Divergent Proposals Emerge Amid Push for Resolution
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on December 26 that documentation for Kyiv's updated 20-point peace proposal is nearly complete, with plans to present it for national referendum if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. The announcement comes ahead of Zelenskyy's scheduled December 28 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, where security guarantees and territorial disputes will dominate discussions.
Moscow Rejects Kyiv's Framework
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov immediately countered that Ukraine's plan differs fundamentally from the 27-point framework Moscow has negotiated directly with Washington. While acknowledging progress in recent U.S.-Russia talks, Ryabkov warned that artificial deadlines could derail negotiations, emphasizing that substantive agreements must precede timelines.
Military Production Surge Continues
As diplomatic efforts intensify, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed dramatic increases in defense manufacturing during a strategic review meeting. Key production figures compared to 2022 levels show ammunition output rising 22-fold and body armor production up nearly 18 times, signaling Moscow's preparedness for prolonged conflict.
Expert Analysis: Strategic Calculations
Analysts suggest Russia's military-industrial expansion and cautious diplomatic stance reflect confidence in its battlefield position. With U.S. involvement remaining pivotal, both Kyiv and Moscow appear to prioritize Washington's engagement over direct bilateral talks. The coming week's high-level meetings could determine whether competing proposals can be reconciled or risk hardening into irreconcilable positions.
