December
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Russian state media began the day reporting on continued Ukraine conflict developments, including NATO discussions of preemptive strikes against Russia and alleged drone attacks in the Leningrad region. By late morning, the focus shifted to Russia's assertion of having foiled a terror plot in Crimea, with reports of a liquidated Kyiv agent. Throughout the afternoon, attention turned to the upcoming meeting between President Putin and U.S. envoy Witkoff to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. The evening saw extensive coverage from state media claiming the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) and Volchansk from Ukrainian forces, attributed to reports from Putin and Gerasimov. Independent outlets also noted the capture of Pokrovsk, while highlighting corruption charges within a Russian bank.
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The primary focus of Russian media on December 2, 2025, revolved around the visit of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow for discussions with President Putin. State-controlled outlets, particularly in the morning, highlighted claimed Russian military advancements in Ukraine, including the capture of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) and Volchansk, and the ongoing offensive in other areas.
As the day progressed, the anticipation and eventual start of the Putin-Witkoff-Kushner meeting in the Kremlin dominated headlines, with detailed reporting on the arrival of Trump's envoys and the discussion of potential peace plans for Ukraine, including the return of frozen Russian assets. Putin's public statements at the VTB forum, warning Europe of war consequences and threatening to cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, were also widely covered. Towards evening, reports emerged, including from independent sources, indicating Russia's refusal to concede on key points of Trump's peace plan, and the extended duration of the meeting.
As the day progressed, the anticipation and eventual start of the Putin-Witkoff-Kushner meeting in the Kremlin dominated headlines, with detailed reporting on the arrival of Trump's envoys and the discussion of potential peace plans for Ukraine, including the return of frozen Russian assets. Putin's public statements at the VTB forum, warning Europe of war consequences and threatening to cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, were also widely covered. Towards evening, reports emerged, including from independent sources, indicating Russia's refusal to concede on key points of Trump's peace plan, and the extended duration of the meeting.
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The main focus of Russian media on December 3, 2025, centered on the conclusion of the Putin-Witkoff-Kushner talks in Moscow. State media initially reported the nearly five-hour meeting ended without a compromise on a Ukraine peace plan, particularly on territorial issues. Kremlin officials, including Ushakov, confirmed the lack of a breakthrough but described the talks as constructive and useful. Subsequently, reports emerged, including from independent sources, that Putin criticized some of Witkoff’s proposals, while later Kremlin statements clarified that some U.S. proposals were accepted, countering earlier reports of a complete rejection. Concurrently, the EU's agreement on a phased rejection of Russian gas imports and the potential confiscation of Russian assets to fund Ukraine were also prominent topics.
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Russian media on December 4, 2025, heavily focused on President Putin's visit to India. Early reports included Trump's positive assessment of his envoys' meeting with Putin in Moscow, discussing a Ukraine peace plan. Simultaneously, the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk by Russian forces was highlighted. Throughout the morning, Putin's upcoming 'Direct Line' event was announced for December 19, alongside his statements on Russia-India relations and the ongoing Ukraine negotiations.
Later in the day, the primary editorial focus shifted to Putin's arrival in New Delhi, where he was personally greeted by Prime Minister Modi. Discussions included the rejection of a single BRICS currency and claims of EU corruption. The day concluded with continued reports on Putin's interview with Indian journalists, addressing Ukraine and NATO expansion, and the downing of Ukrainian drones over Russian regions.
Later in the day, the primary editorial focus shifted to Putin's arrival in New Delhi, where he was personally greeted by Prime Minister Modi. Discussions included the rejection of a single BRICS currency and claims of EU corruption. The day concluded with continued reports on Putin's interview with Indian journalists, addressing Ukraine and NATO expansion, and the downing of Ukrainian drones over Russian regions.
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The day's editorial focus centered on President Putin's visit to India, which concluded on December 5. Morning reports highlighted his extensive interview with Indian journalists, covering Ukraine, NATO, and India relations, alongside an informal meeting with Modi. Later, official ceremonies began, including Putin laying a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial and commencing formal talks with Modi, culminating in joint statements about strategic cooperation and a potential 30-day visa-free regime for tourist groups.
