Overview
- Peskov said preparations are in the final stage for the combined “Itogi goda” event at Gostiny Dvor, set for 12:00 MSK on Dec. 19, with no malicious cyberattacks reported and call lines straining under heavy traffic.
- The call center has processed over 2.1 million submissions, GigaChat is transcribing and routing questions, and ministries requested real-time samples of appeals to act on them.
- The Kremlin said it has not received documents from recent US–EU–Ukraine consultations on a settlement, is preparing contacts to obtain details, and hopes progress on Ukraine could allow a gradual revival of Russia–US relations.
- EU leaders spoke of a breakthrough on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, even as Belgium and Hungary voiced objections to proposals that include a “reparations loan” framework for 2026–27.
- In Minsk, the All‑Belarusian People’s Assembly opened with Alexander Lukashenko’s address on five‑year plans, trade with 190 countries, close ties with Russia, and a broad agenda in talks with the US that includes reopening the American embassy in Minsk.