Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,395

The European Union has agreed to loan €90 billion to Ukraine, which President Zelenskyy says will strengthen the country's resilience. The agreement was reached despite opposition from Hungary. Meanwhile, Russian President Putin stated that ending the war in Ukraine is up to the West and Kyiv, reiterating his view that the conflict stems from NATO expansion. He also claimed Russia had agreed to compromises during talks with Trump's administration. Putin criticized the EU loan to Ukraine, calling it "robbery." He also addressed the possibility of normalized relations with NATO, repeating his concerns about the alliance's eastward expansion.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told the BBC that Donald Trump's pressure on NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of their economic output is his "biggest foreign policy success," strengthening the alliance. Rutte's comments come amid warnings that Russia could attack NATO allies within five years, though Putin dismissed these concerns as "nonsense." Putin reiterated that Russia's goals in Ukraine would be achieved, preferably through diplomacy, but by military means if necessary. Rutte also criticized Putin's pursuit of regaining access to Ukraine, which has resulted in significant casualties. He praised Trump's efforts to find an end to the war, including US envoys negotiating a peace plan that involves ceding territory to Russia and providing security guarantees to Ukraine.

EU leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion interest-free loan for 2026-27 to address its military and economic needs. The decision was made after failing to reach an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to secure the loan. Instead, the funding will come from borrowing on capital markets, secured against the EU budget. Ukraine would only repay the loan if Russia pays reparations for the war, with the EU reserving the right to use frozen Russian assets for repayment if Russia fails to compensate. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic will not contribute to the financing. EU governments and the European parliament will continue working on setting up a loan for Ukraine that would be based on the frozen Russian central bank assets.

On December 20, 2025, the 1,395th day of Russia's war on Ukraine, Russian attacks on Odesa killed seven and wounded 15, targeting port infrastructure with ballistic missiles and causing power outages. Russian forces also shelled the Dnipro region, damaging homes and infrastructure. Despite Russian claims, Ukraine regained control of most of Kupiansk. The EU agreed to provide Ukraine with a $105.5 billion loan for military and economic needs, funded by borrowing on capital markets. Putin blamed Zelenskyy for stalled truce negotiations due to territorial disputes and criticized Europe's plans for frozen Russian assets. US Secretary of State Rubio indicated progress in ceasefire talks but acknowledged challenges remain, emphasizing that only a negotiated settlement can end the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Russian troops are advancing in Ukraine and that Russia will achieve its objectives militarily if Ukraine does not agree to Russia's terms in peace talks. Putin made the remarks during his annual news conference, claiming that Ukrainian forces are retreating across the entire front line. Meanwhile, the European Union has approved a loan of over $105 billion to Ukraine as the war continues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for the loan, stating that Ukraine is defending the future of the continent. The loan aims to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

In December 2025, Vladimir Putin addressed the war in Ukraine during his annual televised question and answer session. The event, broadcast from Russia, focused heavily on the ongoing conflict. Despite numerous questions regarding the future of the war, President Putin declined to comment on whether the conflict was nearing its end. The televised session offered no clear indication of Russia's intentions or timeline for the war in Ukraine. The reasons behind Putin's silence remain unspecified.

During his annual end-of-year televised event, Russian President Vladimir Putin told BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg that Western leaders are responsible for the current geopolitical situation. Putin stated that Western politicians have created the existing tensions and are consistently discussing preparations for war with Russia. He called for greater respect from Western leaders. Putin dismissed claims of Russia planning to attack Europe as "nonsense." The event took place in Russia, with Putin addressing both domestic and international concerns.

In December 2025, Ukrainian peace talks intensified as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European and US officials in Berlin to discuss security guarantees. Concurrently, the European Union is debating the potential use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war efforts. The discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the conflict and the financial challenges associated with supporting Ukraine. Al Jazeera reports from Brussels on the EU's internal divisions regarding the controversial proposal to utilize Russian assets. The meetings and debates underscore the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine-US talks are continuing in Berlin after initial negotiations on Sunday, with a subsequent mini-summit planned involving several European leaders, EU, and NATO officials. The meetings aim to address key issues related to the conflict, including potential Ukrainian territorial concessions and security guarantees, as Ukraine reportedly signals a willingness to drop NATO ambitions. The discussions precede a crucial European Council summit in Brussels, where the proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine will be debated. Several countries, including the Czech Republic, have expressed reservations about the funding plan. These meetings are considered a critical juncture for the EU's role in influencing the resolution of the Ukraine war.

