PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief chaired a meeting on the developments in the special military operation zone.

Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Governor of the Moscow Region Andrei Vorobyov.

The President signed Federal Constitutional Law On Amendments to Article 1 of the Federal Constitutional Law On the National Emblem of the Russian Federation.

Aide to the President Yury Ushakov: President Vladimir Putin has just finished his telephone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump.

The conversation took place at the US President’s initiative. The US President wished to discuss the current developments in the context of the Ukrainian conflict and its potential resolution with the President of Russia. President Trump wished to discuss these matters before his in-person meeting with Zelensky later today at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Logically, at the beginning of the conversation that continued for 1 hour and 15 minutes, the presidents exchanged warm Christmas and New Year greetings and, naturally, wished happiness to both nations. The rest of the conversation was similarly friendly, good-natured and business-like, with mutual interest in making progress towards a long-term resolution of the Ukrainian conflict.

Donald Trump paid close attention to Russia’s assessment of the realistic prospects for an agreement, and to our President’s detailed rationale for the fundamental importance of continuing to build upon the Russian-American understandings established during the Anchorage summit and the numerous subsequent contacts between the two administrations.

Most significantly, the Russian and US presidents share a broadly similar view that the temporary ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and Europe – under the pretext of preparing for a referendum or other such measures – would merely prolong the conflict and risk a renewed escalation on the battlefield. A definitive cessation of hostilities requires, first and foremost, a bold and responsible political decision from Kiev, one that aligns with the ongoing discussions through the Russian-American channel. Given the evolving situation on the front lines, it would be in the Ukrainian regime’s interest to make such a decision regarding Donbass without further delay.

Donald Trump repeatedly emphasised the necessity of ending the war as swiftly as possible and spoke of the impressive prospects for economic cooperation between the United States and both Russia and Ukraine that would open up once the hostilities are over. He acknowledged that the Ukrainian crisis has been his most formidable foreign policy challenge, stating that he now saw renewed proof of Russia’s commitment to a political and diplomatic settlement. It is with this understanding that he intends to frame his forthcoming negotiations with Zelensky.

It is particularly noteworthy that during today’s conversation, the Russian President acceded to the American proposal to continue efforts to resolve the Ukrainian situation through two specially established working groups. One will address various security dimensions, and the other, economic matters. The terms for launching these working groups will be finalised in the near future, most likely in early January.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to speak again by telephone promptly after the US President’s meeting with the Ukrainian delegation at Mar-a-Lago this evening.

Vladimir Putin made a visit to a command post of the Joint Force to hold a meeting on the situation in the special military operation zone.

Vladimir Putin held, via video conference, a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council.

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting to discuss the key parameters of the draft State Armament Programme for 2027–2036 and the state programme to develop defence manufacturing.

Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to Vera Alentova’s family and friends.

The President called ten-year-old Varvara Smakhtina, a participant in the New Year Tree of Wishes charity event. Vladimir Putin helped the schoolgirl fulfil her dream of meeting a cosmonaut from the Roscosmos team.

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the State Council on training professionals for the Russian economy.

Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Holding the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

The President held a traditional meeting with business leaders ahead of the New Year holidays.

A ceremony for presenting state decorations took place in the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

On December 25, Vladimir Putin will chair a State Council meeting on training professionals for the Russian economy.

Special focus will be placed on workforce forecasting; the development of artificial intelligence technologies and the adaptation of the education system to their introduction; the modernisation of the continuing vocational education system; and the role of employers in personnel development, including professional reintegration of the special military operation veterans.

Reports will be presented by Governor of the Kaluga Region, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Human Resources Vladislav Shapsha; Governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Technological Leadership Mikhail Kotyukov; Governor of the Moscow Region, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Data Economy Andrei Vorobyov; President of the All-Russian Association of Employers Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin; as well as deputy prime ministers Dmitry Chernyshenko and Tatyana Golikova.

Vladimir Putin held a traditional meeting with Government members ahead of New Year holidays in the Government House.

Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Presidential Aide Dmitry Mironov chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs.

During the conversation, Vladimir Putin wished Ilham Aliyev a happy birthday.

The two sides confirmed their mutual commitment to strengthen the allied relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan comprehensively and agreed to maintain contacts.

The conversation, which was cordial and friendly, was joined by First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyev. There was an exchange of affectionate greetings on the occasion of the upcoming New Year festivities.

In addition, a separate message of greetings was sent to the President of Azerbaijan.