In a Kremlin forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia intends to forcefully end Ukraine’s war, while U.S. officials await peace‑plan results and former U.S. president Donald Trump urges Ukraine to make concessions.
Putin Declares Military Resolve
At a human‑rights council meeting, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is attempting to end the war started by Ukrainians, and that it must do so armed. He repeated the claim that Donbas is historically Russian, a position he has asserted repeatedly. Putin added that Russia would see the matter to a decisive conclusion in order to achieve the objectives of its so‑called “special military operation.”
Kremlin Claims Donbas Is Historically Russian
Putin emphasized that Donbas is “our historical territory” and that the land has always belonged to Russia, reflecting the Kremlin’s rhetoric about pre‑revolutionary boundaries. He warned that Russia would push the conflict to a definitive end to fulfill the goals of its military operation.
Russian Stance on Peace Talks with the U.S.
The Kremlin spokesman said Russia remains in “continuous contact” with U.S. representatives and expects outcomes from talks about the U.S. peace plan. He noted that Russia has been pressing the United States and European Union with claims of success on the front line and threats of new weapons, while attempting to discredit Ukraine and the EU by spreading a narrative about the West’s unwillingness to help.
Trump Demands Ukrainian Concessions
In an interview with Politico, former President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions, asserting that Ukraine is “losing” and must accept peace offers. He avoided any criticism of Russia or Vladimir Putin, labeling the animosity between Zelensky and Putin as personal. Trump also blamed Ukraine partly for the war because of its desire to join NATO and reclaim Crimea, and called for presidential elections in Ukraine.