**Peace Talks in Ukraine Could Start This Winter**
Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, says that peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine could start as early as this winter. He made this announcement on December 10 during a government meeting.
Tusk said that Poland will play an active role in the talks, which are expected to begin soon. The Polish leader also confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Warsaw later this week to brief him on his discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine is preparing a coalition of its key allies, including the US and European nations, to coordinate positions for both battlefield and diplomatic strategies. A meeting of these partners is planned for December.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has said that he would closely coordinate the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine with the US and European partners.
**Conflict Continues**
Despite the potential for peace talks, the conflict in Ukraine continues. Russian attacks across the country have killed at least three civilians and injured 14 over the past day, regional authorities reported on December 10.
Russian soldiers are increasingly sabotaging their own boats and equipment to avoid attacking the Dnipro River islands on the southern front, according to a Ukrainian resistance group.
**Sanctions**
The US has imposed new sanctions on individuals involved in the illicit gold trade. The latest round of sanctions includes asset freezes on five individuals, including the CEO of Paloma Precious, which has purchased over $300 million of Russian gold.
**Child Returns**
Ukraine successfully returned five children from Russia and Russian-occupied territories as part of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak announced on December 10.