Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV as he continues seeking support amid peace talks
President Volodymyr Zelensky is also set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later in the day as he continues a tour of European capitals.
Team
Tim Zadorozhnyy
ReporterTim Zadorozhnyy is the reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in foreign policy, U.S.-Ukraine relations, and political developments across Europe and Russia. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations and the European Studies program at Lazarski University, offered in partnership with Coventry University. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa in 2022. After relocating to Warsaw, he spent a year and a half with the Belarusian independent media outlet NEXTA, initially as a news anchor and later as managing editor. Tim is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Articles
EU approves new defense program, opens path for Ukraine's industry integration
Within this program, 300 million euros ($350 million) will fund a dedicated Ukraine Support Instrument that focuses on modernizing Ukraine's defense industry and integrating it into the EU's broader defense-manufacturing network.
Ukraine is cautiously optimistic as Trump's son-in-law enters peace talks
As U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner takes on a more active role in the latest peace push, Ukrainian officials say they are cautiously optimistic about his involvement.
Kushner joined U.S.-Ukraine negotiations in Geneva on Nov. 23 and in Florida on Nov. 30, and then traveled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 2.
"The very fact that Trump added Kushner is a good sign," Oleksandr Merezhko, the chair of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee
Putin wraps up first India visit in 4 years, touts 'privileged partnership' on oil, defense
President Vladimir Putin said Russia would continue supplying fuel to India's "rapidly growing economy," calling Moscow a reliable energy partner.
Exclusive: Finnish president warns Europe that US likely talked with Russia while negotiating with Ukraine
The discussion reflected growing concern in European capitals over Washington's posture as the latest peace push moves forward.
Russia 'ready right now' for war with Europe, Putin says before meeting US envoy
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Europe "has no peaceful agenda" and "is on the side of war" just before meeting U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff-Putin talks end without breakthrough on Russia-Ukraine peace deal
"So far, no compromise version of a peace settlement has been found, but some American proposals look more or less acceptable… the work will continue," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said.
Court orders detention of Zelensky's fugitive associate in Ukraine's biggest corruption case
Businessman Timur Mindich, a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky, fled Ukraine before the court considered the motion.
Ukraine rejects Kazakhstan's criticism over drone strike on Russian oil terminal
"No actions by Ukraine are directed against Kazakhstan or other third parties — all of Ukraine's efforts are focused on repelling full-scale Russian aggression," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said.
Ukraine's Umerov meets Trump envoy Witkoff again after Florida talks, White House says
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held another meeting with Ukrainian negotiator and top security official Rustem Umerov in Florida, a White House official told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 1.
Why Trump's peace plan is unlikely to end Russia's war in Ukraine
As U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his effort to force a negotiated end to Russia's full-scale invasion, a central question hangs over Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow: What happens next — and can this push yield anything at all?
The answer, according to analysts, is increasingly clear.
Despite weeks of frantic diplomacy and pressure from Washington, the signs emerging ahead of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s trip to Moscow this week look bleak.
Just days before the U.S.-Ukraine consultations
'Time to update' Ukraine's defense documents, Zelensky says after meeting top military, intelligence officials
"The course of military operations has demonstrated what should become the new priorities," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Drone attack forces oil terminal in Russia's Novorossiysk to halt all loading operations
The attack seriously damaged the mooring point two (SMP-2), prompting port authorities to halt all loading operations and order tankers out of the water area.
'Successful' Ukrainian naval drone strike disables 2 Russian shadow fleet tankers, source says
The operation targeted ships that, according to the source, could have transported nearly $70 million worth of oil and helped Moscow bypass international sanctions.
Zelensky's ex-chief of staff Yermak says he's 'going to the front' after resigning amid corruption probe
"I'm going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals... I am an honest and decent person," Former Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said.
