Russian President Vladimir Putin told military officials that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine will be achieved "by diplomacy or by force," reiterating the Kremlin’s commitment to its 2022 invasion as the conflict moves into its fourth year. Speaking at a Defense Ministry meeting, he praised military and technological gains and derided European leaders while accusing Western governments of seeking to weaken Russia. His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic activity, including meetings in Berlin and Moscow involving U.S. envoys and Ukrainian negotiators. NATO and Western officials have warned of broader security risks and urged increased defense preparedness.
Putin Says Russia Will Secure Ukraine Goals ‘By Diplomacy Or Force,’ Mocks European Leaders
Russian President Vladimir Putin told military officials Wednesday that Moscow’s objectives in Ukraine remain unchanged and will be achieved either through negotiations or, if diplomacy fails, by further military action.
Remarks at Defense Ministry Meeting
Speaking at the annual board meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry, Putin highlighted what he described as battlefield gains and technological advances as the conflict enters its fourth year. Using the Kremlin’s phrase for the invasion, he said the "goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved."
“We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means.”
Attacks On Europe And The West
At the meeting, Putin derided European leaders — a comment shown in a translated video posted by presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev — and accused Kyiv’s Western partners of "whipping up hysteria" about Moscow. He broadened his criticism to claim that European governments and Washington had hoped to exploit Russia’s weakness and divide the country, a plan he said had failed.
Diplomacy And Ongoing Talks
Putin’s remarks come amid intensified diplomacy involving U.S., European, Russian and Ukrainian officials seeking potential paths to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his negotiating team met in Berlin with Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. Earlier, Kushner and Witkoff held a five-hour meeting in Moscow with Putin and senior foreign-policy aide Yuri Ushakov, during which the Russian side said it received four documents from the U.S. envoys, including one described as a 27-point draft.
Broader Security Concerns
Western officials, including NATO figures, have warned about potential longer-term threats and urged alliance members to bolster defense spending and production to ensure their militaries are prepared. The diplomatic push to find a negotiated settlement continues even as leaders on all sides exchange sharp rhetoric.
Context: Putin’s language underscores Moscow’s dual approach — a stated preference for talks paired with a repeated threat of military action — while international actors pursue parallel diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation.
