The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war ...

Ukraine, which was partially reliant on Russian gas, has not bought gas directly from Moscow since 2015 after it invaded and annexed Crimea and backed separatist militants in east Ukraine.

Ukraine's General Staff said this combat operation "significantly reduced the enemy's ability to carry out airstrikes using kamikaze drones against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure." ...