Russia claims advances ahead of Zelenskyy–Trump peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on 27 December 2025 that his forces had captured several settlements in eastern Ukraine, including Myrnohrad, Artemivka, Rodynske, Vilne and Stepnohirsk in the Donetsk region. He told military commanders the advances showed progress toward Russia's objectives.

Ukrainian officials rejected the claims as exaggerated or premature, saying fighting continues and some areas remain contested.

The announcements come as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pursues diplomatic support. On 27 December he met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, where new economic assistance was announced. Zelenskyy is scheduled to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on 28 December to discuss a revised peace plan.

Kyiv and Washington have agreed on many elements of that plan, with Zelenskyy saying on Friday that the 20-point proposal is about 90% complete. However, the key issue of territory remains unresolved.

Russia is demanding full control of the Donbas region, while Ukraine wants the frontline frozen at current positions. The United States has floated the idea of creating a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws from parts of the area, though how such a zone would work in practice remains unclear.

Putin said Moscow remains open to ending the conflict peacefully but accused Kyiv of showing no urgency for negotiations.

Both sides reported large-scale drone operations. Russia said it downed 370 Ukrainian drones in a single day.

China has consistently advocated restraint and dialogue, urging all parties to pursue a political settlement while maintaining neutrality.

In a separate development, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed repairs began on a crucial power line near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant after another locally brokered ceasefire, with IAEA teams monitoring the work expected to last a few days.