Russia's message puts Ukraine in a difficult position.

Moscow [Russia], December 19: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly signaled that he will not compromise on Ukraine's territorial demands, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is working hard to garner support from allies.
Russia is confident it will achieve its goal.
Speaking at an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Council on December 17, President Vladimir Putin said that 2025 marks a crucial stage in achieving the goals of the military operation in Ukraine, according to TASS news agency. He stated that the Russian military has gained and maintained strategic initiative along the entire front line and is confidently advancing. According to President Putin, Russian forces have gained control of more than 300 settlements this year. He argued that the experience gained in the military operation allows Russian forces to increase the speed of their offensive in strategically important areas.
President Putin emphasized that the goals of the military operation in Ukraine would be achieved. "We want to do this through diplomacy, but if the other side and their foreign sponsors refuse to engage in substantive negotiations, Russia will liberate its historic territories by military means," Putin stated. The "historic territories" Putin referred to are the areas Russia is demanding Ukraine cede, a key point of contention in the ongoing peace talks, according to CNN.
Ukraine is campaigning.
Following the Russian leader's statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is preparing to launch a new year of conflict against Ukraine, according to AFP. "Today, we hear another signal from Moscow that they are preparing to turn next year into a year of conflict," Zelensky said on the evening of December 17. The leader called on Ukraine's allies to ensure support for Kyiv and to show Russia that "continuing the war is futile." The appeal came ahead of the European Union (EU) summit on December 18 regarding frozen Russian assets. Zelensky is expected to lobby European leaders to approve a plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Politico reported on December 17, citing two informed sources, that US and Russian officials are expected to negotiate in Miami, Florida, this weekend on a possible agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are part of the US delegation. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, will represent the Russian delegation. Witkoff and Kushner previously met with President Putin at the Kremlin in November, and subsequently met with Ukrainian and European leaders in Berlin on December 15. However, major differences remain unresolved, according to AFP .
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper