Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his forces to continue their offensive to liberate the city of Zaporizhzhia and the surrounding region. Colonel-General Mikhail Teplinsky reported that Russian units are approximately 15 kilometers from the city's outskirts. General Valery Gerasimov stated that Russian forces have advanced significantly along the front line, capturing territory and villages, with December's advances being the fastest this year. Kyiv and Western countries have denounced Russia's claims to the region as an illegal land grab.