Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump approves major Russia sanctions bill after Zelensky says war could end soon

Trump to punish countries like India, China and Brazil for buying cheap Russian oil.

Ukraine-Russia War Latest: Trump Backs Major Sanctions Bill, Zelensky Eyes Peace by Mid-2026

8 January 2026 – Key developments in the Ukraine conflict: US President Donald Trump has greenlit a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russian oil buyers, while President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism for an end to the war in the first half of 2026.

Trump Greenlights Sanctions on Russia Oil Buyers

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced Trump “green-lit” the legislation during a White House meeting. The bill imposes secondary sanctions on countries like China, India, and Brazil for purchasing discounted Russian oil, funding Putin’s war machine.

Timeline: Months in development; vote possible next week.
Goal: Cut Russia’s revenue amid stalled peace talks.
Graham’s Quote: “This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries.”

Trump’s administration prioritized peace negotiations but now supports economic pressure.

Zelensky: War Could End by June 2026 – ‘New Milestone’ Reached

At Cyprus’s EU presidency launch, Zelensky said talks in Paris marked progress with EU partners, US, and “Coalition of the Willing.” “We sincerely believe this war can be ended during your presidency,” he noted (ending June).

However, Zelensky stressed need for clear security guarantees: “No unequivocal answer yet on defending Ukraine if Russia attacks again.” He called for “legal guarantees backed by parliaments and US Congress.”

UK Parliament Vote on Peacekeeping Troops

PM Sir Keir Starmer confirmed MPs will vote before UK deploys troops to enforce a ceasefire, per UK-France deal. No commitment on troop numbers or binding vote: “Getting ahead of ourselves.”

Russian Strikes Cause Blackouts in Southeast Ukraine

Attacks knocked out power in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia; critical infrastructure on reserves. PM Yulia Svyrydenko warned of -20°C snow compounding issues.

Dnipro: Metro halted, school holidays extended.
Kryvyi Rih: Generator calls amid restoration efforts.

EU-Russia Energy Ties Persist

Despite war, EU imported 76% of Yamal LNG (Siberia project), netting Russia €7.2bn ($8.4bn) in 2025. No slowdown expected in 2026.

Other Developments

Nuclear Deterrence Warning: Ex-NATO chief urges Europe to prepare without US umbrella; restart nuclear exercises.
UK Military: Ex-chief Sir Jock Stirrup calls for upgrades beyond nukes for “Coalition of the Willing.”
Zaporizhzhia Training: Ukrainian 65th Brigade drills with Javelin missiles near frontline.

Analysis: Path to Peace?

Trump’s sanctions signal pressure on Putin, aligning with Zelensky’s optimism. But security gaps and energy dependencies complicate endgame. UK troops vote could set precedent.

Key Takeaways: