Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the ongoing war with Ukraine will persist unless a diplomatic agreement is reached with Kyiv.
Speaking at a press conference concluding his four-day visit to China, Putin stated, “Should negotiations with Ukraine fail, we will pursue our objectives through military means.”
He expressed confidence in Russia’s battlefield progress, claiming, “Our forces are advancing successfully across the frontlines.”
Putin, aged 72, asserted that Ukraine’s military reserves are depleted, despite recent Ukrainian counteroffensives that reclaimed several towns and villages in eastern Ukraine.
He reiterated doubts about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy for negotiations, noting, “Zelensky’s regular term expired in 2024,” and described dialogue with him as a “dead end.” Zelensky, however, remains in power under martial law, which constitutionally extends his leadership during wartime.
While praising U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a Russia-Ukraine summit, Putin remarked, “The new U.S. administration’s approach offers hope for resolution.”
He added, “If reason prevails, we could find an acceptable end to this conflict,” though he offered no specific terms for peace.
Putin also clarified that Russia’s focus is not solely territorial but includes protecting the rights of Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine, stating, “Our concern lies with the security and rights of these populations.”
Despite controlling roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory after over three years of conflict, Russia faces firm resistance from Zelensky, who staunchly opposes territorial concessions, citing Ukraine’s constitutional prohibitions. (dpa/NAN)
