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

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.

St. Petersburg meeting will focus on trade integration, regional coordination, and bilateral talks alongside summits of former Soviet member states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is warning that Moscow will extend its gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies reject the Kremlin's demands in peace talks.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin fielded many questions at his annual news conference. But amid the weighty queries from reporters about the fighting in Ukraine and other domestic issues, there also were the odd and lighter moments.