Downing Street has issued a stark warning to Vladimir Putin, demanding he stop the killing and prove he is serious about peace, as former US President Donald Trump claims a deal to end the war in Ukraine is 'closer than ever before'.
Delicate Talks and Devastating Attacks
The Prime Minister's official spokesman stated that negotiations for a Ukraine peace deal are at a delicate stage. This statement came less than a day after Mr Trump's optimistic comments and followed a weekend of what the UK described as 'devastating Russian attacks' on Ukrainian territory.
'Whilst we are always hopeful of a peace deal that secures a just and lasting peace, over the weekend there have been a series of devastating Russian attacks on Ukraine,' the spokesman said. 'If Putin is serious about peace he would stop the killing and end his campaign and seriously engage in the peace deal that is on the table. We can only judge him on his actions.'
Trump's Optimism and Zelensky's Stance
The warning from Number 10 stands in contrast to the positive tone struck by Donald Trump. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida, Mr Trump told reporters on Sunday, 29 December 2025, that an agreement was 'closer than ever' with both parties.
He revealed that talks on a security guarantee for Ukraine were 'close to 95%' complete, though both leaders acknowledged 'thorny issues' remain. It was agreed that Mr Trump would host European leaders and a Ukrainian delegation for further discussions in January, possibly in Washington.
President Zelensky confirmed that the US is offering Ukraine security guarantees for a period of 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan, but said he would prefer an American commitment of up to 50 years to deter Russia. 'Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end,' he stated.
Sticking Points and Russian Advances
However, significant obstacles remain. While details of the security guarantees are not public, Mr Zelensky indicated they include the 'presence' of partners. This could become a major sticking point, as Vladimir Putin has previously said he will not accept the deployment of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Russian leader claimed his forces were advancing in the eastern Donetsk region and pressing their offensive in southern Zaporizhzhia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and the US President are expected to speak in the near future, but there is no indication the Russian leader would speak directly to President Zelensky.
The UK government emphasised its ongoing collaboration, stating: 'On all levels we've been working with our Ukrainian and US counterparts for some weeks now to secure a deal that ensures Russia is never able to invade again.' Hopes are that negotiations may come to a head next month, ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
