Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to continue the fight against Russia in 2025, vowing that his country will do everything in its power to end the nearly three-year-long invasion. In a national address delivered just before midnight on December 31, Zelenskyy emphasized that peace will not come easily, but Ukraine is determined to stop Russian aggression.
“May 2025 be our year,” Zelenskyy said, reaffirming his commitment to Ukraine’s defense despite the ongoing hardships. He expressed confidence that the United States would remain a key ally in the battle, citing his discussions with both outgoing President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump. “I have no doubt that the new American president will want and will be able to bring peace and end Putin’s aggression,” Zelenskyy added.
As Ukraine enters the new year, the conflict with Russia shows no signs of slowing. On January 1, gas transit data revealed that Russian gas will no longer flow through Ukraine to Europe, marking the end of a critical 2019 deal between Moscow and Kyiv. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
In the early hours of January 3, Russia launched a drone strike on Kyiv, damaging at least two districts. Air defenses managed to intercept the incoming threat, but debris from the drones sparked fires in private buildings. Local authorities have reported the damage, and the situation continues to unfold.
While Russia has made significant territorial gains in Ukraine, advancing by almost 4,000 square kilometers in 2024—nearly seven times more than the previous year—Ukraine is bracing for further pressure in the coming months. Despite these setbacks, Ukrainian forces have managed to strike back, including a recent attack on a Russian oil depot in the Smolensk region. The Ukrainian military claimed responsibility for the strike, which caused a fire at a facility used for military purposes.
As the conflict drags on into 2025, the situation remains dire, with the Ukrainian government focused on defending its sovereignty and pushing for an eventual end to the war. The outcome of future international support, especially from the United States under a potential Trump administration, hangs in the balance.
