Posting earlier on Telegram, Zelensky said "a lot can be decided before the New Year" and solutions depended "on those who help Ukraine and on those who put pressure on Russia so that the Russians feel the consequences of their own aggression".

NATO countries neighboring Ukraine are being compelled to respond militarily in defense of alliance territory.

Russian commanders told Putin during an inspection visit that Moscow's forces had captured towns in Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk.