Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual year-end news conference in Moscow, addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the state of the Russian economy. He asserted Russia's strategic initiative in Ukraine and highlighted economic growth despite inflation concerns.
European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with an interest-free loan of €90 billion for 2026-2027, funded through capital markets. The decision, made on December 19, 2025, came after a consensus could not be reached on directly using frozen Russian assets due to legal and financial concerns.
The UK government announced new sanctions on December 18, 2025, targeting 24 additional individuals and entities linked to Russia. These measures include major oil companies like Tatneft and Russneft, along with various trading and chemical firms, in response to Russia's destabilization of Ukraine.
The Russian Federation officially ceased its membership in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) on December 9, 2025. This withdrawal follows a temporary suspension imposed in March 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine, with Russia citing political bias within the organization.
Russia's Foreign Ministry cautioned the United States against a 'fatal mistake' in Venezuela, warning of unpredictable consequences for the Western Hemisphere. The warning follows a US military strike on a vessel and President Trump's order for a 'total and complete blockade' of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, intensifying pressure on the Nicolás Maduro government.
Austrian authorities have uncovered a pro-Russian agent network, linked to the FSB, that orchestrated a disinformation campaign in German-speaking countries. The network posed as 'Ukrainian Nazis' using fake propaganda to discredit Ukraine and foster anti-Ukrainian sentiment, with fugitive Jan Marsalek identified as a key coordinator.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin chaired a strategic session on December 17, 2025, to address cyber fraud in the Russian Federation. The session highlighted a notable decrease in registered digital crimes since July 2025, with a 9.5% decline over the past ten months compared to 2024, and a nearly 25% drop in October 2025. This positive trend is attributed to a series of comprehensive legislative and technological measures implemented by the government.
The Russian Defense Ministry declared on December 17, 2025, that its forces, specifically the Vostok Group, have captured the settlement of Gerasimovka in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. This move is reported to establish a bridgehead on the western bank of the Gaichur River, facilitating further offensive operations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that while Russia's stance against foreign military contingents in Ukraine is 'well known,' the issue remains 'a subject for discussion.' His remarks follow a recent EU proposal for a multinational force to assist Ukraine.
A former NATO official, German parliamentarian Roderich Kiesewetter, has warned that Russia has amassed over 360,000 troops along Europe's borders, particularly in Belarus. This significant military build-up, coupled with intense training and high recruitment, suggests potential strategic maneuvers by Vladimir Putin, raising concerns for 2026.
Russia's housing construction saw a 2.4% year-on-year decrease in the first 11 months of 2025, totaling 91.5 million square meters, according to Rosstat. High mortgage rates, rising material costs, labor shortages, and the impact of sanctions contributed to the downturn, despite a notable increase in November.
Russian forces have launched coordinated drone and artillery attacks across Ukraine, injuring civilians, including children, in multiple regions. The strikes coincide with ongoing peace negotiations, where proposals for a deal are being discussed, though territorial issues remain a key point of contention.
A Russian delegation, led by Sherpa Svetlana Lukash, has arrived in Washington D.C. for the first G20 Sherpa meeting under the US presidency, held on December 15-16, 2025. This marks a significant development, signaling a potential shift in Russia's diplomatic standing and an end to a period of isolation within the forum.
A Russian delegation, led by Sherpa Svetlana Lukash, attended the first G20 Sherpa meeting in Washington on December 15-16, 2025, under the new US presidency. This engagement signals a potential shift in Russia's diplomatic isolation within the forum, focusing on economic and geopolitical discussions.
Former US President Donald Trump stated on December 15, 2025, that a deal to end the Ukraine war is 'closer than ever' after high-level talks in Berlin. Discussions involved US and European officials, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on robust security guarantees and post-war recovery, though territorial issues remain a key challenge.
A Russian court has sentenced Georgian national Giorgi Partsvania, 35, to 28 years in prison in absentia. He was convicted on multiple charges, including mercenary activity and terrorism, for fighting on the Ukrainian side against Russian forces and allegedly participating in an attack in Russia's Belgorod region. Partsvania has been placed on an international wanted list.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on December 17. The high-level talks will focus on international issues, Iran's nuclear program, regional matters, and the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and Iran.
A significant wave of Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow and other Russian regions overnight on December 14-15. Russian authorities reported intercepting 130 drones across the country, with 25 downed over Moscow Oblast. The attacks led to temporary airport closures in Moscow and reports of explosions in several districts, though no casualties were officially reported in the capital. Ukrainian forces have also targeted energy infrastructure in other Russian territories.
The Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Russia, a key facility with an annual processing capacity of 15 million tons, was reportedly struck by drones on December 12 and again on December 14, 2025. The attacks led to fires and reported damage, with Ukraine's General Staff confirming responsibility for the December 12 strike.
President Vladimir Putin has stated that the restoration of the Soviet Union is 'simply excluded,' primarily due to the critical changes it would bring to the ethnic and religious composition of the Russian Federation's population. This recent declaration clarifies Russia's official stance on the matter.
