Putin Warns Russia Will Pursue Military Path if Kyiv Rejects Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that his country’s armed forces hold the upper hand across all fronts in the ongoing war with Ukraine, warning that Moscow will continue its military campaign should Kyiv withdraw from negotiations.
Speaking at a meeting with senior officials from the Russian Ministry of Defense, Putin asserted that the Russian military has made advances in all directions over the past several months. He claimed that Russian forces have taken control of numerous cities and towns during the campaign.
The Russian president also pointed to NATO member states’ support for Ukraine, saying it includes military aid, intelligence sharing, and advisory assistance. Despite this backing, Putin insisted that the Russian army continues to maintain the initiative on the battlefield and is steadily enhancing its capabilities.
He outlined Moscow’s plans to deploy new hypersonic missiles, put the “Oceanic” missile system into operation by year-end, and expand Russia’s naval fleet—including the production of submarines equipped with missiles. Putin also emphasized the continued enhancement of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces, calling them a cornerstone of deterrence.
Putin said Moscow prefers to resolve the roots of the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy but stressed that if political channels fail and Kyiv and its allies refuse to engage in talks, Russia will pursue its declared objectives through military means.
He described the global geopolitical climate as tense and, in some regions, critical, accusing certain European leaders of fueling fear of conflict with Russia. Nevertheless, Putin stated that Russia welcomes progress in contacts with the administration of current U.S. President Donald Trump and seeks equitable cooperation with both the United States and Europe.
