Pete Ross

But as Russia continues to bombard Ukraine with missiles and drones, ripping up energy sites, roads and railways, is the Ukrainian leader being realistic about the prospect of peace?

That's a question I put to our correspondent Joe Inwood.

You talk about President Zelensky being wary of President Trump's wrath.

You could also perhaps say the same about European leaders.

And Zelensky is due to meet some European leaders on Monday, I believe.

They're obviously also treading a fine line between trying to remain positive and keep things going, but watching out for Donald Trump and how he reacts to all of this.

Joe Inwood.

Negotiations are also continuing over the war in Gaza.

A ceasefire came into effect nearly two months ago, but Hamas has yet to return the remains of one hostage and there have been constant Israeli airstrikes in the Strip.

More than 350 Palestinians have been killed since October.

The warring parties haven't decided how to move on to the next phase of the peace plan.

Qatar has said negotiations are at a critical moment and called for the IDF's full withdrawal.

Another mediator, Egypt, said an international stabilisation force must be deployed as soon as possible.

So what should we make of all of this?

Our Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher has been speaking to Jeanette Jalil.

Then we should be able to move on to the second phase.

Sebastian Usher, as peace talks continue, the holy city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank has begun its first public celebrations of Christmas in two years, lighting up a giant Christmas tree.

All of its traditional festivities were cancelled when the war in Gaza began.

Our correspondent, Yolan Nel, is in Manger Square.

With the pipes and drums of a traditional Palestinian scout band, the Christmas festivities, suspended for the past two years, were back on.