Zelenskyy announces meeting with Trump, Russia plans to recruit over 400,000 soldiers next year - Friday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing for a high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss a peace plan, signaling intensified diplomatic efforts ahead of the New Year. At the same time, Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia is planning to recruit more than 400,000 additional troops, underscoring Moscow’s intent to sustain and expand its military campaign despite ongoing peace discussions.
Read more about what happened on Friday, December 26.
Zelenskyy announces upcoming meeting with Trump on peace plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with US President Donald Trump in the near future to discuss a peace plan, the head of state reported.
"We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level — with President Trump in the near future. A lot could be decided before the New Year," Zelenskyy said.
Witkoff and Kushner see Russia as a potential Eldorado for US — WSJ
Special envoys of US President Donald Trump — former real estate developer Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — want to turn Russia into an El Dorado for the United States. However, there are far too many obstacles standing in the way, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Witkoff and Kushner believe that Russia could become something akin to the mythical El Dorado for the United States — a country of vast natural resources and lucrative business opportunities. Reintegrating Russia into the global economy, they argue, would bring profits to American investors and help stabilize relations between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe.
Russia plans to recruit over 400,000 soldiers next year, Ukrainian intelligence chief says
The Russian regime has fulfilled its 2025 mobilization plan, recruiting 403,000 personnel into its army. Currently, Russia has set its 2026 mobilization target at 409,000 personnel, according to the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.
According to Budanov, Russia had already recruited 403,000 personnel by early December, meaning the enemy even exceeded its 2025 mobilization goals.
Street fighting, propaganda, and 'flag runners': Frontline situations in Huliaipole
Huliaipole is currently facing one of the most difficult situations on the front line. Russian occupying forces are trying to enter the city, move in groups to establish positions, and push Ukraine’s Defense Forces out of the urban area. Russia is using infiltration tactics, small assault groups, and so-called “flag runners,” Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn stated in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
According to Voloshyn, 20–25 combat clashes are recorded inside the city every day. Russian “fixation groups” are infiltrating the eastern part of Huliaipole and, at times, manage to reach central areas. The main fighting is currently taking place in the city center and closer to the western and southern parts of Huliaipole.
