least two people and caused widespread power outages in several regions. The strikes highlighted the fragile reality of negotiations, showing that the road to peace remains perilous.
Moscow has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the proposal, though Russian officials have repeatedly rejected key provisions, including NATO-style security guarantees and territorial concessions. The agreement would be overseen by a Peace Council chaired by US President Donald Trump, with violations triggering automatic sanctions. Ratification would require either approval by Ukraine’s parliament or a nationwide referendum within 60 days, with a full ceasefire taking effect immediately once all parties accept the deal.
The plan represents the most comprehensive effort yet to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, balancing security guarantees, territorial compromises, and oversight of strategic infrastructure. However, with ongoing attacks and deeply entrenched positions on both sides, analysts warn that achieving lasting peace will require unprecedented diplomacy and international cooperation.
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OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.
The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.
The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.
Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.
This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.
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Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board
Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.
Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.
The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
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Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation
Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.
Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.
Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.
The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.
Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.
Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.
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