What's happened
In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
What's behind the headline?
Escalation Amid Diplomacy
The recent surge in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian urban centers starkly contrasts with simultaneous diplomatic overtures aimed at ending the conflict. This duality underscores a strategic calculus by Moscow to maintain military pressure while engaging in limited negotiations, possibly to strengthen its bargaining position.
Diplomatic Dynamics
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's active engagement with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, European leaders including France's Macron and Spain's Sánchez, and planned talks in Turkey reflect Kyiv's push to consolidate international support. However, Russia's refusal to send representatives to these talks, despite openness to indirect discussions, signals a reluctance to compromise on core demands such as territorial control and NATO non-membership.
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
The targeting of energy infrastructure ahead of winter exacerbates civilian hardship, aiming to undermine Ukrainian resilience. The use of glide bombs and large-scale drone swarms demonstrates Russia's intent to inflict sustained damage despite international condemnation.
Forecast and Consequences
Without substantive Russian engagement, peace talks risk remaining symbolic. Continued attacks will likely harden Ukrainian resolve and international support, potentially prolonging the conflict. The diplomatic focus may shift towards securing military aid and sanctions rather than immediate ceasefire agreements.
Relevance to Readers
The conflict's trajectory affects global energy markets, security alliances, and humanitarian concerns. Understanding the interplay between military actions and diplomacy is crucial for grasping the war's evolving nature and its broader geopolitical implications.
What the papers say
The New York Times, through Cassandra Vinograd and Maria Varenikova, highlights the scale of Russian attacks, noting "36 missiles and 596 attack drones" targeting Kyiv and other regions, and Zelenskyy's diplomatic engagements with U.S. and Turkish officials. Reuters emphasizes the stalled negotiations, quoting Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating "no Russian representatives will be present" at upcoming talks, while Zelenskyy prepares to "reinvigorate negotiations." AP News provides detailed accounts of attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro, and reports on European leaders' insistence that any peace deal must include Ukraine's sovereignty and security guarantees, with Ursula Von der Leyen stating, "There can be no limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces." The NY Post reports on the large-scale drone and missile assaults killing civilians and disrupting utilities, alongside Trump's involvement in drafting a peace plan and sending envoys to Russia and Ukraine. Arab News and The Independent describe the humanitarian impact of attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Odesa, with rescue operations underway and infrastructure damaged. These sources collectively portray a complex picture of ongoing conflict amid fragile diplomatic efforts, with varying emphasis on military details, political negotiations, and humanitarian consequences.
How we got here
The nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine has seen repeated missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilian infrastructure and energy systems. Diplomatic efforts, led by the U.S. and involving Turkey and European nations, have sought to negotiate a ceasefire, but progress has stalled amid territorial disputes and ongoing hostilities.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles to peace between Ukraine and Russia?
- How are European countries involved in the Ukraine conflict?
- What impact do the attacks have on Ukrainian civilians?
Common question
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What’s the latest on Ukraine’s efforts to negotiate peace with Russia?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to dominate headlines, with diplomatic efforts playing a crucial role in seeking peace. Recently, Ukraine has been actively pursuing negotiations, including plans to visit Turkey to revive talks. However, progress remains slow, and several hurdles stand in the way. Understanding the current state of these negotiations, the importance of Turkey as a mediator, and the broader regional implications can help clarify what’s happening now and what might come next.
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What Are the Latest Developments in the Ukraine Conflict?
The Ukraine conflict continues to evolve rapidly, with recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and ongoing diplomatic efforts shaping the current landscape. People are asking about recent military actions, peace negotiations, and international responses. Here are the key questions and answers to help you understand what's happening now.
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Why Are Ukraine and Russia's Peace Talks Stalled?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen diplomatic efforts hit a dead end, with peace talks stalled despite international pressure. Many wonder what’s causing the impasse and whether there’s hope for future negotiations. Below, we explore the key reasons behind the deadlock and what it means for the future of peace in the region.
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Why Are Ukraine and Russia Fighting Again Now?
The recent surge in fighting between Ukraine and Russia has raised many questions. Why are hostilities flaring up after months of relative calm? What are the main issues driving this renewed conflict? And what are the chances for peace? Below, we explore the latest developments, diplomatic efforts, and the key obstacles to ending the war.
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What’s happening with the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza?
Recent developments in Ukraine and Gaza have raised global concerns about escalating violence and the prospects for peace. From Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities to ongoing clashes in Gaza, many are wondering what’s driving these conflicts and what might happen next. Below, we explore the latest updates and answer common questions about these complex situations.
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Why Are Russia and Ukraine Fighting Again?
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated again in late 2025, with renewed missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Many wonder what’s driving this renewed violence and what it means for peace efforts. Below, we explore the reasons behind the fighting, current peace negotiations, and how civilians are affected.
More on these topics
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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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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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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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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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov is a Russian diplomat, translator and Turkologist. Since 2012, Peskov has been the Press Secretary for the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
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Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón is a Spanish politician serving as Prime Minister of Spain since 2 June 2018. On 7 January 2020, Pedro Sanchez was confirmed by the Congress of Deputies as Prime Minister with a lead of just two votes, heading the first coa
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Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhia, or Zaporizhzhya, also known as Zaporozhye and formerly as Alexandrovsk or Oleksandrivsk, is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnipro. It is the administrative centre of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Zaporiz
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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