Putin Warns Russia Will Achieve Ukraine Goals by Force if Peace Fails
Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that if Ukraine is unwilling to pursue peace, Russia will accomplish its objectives in the ongoing war by force. His remarks came after a massive Russian missile and drone strike on Ukrainian territories, which prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to argue that Moscow is signaling its intent to continue the war while Kyiv seeks peace.
Putin’s comments, reported by the state news agency TASS, come ahead of Zelensky’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, where he aims to discuss peace proposals nearly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
During an inspection visit, Russian commanders briefed Putin that Moscow’s forces had taken control of Myrnohrad, Rodynske, and Artemivka in Donetsk, as well as Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia, according to the Kremlin’s Telegram channel.
However, Ukraine’s military rejected Russia’s claims regarding Huliaipole and Myrnohrad, stating that defensive operations remain ongoing in these areas. The Southern Command reported “fierce fighting” in Huliaipole, with Ukrainian forces continuing to hold a significant portion of the town.
Independent verification of battlefield reports remains difficult due to restricted access, tight information control, and shifting front lines. Analysts rely on satellite imagery and geolocated footage, which may be partial or delayed.
