Skip to main content

Featured

Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are warmly spiced, with crisp edges and soft centers—perfect for holiday decorating and eating. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup unsulfured molasses 1 large egg Instructions Mix dry ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Cream butter & sugar : In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg. Combine : Gradually add dry mixture until dough forms. Chill dough : Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll & cut : Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake : Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Cool & decorate : Let cool com...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Putin Stands Firm on Ukraine at Year-End Press Conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin at his annual end-of-year press conference and phone-in in Moscow.

At his annual marathon press conference in Moscow on December 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia’s conditions for ending the war in Ukraine remain unchanged from those he outlined in June 2024. Despite ongoing diplomatic pressure from the United States and European allies to reach a settlement, Putin offered no indication of compromise.

Putin emphasized that while there were “certain signals” from Kyiv suggesting a willingness to engage in dialogue, he did not see genuine readiness for a peace deal. He insisted that Russia was prepared to end the conflict peacefully, but only on the basis of principles he previously set out — including Ukraine abandoning ambitions to join NATO and addressing what he described as the “root causes” of the crisis.

The press marathon, which typically lasts several hours, showcased Putin’s hardline stance. He framed the responsibility for progress as lying with Ukraine and its Western allies, stating that the “ball is in their court.” Meanwhile, U.S. negotiators continue to push for a breakthrough, with President Donald Trump aiming to secure a peace deal by Christmas.

Putin also highlighted Russia’s battlefield position, claiming Moscow was in a position of strength and signaling that further territorial gains in eastern Ukraine were possible before year’s end. His remarks underscore the Kremlin’s determination to maintain pressure while resisting concessions, leaving little room for optimism in the near-term peace efforts.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment