Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday that he would cease military operations in Ukraine only if Kyiv withdrew its forces from territories Moscow claims as its own, warning that otherwise Russia would take control of those areas through continued force.
His remarks came as Russian troops pushed steadily through eastern Ukraine in battles that have exhausted Ukraine’s resources and manpower.
While Moscow continues its advance, Washington has renewed efforts to secure an end to the conflict, presenting a revised peace proposal intended for negotiation in upcoming discussions with both Kyiv and Moscow. During a visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin stated, “If Ukrainian forces leave the territories they hold, then we will stop combat operations. If they don’t, then we will achieve it by military means.” Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, and the question of territorial control remains the central challenge in achieving any agreement, with Kyiv repeatedly insisting it will not surrender its land.
Western security guarantees for Ukraine have also become a major element in the ongoing discussions, as Kyiv argues such assurances are necessary to prevent future Russian aggression. Washington’s initial proposal, drafted without consulting European partners, suggested that Kyiv withdraw from parts of Donetsk and that the United States effectively recognise Donetsk, Crimea, and Lugansk as Russian territory. Following backlash from Kyiv and key European states, the US revised the plan, though the updated version has not been publicly released.
Putin, who has reviewed the latest draft, said it could provide a foundation for future talks, noting that the US is believed to have shortened it to around 20 points. He added that US negotiator Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow next week for further discussions, while US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to visit Kyiv soon, according to Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak.
Putin reiterated his claim that Russian forces had surrounded the Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd, both key locations in Donetsk, and asserted that Russian troops were advancing in Vovchansk, Siversk, and near the crucial logistics route around Guliaipole. He argued that the Ukrainian defence “is practically impossible to hold back,” adding that “there is little that can be done about it.” Ukraine, however, has rejected claims of encirclement and maintains that its troops are still resisting along the front line.
Putin also questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that signing any agreements with him would be legally “almost impossible,” a position that has drawn criticism from Kyiv and its allies. Data reviewed by AFP from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that Russian forces captured an average of 467 square kilometres each month in 2025, marking an increase from their territorial gains in 2024.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties and displacing millions from their homes.
What you should know
Putin insists the war will end only if Ukraine withdraws from territories claimed by Moscow, while the US is attempting to revive peace negotiations with a revised plan.
Kyiv rejects any territorial concessions, and Russia continues to make incremental gains on the battlefield, intensifying pressure on Ukrainian forces as diplomatic efforts falter.