In December 2025, India is attempting to balance its relationships with both Russia and the United States. Despite pressure from Washington, New Delhi has been deepening economic ties with Moscow, including purchasing Russian oil, weapons, and critical minerals. This allows Russia to maintain powerful partnerships and avoid complete isolation from Western sanctions. However, India's Prime Minister Modi faces the challenge of maintaining strong relations with the U.S., India's biggest trading partner, while simultaneously pursuing deals with Russia to ensure energy security. The situation highlights India's hedging strategy between economic interests and strategic partnerships.

Ivan Urgant, formerly Russia's most popular late-night TV host, experienced a dramatic career decline after posting an anti-war black square on Instagram following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His show was cancelled, and he was removed from films and television appearances. Despite remaining in Russia, Urgant faces an unofficial Kremlin ban from mainstream media and entertainment. He now earns income hosting private events like weddings and corporate gatherings. While still performing outside of Russia, Urgant avoids directly criticizing the war, fearing further repercussions. His situation illustrates how Putin's government has reshaped Russia's cultural scene, suppressing dissenting voices and enforcing conformity through blacklists and intimidation.

On December 12, 2025, a news report compared and contrasted Vladimir Putin's call for elections in Ukraine with criticisms of the fairness of elections within Russia. The report highlighted a perceived hypocrisy in Putin's stance, given allegations of unfair electoral practices in Russia. The analysis focused on Putin's public statements regarding Ukraine's need for elections and juxtaposed them with international concerns about the integrity and transparency of Russian elections. The report aimed to provide context and examine the contrasting perspectives surrounding electoral processes in both countries.

Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has not yet read the U.S.-proposed peace plan to end the war with Russia, despite his team's positive reception. Trump believes Russia is likely amenable to the plan, but Zelenskyy's stance is uncertain. Zelenskyy confirmed a call with U.S. envoys regarding ending the war and preventing future Russian aggression, awaiting a briefing from his negotiating team. Putin acknowledged productive but challenging negotiations with the U.S., maintaining demands for control of Donbas or Ukrainian troop withdrawal. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with European leaders in London to discuss the peace plan amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

In December 2025, the Kremlin welcomed the revised US national security strategy under President Donald Trump, noting its alignment with Russia's global perspective. The US document identifies ending the war in Ukraine as a key interest and signals a desire to restore strategic stability with Moscow. A Kremlin spokesperson stated that the changes correspond with their vision, particularly regarding NATO expansion. However, caution was expressed about potential discrepancies between the strategy and the views of the US "deep state." This shift in US strategy occurs as White House-led efforts to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war reach a critical stage, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy scheduled to meet with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany.

Despite Russian President Putin's claim, Ukraine asserts it still controls part of Pokrovsk, a key eastern city in the Donbas region. Ukrainian soldiers displayed their flag in the north of the city for the BBC to demonstrate their continued presence. The battle for Pokrovsk, a former logistics hub, has been ongoing for nearly 18 months, with Russia slowly advancing from the south. Ukrainian commanders coordinate strikes on Russian positions and acknowledge losing ground but maintain they hold the north up to the railway line. Russia has been using small teams to infiltrate Ukrainian lines, but Ukrainian forces say they are quickly identified. Ukraine aims to show the world it will not give up its territory to maintain international support.

Ukrainian and US officials met in Florida to discuss a proposed framework for ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting, which included Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Rustem Umerov, focused on revising a 28-point plan previously negotiated between Washington and Moscow. The aim is to create a peace deal that ensures Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and future prosperity. Discussions were described as challenging, with both sides seeking practical solutions for further negotiations between the US and Russia. Following the Florida meeting, US officials are scheduled to travel to Moscow to continue talks with Vladimir Putin. The US aims to incorporate Russia's perspective into the peace plan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity is the country's "biggest challenge" in ongoing negotiations to end the war with Russia. Speaking in Paris on December 1, 2025, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for security guarantees and the prevention of concessions that would legitimize Russia's occupation. His comments followed discussions with European and US officials, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Macron reiterated that Ukraine must decide its own territorial boundaries. The meetings are part of an intensified diplomatic effort to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking support from European allies, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday, as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia continue. This comes after meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida to refine a peace proposal, with both sides citing progress but acknowledging unresolved issues. Simultaneously, Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for President Trump, is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ending the war. The initial peace plan, drafted with Witkoff's involvement, faced criticism for favoring Russian demands, leading to further negotiations and a revised version. Key points of contention, such as military limits and territorial boundaries, remain under discussion.

A proposed Ukraine peace deal, promoted by the Trump administration and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has stalled due to Russia's unwillingness to compromise. Witkoff and Kushner met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to negotiate a deal that involved pressuring Ukraine to make concessions. Despite the US efforts, the Kremlin rejected the proposal, remaining firm on territorial control and Ukraine's political status. While Kremlin advisors described the talks as productive, media outlets reported the response as a rejection of the US proposal. The negotiations have failed to progress towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

According to BBC's Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg, Vladimir Putin is demonstrating no willingness to compromise regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This follows a five-hour meeting on Tuesday between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff, which Russian officials reported yielded "no compromise." Putin reportedly believes Russia holds the upper hand in the war, allowing him to set the terms for any potential peace agreement. The ongoing situation suggests a continued stalemate in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Further updates on the situation are being reported live.

