Bloomberg: European leaders discuss Ukraine as Russia revises negotiating stance

European leaders held a high-level call on December 30 to discuss the situation in Ukraine after Russia said it would revise its negotiating position, citing an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, Bloomberg reports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia would “toughen” its stance but did not provide details. Ukrainian officials dismissed the claim as fabricated.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said Kyiv’s allies in the Coalition of the Willing would convene next week. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also participated. Merz emphasised that “transparency and honesty are now required from everyone – including Russia.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised India and the UAE for condemning the alleged attack, noting they had not condemned ongoing Russian strikes against civilians in Ukraine. He also said he had “100% agreed” on US-Ukraine security guarantees with President Donald Trump during a visit to Mar-a-Lago, though details remain unclear. Ukraine seeks potential deployment of foreign troops along its borders and lines of contact.

Despite diplomatic talks, Russian President Putin continues to insist on maximalist demands, including territorial claims in eastern Ukraine. Russian officials claim Ukraine attempted an attack with 91 drones and have warned of retaliation. Zelenskyy warned Moscow could use these claims as a pretext for attacks on Kyiv.

Ukraine has revised a US-proposed 28-point peace plan to 20 points, though Moscow says some elements remain unacceptable. Zelenskyy said meetings with European partners and Trump are planned in January, potentially followed by discussions with Russian officials.