Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will achieve its objectives in Ukraine by force if Kyiv refuses to pursue a negotiated peace, signaling continued escalation in the nearly four-year-long war.
Speaking on Saturday, Putin accused Ukraine of delaying peace efforts, stating that Russia remains prepared to impose its will militarily if diplomatic solutions fail. His remarks, reported by Russia’s state news agency TASS, came hours after a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack across Ukrainian territory.
Kyiv Accuses Moscow of Prolonging the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by saying that Russia’s latest attacks demonstrate its determination to prolong the war, despite Kyiv’s stated desire for peace.
Zelensky is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, where he will push for renewed international efforts to bring an end to the conflict that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
The White House did not immediately comment on Putin’s statements, according to Reuters.
Conflicting Claims From the Battlefield
The Kremlin said Russian military commanders informed Putin during an inspection visit that Russian forces had captured the towns of Myrnohrad, Rodynske, and Artemivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, as well as Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
However, Ukraine’s Armed Forces strongly rejected these claims, dismissing them as false. In statements posted on social media, Ukraine’s General Staff said the situation in Huliaipole and Myrnohrad remains difficult but under active defensive operations.
Ukraine’s Southern Command reported that intense fighting continues in Huliaipole, adding that a significant portion of the town remains under Ukrainian control.
Verification Remains Difficult
Independent verification of battlefield developments remains challenging, as access to front-line areas is restricted, information is tightly controlled by both sides, and front lines continue to shift rapidly. Media organizations often rely on satellite imagery and geolocated footage, which may be incomplete or delayed.
As diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, Putin’s latest remarks reinforce concerns that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged conflict, raising fresh questions about the prospects for peace in Ukraine.
