President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that Russia could move to expand its territorial control in Ukraine if peace talks fail to meet Moscow’s conditions, hinting that the Kremlin remains ready to rely on military force should diplomatic efforts stall.
Putin urges talks
Addressing senior military commanders at an annual meeting, Putin said Russia favours resolving the conflict through negotiations and by working to “eliminate the root causes of the conflict”, while making it clear that the absence of meaningful dialogue would harden Moscow’s response.
“If the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means,” Putin said.
Trump hails progress in Ukraine negotiations
His remarks come amid renewed international efforts to end the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a settlement was “closer than ever” following high-level discussions in Berlin, though major differences remain unresolved.
Ukraine negotiations focus on territory
Talks involving the United States, Ukraine and European leaders have centred on security guarantees and territorial questions. European leaders have supported strong, US-backed security assurances for Ukraine, while stopping short of endorsing NATO membership.
Despite the diplomatic push, gaps between Moscow and Kyiv remain wide. Putin claimed that Russian forces are firmly holding the “strategic initiative” along the entire front line and said Russia would expand a buffer security zone along its border. He also described Russian troops as “battle-hardened” and unmatched in combat experience.
