Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow will pursue its military goals in Ukraine if no peace agreement is reached, rejecting growing international pressure for a ceasefire.
Speaking during a visit to China, where he attended a major military parade seen as a show of defiance to the U.S.-led world order, Putin said Russia remains open to talks but only under its terms.
“If common sense prevails, we can reach an acceptable solution,” Putin said. “If not, we will resolve our objectives militarily.”
Putin Rejects Ceasefire, Doubles Down on Demands
Putin made it clear that Russia will not give up the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which it has illegally annexed. He repeated his longstanding demands that Ukraine- Abandon its aspirations to join NATO, and End what he called “discrimination” against ethnic Russians a claim widely dismissed by international observers.
He also hinted that any future peace deal would not affect territories already claimed by Russia, referencing the disputed referendums held after the 2022 invasion.
Trump-Putin Diplomatic Push Yields Little Progress
Putin’s comments come after a recent summit in Alaska with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been trying to bring an end to the war. While Trump praised Putin’s “sincere desire” for peace, no major breakthroughs were announced.
“He knows where I stand,” Trump said at a White House press conference. “And he’ll make a decision one way or the other.”
Trump brushed off criticism about not doing enough to pressure Moscow, citing recent sanctions on India for buying Russian oil, and added cryptically:
“I haven’t done phase two and phase three yet.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Trump to take a tougher stance and increase support for Kyiv, pointing out Putin’s ongoing refusal to meet directly.
Putin said he had “never ruled out” a meeting with Zelensky but questioned its usefulness. He even suggested Zelensky could come to Moscow — a proposal Ukraine’s foreign minister called “knowingly unacceptable.”
UK and Allies Step Up Military Support
Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kyiv, reaffirming Britain’s support for Ukraine.“Countries like the UK are willing to put extra economic pressure on Putin — and give extra aid to Ukraine so they can keep in the fight,” he told the media.
Healey confirmed the UK has transferred £1 billion ($1.24bn) of seized Russian assets to fund Ukrainian military efforts. “Putin’s dirty money, returned with interest,” he said.
Over 30 nations are now coordinating military and security assistance to Ukraine. Healey said this coalition is preparing to help “make the skies, seas, and land safe” once peace is achieved.
China and North Korea Back Moscow
During his China visit, Putin also met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to North Korean state media, Kim pledged “full support” for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
Putin reportedly thanked Kim for providing troops — a claim not independently verified — and described their relationship as one of “trust, friendship, and alliance.”
A candid moment was also caught on a hot mic, in which Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were overheard discussing topics including organ transplants and longevity — underscoring the informal and close nature of their alliance.
France to Host Peace Coalition Talks
On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” — a group of Ukraine’s key allies.
A source at the Élysée said the group is pushing to secure U.S. support for broader security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as exploring new diplomatic avenues to press Russia into agreeing to a ceasefire.
Despite recent peace overtures, Russia has ramped up attacks. On Wednesday night alone, over 500 drones and 24 cruise missiles were launched at Ukrainian targets.
