News|Russia-Ukraine warRussia claims to have seized more than 5,100 square km of Ukraine in 2025Analysts and Ukrainian officials doubt Moscow's latest announcements as peace talks stall.
On Fri, Dec 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at a year-end news conference that Russian forces had seized control of Siversk in Donetsk and Vovchansk in Kharkiv. Additionally, claims were made about holding significant portions of…
On Fri, Dec 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at a year-end news conference that Russian forces had seized control of Siversk in Donetsk and Vovchansk in Kharkiv. Additionally, claims were made about holding significant portions of Lyman, Kostiantynivka, and Hulyaipole.
However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has disputed these claims, citing satellite and open-source evidence that shows limited Russian presence in these areas. The ISW estimates that Russian advances have claimed no more than 5 percent of Kostiantynivka and 7.2 percent of Kharkiv.
On Mon, Dec 18, 2025, Russian commander-in-chief Valery Gerasimov reported that Russia had seized 6,300 square kilometers of Ukraine in the past year. Despite these claims, the ISW estimated that no more than 4,984 square kilometers have been seized.
Recently, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have engaged in intensive discussions concerning a peace plan, concluding on Mon, Dec 22, 2025, after three days of talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized cooperation with the U.S. despite disagreements on territorial issues.
The 20-point peace plan reveals no agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine on territorial adjustments. Russia's demands include the cession of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Crimea, which Ukraine refuses. The European Union has suggested deferring the territorial discussion until after a ceasefire.
Additionally, claims were made about holding significant portions of Lyman, Kostiantynivka, and Hulyaipole.
The U.S. has agreed to NATO-level security guarantees for Ukraine. Separately, the European Union has committed to making Ukraine a full member, which would offer mutual defense from NATO members.
From Dec 18-24, 2025, Russia launched 1,227 drones and 41 missiles at Ukraine. Ukraine intercepted 80 percent of the drones and 83 percent of the missiles. Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on Russian military assets, including Su-27 fighter jets and oil rigs.
Ukraine has also targeted Russian refineries and energy infrastructure to disrupt Moscow's revenues and military fuel supplies. In recent operations, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean Sea.
International Support and Financial Assistance
The European Union, Canada, Australia, and Japan are providing financial support to Ukraine's military efforts, with the EU approving a 90-billion-euro loan over two years. The U.S.-Ukrainian plan aims to mobilize $800 billion for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Despite Zelenskyy's appeal, European leaders have not linked immobilized Russian state assets to loan repayments, following opposition from several EU countries.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.