In December 2025, Vladimir Putin visited India for the annual India-Russia summit to discuss strengthening trade and economic ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions included increasing India's import of Russian fertilizer, construction of nuclear plants, and a labor mobility agreement to ease the hiring of Indian workers by Russian companies. The visit occurs as India navigates a complex relationship with the U.S., which has sanctioned Russia and pressured India to reduce its oil purchases. India's largest oil companies have largely ceased buying Russian crude due to these sanctions. The summit highlights the enduring partnership between India and Russia, while Modi balances this relationship with India's economic interests and ties with the U.S.

President Putin stated that Russia will seize the Donbas region by force unless Ukrainian troops withdraw, rejecting compromise. He made the statement to India Today ahead of a state visit to Delhi. This comes after Donald Trump said his negotiators, including envoy Steve Witkoff, believed Putin wanted to end the war after talks in Moscow. Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Ukraine's team in Florida. The US peace plan, which proposes handing over Ukrainian-controlled areas of Donbas to Russia, was discussed, but Putin said there were disagreements, particularly regarding seized territory and security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of stalling ceasefire agreements and seeking to seize more territory, while insisting on security guarantees for Ukraine in any deal.

Vladimir Putin claimed Russian forces captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials. The announcement came before a meeting in Moscow between Russian officials and a US delegation led by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy, to discuss a potential peace deal. The US delegation, including Jared Kushner, previously met with Ukrainian officials in Florida to discuss revisions to a US-Russia peace plan. Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Russian advances but stated no operations were successful, adding that the revised peace proposal "looks better". Zelenskyy traveled to Ireland for further meetings to bolster European support.

On December 3, 2025, fighting continued in the Russia-Ukraine war. Russian forces attacked the Kherson region, resulting in casualties and injuries, while a drone attack in Kramatorsk killed one and injured five. The death toll from a previous attack on Ternopil rose to 36, with several still missing. In Zaporizhia, a Russian drone attack left thousands without electricity. Russia claimed to have captured Pokrovsk, but Ukraine maintains control of the northern part of the city. A Russian oil tanker arrived in Turkiye after a reported drone attack in the Black Sea, with Russia blaming Ukraine, who denied involvement. Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow for talks.

Top Trump aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, will meet with Ukrainian officials in Florida on Sunday to discuss a potential peace settlement to end Russia's invasion. This meeting follows talks in Geneva last weekend and comes amid fallout from a corruption investigation in Kyiv that led to the resignation of a top Ukrainian negotiator. The renewed diplomatic efforts follow a 28-point proposal drafted by Witkoff and Kushner, incorporating Russian input, which has raised concerns about favoring Russian demands. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the American side is demonstrating a constructive approach to bring the war to a dignified end.

Vladimir Putin stated that he views Donald Trump's proposed peace plan as a potential "starting point" for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. He indicated that Russia would be willing to negotiate if Ukrainian troops withdraw from territories claimed by Russia, but threatened further military action otherwise. Putin reiterated demands for Ukraine to withdraw entirely from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions, and to abandon NATO aspirations. Republican Congressman Andy Barr argued that the situation highlights the need for strong American leadership and that the war wouldn't have happened under Trump. However, critics like Garry Kasparov believe Putin is insincere and that true peace is impossible with him in power, accusing him of gearing up for more war.

In November 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff against accusations of pro-Russia bias after a leaked phone call raised concerns about his neutrality. Putin asserted that Witkoff, appointed by President Trump, was intelligently representing U.S. interests in peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. These negotiations center around a U.S. peace proposal that has been criticized for favoring Russia, particularly concerning the status of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. Putin indicated that while some points of the proposal were acceptable, others, such as the recognition of these territories as Russian, required further discussion. He reiterated Russia's willingness to continue taking Ukrainian territory if an agreement is not reached. Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin again in Moscow to continue discussions.

President Donald Trump stated that he will not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine is complete or nearly finalized. Over the past week, Trump's team made "tremendous progress" in negotiating a 28-point peace plan, which has been fine-tuned with input from both sides. The next steps include meetings between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll with Ukrainian officials. Trump plans to be briefed on progress by his advisors before considering meeting with Zelenskyy or Putin. A revised peace framework has gained preliminary acceptance from Ukraine and Washington, but Moscow is currently reviewing the latest revisions. The agreement would bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.