Negotiations stuck in winter: Moscow's ultimatums and expansion of sanctions

In December, it became clear that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine had stalled again. The Russian side put forward new tough ultimatums: refusal of territorial concessions, recognition of annexations, neutrality of Ukraine. Kyiv and its allies refused. Europe, meanwhile, activated plans to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine - a signal that the West is ready to go all the way. December 2025 turned out to be the moment when hopes for a quick peace sharply diminished. Formal negotiations continued, but with no chance of a real compromise. Russia’s political course is tough, and they are not going to change the line. For many, this was confirmation that the war could drag on for a long time, and dreams of a peaceful future were postponed for now.