“In a stark speech on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow will pursue further gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western partners refuse the Kremlin’s demands in peace talks.”
Putin’s Dire Warning
Putin said Moscow would prefer to achieve its goals and “eliminate the root causes of the conflict” by diplomatic means, but he added that “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.” He referred to Ukrainian territory seized by Russia, which the West calls a violation of sovereignty.
Trump’s Diplomatic Push
U.S. President Donald Trump has launched an extensive diplomatic effort to end nearly four years of fighting. Washington’s strategy has met sharply conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv. Trump praised Putin’s settlement efforts and repeated his claim that the war would not have erupted under his watch. He accused the previous U.S. administration and some European allies-whom he contemptuously called “piglings”-of vainly expecting Russia’s collapse.
Kyiv’s Position and the Draft Peace Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. envoys in Berlin and said the U.S.-drafted peace plan could be finalized within days, after which U.S. envoys would present it to the Kremlin. He described the draft as “not perfect but very workable,” noting that Kyiv and its allies were close to a deal on “strong security guarantees.” Zelenskyy emphasized that control over territory remained unresolved and rejected the U.S. push for Ukraine to cede control over the eastern Donetsk region.
Moscow’s Demands
Putin wants all areas in four key regions captured by his forces, as well as Crimea-annexed in 2014-to be recognized as Russian territory. He also demands that Ukraine withdraw from some areas in eastern Ukraine that Moscow’s forces have not yet captured. The Kremlin insists Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and warns it will not accept the deployment of any NATO troops, viewing them as legitimate targets.
Russian Military Advances
Defense Minister Andrei Belousov reported that the latest Russian advances in Donetsk set the stage for a quick push into the Ukrainian-controlled part of the region. He said Russian troops were preparing to drive Ukrainian forces from parts of the Zaporizhzhia region that Moscow annexed in 2022 but never fully captured, and to extend gains in neighboring Dnipropetrovsk. He said the key task for the next year is to preserve and accelerate the tempo of the offensive.
Expansion of Military Capabilities
Belousov outlined plans to expand Russian military capabilities, focusing on drones, jamming equipment and air defense assets. He also noted that Russia’s forces are now battle-hardened, saying “our troops are different now, they are battle-hardened and there is no other such army in the world now.”
Ongoing Aerial Attacks
Russia has continued daily missile and drone strikes. At least 26 people were injured by Russian glide bombs in Zaporizhzhia and its vicinity, according to regional administration head Ivan Fedorov. The attack damaged several residential buildings, infrastructure and an educational facility. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted or jammed 29 drones in the morning, while the assault continued during the day.
Drone Incidents in Russia’s Regions
In Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, drones injured two people and damaged several private houses, according to regional emergency officials. In the southwestern Voronezh region, Gov. Alexander Gusev said drone fragments damaged a power line serving an infrastructure facility, causing a blaze that was quickly extinguished.
New Nuclear-Capable Missile
Putin praised Russia’s growing military might and highlighted the modernization of its atomic arsenal. He announced that the new nuclear-capable intermediate-range Oreshnik ballistic missile would officially enter combat duty this month. Russia first tested a conventionally armed version of the Oreshnik in November 2024, striking a Ukrainian factory. Putin boasted that the missile is impossible to intercept.
Key Takeaways
- Putin warns Moscow will seek further gains if Kyiv and its allies refuse the Kremlin’s demands.
- Trump’s diplomatic effort faces sharply conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv.
- Zelenskyy says the U.S. peace plan is workable but remains. Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The situation remains tense as Moscow prepares for additional advances while the West continues to push for a negotiated settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and security guarantees.
