Summary
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Russia sees “no grounds for negotiations” to end the war in Ukraine, insisting Kyiv must accept Russian control over occupied territories.
Ukraine and Russia continue military and diplomatic efforts to gain leverage, with Ukraine receiving $750M in U.S. aid and Germany pledging $680M. Russia continues drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Speculation about peace talks is growing as Trump’s presidency approaches, with some suggesting Russia may adjust its stance under his leadership.
Ukraine aims to strengthen defenses amid intensified Russian advances in the east and Kursk region.
On the other hand, it’s not a certainty that the Russian economy or government can survive another couple of months of more than 1500 lost personnel per day.
Ukraine has their economy pretty much in order, and inflation under control.
while Russia is already struggling freezing currency trade, estimated 15% inflation (officially 8.5 with a central bank target of 4%), Rising interest rates declining Ruble, steeply rising bankruptcies, Oil and weapons industries running at huge deficits to prop up state finances. And despite that Putin has increased budgets for the war next year by 30%.
It seems very unlikely the Russian economy will be able to take just the current burden much longer, adding to it will only make it collapse faster.
Putin is a maniac narcissist who thinks he can bend reality according to his propaganda.
Zelenskyj is a stark contrast, who deals very much with reality.