On December 31, in the final broadcast of the year, Larysa Klychko summarized the key events of the day. France and the United Kingdom announced readiness to serve as monitors of a ceasefire in Ukraine, even without UN or EU mandates—just upon Kyiv’s invitation. The first deployment could see 10,000–15,000 troops. British and French experts have drafted future security guarantees for Ukraine, though these are yet to be coordinated with the US.
In Finland, cable damage was reported between Finland and Estonia; the suspect vessel was detained. In 2025, Russia lost 40% more soldiers on the front than in any previous year of the full-scale war, according to the BBC, with 160,000 deaths identified, though estimates suggest actual losses may range from 243,000 to 352,000.
The Russian Defense Ministry published a map of an alleged drone attack on Putin’s residence, but both Ukraine and Western sources label it a fake due to a lack of evidence.
Strikes on Russian oil depots in Yaroslavl, Krasnodar Krai, occupied Crimea and other sites were confirmed, with Ukraine’s General Staff reporting significant damage to enemy strategic facilities.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was hospitalized on December 25 and has not appeared in public for more than a week, with previous reports indicating a serious illness earlier this year.
In Ukraine, scandals continue: independent members were appointed to the Supervisory Board of Energoatom, and several MPs were detained on bribery allegations, with high bail amounts set. In Poland, a Ukrainian was attacked in Radom on ethnic grounds after a domestic conflict and is now hospitalized. The Ukrainian ambassador called for an impartial investigation.
President Putin spoke to the Russian public in his New Year address, stressing victory and omitting peace talks. President Zelensky also addressed his citizens, emphasizing belief in victory. Negotiations between countries are ongoing.
