Defiant Stance Amid US Peace Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated a hardline stance on the Ukraine conflict on November 27, 2025, during a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, stating that Russia is prepared to fight “to the last Ukrainian” if necessary to achieve its goals in the ongoing war. Putin emphasized that Russia’s military offensive would only end if Ukrainian forces withdrew from territories Russia claims, including Crimea, Donbas, and other parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. If Ukraine refuses to retreat, Putin declared Russia would take the territories by military force, rejecting ceasefire or peace agreements that do not include these territorial concessions.
Putin projected confidence in Russia’s military advances, citing encirclements of Ukrainian forces in key areas such as Pokrovsk and Myrnograd in Donetsk, and rapid progress near important logistical hubs like Guliaipole. He described Russia’s offensive as “practically impossible to hold back,” despite Ukrainian denials that their forces are surrounded. This statement reflects the ongoing grinding war that started with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, which has caused immense casualties and displacement.
Regarding peace negotiations, Putin expressed a measured openness to the US-proposed 28-point peace plan introduced by President Donald Trump, acknowledging it as a potential foundation for future agreements. However, he underscored that meaningful dialogue depends on Ukraine’s withdrawal from occupied territories, which Kyiv has refused. Putin also dismissed negotiations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government as currently unfeasible, questioning its legitimacy due to the absence of elections amid martial law and claiming the leadership has lost its mandate.
Putin elaborated that Russia desires peace but insists that the war must end on Russia’s terms, primarily complete Ukrainian troop withdrawals from contested regions. He repeated that hostilities would persist until these conditions are met, signaling readiness to escalate military efforts if necessary. At the same time, Putin offered assurances to Europe that Russia has no intention of further invasions beyond Ukraine and is willing to provide guarantees in writing to calm fears.
Putin’s statements mark a defiant posture that meshes military resolve with cautious diplomatic engagement framed strictly by territorial demands. His willingness to engage the US around peace talks is balanced by firm rejection of any deal that does not meet Russia’s conditions, suggesting the conflict could continue with high intensity unless Ukraine retreats or the geopolitical environment shifts significantly. This underscores the challenges to resolving one of Europe’s most severe and protracted conflicts.
