Defiant Zelensky says Ukraine plans to mobilise 500,000 more soldiers

At a rare end-of-year address, the defiant leader admitted it has been a "difficult year" - but vowed Ukraine will fight on to victory.

The Ukrainian president tonight held an unexpected press conference to discuss the state of the war and strategies for the new year.

Zelensky kicked off his address by stating: "This is a difficult year that is coming to an end."

However, he told Ukrainians never to lose "our resilience", adding: "We are fighting for a future to be chosen by ourselves not the Russian Federation."