Putin again threatens Ukraine with «armed solution» to the war

Putin threatens Ukraine with continuation of the war and declares an «armed solution» to Russia's goals

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that if Ukraine refuses to «resolve everything by peace», Russia will allegedly continue to achieve its goals by military means. He made the remarks while wearing a military uniform - according to Russian media, at one of the command posts of the Russian Armed Forces.

Putin's statements

During his latest public monologue on the war against Ukraine, Putin claimed that:

• Russia is allegedly losing interest in «withdrawing the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the occupied territories», citing the pace of the Russian offensive;

• In the West, he said, «smart people» have appeared who advise Kyiv to agree to «decent conditions for a peaceful settlement»;

• If Ukraine does not agree to such conditions, Russia will continue to achieve its goals by force.

Putin did not announce any specific parameters of the so-called «peace conditions».

Context.

The Russian leader makes such statements against the backdrop of active hostilities, massive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure. At the same time, official Kyiv has repeatedly stressed that any negotiations are possible only if Ukraine's territorial integrity is respected, Russian troops are withdrawn, and real security guarantees are provided.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stated that Ukraine will not recognise any occupied territories as Russian and will not accept ultimatums under the pressure of war.

Reaction of Ukraine and the West

The Ukrainian government and international partners have repeatedly stressed that the responsibility for the continuation of the war lies entirely with Russia, and that such statements by the Kremlin are an element of information and psychological pressure.