Zelenskyy prepared for a sacrifice - but one issue he won't bow to
Share this @internewscast.com
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken about his readiness to drop his country’s bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees, but rejected the US push for ceding territory to Russia as he arrived in Berlin for talks with American envoys on ending the war.
Zelenskyy arrived at the Chancellery ahead of the expected talks with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, part of a series of meetings in Berlin between Ukrainian, US and European officials.

Before the talks commenced, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed journalists via audio messages shared in a WhatsApp group chat. He expressed Ukraine’s expectation for the West to provide security guarantees akin to those enjoyed by NATO members, following the United States and some European countries’ decision against Ukraine joining the alliance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is greeted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the high-stakes talks in Berlin.(AP)

Russia and Ukraine exchange aerial attacks

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported a significant overnight assault by Russia, which included ballistic missiles and 138 attack drones. Of these, 110 were intercepted or destroyed, yet impacts were felt in six different locations.

On Sunday, Zelenskyy highlighted the ongoing struggle to restore essential services such as electricity, heat, and water in the southern, eastern, and northeastern regions. These areas remained severely affected after a major attack the night before, leaving hundreds of thousands of families without power.

Over the past week, Russia has launched an extensive barrage against Ukraine, including over 1,500 strike drones, nearly 900 guided aerial bombs, and 46 various missiles, according to the Ukrainian president.

“Ukraine seeks peace on terms that are fair, and we are committed to working diligently towards this goal. The coming days will be heavily focused on diplomatic efforts, and it is crucial that these efforts yield positive results,” Zelenskyy stated.

In a separate statement, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that their air defenses successfully downed 235 Ukrainian drones late Saturday and into early Sunday.

In the Belgorod region, a drone injured a man and set his house ablaze in the village of Yasnye Zori, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

Ukrainian drones struck an oil depot in Uryupinsk in the Volgograd region, triggering a fire, according to regional Gov. Andrei Bocharov.

In the Krasnodar region, the Ukrainian drones attacked the town of Afipsky, where an oil refinery is located. Authorities said that explosions shattered windows in residential buildings, but didn’t report any damage to the refinery.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Determined woman reviewing job opportunities online

Job Stability Reigns: Why Most Australians Are Choosing Career Consistency in 2023

The “Great Resignation” era is coming to an end and workers are…
Mother charged over kids' deaths in fire skips court

Tragic Fire Case: Mother Accused in Children’s Deaths Misses Court Appearance

Authorities are looking for a mother charged over the death of two…
Kristi Noem

US Government Confiscates Sixth Sanctioned Tanker Linked to Venezuela Amid Heightened Tensions

In a recent development, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced via social…
Ioannis Vidiniotis, 28, was swimming with his loved ones at Cottlesoe Beach in Perth - the city's postcard location - on New Year's Eve when he struck his head on a sandback.

Devastating NYE Accident at Iconic Australian Beach Leaves Tourist Fighting for Mobility

A Greek tourist visiting his family in Australia for the holidays may…

Australia Issues Advisory for Middle East Travelers Amid Iran’s Airspace Reopening

The Australian government has sent fresh warnings for travellers to the Middle…
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 capsule

Historic NASA Medical Evacuation: Ailing Astronaut Safely Returns to Earth for Urgent Care

An ailing astronaut returned to Earth with three others on Thursday, ending…
Federal immigration officers at the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Breaking News: Federal Officer Involved in Minneapolis Shooting – Latest Updates & Community Reactions

A person has been shot in the leg by a US federal…

Major Victory: Labor Celebrates Surge in Under-16 Social Media Account Deletions and Restrictions

The government has hailed data showing over 4.7 million under-16 accounts had…
Residents trapped in flash floods open up on moment 'tsunami' hit

Survivors Share Harrowing Tales of Flash Floods Striking Like a ‘Tsunami

Two holidaygoers caught in yesterday’s “tsunami” flash flood in Victoria have spoken…
Construction crane collapse Thailand

Thailand Construction Crisis: New Accident Strikes Following Devastating Rail Tragedy

While there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding fatalities from Thursday’s incident,…
ASIO Director-General of Security Mike Burgess during a press conference following a shooting at Bondi, at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday 14 December 2025.

Unyielding Extremists: ASIO’s Struggle to Dismantle Defiant Radical Islamic Group

Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia has penned an open letter to ASIO director-general Mike…

Trump Announces Decrease in Violence in Iran Amid US Troop Withdrawal from Middle East

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle…