Edith Hejberg
US President Donald Trump has ramped up his push for a peace deal, recently claiming, “we’re closer now than we have been.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he will not back down on demands for Ukraine to give up territory.
In a hardline speech at Russia’s annual Ministry of Defense meeting, he said Moscow would use force if needed to achieve its goals, a stark message amid renewed international efforts for peace.
A warning wrapped in diplomacy
Putin claimed Russia would prefer to resolve the conflict through diplomacy but issued a blunt warning: “If the opposing country and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands through military means.”
Russia’s territorial demands stall peace progress
The Kremlin insists that parts of Ukraine, particularly regions Putin refers to as “historical lands”, must be handed over as part of any peace deal.
This demand remains a major obstacle, with Ukraine and its allies unwilling to accept a settlement that involves ceding territory.
Trump pushes peace, but Kyiv resists concessions
US President Donald Trump has ramped up his push for a peace deal, recently claiming, “we’re closer now than we have been.”
But Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv won’t recognize Russian control over any occupied territories in Donbas, either legally or de facto.
A slow war of attrition in Donbas
Though Russia has annexed parts of Donbas, it has yet to seize full control.
The Institute for the Study of War estimates that, at the current pace, it would take until August 2027 for Russia to fully capture the region, a sobering projection of how drawn-out the conflict could become.
Putin dismisses Europe as a peace partner
While hinting at dialogue with the United States, Putin cast doubt on Europe’s role in peace efforts.
“It is unlikely that this is possible with the current political elites,” he said, adding that meaningful talks might only occur once European leadership changes.
Russia aims to outlast the West
Putin’s remarks revealed a broader strategy: wait out current European leaders and hope future governments will be more open to Moscow’s demands.
“If not with the current politicians, then when the current elites in Europe change,” he stated bluntly.
Brussels summit to weigh Russian asset plan
His comments came just ahead of a critical European Union summit in Brussels, where leaders will debate how to fund Ukraine including whether to tap into frozen Russian assets. The outcome could shape Ukraine’s war effort and Europe’s geopolitical stance.
Two competing EU proposals on the table
EU nations are considering two main options to support Ukraine financially: one proposal involves using frozen Russian assets, while the other is based on borrowing. Both plans face scrutiny, but leaders agree Ukraine’s defense needs sustained funding.
Europe told to shoulder its security burden
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the continent to take responsibility. “There is no more important act of European defense than supporting Ukraine’s defense,” she said. “It’s up to us to choose how we fund Ukraine’s fight.”
Putin plays up division among allies
Throughout his speech, Putin highlighted the differing approaches between Washington and European capitals. By pointing out fractures in the Western alliance, he appeared to be betting on division to weaken their support for Ukraine.
Peace still distant despite negotiations
Despite international calls for diplomacy, the key points of contention, territory and security guarantees, remain unresolved. As Russia refuses to budge and Ukraine stands firm, peace remains elusive even as talks continue.
A long war still looms on the horizon
With no compromise in sight and military operations grinding on, the war in Ukraine could stretch for years. Both sides are digging in, and despite talk of peace, the path forward remains deeply uncertain.
