Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine will be resolved “militarily” if ongoing peace efforts fail, declaring Moscow’s readiness to pursue a decisive military outcome.
Speaking at a press conference in China after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin and a military parade commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II, Putin claimed Russian forces were “advancing on all fronts” and argued that Ukraine lacked the capacity to mount a significant counteroffensive.
“If there is a possibility for an agreement based on reason and compromise, we are ready. If not, then the conflict will be settled militarily,” Putin stated.
According to Daily Mail, the Russian leader stressed that Moscow’s military campaign would continue relentlessly unless Kyiv agreed to talks, while also noting that U.S. President Donald Trump had shown “a sincere desire” to facilitate peace negotiations.
Putin also signaled openness to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow but questioned the utility of such a summit. “As for a meeting with Zelensky, I have never ruled out the possibility. But is there any point? Let’s see,” he said, emphasizing that dialogue must be “properly prepared” and produce “tangible outcomes.”
Zelensky has consistently called for direct talks with Putin, while Trump has sought to bring both leaders together in what would mark a major diplomatic achievement for his administration.
However, peace prospects remain bleak as the Kremlin continues to demand recognition of territories it annexed—conditions Kyiv firmly rejects.
The war, triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has killed tens of thousands, uprooted millions, and shaken Europe’s security order.
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