Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Issues Stark Warning
Moscow, Russia | December 18, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning, saying Russia will expand the territories it controls in Ukraine if peace negotiations fail. While reiterating that diplomacy remains Moscow’s preferred route, Putin made it clear that military action would continue if talks do not proceed on Russia’s terms.
Putin delivered the warning during an annual meeting with senior military commanders, signaling a hardened stance amid ongoing international efforts to end the conflict.
Diplomacy First, But Force Remains an Option
Putin said Russia wants to resolve the conflict through negotiations that address what he described as the “root causes” of the war. However, he warned that if Ukraine and its foreign backers refuse serious dialogue, Russia will pursue its objectives through military means.
He stated that Moscow would not hesitate to use force to “liberate its historical territories,” a phrase Ukraine and Western nations strongly reject.
International Peace Efforts Intensify
Putin’s remarks come at a time when global diplomatic efforts to end the war have intensified. US President Donald Trump recently said that after high-level discussions, a potential agreement appears closer than before.
Talks involving the United States, Ukraine, and European nations are ongoing, focusing on security guarantees and territorial arrangements. However, key disagreements remain, particularly over Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and territorial sovereignty.
Claims of Battlefield Advantage
Putin claimed that Russian forces hold a strategic advantage along the entire front line. He also announced plans to expand a security buffer zone near the Russia-Ukraine border, arguing it is necessary to protect Russian territory.
Describing Russian troops as battle-hardened, Putin said their combat capability was unmatched. Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected these claims, accusing Russia of continued violations of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Reference to Nuclear Capability
In his speech, Putin also highlighted Russia’s growing military and nuclear strength. He revealed that the Oreshnik ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, is expected to be officially commissioned later this month.
According to Putin, a conventional version of the missile was used in November 2024 to strike a Ukrainian industrial facility, an attack he claimed could not be intercepted.
Russia Reiterates Long-Standing Conditions
Putin repeated Moscow’s long-standing demands, stating that Ukraine and the international community must recognize Russia’s control over Crimea. He also reiterated calls for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from eastern and southern regions currently under Kyiv’s control.
While discussions over a peace proposal are ongoing, the gap between the two sides remains wide, raising doubts about an immediate breakthrough.
