In December, the Armed Forces of Russia took control of more than 700 square kilometers of territory and 32 settlements, marking the highest monthly advance recorded in 2025. This was reported by the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the situation in the special military operation zone.

Gerasimov noted that over the course of the year, Russian forces have brought a total of 6,640 square kilometers and 334 settlements under their control, reflecting a sustained pace of advancement along the frontline.

On December 29, Vladimir Putin held a separate meeting in the Kremlin focused on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine. During the discussion, he stated that Russian troops continue to advance, while Ukrainian forces are retreating along almost the entire line of contact.

Earlier, the Russian president also emphasized that the current tempo of Russian military operations effectively eliminates Moscow’s interest in scenarios where Ukrainian forces withdraw from territories they occupy as part of a peace agreement. According to him, if Ukraine refuses to resolve the conflict through political means, Russia will achieve its objectives by military means.