Putin states that Russia will continue fighting until Ukraine gives up territory

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that his military campaign in Ukraine would cease if Kyiv withdrew from territories that Moscow claims as its own, warning that otherwise, Russia would seize them by force. The Russian army has been advancing slowly in eastern Ukraine, engaging in costly battles against Ukrainian forces, who are often outnumbered and outgunned.

Meanwhile, Washington has revived efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict, proposing a new plan it hopes to negotiate with Moscow and Kyiv in upcoming talks.

"If Ukrainian troops withdraw from the areas they control, combat operations will halt," Putin said during a visit to Kyrgyzstan. "If they refuse, we will achieve this militarily."

Currently, Russia occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory. Kyiv has firmly stated it will not relinquish this land, making the issue a central obstacle in peace negotiations. Another critical topic is the demand for Western security guarantees for Ukraine, intended to prevent future Russian invasions.

An earlier US plan, created without consultation with European allies, suggested Kyiv withdraw from the eastern Donetsk region, effectively acknowledging Russian control over Donetsk, Crimea, and Lugansk. After criticism from Kyiv and Europe, Washington revised the plan but has not yet published the updated version.

Putin, who has seen the revised draft, described it as a potential starting point for negotiations. "We agree that it could serve as a foundation for future agreements," he said, though Russia continues to seek international recognition of its occupied territories.

Ukraines top aide, Andriy Yermak, strongly rejected any notion of ceding land. "As long as Zelensky is president, there will be no surrender of territory. He will not sign away Ukrainian land," Yermak told The Atlantic. "Right now, the realistic focus is defining the line of contact along the 1,100-kilometre front."

US negotiator Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow next week to discuss the updated document, while US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will visit Kyiv later this week, according to Yermak.

Putin also claimed that Russian forces had encircled the Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd in Donetsk, one of the most contested regions. "Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov are completely surrounded," he said, using Russian names. He added that Moscow is advancing in Vovchansk and Siversk, approaching the logistics hub of Guliaipole. "The offensive is almost impossible to stop, so little can be done," Putin asserted.

Ukraine has denied that these cities are encircled, maintaining that its troops are still holding the front lines. Putin, in power for 25 years, also questioned Zelenskys legitimacy, suggesting that any formal agreement with him would be legally "almost impossible," a statement criticized by Kyiv and its allies.

According to AFP data analyzed from the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have captured an average of 467 square kilometres (180 square miles) per month in 2025, a rate higher than in 2024.

Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, sparking Europes deadliest armed conflict since World War II. The war has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.

Analysis of Putin's Recent Statements and Military Strategy in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments regarding the cessation of military operations in Ukraine raise significant questions about the course of the ongoing conflict. According to his statement, Russia will halt its offensive if Ukrainian forces withdraw from territories claimed by Moscow. This declaration underscores the high stakes surrounding areas like Donetsk, Crimea, and Lugansk, which have been central to Russia’s expansionist goals in Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian government has repeatedly made it clear that it will not concede any territory, a stance that remains a primary obstacle to peace negotiations.

The situation on the ground reflects a slow but steady advance of Russian forces, particularly in eastern Ukraine. Despite the heavy losses and fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces, Russia continues to make incremental territorial gains. Putin's assertion that the military offensive is "almost impossible to stop" is indicative of his belief in the momentum of Russia’s military operations. However, this view is contested by Ukrainian forces, who claim they still hold the line and contest key areas of Donetsk, such as Pokrovsk and Myrnograd, which Putin has claimed to have encircled.

From a strategic standpoint, the US has intensified efforts to mediate the conflict. Washington's revised plan, which initially proposed a Ukrainian withdrawal from certain eastern regions, has faced criticism from Kyiv and its European allies. The revisions suggest that there is room for negotiation, but the fundamental issue of territorial integrity remains a major sticking point. Ukraine’s firm refusal to cede land, supported by Andriy Yermak’s statement that President Zelensky will not "sign away Ukrainian land," highlights the political and military risks involved in any peace agreement.

Putin's comments about the legitimacy of President Zelensky also complicate the situation, as they question the authority of Ukraine’s leadership in negotiating with Moscow. This rhetoric, coupled with Russia’s demands for international recognition of its occupied territories, shows little inclination toward genuine diplomatic resolution. The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to fuel massive casualties and displacement, with no clear end in sight.

In conclusion, while Russia’s military advances in Ukraine may appear to be gaining ground, the reality remains that both sides are entrenched in their positions. The conflict is far from over, and the prospects for a negotiated settlement seem remote as both Russia and Ukraine remain unwilling to make significant concessions. The coming weeks will likely see further diplomatic efforts, but it remains to be seen whether these will lead to any meaningful progress toward peace.

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• Putin says Russia will fight on unless Ukraine cedes land