Ukraine and Russia Engage in Drone Strikes Amid Peace Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that he believes the United States "wants to reach a final agreement" to end the conflict in Ukraine, expressing Kyiv's full cooperation toward a peace deal. He emphasized that Ukraine has never been, and will never be, an obstacle to peace.

Overnight into Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia conducted drone operations. Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing at least 195 Ukrainian drones, including five over the Moscow region, with two allegedly heading toward the capital. In response, flight restrictions were implemented at Moscow's Domodedovo and Vnukovo international airports, as well as at airports in Volgograd, Yaroslavl, Orenburg, Ufa, and Orsk.

Conversely, Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 116 drones into Ukrainian territory overnight, of which 60 were intercepted or suppressed. The remaining drones impacted 19 locations across the country.

On Tuesday night, President Zelenskyy noted that repair crews were working to restore power following a significant Russian drone and missile strike on Monday night. He highlighted the efforts to ensure electricity availability for Christmas, acknowledging the challenges posed by ongoing attacks.

During a briefing in Kyiv, Zelenskyy disclosed details of a 20-point peace plan negotiated with the U.S., currently under review by Moscow. He mentioned that all parties are "much closer" to finalizing the documents and anticipates a response from Moscow on Wednesday. The proposed framework includes security guarantees from the U.S., NATO, and European partners, though territorial issues remain unresolved. Under the draft plan, Ukraine would hold a presidential election promptly after any agreement is signed.

The plan also outlines that Article-5-style security guarantees would be activated if Russia attacks Ukraine again, even without Ukrainian NATO membership. Zelenskyy reiterated Kyiv's rejection of any ban on joining the alliance, a key Russian demand.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on recent U.S. communications. Peskov indicated that Russia intends to formulate its future position based on the information received and will continue contacts through existing channels in the near future.

Additionally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov noted that Moscow and Washington have "significant similarities" in their positions on a potential settlement.