North India Statesman
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New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled on Wednesday (Dec 17) that he has no intention of softening his stance on Ukraine, even as US President Donald Trump steps up efforts to broker a peace deal. Speaking as diplomatic activity intensified in Washington and European capitals, Putin made clear that Russia’s territorial demands are non-negotiable.
Addressing the annual meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry, Putin took a tough stance and criticized Ukraine’s European supporters. He said that Moscow gives priority to diplomacy, and also made it clear that Russia is ready to adopt alternative routes.
He said, “We would prefer to address the root causes of the conflict through diplomacy. If the adversary country and its foreign patron refuse to engage in concrete negotiations, Russia will liberate its historic lands through military means.” He mentioned the areas of Ukraine that Moscow wants to hand over from Kiev.
These demands are one of the most contentious issues in the current peace talks. Territorial control and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine remain key issues in the talks, reflecting differences in priorities between Kiev, Washington, European capitals and Moscow.
Russia has already declared its illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Donbass region, although it has not completely annexed it on the ground.
According to an assessment by the US-based Institute for War Studies, given the pace of Moscow’s current advance, it will take until August 2027 to capture the entire Donbass region.
Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated Kiev’s stance, saying Ukraine would not recognize the temporarily occupied parts of eastern Donbass as Russian territory either legally or de facto.
He also directly responded to Putin’s reference to “historic lands” in his address. He said, “There are many countries in Europe that a Russian might one day call his ‘historical land.’ We need real protection from this crazy Russian history.”
Putin’s speech was long and winding, in which he repeatedly highlighted the differences between the United States and Europe. He said that Russia is “engaged in dialogue with the United States”, while also indicating that there is little chance of meaningful dialogue with Europe under the current leadership.
“I hope the same thing will happen with Europe. It is difficult for this to be possible while the current political elite remains, but in any case, as we become stronger, it will be inevitable. If not while the current politicians remain, then it will certainly happen if the current elite in Europe changes,” he added.
Trump has maintained optimism about a decisive breakthrough, saying this week that “we are closer now than we have ever been”.
At the same time, European leaders remain more cautious and focused on the need for concrete security guarantees for Ukraine before any agreement.
Putin’s comments came ahead of a key meeting in Brussels, where European leaders are expected to debate whether Russia’s frozen assets should be used to finance Ukraine’s defense.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the seriousness of the current situation while addressing the European Parliament on Wednesday. He urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security and to continue financial aid to Ukraine.
He said, “There is no more important task for European defense than supporting the defense of Ukraine. The coming days will prove decisive in ensuring this. It is up to us to choose how to fund the fight for Ukraine.”
European leaders are currently considering two main proposals to support Kiev, one focused on using frozen Russian assets and the other on borrowing to maintain Ukraine’s war effort.
