In a resolute and triumphant address on Monday (December 16), Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his military’s accelerating progress in Ukraine, touting 2024 as a “landmark year” in achieving the objectives of Moscow’s controversial campaign. Speaking during an end-of-year meeting with top generals and defence officials, Putin struck a confident tone, asserting that Russian forces had secured strategic superiority along the entire front line.
The remarks, delivered in a highly choreographed televised meeting, underscore Russia’s renewed push in eastern Ukraine, where its military has reportedly advanced at its fastest pace since the early months of the war. Putin also used the occasion to denounce what he called the West’s “hybrid war” against Moscow, accusing Western nations of seeking to impose a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
Putin claimed that Russian troops were “firmly holding the strategic initiative” across the conflict zone, noting significant territorial gains over the past year. According to Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, who spoke after Putin, Moscow’s forces captured nearly 4,500 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2024 alone and are advancing at a rate of 30 square kilometers per day.
Among the areas highlighted were the eastern regions of Lugansk and Donetsk, where Russia’s military continues to consolidate its hold. Belousov stated that Ukraine now controls less than 1% of the Lugansk region and only a fraction of the Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions—territories Moscow controversially claimed to annex in 2022 despite not having full control over them.
On Monday, Russia announced the capture of a small village in the Donetsk region, adding to a growing list of seized settlements. Putin revealed that Russian forces had taken 189 Ukrainian settlements in 2024, further bolstering his narrative of success.
Independent analysis supports claims of heightened Russian activity. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces in November advanced at their fastest pace since March 2022, raising concerns about Kyiv’s ability to sustain its defences amid mounting pressure.
Central to Moscow’s advances has been its robust military-industrial apparatus. Putin lauded Russia’s defense industry for its ability to supply advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems. He highlighted the Oreshnik missile system, recently deployed against Ukrainian targets, as an example of Russia’s cutting-edge capabilities.
“Russia’s military industry is working at full capacity,” Putin said, emphasizing the importance of mass-producing weapons systems to maintain momentum on the battlefield.
To finance its massive war effort, the Kremlin has allocated unprecedented resources to defense spending. Military expenditures have surged past 6% of Russia’s GDP, with total defense and security spending approaching 9%—figures Putin defended as necessary for the nation’s survival.
“Strangely enough, these expenditures are not the highest in the world, even among countries that are not at war,” Putin remarked. “Nevertheless, it is a significant sum, and it must be used wisely.”
While Russia has maintained steady recruitment with lucrative salaries and enlistment bonuses, Ukraine faces severe manpower shortages. Kyiv is reportedly under pressure from Washington to lower its military draft age from 25 to 18 to replenish its ranks. By contrast, Putin claimed that Russia had no difficulties in recruiting volunteers, with 430,000 new fighters joining the ranks in 2024, up from 300,000 the previous year.
“And this flow of volunteers is not stopping,” he said.
As Russia pushes to consolidate its gains, geopolitical dynamics could reshape the course of the conflict. With US President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January, speculation about potential peace talks has intensified. Trump has repeatedly claimed he could broker a ceasefire “within hours,” though he has yet to present a concrete plan.
Kyiv fears that Trump’s presidency could result in reduced US financial and military support, a critical lifeline for Ukraine’s war effort. Any reduction in aid could severely undermine Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian advances and defend its remaining territory.
Ukraine’s reliance on Western support contrasts sharply with Russia’s self-reliant approach, which Putin highlighted as a key strength. The Russian leader framed the conflict as a test of national resolve, portraying Moscow as resilient despite facing extensive Western sanctions and international isolation.
While Putin projects confidence, signs of economic strain are emerging within Russia. The war has taken a toll on domestic industries and consumer markets, with sanctions limiting access to critical technologies and foreign investment. Nevertheless, the Kremlin has managed to sustain public support through aggressive propaganda, patriotic appeals, and significant financial incentives for soldiers and their families.
Russia’s increased defense spending has also drawn criticism from some quarters, with opponents arguing that resources could be better allocated to alleviate domestic challenges. However, Putin dismissed such concerns, portraying the war effort as essential to securing Russia’s future against Western aggression.
“This is about the survival of our nation,” Putin declared. “The money we spend on defense ensures the safety and sovereignty of our people.”
On the Ukrainian side, the picture is increasingly dire. The government in Kyiv is struggling to replenish its ranks amid mounting casualties and sustained Russian offensives. Western allies have provided billions of dollars in military and financial aid, but these contributions may wane if political shifts in the US and Europe lead to a re-evaluation of their commitments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to defend every inch of the country’s territory, but his administration faces growing pressure to consider a negotiated settlement. With frontline positions under strain, some analysts believe Ukraine may have to cede ground to secure a ceasefire.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces have mounted fierce resistance in key areas, including Bakhmut and Avdiivka, where battles have raged for months. Kyiv also continues to receive advanced Western weapons systems, including long-range missiles and air defense platforms, which have helped slow Russia’s advance in some sectors.
As 2024 unfolds, both sides are likely to intensify their efforts to reshape the battlefield ahead of potential diplomatic developments. For Russia, maintaining momentum will be critical to solidifying its territorial claims and strengthening its negotiating position. For Ukraine, holding the line and securing continued Western support will be essential to preserving its sovereignty.
Putin’s declaration of 2024 as a “landmark year” signals Moscow’s intention to achieve decisive gains, but the long-term outcome of the conflict remains uncertain. With both nations entrenched in a high-stakes struggle, the prospect of peace appears distant, even as speculation about talks grows.
As the war grinds on, the human cost continues to mount, with millions displaced and thousands killed or injured. For now, the conflict shows no signs of abating, leaving Ukraine and Russia locked in a protracted and devastating confrontation that will shape the region for years to come.
