Russia captured greater than 5,600 sq km of Ukrainian territory in 2025, its largest advance since 2022, as Kyiv prepares to host allied safety talks. As stress on the battlefield continues to construct, President Volodymyr Zelensky named Kyrylo Budanov his new high aide, proposed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and ordered the evacuation of 1000’s from frontline settlements.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260102-russia-scores-highest-ukraine-gains-since-first-year-of-war