Kyiv (Ukraine)

• Ukrainian Politics Has Reawakened. Zelensky Must Tread Carefully. - The Ukrainian leader is reshuffling his cabinet as a corruption scandal reshapes the political landscape at a pivotal point in peace negotiations.
• Ukraine’s Zelensky Names Kyrylo Budanov as New Chief of Staff - Kyrylo Budanov, who has served as Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, is seen as a potential rival to Mr. Zelensky if elections are held.
• Another New Year at War: Ukraine’s Troops Doubt It Will Be the Last - After a year of Russian advances, the goal for 2026 is simply to survive, said one officer in eastern Ukraine. “It’s hard to make any plans,” he said.
• Zelensky to Meet With Trump at Mar-a-Lago About Plan to End War With Russia - President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine brings a revised 20-point peace proposal, as well as doubts about whether Russia is serious about pursuing peace.
• Russia Attacks Kyiv Ahead of Trump-Zelensky Meeting - The assault began at around 1:30 a.m. local time and was continuing into the morning.
• ‘Carol of the Bells’ Once Filled the Air Here. Now It’s Only Bombs. - Mykola Leontovych, the Ukrainian composer of the famed festive song, lived in the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Months of Russian assaults have erased most tributes to his life there.
• Ukraine Could Be ‘Ready for Elections,’ Zelensky Says - The Ukrainian president told reporters that a vote could be held in 60 to 90 days if the country received security protections from the United States.
• Zelensky’s Government Sabotaged Oversight, Allowing Corruption in Ukraine to Fester - Ukrainian leaders blame independent advisers for failing to prevent graft. A Times investigation found that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s own administration removed guardrails.
• Russia Bombards Ukraine for Nearly 10 Hours in a Deadly Assault - The attack came as U.S. officials were expected to hold peace talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials in the coming days.