**Russia Vows to Complete War in Ukraine, Rejects Concessions Ahead of Trump Call**
In a revealing interview from late March, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has “enough forces and means” to bring its war against Ukraine to a “logical conclusion” without making any meaningful concessions. The comments were made while recording the documentary “Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years.”
Putin’s remarks come as the war in Ukraine enters its second year, with no sign of a ceasefire on the horizon. Despite ongoing peace talks led by the US, Russia has repeatedly rejected calls for a truce and has instead intensified its strikes on Ukrainian cities.
In the interview, Putin made it clear that Moscow’s priority is securing Russian-speaking populations in territories Russia claims as its own, including Crimea and the partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. He also reiterated demands for Ukraine to abandon NATO ambitions, forgo reparations, and accept a neutral status with no foreign military support.
**Ukraine Rejects Russian Demands**
The Ukrainian President’s Office has confirmed that Russia’s delegation in Istanbul on May 16 reiterated these same demands, including the requirement for Ukraine to retreat from all annexed territories. This move comes ahead of a scheduled phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump, who continues to attempt to broker a ceasefire.
However, with Moscow showing no signs of compromise, it remains unclear how a peaceful resolution can be achieved. The situation on the ground is becoming increasingly dire, with Ukraine facing relentless attacks from Russian forces.
**The Way Forward**
So what does this mean for the future of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict? In an analysis, experts point out that Putin’s comments suggest a clear intention to maintain maximum pressure on Ukraine until it meets Russia’s demands. This could include continued military action, economic pressure, or even attempts to isolate Ukraine diplomatically.
“The fact that Putin has ruled out concessions suggests that he sees this as a zero-sum game,” said a leading analyst in the region. “He believes that if Ukraine gives in on these key issues, it will be seen as a victory for Russia and a defeat for Ukraine.”
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the international community must remain vigilant and united in support of Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**The Role of Trump**
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continues to play a role in attempting to broker a ceasefire. However, his approach has been widely criticized for being too soft on Russia, with some experts arguing that he should be imposing more pressure on Moscow to negotiate.
“The lack of sanctions from the US is seen by many as a green light to Russia,” said a diplomat familiar with the situation. “It’s time for President Trump to take a firmer stance and demonstrate his commitment to supporting Ukraine.”
**What You Can Do**
As an independent news organization, we rely on your support to continue bringing you accurate and unbiased reporting from the frontlines of this conflict. If you value our work, please consider becoming a member or making a donation today.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
