Putin Digs In on Ukraine as Peace Push Collides With Reality
Right now, the push for peace in Ukraine is running straight into a hard wall built in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he is not willing to compromise on his core demands, even as former US President Donald Trump talks optimistically about getting closer to a deal. In a forceful speech delivered at Russia’s annual Defense Ministry meeting, Putin signaled that territory remains non-negotiable and that pressure from the West will not change that position.
It was stressed by Putin that Russia would prefer a diplomatic solution, but only on its own terms. Those terms include Ukraine giving up regions that Moscow now claims as its own. He warned that if Ukraine and its Western supporters refuse what he called “substantive discussions,” then those goals would be pursued through military means instead. In his words, Russia would continue what he described as the “liberation of historical lands,” a phrase that has alarmed leaders across Europe.
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This territorial issue sits at the heart of the stalled peace talks. Russia has already illegally annexed parts of eastern Ukraine, including areas of the Donbas, but it has not fully taken control. Analysts note that, at the current pace, full control of the region would still be years away. Despite that reality, the Kremlin’s position has not softened. Any suggestion that Ukraine might permanently lose land remains a red line for Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded sharply, making it clear that occupied territories will never be recognized as Russian, either legally or in practice. He also warned that the idea of “historical lands” could be used as a justification for future aggression elsewhere in Europe. His message was simple: without firm protection, this way of thinking threatens more than just Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has continued to project confidence, saying that peace may be closer than ever. That optimism, however, is not widely shared in Europe. Ukraine’s allies there have been far more cautious, insisting that any agreement must come with strong security guarantees. Putin highlighted this divide, suggesting Russia is willing to talk with Washington but sees little chance of meaningful progress with current European leaders.
All of this is unfolding as European leaders prepare for critical discussions in Brussels. One major question on the table is whether frozen Russian assets should be used to fund Ukraine’s defense. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged decisive action, arguing that supporting Ukraine is the most important act of European self-defense right now.
Taken together, the moment feels tense and uncertain. While talk of peace continues, the gap between what Russia demands and what Ukraine and its allies can accept remains wide. For now, Putin’s message has been unmistakable: compromise is not on the agenda.
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