Key Updates on Day 1,400 of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

As the conflict continues to unfold, several significant events have occurred on December 25, marking day 1,400 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. From military operations to political developments, here’s a comprehensive overview of the current situation.

Fighting

An explosion in Moscow has tragically resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two police officers. This incident follows closely on the heels of a car bomb that killed a senior Russian general in the same vicinity. According to a spokesperson from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR), this attack was part of a broader Ukrainian operation, with the police officers being specifically targeted for their involvement in the conflict against Ukraine.

Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that Russian air defense units intercepted 16 Ukrainian drones aimed at the capital on Wednesday. The drones were successfully repelled over a span of approximately 17 hours, and while fragments were found in various locations, no significant damage was reported. Nevertheless, operations at two of Moscow’s four main airports were temporarily curtailed due to these drone defenses, as stated by Russia’s civil aviation authority.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence disclosed that their air defense systems had destroyed 172 Ukrainian drones overnight, with nearly half of these engagements occurring in regions bordering Ukraine.

In another development, Ukraine reported successful drone strikes on the Yefremov synthetic rubber plant in Russia’s Tula region, located south of Moscow. Dmitry Milyaev, the governor of Tula, affirmed that debris from a downed drone ignited a fire at an industrial facility, while Russian air defenses also claimed to have intercepted 12 drones in that area.

In southern Ukraine, the city of Odesa has faced environmental damage due to a sunflower oil spill caused by Russian airstrikes, which have harmed local wildlife. Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed that damage to oil tanks from aerial bombardments led to the spill, prompting the temporary closure of the Pivdenny port to facilitate cleanup efforts.

Additionally, a court in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine has sentenced a Colombian national to 19 years in prison for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Oscar Mauricio Blanco Lopez, aged 42, was captured by Russian troops in December 2025 after arriving in Ukraine to join its military.

Ceasefire Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently disclosed a 20-point proposal developed through negotiations involving both the United States and Ukraine, aimed at concluding the war with Russia. This proposal, currently under review in Moscow, suggests a potential mutual withdrawal of troops from Ukraine’s eastern industrial sector, which would be transformed into a demilitarized zone supervised by international forces.

President Zelenskyy also indicated that a similar arrangement could be feasible for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, now under Russian control. He emphasized that any agreement must be subjected to a referendum within Ukraine.

In response to these developments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would formulate its stance based on insights from its envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who recently met with U.S. representatives in Florida. As of now, Russia has shown no willingness to agree to withdraw from the territories it has occupied in Ukraine, insisting instead that Ukraine must relinquish the remaining areas it holds in the Donbas region, where significant portions of Luhansk and Donetsk are already under Russian control.

Politics and Diplomacy

According to a recent survey by Russia’s state pollster VTsIOM, a majority of Russians believe that the war in Ukraine may conclude in 2026. This reflects the Kremlin’s potential testing of public sentiment amidst growing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. During the year-end presentation, VTsIOM’s Deputy Head Mikhail Mamonov noted that 70% of respondents viewed 2026 as a more promising year, with 55% linking those hopes to the resolution of the war.

A Russian court has also set a date for the public hearing against German sculptor Jacques Tilly, who faces charges of discrediting the Russian military through satire. The trial is scheduled to begin on December 30, conducted in his absence since he is currently outside of Russia.

In a Christmas address, President Zelenskyy noted that despite the difficulties faced, the unity of the Ukrainian people remains strong. “Ukrainians are together tonight,” he stated, highlighting that the essence of the holiday lies not in the food served but in the company shared.

Regional Security

French President Emmanuel Macron has communicated with NATO leader Mark Rutte regarding ongoing support for Ukraine and plans for additional security guarantees. Macron announced that in January, discussions would resume in Paris to solidify these promises, critical for ensuring durable peace.

Additionally, U.S. Democratic senators have expressed concern regarding President Donald Trump’s decision to recall nearly 30 career ambassadors, citing potential risks in leadership that may embolden adversaries like Russia and China.

Economics

Kazakhstan is facing challenges with its CPC Blend oil exports, which are anticipated to hit a 14-month low this December. This downturn is attributed to adverse weather that has hindered repairs on Russian loading infrastructure following Ukrainian drone attacks in November. The strikes resulted in operational disruptions at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal near Novorossiysk, limiting exports. Furthermore, Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance announced the successful restructuring of $2.6 billion in growth-linked debt.

Conclusion

In summary, the situation involving Russia’s war on Ukraine remains dynamic, characterized by ongoing military engagements, evolving ceasefire discussions, and critical political and economic implications. As the conflict continues, the global community watches closely, hopeful for avenues toward peace.

Explosions in Moscow led to multiple casualties, attributed to a Ukrainian operation.
A significant drone attack was intercepted over Moscow, impacting airport operations.
Ukraine and the U.S. have developed a 20-point proposal to end the conflict, signaling possible troop withdrawals.
Public sentiment in Russia indicates hope for a war resolution by 2026.