While in China, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a new threat to Ukraine. After attending a massive military parade on Wednesday, he stated that if Ukraine refuses to engage in talks, Russia will continue the war to achieve its objectives.
Addressing Ukraine, Putin said, “End the war through negotiations, or I will be compelled to end it by force.” Observers see this statement not only as a warning to Ukraine but also directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S.-led Western bloc.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump has tried to persuade Putin to agree to end the war. While Putin has praised Trump’s efforts, no progress has been made toward negotiations. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Kyiv, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said, “Trump has brought Putin to the negotiating table, but it cannot be ruled out that further pressure will be applied.” He added that countries like the U.K. are ready to provide Ukraine with additional military support and increase economic pressure on Russia.
Last month, Trump met with Putin in Alaska, attempting to break Russia’s international isolation and encourage a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Wednesday, Putin stated that he has never dismissed the possibility of talks, but emphasized that “preparation is required to achieve results in such meetings. Zelensky can always come to Moscow if he wishes.”
However, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister quickly clarified that Zelensky visiting Moscow is “unacceptable”, describing Putin’s refusal as a pretext for imposing new sanctions on Russia and strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Sources: Reuters, BBC