Concurrently, Russian media noted Ukraine-related developments, including reports of drone attacks on infrastructure in the Krasnodar region and Chechnya, and discussions within the EU regarding the use of frozen Russian assets. The Russian Central Bank announced it would lift restrictions on money transfers abroad for citizens and "friendly" countries starting December 8. The gradual shift away from SMS login for 'Gosuslugi' (public services portal) was also reported, alongside claims of user difficulties without the Max messenger.
Concurrently, Russian media noted Ukraine-related developments, including reports of drone attacks on infrastructure in the Krasnodar region and Chechnya, and discussions within the EU regarding the use of frozen Russian assets. The Russian Central Bank announced it would lift restrictions on money transfers abroad for citizens and "friendly" countries starting December 8. The gradual shift away from SMS login for 'Gosuslugi' (public services portal) was also reported, alongside claims of user difficulties without the Max messenger.
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The day's narrative in Russian media was dominated by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian regions and subsequent Russian retaliatory strikes. Early reports detailed over a hundred Ukrainian UAVs shot down, with specific incidents including a drone crashing into a residential building in Ryazan, targeting an oil refinery. This was framed as a continuation of previous days' drone activities.
Later in the morning, Russian forces launched a massive retaliatory missile strike against Ukrainian energy and military-industrial complex facilities, described as an "answer to terrorist attacks." Concurrently, discussions continued regarding peace plan negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia, building on the Witkoff-Kushner talks in Moscow from previous days.
Later in the morning, Russian forces launched a massive retaliatory missile strike against Ukrainian energy and military-industrial complex facilities, described as an "answer to terrorist attacks." Concurrently, discussions continued regarding peace plan negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia, building on the Witkoff-Kushner talks in Moscow from previous days.
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The day's reporting in Russia emphasized US assurances regarding Ukraine. Morning reports highlighted statements from Kiev suggesting increased US arms supplies to Ukraine before Christmas, contrasting with later comments from US officials like Kellogg ruling out direct troop deployment. The US National Security Strategy, updated to remove "direct threats" from Russia, was framed by the Kremlin as a positive development fostering dialogue and a basis for negotiations.
Midday reports focused on US pledges of "ironclad" agreements concerning Ukraine, with Russian officials like Ushakov stating that Russia's military actions had created a favorable environment for these talks. Concurrently, discussions around the potential permanent freezing of Russian assets by the EU gained traction, with reports indicating this could occur even without unanimous agreement.
Midday reports focused on US pledges of "ironclad" agreements concerning Ukraine, with Russian officials like Ushakov stating that Russia's military actions had created a favorable environment for these talks. Concurrently, discussions around the potential permanent freezing of Russian assets by the EU gained traction, with reports indicating this could occur even without unanimous agreement.
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Russian media on December 8 focused heavily on US President Trump's statements regarding the Ukraine conflict. Morning reports indicated Trump's disappointment that Zelensky had not reviewed his peace deal proposal, with some experts suggesting Ukraine must accept peace with Russia. This was framed in the context of discussions about the updated US security strategy aligning with Russia's views.
Throughout the day, headlines reiterated Trump's disappointment in Zelensky's perceived inaction on the peace plan. Concurrently, reports covered ongoing military actions, including Russian forces liberating territories in the DPR and Zaporozhye and striking Ukrainian energy facilities. Later in the day, President Putin issued directives for an immediate structural reorganization of the Russian economy and addressed concerns over declining birth rates, alongside signing an annual decree for military training of reservists.
Throughout the day, headlines reiterated Trump's disappointment in Zelensky's perceived inaction on the peace plan. Concurrently, reports covered ongoing military actions, including Russian forces liberating territories in the DPR and Zaporozhye and striking Ukrainian energy facilities. Later in the day, President Putin issued directives for an immediate structural reorganization of the Russian economy and addressed concerns over declining birth rates, alongside signing an annual decree for military training of reservists.
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