Overview
- Russia says it is ready to negotiate an end to the war based on principles Putin outlined in 2024, including Ukraine’s neutral status and the lifting of sanctions.
- Putin asserts the strategic initiative has shifted to Russian forces and lists advances in Donbass and other sectors, including claims of control in Kupiansk and encirclements near key towns.
- He says Russia in Anchorage “practically agreed” to compromises proposed by President Trump, with subsequent contacts in Berlin, while Ukraine sent Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov to Florida for talks with Trump’s representatives on December 18–19.
- Putin warns that seizing frozen Russian assets would erode trust in the eurozone, arguing the move would go beyond reputational harm.
- Russia’s central bank cuts the key rate to 16% citing slower current inflation, as Western outlets and U.S. commentators parse Putin’s remarks, including his message that the “ball” is with the West on negotiations.