Ukraine's Zelensky can leave Brussels relieved he has staved off bankruptcy, Belgium can claim victory for protecting Euroclear, where Russia's frozen billions are held, and the EU collectively can be happy it's found a deal.

Ordinary Russians got the chance to question their leader at his year-end call-in show, with queries focused on an end to the Ukraine war and boosting the economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that relations between Russia and China are a crucial factor for global stability.

BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg had the opportunity to ask Vladimir Putin about his plans for the future of the country.

President Vladimir Putin called European politicians “little pigs” for joining efforts to “profit from the collapse” of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin told Russia's top generals that Russia was advancing on all fronts and would achieve its aims either by force or through diplomacy.