Putin made some statements about the war and the prospects for its end

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made several statements attempting to justify Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming that Moscow seeks to end the conflict. These remarks were reported by the Russian state propaganda agency TASS.

"Russia strives to end the conflict in Ukraine," Putin declared, portraying himself as an advocate for peace while sidestepping the devastating consequences of his actions.

The Kremlin leader also outlined his plans and intentions regarding Russia's war effort:

• He emphasized that achieving the goals of the so-called "special military operation" remains Russia's top priority for 2025, calling it the "number one task."
• Putin claimed to receive updates on the situation at the front "day and night," suggesting his personal involvement in strategic decision-making.
• He stated that Russia would continue to pursue "successes" on the battlefield, reinforcing Moscow's commitment to its aggressive campaign.
• Additionally, he asserted that he possesses "comprehensive information" about the progress of the war.

Despite these assertions, Russia’s actions tell a starkly different story. The Kremlin continues to wage a brutal campaign, marked by relentless missile strikes on civilian infrastructure and atrocities against Ukrainian civilians. Putin's statements, framed as a desire for peace, starkly contrast with the reality of Russia’s ongoing aggression and violations of international law.

While the rhetoric seeks to paint Russia as a peace-seeking nation, the destruction, displacement, and suffering caused by its actions in Ukraine highlight the disingenuous nature of these claims.

It is worse to mention that the recent massive Russian missile attack on Christmas Eve indicated that Vladimir Putin is not interested in any peace treaty.

Azerbaijani government sources claim that a Russian air defense missile caused a plane crash over Kazakhstan

Azerbaijani government sources have reportedly confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile was responsible for the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 25, as reported by Euronews.

En route from Baku to Grozny, the flight carried 67 passengers, including 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Tragically, 38 people have been confirmed dead in the incident.

According to the Baku-based outlet AnewZ, citing official sources, the missile was fired from a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system during drone activity over Grozny. The rocket reportedly detonated mid-flight, with shrapnel striking the aircraft and injuring passengers and crew.

Survivors recounted hearing a mid-air explosion before the aircraft was forced to divert from Grozny. Russian airports allegedly denied the pilots permission for an emergency landing, forcing the plane to attempt to reach Aktau, Kazakhstan. The aircraft reportedly broke apart on impact and caught fire during the landing attempt.

Media outlets such as Meduza and Mediazona analyzed footage of the crash, revealing damage consistent with surface-to-air missile impacts, including holes in the fuselage and evidence of a strike on the tail section.

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) initially blamed the crash on a collision with a flock of birds, leading to an emergency landing attempt. However, the recovery of the flight's black box may provide definitive evidence of the events leading to the disaster.

The incident coincided with reports of drone attacks in Chechnya on Dec. 25. The alleged use of air defense systems in the area underscores heightened tensions and the risks posed to civilian aviation in regions affected by military operations.

Authorities in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and international organizations are expected to investigate this tragic event further.

Russia struck a market in Nikopol, six people injured

On Thursday, December 26, Russian forces targeted the central market in the city of Nikopol, Ukraine, injuring six civilians, according to reports from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Telegram.

The attack caused significant damage to numerous stalls and shops in the market. Among the injured were four women and two men, all of whom received medical attention and were hospitalized.

Serhii Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, provided an update on the victims’ conditions. Three women, aged 39, 63, and 64, are in severe condition, while the others are reported to be in moderate condition.

The strike underscores the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, resulting in harm to non-combatants and damage to critical local economies. Authorities are providing assistance to those affected and assessing the full extent of the destruction.

Kremlin sent another signal that it is not interested in a truce

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that the Kremlin harbors "no illusions" about a swift resolution to what he referred to as the "Ukrainian crisis," despite ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. Lavrov stated that the conflict could only be resolved when Russia's interests are fully addressed alongside the "legitimate interests" of other nations in the context of European security agreements.

Lavrov dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, calling it "a road to nowhere" and advocating for "final legal agreements" to secure Russia’s terms. He hinted that the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump would not mark the beginning of negotiations but should instead be viewed as an "inevitable given." Lavrov’s remarks reinforced the Kremlin's apparent reluctance to engage in meaningful peace talks.

Despite this, Lavrov claimed that Moscow remains open to consultations with the new U.S. administration regarding the war. However, he reiterated that Russia demands peace on its own terms, including guarantees against NATO involvement, foreign military bases, or exercises in Ukraine.

Lavrov also emphasized that the West must recognize the “realities on the ground” if an agreement on Ukraine is to be reached. This reflects Russia's insistence that any resolution aligns with its territorial and strategic goals, including its illegal occupation of Ukrainian territories.

While positioning itself as willing to negotiate, Moscow continues to demand terms that undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and security, casting doubt on the Kremlin's sincerity in pursuing peace.