Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning to Ukraine, saying his country will use military force if Kyiv does not agree to a peace deal. His statement came shortly after his visit to China, where he held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Analysts say the meetings boosted Putin’s confidence and encouraged a tougher stance toward Ukraine and the West.
During his remarks, Putin stressed that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky must make a realistic choice. He noted that while there is a small chance for a peaceful solution, Russia is ready to achieve its goals through war if necessary. “A little light can be seen at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said, adding that a solution is possible with common sense.
The Russian leader also warned Western nations against increasing their involvement in Donbas, the region at the heart of the conflict. Putin said Russia will not allow outside interference there and insisted that Kyiv must stop discrimination against Russian-speaking people.
Putin’s warning came at a time when relations between Moscow and Washington are increasingly tense. U.S. President Donald Trump has tried to persuade Putin to end the war, but the Russian leader has refused to accept the terms of a ceasefire. While Putin praised Trump’s efforts, he made it clear that Ukraine’s conditions, which include the return of occupied territories, are not acceptable.
In response, Trump announced new economic measures against Moscow. However, Putin appeared unfazed by the move. He repeated that Russia will not give up the Donbas region, as the people there had already voted in favor of joining Russia. He also declared that Ukraine must not join NATO under any future deal. Even if a peace agreement is signed, Putin said Western security guarantees will not apply to Donbas.
Despite his harsh words, Putin left some room for negotiations. Speaking to Chinese state television during his visit, he said any talks would require careful preparation. He added that Zelensky could even come to Moscow for discussions, though Ukraine’s foreign minister quickly rejected the idea as unacceptable.
Putin’s message shows a mix of pressure and limited openness to talks. By demanding that Ukraine agree to Russia’s terms while hinting at possible dialogue, he has placed both Kyiv and the West in a difficult position. Experts believe this is part of Putin’s broader strategy to challenge the influence of the United States and its allies.
The situation remains highly unstable, with Russia showing no signs of backing down and Ukraine refusing to accept a deal that would weaken its sovereignty. As the conflict drags on, the possibility of further escalation cannot be ruled out.
For now, the Russian president’s statement underlines his determination to hold firm on Donbas and block Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. While he left the door slightly open for talks, his warning makes clear that Moscow’s military option is still very much on the table.
