ISW: Putin dismisses US peace plan and claims new conquests in Ukraine.

According to ТСН: President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov continue to demonstrate their commitment to military goals, emphasizing the successes of Russian troops on the front lines.

Statements about successes on the front lines

On December 17, during the award of medals, Putin expressed confidence in achieving all of Russia's goals, noting that the troops allegedly captured strategically important populated areas for further attacks.

“These statements from Putin, like the previous ones, indicate his commitment to the maximalist military goals of 2022, and he will not be satisfied with a peace agreement based on the proposed 28-point US plan.”

Experts note that Putin is exaggerating achievements, claiming that his troops captured the city of Siversk, while ISW reports that only about 77% of the populated area has been occupied.

Situation in Kupiansk and Kostiantynivka

Gerasimov stated that the army controls Kupiansk, despite data indicating that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated most of the city, also noting that they control 50% of Kostiantynivka. However, ISW has not confirmed this information, reporting that only 1.6% of the city is occupied.

Gerasimov also claimed that the invaders captured over 6,300 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025, slightly exceeding the data from Russian Defense Minister Andriy Belousov.

ISW estimates that Russian troops have captured only about 4,700 square kilometers in 2025, with their statement relating only to a small part of the territory — just 1.04% of the total area of Ukraine.

Negotiations and Ukraine's position

Zelensky continues to demonstrate readiness for negotiations, however Kremlin officials again reject important aspects of the peace plan. The Kremlin does not agree to significant security guarantees for Ukraine, which could give Russia the opportunity to resume aggression after achieving peaceful conditions.

“Kremlin officials have repeatedly rejected elements of the 28-point plan, questioning Putin's willingness to accept even this general agreement.”

Putin has repeatedly emphasized his strategy of seizing Ukrainian territories, threatening aggressive actions if negotiations to end the war do not take place. He stresses that Moscow aims to achieve its goals through both diplomatic and military means.

ISW analysts point out that Putin persistently continues the war with the aim of full control over Ukraine, while Russian state officials refer to Ukrainian territory as 'historical' and 'Russian.' These statements highlight the Kremlin's unchanged approach to the conflict and its aspiration for territorial expansion, which raises increasing concern in the international community.