Zelensky, Volodymyr

• Zelensky’s Assessment Darkens as Europeans Gather to Talk Peace - With Russia still seen as unlikely to stop fighting, the Ukrainian leader’s tone has shifted from upbeat to cautionary.
• Ukrainians Welcome a U.S. Victory in Venezuela, and Lament a Double Standard - Ukraine’s government supports the removal of a dictator while members of Parliament question the wisdom of endorsing military interventions, even against a Russian ally.
• 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.
• 6 Takeaways on the Unwinding U.S.-Ukraine Alliance - A Times investigation reveals the inside story of the Trump administration’s chaotic push for a peace deal and its erratic role in the war.
• How Russia and Ukraine Are Fighting to Shape President Trump’s View of the War - Off the battlefield, each side is trying to influence the American leader’s perception as they look to negotiate a peace settlement in their favor.
• Our Visual Journalism - We look at the best graphics from The Times in 2025.
• Zelensky and Netanyahu Go to Mar-a-Lago, and Student Loan Borrowers Face New Reality - Plus, food trends coming in 2026.
• For Zelensky, Just Keeping Trump Talking About Ukraine Peace Deal Counts as a Win - Though discussions produced little tangible progress, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine at least avoided the type of setbacks that have blighted earlier meetings.