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President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could seize more Ukrainian territory by force if peace talks fail, while accusing European leaders of exaggerating threats of a wider war. The conflict continues to dominate global diplomacy and security concerns.
Putin warns Russia may seize more Ukrainian territory by force.
Moscow: President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that Russia could expand its territorial control in Ukraine if Kyiv and European leaders fail to engage seriously in peace negotiations. Speaking at an annual Defence Ministry meeting, he framed the situation as a choice between diplomacy and force, emphasizing that Russia would pursue its goals through military means if discussions did not yield results.
Russia currently controls nearly 19 percent of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, as well as the eastern Donbas region, and much of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Moscow asserts these areas are now part of Russia, while Ukraine and most of the international community reject this claim. Putin described his military actions as “liberation of historical lands” if diplomacy failed.
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov highlighted that Russia planned to accelerate its offensive in 2026. A presentation at the meeting noted that Russia is spending approximately 5.1 percent of its gross domestic product on the war in 2025. The statements underscored Moscow’s commitment to maintain pressure on Kyiv amid stalled international peace proposals.
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Putin launched sharp criticism at European leaders, accusing them of “whipping up hysteria” over a potential conflict with NATO. He labeled them “shoats, young pigs,” claiming that warnings about a Russian threat to Europe were deliberate falsehoods. Putin repeated accusations that the former US administration aimed to weaken Russia, charges consistently denied by Western leaders.
Belousov also criticized Europe for obstructing efforts to end the war. He said European powers were undermining negotiations and spreading fears of a NATO-Russia war in the coming years. Putin and Belousov suggested that such rhetoric increased the likelihood of continued military operations in 2026, reinforcing Moscow’s narrative of being surrounded by hostile forces.
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The United States has held separate discussions with Russia, Kyiv, and European leaders on potential peace proposals, but no agreement has been reached. Ukraine has rejected territorial concessions and continues to demand strong security guarantees. European countries maintain that Russia should not benefit from its military aggression, setting the stage for ongoing diplomatic tension.
Putin’s comments and the reinforced military spending signal that Russia remains committed to its objectives in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict, coupled with accusations against Europe of stirring hysteria, contributes to international concerns about regional stability and the risk of escalation involving NATO countries.
