Post by : Rameen Ariff

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the ongoing war in Ukraine will only end if Kyiv withdraws from the territories currently under Russian control. Speaking during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin made it clear that if Ukraine refuses to hand over these regions, Russian forces will continue military operations to take control by force.

The Russian army has been advancing steadily through eastern Ukraine, engaging in intense and costly battles against Ukrainian forces that are both outnumbered and outgunned. The eastern regions, particularly Donetsk, have become the focus of heavy fighting, with Russia claiming that cities such as Pokrovsk and Myrnograd are surrounded. However, Ukraine has denied these claims, insisting its troops still hold positions along the front lines.

The conflict, which began in February 2022, has escalated into the deadliest war in Europe since World War II. Russia currently occupies nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory. The question of control over these occupied areas remains one of the biggest obstacles in peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, the United States has introduced a new plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. This plan, which will be discussed in upcoming talks with Moscow and Kyiv, has been described by Putin as a potential starting point for negotiations. According to the Russian leader, the revised US draft could form the basis of future agreements, although Russia continues to seek international recognition for the territories it occupies.

Ukrainian officials, however, have strongly rejected any suggestion of giving up land. Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated in an interview that Kyiv would not sign away any territory as long as Zelensky remains president. He emphasized that the only realistic discussions at this stage involve defining the current front line, which stretches over 1,100 kilometers.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with US negotiator Steve Witkoff expected to visit Moscow next week to discuss the revised peace plan. Additionally, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to visit Kyiv later this week to discuss security issues.

Putin also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy and argued that any agreement with his administration would be legally difficult, a position that has drawn criticism from Ukraine and its international allies. Analysts say that Russian forces have made significant gains in 2025, conquering an average of 467 square kilometers per month, marking an increase compared to 2024.

The war has already caused widespread destruction, killed hundreds of thousands of people, and displaced millions. Despite international calls for peace, Moscow continues to insist that territorial concessions by Ukraine are necessary before any meaningful negotiation can take place

#Global News