Russian forces are advancing in the east, slowly but surely, and they are shrinking Ukraine’s partial hold of the border region of Kursk

With soaring inflation and the ruble dropping to one of its lowest levels against the dollar since President Vladimir Putin launched his war in Ukraine, this year Russians will have to pay more for the dish, which is traditionally served alongside caviar and tangerines, before the New Year is toasted in.

Vladimir Putin said he is ready to compromise over Ukraine in possible talks on ending his war and has no conditions for starting discussions – as he boasted about Russia’s military achievements at his annual marathon televised news conference.