Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would pursue its goals in the Ukraine conflict militarily if diplomatic efforts failed to produce an agreement. Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, he stressed that Russia preferred a peaceful settlement but would not back down if negotiations failed. The statement came as fighting continued and dialogue between Russia and Ukraine failed to advance, raising tensions in the region and complicating international efforts to de-escalate.

The conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, remains one of the most destructive in modern European history. Putin, commenting on the situation, noted that Russia seeks to end the conflict, but only on conditions that ensure security and the fulfillment of its strategic interests, including the neutral status of Ukraine and recognition of new territorial realities. Moscow has repeatedly offered negotiations, but Kyiv, supported by the West, insists on the return of all territories, including Crimea, making a compromise difficult to achieve.