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 dismissed Western calls to prepare for war with Russia as "hysteria," while reaffirming Moscow's intent to achieve its objectives in Ukraine. His comments came as the EU considers using frozen Russian assets, totaling 210 billion euros, to fund Ukraine's economic and military needs. EU leaders are meeting to discuss using these assets to underwrite a 90 billion euro "reparations loan" for Ukraine, despite some member concerns about the legal basis and potential retaliation from Moscow. Putin stated Russia prefers diplomatic solutions but is prepared to use military means to liberate historical lands if necessary. The EU aims to reach an agreement on funding Ukraine for the next two years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging the U.S. and allies to respond to Russia's "signals" that it is preparing for a prolonged war in 2024. Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that Russia's actions contradict claims from the U.S. that Russia is interested in ending the conflict. He emphasized the need for security, financial, and political measures to counter Russia's intentions, including action on Russian assets. Zelenskyy warned that Russia's goals extend beyond Ukraine, potentially threatening other European nations. The statement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine through either diplomacy or military force.

In December 2025, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Russian Kilo-class submarine located in the port of Novorossiysk. The SBU stated that the attack, carried out by Sea Baby drones, caused critical damage to the submarine, effectively disabling it. The submarine, according to the SBU, was equipped with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers used to strike Ukrainian territory. The announcement came amid diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, with Ukraine seeking to demonstrate its ability to inflict damage on Russia. A Ukrainian navy spokesperson called the attack a turning point in the naval battle between the two countries. Russia has not yet commented on the claim.

During his annual press conference in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would not launch new military operations in other countries if treated with respect and if its interests are observed. He claimed Russia is open to peacefully ending the war in Ukraine but offered no specific compromises. Putin asserted that Russian troops are advancing along the front lines and that Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine, especially if Ukraine does not agree to Russia's terms for peace. He also accused the West of deceiving Russia through NATO's eastward expansion. The press conference, which included questions from reporters and the public, focused heavily on the conflict in Ukraine.

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 Zelensky reported a "constructive" call with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding a potential peace deal with Russia, focusing on guarantees for Russian adherence to any agreement. Ukrainian officials are also engaged in ongoing talks in Miami concerning US efforts to broker peace. Simultaneously, Russia continues heavy bombardments within Ukraine, targeting infrastructure and energy facilities. European leaders, including French President Macron, are expressing solidarity with Ukraine and working towards de-escalation and a ceasefire. Macron, along with Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Starmer, and German Chancellor Merz, will meet in London to discuss Ukraine's post-war security and a potential European peacekeeping force, an idea Russia rejects.

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.

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.

On December 2, 2025, marking day 1,377 of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting intensified. Russian forces launched a missile on Dnipro, resulting in casualties, and claimed to have captured Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, strategic locations in eastern Ukraine. President Putin hailed the capture of Pokrovsk as important for achieving the goals of the "special military operation," with plans to seize the entire Donbas region. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the capture of Pokrovsk or Vovchansk. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium resumed oil shipments after a drone attack. President Zelenskyy met with President Macron in Paris to bolster European support, citing territorial concessions as a key obstacle in US-led peace talks.

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.