Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of using military action if the Russia-Ukraine war does not resolve peacefully through diplomatic efforts.

Widespread aerial attacks marked Christmas 2025 in the Russia-Ukraine war, as Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged drone and missile strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure in border regions. The escalation followed renewed international peace talks, with negotiators struggling to overcome divides between Moscow and Kyiv.

A majority of Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026, state pollster VTsIOM said on Wednesday, in a sign that the Kremlin could be testing public reaction to a possible peace settlement as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify.

Pope Leo has urged Ukraine and Russia to find the "courage" to hold direct talks to end the war during his first Christmas remarks to crowds in St Peter's square.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with Suspilne that an increasing number of officials within Putin's inner circle are urging him to end the war against Ukraine.

Pope Leo XIV delivers Christmas message calling for peace in Middle East and Ukraine, urging world leaders to reject violence and embrace dialogue.

Russia not strong enough to take Donetsk and then keep fighting, says ISW; Zelenskyy heads to Florida for talks with Trump. What we know on day 1,404