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On possible peace talks with Ukraine, Vladimir Putin said, "The ball is entirely in the court of our Western opponents, primarily the leaders of the Kyiv regime, and in this case, first and foremost, their European sponsors."

India and the Netherlands discussed expanding cooperation in strategic sectors like semiconductors and technology, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sought Dutch support for concluding the India-EU free trade agreement. Both sides also exchanged views on defence ties and global issues, including Ukraine.

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin emphasized Friday that Moscow's troops were advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine and voiced confidence the Kremlin would

Putin set out the Kremlin's stance on the war in the opening moments of his annual end-of-year press conference, a marathon event that typically runs for some four hours.

European Union leaders will borrow 90 billion euros to fund Ukraine's defence for the next two years. This decision bypasses a plan to use frozen Russian assets. The EU will provide interest-free loans for 2026-2027. This move aims to support Ukraine's ongoing defence needs. The bloc chose this path after facing challenges with the Russian asset proposal.

Putin asserts that Russian military objectives in Ukraine will be achieved, claiming strategic advances and readiness for peaceful settlement.

Putin said that there was lack of readiness from Ukraine's side for a peace deal but that there were "signals" that both the countries could engage in dialogue.

Dmitri Kozak's break with Vladimir Putin offers a rare glimpse into dissent inside the Kremlin

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine, triggering the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cold War.

EU has approved a EUR90 billion zero-interest support package for Ukraine for 2026-27 after negotiations on ways to finance Ukraine's military and economic needs.