What's happened
On December 24-25, 2025, Ukraine withdrew its forces from the eastern town of Siversk in Donetsk to preserve soldiers' lives amid Russian advances. Russia claims control of Siversk, a strategic point near key Ukrainian strongholds. Fighting continues nearby, with Ukraine maintaining fire control. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky unveiled a new 20-point peace plan including NATO-style guarantees, but Russia is unlikely to accept it. Pope Leo called for a Christmas truce, lamenting Russia's refusal.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Significance of Siversk's Fall
The withdrawal from Siversk marks a tactical setback for Ukraine but reflects a strategic decision to preserve combat effectiveness amid overwhelming Russian pressure. The town's loss weakens Ukraine's defensive 'fortress belt' in Donetsk, edging Russian forces closer to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, critical urban centers still under Ukrainian control.
Peace Plan Amid Battlefield Realities
President Zelensky's new 20-point peace proposal, offering NATO-style security guarantees and plans for reconstruction, attempts to balance Kyiv's security concerns with diplomatic pragmatism. However, Moscow's recent battlefield gains and domestic political constraints make Kremlin acceptance unlikely, especially as Putin insists on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk and rejects NATO membership for Ukraine.
The Role of External Actors
US involvement remains pivotal, mediating talks and shaping proposals, but Zelensky warns that peace without European diplomatic engagement is unrealistic. The Pope's call for a Christmas truce underscores global desire for peace, yet Russia's rejection and continued attacks highlight the war's intractability.
Forecast and Implications
The conflict will likely continue with incremental territorial shifts rather than decisive breakthroughs. Ukraine's tactical withdrawals may preserve forces for future counteroffensives. The peace process faces significant hurdles, with territorial concessions and security guarantees at the core of disagreement. Civilians remain at risk amid ongoing strikes and infrastructure damage, emphasizing the war's humanitarian toll.
Impact on Readers
For global audiences, the story illustrates the complexity of modern conflict where military, diplomatic, and humanitarian dimensions intertwine. The evolving battlefield and stalled diplomacy suggest continued instability in the region, with implications for international security and energy markets.
What the papers say
Ivan Nechepurenko of The New York Times highlights Zelensky's new peace proposal as a 'reasonable compromise' including security guarantees and reconstruction plans, but notes Moscow's likely rejection given battlefield advances and domestic challenges. Maroosha Muzaffar in The Independent details the Ukrainian withdrawal from Siversk, describing the town's strategic importance and ongoing fighting around Pokrovsk, while also reporting on Russian drone attacks on Moscow and Ukrainian strikes on Russian facilities. Arpan Rai, also in The Independent, provides insight into Russia's slow but steady advances and the impact on civilian infrastructure, including WhatsApp restrictions in Russia amid the conflict. Al Jazeera offers a detailed military perspective, emphasizing Ukraine's tactical withdrawal to preserve forces and the significance of Siversk in the Donbas defense line, while also reporting on Pope Leo's disappointment over Russia's refusal of a Christmas truce. France 24 and The Moscow Times corroborate the fall of Siversk and the ongoing fighting, with France 24 highlighting the humanitarian impact of Russian strikes and the precarious state of the Chernobyl shelter. The Pope's calls for peace, reported by NY Post and Arab News, add a moral dimension to the conflict narrative, underscoring global hopes for a ceasefire despite continued hostilities. These sources collectively portray a war marked by grinding territorial changes, stalled diplomacy, and persistent humanitarian concerns.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, eastern Ukraine has been a major battleground. Siversk, with a pre-war population of around 10,000, was a key defensive town in Donetsk's 'fortress belt.' Russia has steadily advanced, capturing significant territory despite Ukrainian resistance. Peace talks mediated by the US have yet to yield a breakthrough, with territorial disputes central to the impasse.
Go deeper
- What are the key points of Zelensky's new peace plan?
- Why did Ukraine withdraw from Siversk and what does it mean strategically?
- What is Russia's stance on the peace negotiations and ceasefire proposals?
Common question
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What is the latest on Russia's advances in Ukraine?
Recent developments in Ukraine show Russia making significant territorial gains, including the capture of Siversk. As the conflict continues to evolve, many are wondering what this means for Ukraine's defense and the possibility of negotiations. Here are the key questions and answers about the current major political and military developments in the region.
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What Are the Latest Developments in Ukraine and Global Reactions?
Recent military advances in Ukraine have captured worldwide attention, especially with Russia's recent capture of Siversk. This ongoing conflict raises many questions about its significance, the reactions from global powers, and what might happen next. Below, we explore the key aspects of this evolving situation to keep you informed about the latest in Ukraine and international responses.
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What’s the Latest on Ukraine’s War and Peace Efforts?
The Ukraine conflict continues to evolve rapidly, with recent military withdrawals, new peace proposals, and international calls for ceasefires. People are asking about the current military situation, whether peace efforts will succeed, and what Russia’s response is. Here are the key updates and answers to your most pressing questions about the ongoing war and peace prospects.
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Are US and Russia Heading for a New Cold War?
With ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, many are wondering if we're on the brink of a new Cold War. Recent military actions, diplomatic moves, and territorial conflicts suggest a complex and evolving global rivalry. Below, we explore key questions about the current state of international relations, the impact of US and Russian actions, and what the future might hold.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories This Holiday Season?
This holiday season has been packed with major events spanning war, politics, and entertainment. From Ukraine's strategic withdrawals to global conflicts and high-profile legal cases, there's a lot happening that impacts the world. Curious about the latest updates and what they mean for you? Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this busy news period.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. They are organized into three service branches—the Ground Forces, Navy, and Aerospace Forces—three independent combat arms (the S
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Siversk (Ukrainian: Сіверськ, IPA: [ˈs⁽ʲ⁾iwersʲk]; Russian: Северск, romanized: Seversk), formerly known as Yama (Яма) until 1973, is a city in Bakhmut Raion, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. Its economy has traditionally been based aroun
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are the military forces of Ukraine. All military and security forces, including the Armed Forces, are under the command of the president of Ukraine and subject to oversight by a permanent Verkhovna Rada parliamentary...
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Bakhmut is a city and the administrative centre of Bakhmut Raion in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. It is located on the Bakhmutovka River about 89 km away from the administrative center of Donetsk Oblast, Donetsk. Population: 71,094