Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that any potential peace deal in Ukraine must align with Russia’s long-term security interests, ruling out any retreat from the territories it has gained during the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to relatives of fallen Russian soldiers on Thursday, Putin made it clear that Moscow would not back down, reaffirming its control over nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory—approximately 113,000 square kilometers.
"We must choose for ourselves a peace option that will suit us and that will ensure peace for our country in the long term," Putin said.
When asked by the mother of a fallen soldier whether Russia would retreat from its occupied territories, he firmly responded that he had no such intention.
The remarks come amid heightened diplomatic tensions, as Western leaders push for Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Putin insists on maintaining Russia’s territorial gains.
Putin Criticizes Macron, Cites Napoleon’s Defeat
Putin also took an indirect swipe at French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently warned that Russia poses a threat to Europe and suggested sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after a potential settlement.
Macron’s statements triggered strong criticism from Moscow, with Russian commentators mocking him as "Micron"—a reference to Napoleon Bonaparte, whose 1812 invasion of Russia ended in disaster.
"There are still people who want to go back to the time of Napoleon. They forget how it ended," Putin said.
"All the mistakes of our enemies and opponents began with this: underestimating the character of the Russian people and representatives of Russian culture in general."
US Policy Shift on Ukraine Sparks Global Reactions
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has upended Washington’s Ukraine policy, pausing military aid to Kyiv and opening direct talks with Moscow.
Trump’s actions have raised hopes for peace negotiations but have also alarmed European allies, who reaffirmed their support for Ukraine this week.
In November 2024, Reuters reported that Putin was open to discussions with Trump but would not consider any major territorial concessions. Additionally, the Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine abandon its ambitions to join NATO as part of any settlement.
Putin previously outlined his conditions for ending the war, demanding that Ukraine withdraw all troops from four partially occupied regions claimed by Russia.
Uncertain Path to Peace
While Trump’s policy shift and European efforts hint at potential diplomatic engagement, deep divisions remain over Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Russia’s firm stance on maintaining its territorial gains sets the stage for prolonged geopolitical tensions, with Western powers grappling with the future of their support for Kyiv.
As the conflict enters its third year, the question remains: Will a negotiated settlement be possible, or will the war drag on with no resolution in sight
