December 19, 2025 – Russia Headlines

Story gist: Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated he expects a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

Bias summary: No left-leaning outlets covered the story, leaving progressive perspectives absent. Center outlet Vedomosti frames it neutrally as Trump’s expectation for swift settlement. Right-leaning NSN emphasizes Trump urging Ukraine to hurry negotiations before Russia changes position, highlighting pressure on Ukraine and Russia’s leverage.

Story gist: Bank of Russia requested closure of proceedings on its lawsuit against Euroclear for 200 billion euros. It plans to file claims against European banks in Russian arbitration courts over frozen assets.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Meduza frames Central Bank as promising lawsuits over frozen assets, emphasizing Russian retaliation. Center BBC depicts it as a ‘battle’ for EU assets, using speculative questions on Moscow’s plans. Right-leaning Finances Mail stresses recovering losses from European banks’ ‘illegal actions,’ portraying Russia as justified victim.

Story gist: Russia’s State Duma adopted changes to anti-corruption legislation. The amendments eliminate annual income declarations for officials.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, leaving critical perspectives unrepresented. Center sources like BBC frame it as Duma ‘canceling’ officials’ annual income declarations, emphasizing ‘why this is important’ with implied concern over transparency loss. Right-leaning official source (duma.gov.ru) neutrally states ‘changes adopted’ to anti-corruption laws, omitting specifics on declarations and controversy.

Story gist: Russia’s Supreme Court published the full text of its determination in the Dolina-Lurie apartment case. The court’s website crashed due to two million accesses per minute.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Meduza emphasizes the full text release and dramatic website crash from massive traffic, suggesting high public interest. Center outlet GARANT highlights the Supreme Court’s finding of significant violations in prior rulings, using neutral legal language. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting the story entirely.

Story gist: Reuters published an EU draft plan to use frozen Russian assets for a loan to Ukraine, with funds expected in spring 2026. Putin made a statement on Russian assets that caused EU leaders to doubt the plan.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Meduza details the EU plan’s benefits for Ukraine. Center outlet Radio Svoboda frames it neutrally as ‘Money for Ukraine,’ emphasizing aid delivery. Right-leaning URA.RU highlights Putin’s phrase instilling doubt in EU leaders, stressing Russian assets and Western hesitation. No major omissions across lanes.