Russian President Vladimir Putin has doubled down on his stance in the ongoing war with Ukraine, declaring that Moscow will continue its military campaign if peace talks fail. His comments came on Wednesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris for crucial meetings with European leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron, co-hosting Thursday’s summit, assured that Europe is prepared to offer Ukraine security guarantees once a peace agreement is reached. But despite multiple diplomatic efforts — including recent interventions by U.S. President Donald Trump — progress toward ending the three-and-a-half-year war has stalled.
Moscow’s Military Push
Putin praised Russia’s advances on the battlefield, claiming his forces are “moving forward on all fronts” and have significantly weakened Ukraine’s ability to counterattack. Overnight, Russian forces launched more than 500 drones and missiles across Ukraine, killing nine civilians in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka.
Speaking in Beijing after attending a military parade with China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Putin reiterated his hardline stance:
“If there is no peace deal, then we will have to resolve all our tasks militarily.”
Kyiv Seeks Security Guarantees
Zelensky, arriving in Paris, said he has seen no indication that Russia is serious about ending the war. European leaders are now working on a framework for security guarantees and a potential peacekeeping force to protect Ukraine should negotiations progress.
Macron confirmed that preparations are in place but stressed that details remain highly confidential. Trump also revealed he would be holding direct talks with Zelensky, saying, “I’ll know pretty much what we’re going to be doing” after their discussion.
Disputed Territories Remain a Barrier
A major sticking point remains Russia’s claim over territories it has annexed — including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted that any lasting peace must recognize these “new territorial realities.”
Ukraine, however, has rejected Moscow’s demands. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga dismissed Russia’s proposals as “old ultimatums” and urged Western allies to impose tougher sanctions:
“Russia has not changed its aggressive goals and shows no signs of readiness for meaningful negotiations.”
What Lies Ahead
While Ukraine has repeatedly called for a direct Putin-Zelensky meeting, the Russian president brushed off the idea, suggesting Zelensky visit Moscow instead — an offer Kyiv sees as insincere.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to intensify strikes on Ukrainian cities, keeping pressure on Kyiv despite mounting international calls for de-escalation. With diplomacy stalling and violence escalating, the prospect of peace remains uncertain.
-Deeprows News
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