December
⌨
Ukrainian media started the day continuing its focus on the US-Ukraine negotiations in Florida, with reports highlighting discussions on American pressure on Moscow and potential peace deals. By mid-morning, the focus shifted dramatically to a Russian missile strike on Dnipro, with reports of multiple casualties, including fatalities and injuries, dominating headlines. Updates throughout the afternoon detailed the rising number of victims, with some outlets reporting a day of mourning. In the late afternoon and evening, attention also turned to President Zelenskyy's efforts to secure support for a peace plan, particularly addressing the territorial question, following his meeting with Macron and discussions with Witkoff.
⌨
Ukrainian media prominently featured the unconventional approach of Trump's administration to peace negotiations, with reports detailing his team's visit to Moscow in the morning. President Zelenskyy's visit to Ireland also received coverage, along with ongoing discussions about replacements for ministers dismissed due to the "Mindichgate" scandal.
Later, the focus shifted to the Ukrainian delegation's update to Zelenskyy regarding peace plan negotiations with the US, even as Russia stated its intention to achieve war goals through these "peace talks." In the evening, a significant development emerged: Trump reportedly refused further financial aid to Ukraine, citing "disorder." Concurrently, NATO intelligence indicated Russia controlled over 95% of Pokrovsk.
Later, the focus shifted to the Ukrainian delegation's update to Zelenskyy regarding peace plan negotiations with the US, even as Russia stated its intention to achieve war goals through these "peace talks." In the evening, a significant development emerged: Trump reportedly refused further financial aid to Ukraine, citing "disorder." Concurrently, NATO intelligence indicated Russia controlled over 95% of Pokrovsk.
⌨
The day began with Ukrainian media reporting on the conclusion of nearly five-hour talks between Putin and US special representatives, Witkoff and Kushner. Initially, the Kremlin characterized the discussion as “constructive,” but quickly followed with statements indicating no compromise had been reached regarding Ukraine and no meeting between Putin and Trump was planned. This lack of progress was consistently highlighted through the morning. Concurrently, a Russian strike on Ternivka in Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in two deaths and three injuries. By early afternoon, Parliament approved the 2026 state budget, allocating a significant portion to military spending. Later, despite earlier reports of no compromise, the US reportedly assessed the talks positively and extended an invitation for a Ukrainian delegation to continue peace negotiations in America, a development confirmed by President Zelenskyy in the evening. This shift in US perspective was noted alongside reports of a Ukrainian strike on a Russian oil depot.
⌨
The day's reporting focused significantly on the aftermath of Trump's representatives' visit to Moscow, with his team then set to meet Umerov in Miami to discuss a "peace plan." Trump offered an ambiguous assessment of his Moscow talks, while Putin commented on the discussions and made statements about the "liberation" of Donbas. Later in the day, a major development emerged with reports that Macron warned Zelenskyy, and also expressed concerns with Merz, that the United States might "betray Ukraine and Europe." Concurrently, Ukrainian forces were reported to be holding the northern part of Pokrovsk, engaging in over 130 battles, and a Ukrainian strike on a Russian chemical plant in the Stavropol region was also confirmed.
⌨
Ukrainian media coverage on December 5th primarily centered on shifts in US policy regarding the war. Early reports noted a security incident involving drones near President Zelenskyy’s flight in Dublin and drone attacks in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. However, the dominant narrative emerged as the US updated its national security strategy, with headlines emphasizing that the US declared the war's conclusion its "main interest" and a priority for the Trump administration. This followed earlier concerns among NATO capitals about US "freelance diplomacy" in Miami talks. Concurrently, a domestic story gained traction as a Ukrainian MP faced searches and accusations of leading a criminal group, and later in the day, was officially notified of suspicion. Further, the US signaled a potential withdrawal from NATO defense programs if Europe does not assume more responsibility by 2027.
⌨
Ukrainian media focused heavily on a massive wave of Russian missile and drone attacks throughout the day. Early reports detailed air raid alerts across the country, escalating to confirmed hits on infrastructure, including a railway station in Fastiv, leading to casualties and significant damage. By mid-morning, the scale of the assault became clear, with reports of over 50 missiles and 653 UAVs launched, impacting 29 locations, including energy facilities, which subsequently led to emergency power outages across multiple regions. Concurrently, diplomatic efforts continued, with President Zelenskyy and US representatives holding discussions on a "peace plan," while Ukrainian forces conducted counter-attacks on Russian targets, including oil refineries and a shell casing factory, amidst intense fighting on the front lines.