U.S. intelligence reports continue to warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet empire.

Putin claims no "willingness from Ukraine" to negotiate a peace deal as he touts battlefield gains, and Kyiv claims a brazen strike on a ship far from Russia.

President Vladimir Putin said he’s willing to discuss bringing Russia’s war in Ukraine to an end, even as he ruled out changes sought by Kyiv and Europe to a US peace plan drawn up with Moscow.

Even Donald Trumps best of intentions do not always bring success. In Ukraine, two seemingly immovable objects are blocking any peace agreement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Moscow’s troops are advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine, voicing confidence that the Kremlin’s military goals will be achieved

As the war between Russia and Ukraine persists, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his nation's "troops are advancing," The Associated Press reported.

Follow live updates from NBC News as Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at his annual year-end news conference on Ukraine, peace, war and Trump.

The anxiety comes as Russia's inflation remains high, and the country's massive defense spending jostles with social spending.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow won't attack other nations if its treated "with respect" and claimed he is "ready and willing" to end the Ukraine war "peacefully."

President Vladimir Putin's epic annual press conference on Friday was punctuated by bizarre moments and occasional barbs from ordinary Russians venting their frustration via unfiltered text messages.