Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark ultimatum, declaring that Moscow will continue fighting “until the last Ukrainian dies” unless Kyiv withdraws from territories Russia claims as its own.
Speaking at a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, Putin made clear that peace hinges on one condition: Ukrainian forces must retreat from occupied areas or face continued military assault.
“Some people demand to keep on fighting until the last Ukrainian dies, Russia is ready for that,” Putin warned. “If they don’t leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means. That’s it.”
The comments come as diplomatic efforts to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have intensified in recent weeks, with various peace proposals emerging from the United States and European nations. However, Russia’s control of roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory remains the primary obstacle to any settlement, with Kyiv maintaining it will never surrender its land.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Putin acknowledged that elements of a draft peace plan discussed between the US and Ukraine could form the foundation for future agreements. He noted that Washington has been considering Russia’s position, though significant issues remain unresolved.
The Russian leader also dismissed suggestions that Moscow poses a threat to Europe as “ridiculous,” offering to provide formal assurances against any such aggression if European nations desire them.
Putin further claimed that Russian forces have encircled Ukrainian positions in the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnograd, describing the offensive as “practically impossible to hold back.” Ukraine has denied these claims, stating its forces continue to hold defensive lines.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to advance a US-backed framework for peace but remains wary of accepting terms that would effectively validate Russian territorial gains.
