Russia achieved its largest territorial gains in Ukraine in 2025 since the initial year of the war, capturing over 5,600 square kilometers, according to an AFP analysis of ISW data. This occurred as Ukraine prepared to host allied security advisers for talks on January 3, 2026, aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. President Zelenskyy indicated a US-brokered peace deal was nearly ready but territory remained a sticking point. Meanwhile, Russia continued its aerial attacks, including a recent strike on Kharkiv.