Vladimir Putin has firmly stated that Russia will not relinquish any of the territories it has occupied in Ukraine during peace talks. In a recent interview with Sky News Arabia, the Russian president emphasized that any negotiations must acknowledge what he calls the "will of the people" living in these regions.
Putin referenced the controversial referendums held in 2022, where officials claimed that residents in four regions of Ukraine and Crimea voted to join Russia. Many international observers criticized these votes as illegitimate. "The will of the people is what we call democracy," he asserted, reinforcing his stance that these territories are now part of Russia.
He expressed hope that Ukraine’s leaders would focus on their national interests in negotiations, rather than catering to foreign sponsors whom he accused of prolonging the conflict for their own gain. He believes these external influences are more interested in using Ukraine as a pawn in their geopolitical games.
During his remarks at a business forum in St Petersburg, Putin reiterated his view that Russians and Ukrainians are essentially one nation, stating, "In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours." This assertion underscores his long-standing claim over Ukrainian territory.
Putin also issued a stark warning regarding the use of a dirty bomb by Ukraine, threatening severe consequences. He labeled such an act as a "colossal mistake" and promised a tough response if it occurred. He suggested that Ukraine deserves a better future than being a tool in the geopolitical struggle against Russia.
In the military context, reports emerged that Russia had captured a small village in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. This development comes amid ongoing hostilities, with claims of over 200 Russian drones targeting the Zaporizhzhia area.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv is in discussions with several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Lithuania, to begin joint weapons production. He urged these nations to contribute a portion of their GDP to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.
As tensions continue to rise, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, making the prospect of a peaceful resolution appear distant.