The Russian government has been accused of using prison inmates to swell its ranks, with some reports suggesting that more than half of the troops who have been sent to Ukraine may be conscripts

Vladimir Putin is facing growing discontent from Russian businesses as sanctions begin to bite amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The UK's Ministry of Defence has noted: "Criticism of high interest rates is growing amongst Russian business.

The patriarch of Russia's Orthodox Church, celebrating Christmas alongside Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, said on Tuesday that the Western world despised Russia and its "alternative path of civilised development".

Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022, has also been a source of religious controversy within the Eastern Orthodox Church and has driven a split among believers in both Russia and Ukraine.Vi

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he plans to discuss efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he's ready to negotiate an end to the war with the Russians as a final step after a meeting with Donald Trump and representatives of the European Union.