Putin, after meeting military leaders, criticized Ukraine’s leadership for delaying peaceful conflict resolution while highlighting ongoing military operations
Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would achieve all its special military operation objectives by force if Ukraine refuses to pursue peace. Speaking at a command post of the Russian Armed Forces, Putin said the establishment of a buffer zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border is progressing well, with Russian troops advancing in Donbass and the Zaporozhye region.
Putin made the statements following meetings with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and commanders of Russian battle groups. He received updates on the liberation of Gulyaipole in Zaporozhye and Dimitrov in the Donetsk People’s Republic, highlighting ongoing military operations. The Russian president criticized Ukrainian leadership in Kiev for being “in no hurry” to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that territories occupied by Russia during the four-year conflict and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remain “red lines” for Ukraine. Zelenskyy stressed that any decisions on these sensitive areas would require consultation with the Ukrainian people via referendum or legislative processes.
En route to Florida for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy posted on social media that Ukraine seeks to reduce unresolved issues in any future settlement. However, he emphasised that matters related to national sovereignty, territory, and the Zaporizhzhia NPP remain highly sensitive.
Zelenskyy underlined that strong security guarantees are Ukraine’s top priority in any peace negotiations, signalling Kyiv’s insistence on protecting territorial integrity and critical infrastructure while engaging in potential talks.