In a significant year-end address, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made bold assertions about the state of the conflict in Ukraine, claiming his forces hold the initiative on the battlefield. The statements came during his annual press conference held in Moscow on December 19, 2025.
Putin's Assertion of Widespread Advances
President Putin declared that Russian military units are currently making progress across the entirety of the front line in Ukraine. He stated that Ukrainian troops are being forced to fall back "in all directions." Pointing to recent territorial gains secured by Russian forces, Putin framed these as clear evidence of shifting momentum in Moscow's favour. He used the platform to highlight what he described as successful offensive operations.
Mockery Aimed at Zelensky's Frontline Visit
A notable part of Putin's remarks involved direct taunts directed at Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. The Russian president specifically referenced a recent visit Zelensky made to the frontline area near the strategic city of Kupyansk. Mocking a selfie the Ukrainian president took at the city's limits, Putin challenged Zelensky to "come in" if the territory was genuinely under secure Ukrainian control. This sarcastic comment was aimed at undermining Kyiv's claims of stability in the region.
Kyiv's Firm Rejection of Russian Claims
As has been consistent throughout the war, officials in Kyiv have strongly disputed the battlefield picture painted by the Kremlin. Ukrainian authorities acknowledge fighting in various sectors but maintain that any Russian advances are coming at an extremely heavy cost in personnel and equipment. They argue that Moscow's narratives are often exaggerated for domestic and international consumption, and that Ukrainian defences remain resilient despite the pressure.
The annual press conference, a major event on Russia's political calendar, served as Putin's primary venue to outline his view of the conflict as 2025 draws to a close. His dual message of claimed military success and personal ridicule for his counterpart underscores the ongoing intensity of the information war accompanying the physical battles.
