NOW: US and Ukraine will hold peace talks TODAY after Trump warned Zelensky: Make a deal by Christmas

Washington, DC – December 10, 2025

The United States and Ukraine are set to convene critical peace talks today, just weeks after President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: Seal a deal with Russia by Christmas or risk losing American backing. The virtual discussions, confirmed by Zelensky on social media, come amid mounting pressure on Kyiv to accept concessions—including potential territorial losses in the Donbas region—in exchange for security guarantees and postwar reconstruction aid.

Zelensky announced the talks in a Telegram post early Wednesday, outlining a packed agenda that includes hashing out a "20-point fundamental document" aimed at defining the war's end parameters. "Today's schedule includes a conversation with the American side on a document detailing the process of Ukraine's recovery and economic development after the war," he wrote, adding that the talks would be followed by a virtual huddle with European allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Ukrainian leader expressed optimism, stating that a finalized version of the plan could be delivered to Trump's team "soon," incorporating "Ukrainian and European components" refined during recent consultations in London and Brussels.

The urgency stems from a two-hour phone call last week between Zelensky and a pair of Trump's high-profile envoys: Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and former Middle East peace architect, and real estate magnate Steve Witkoff. According to sources familiar with the discussion, the duo delivered Trump's blunt message—echoing his earlier Thanksgiving deadline—that a resolution must come by December 25, or the U.S. could pivot away from its role as Kyiv's chief benefactor. "The president wants to see a peace deal agreed within weeks," one official told the Financial Times, emphasizing Trump's frustration with the protracted conflict that has already drained billions in U.S. aid. Trump himself has publicly lamented the stalemate, telling Politico that Russia holds the "upper hand" and that Zelensky must "get on the ball and start accepting things" to avoid further losses.

The proposed U.S. framework, first floated in November, envisions Ukraine withdrawing troops from parts of the Russian-controlled Donbas—a key Kremlin demand for any ceasefire—in return for vague "security guarantees" from Washington and its allies. Postwar elements include economic revitalization packages and NATO-adjacent assurances, though Zelensky has repeatedly rejected any territorial cessions as a non-starter. "We have no legal or moral right to surrender our land," he declared during Monday's meetings with NATO and EU leaders, where he unveiled a counterproposal stripping out what he called "obvious anti-Ukrainian points." Ukrainian National Security Adviser Rustem Umerov echoed this resolve, telling reporters that while a "common understanding" on broad strokes has been reached, "minor details" remain, potentially paving the way for Zelensky's long-rumored Washington visit before month's end.

The White House, however, has downplayed accusations of arm-twisting, with spokespeople insisting the timeline is aspirational rather than ironclad. "We're pushing for peace, not pressure," one administration official said, noting Trump's repeated praise for Ukrainian "bravery" even as he critiques Europe's "talk but no production." Yet behind closed doors, the administration's impatience is palpable: Trump has tasked envoys like retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg with bridging gaps, and recent leaks suggest Kushner's involvement stems from his 2019 assessment of Zelensky as a pragmatic dealmaker.

European leaders are scrambling to align with Kyiv without alienating Trump. Starmer hosted Zelensky in London on Monday for what Downing Street called "frank and productive" exchanges, while Macron and Scholz joined a Brussels summit to bolster Ukraine's hand. "Our positions have been aligned on all issues," Zelensky posted on X after the meetings, signaling a united front against concessions. But analysts warn the clock is ticking: Russian President Vladimir Putin, fresh off talks with Witkoff in Moscow, has welcomed the U.S. overtures as "preliminary" but insists on additional conditions, including full demilitarization of annexed regions.

17GEN4.com