Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday opened his year-end news conference, an event that will be closely watched for his response to the U.S.-backed peace plan for

The annual event gives ordinary Russians a chance to question their leader, with queries expected on an end to the Ukraine war and boosting the economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Friday that Moscow’s troops were advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine and voiced confidence that the Kremlin would achieve its goals militarily if Kyiv fails to agree to Russia’s conditions in peace talks.

EU leaders announced a multi-billion dollar funding plan for Ukraine’s economy and military. Putin is hosting his end-of-year news conference where he will likely address the war. Follow for live updates.

Europe has “failed to rob” Russia of its frozen assets, President Vladimir Putin has said in the aftermath of a deal to offer Ukraine a massive €90bn interest-free loan. It did not reach an agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets. “They failed to rob, due to grave consequences for the robbers,” he said.

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday Russia would take more land in Ukraine by force if Kyiv and European politicians whom he cast as "young pigs" did not engage over U.S. proposals for a peace settlement.

Dmitri N. Kozak had worked with President Vladimir V. Putin for three decades before quitting in September. His associates described his break with the Russian leader.