The goal would be to create a free economic zone that is not controlled by either military, Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy previously said that if Ukrainian forces were to withdraw from any territory, it would only be logical for Russian forces to withdraw the same amount. Zelenskyy also said the current draft includes a peacetime Ukrainian military of 800,000 troops. Two prominent Russian military bloggers pointed fingers at Ukrainian and European special services, blaming them for the attack and attempting to destabilise Russia from within. Another war reporter, Alexander Kots, wrote that the explosion “clearly bears the mocking signature” of special services from Ukraine and Britain.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 24, 2025 19:11 UTC