President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview released on Thursday that Russia would forcibly take control of Ukraine’s Donbas region unless Ukrainian forces withdraw, a demand that Kyiv has firmly rejected. The escalation follows the deployment of tens of thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022 after years of conflict between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces in Donetsk and Luhansk.
In his remarks to India Today ahead of a visit to New Delhi, Putin emphasized the ultimatum, saying, “Either we regain these territories through military means, or Ukrainian troops vacate these areas.” However, Ukraine has strongly opposed ceding its territories to Russia, emphasizing that Moscow should not be rewarded for initiating the conflict.
Notably, a significant portion of Donetsk, approximately 5,000 square kilometers, remains under Ukrainian control. Russia currently holds nearly 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, Luhansk, most of Donetsk, and parts of several other regions.
Throughout discussions with the United States to establish a potential peace agreement, Russia has consistently pushed for complete control over Donbas and informal recognition of its authority by the U.S. Despite Russia’s claims of annexing certain Ukrainian regions in 2022 through referendums, the international community largely recognizes these areas, including Crimea, as part of Ukraine.
Following talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Putin expressed a willingness to consider some U.S. proposals while cautioning about provisions that are unacceptable to Russia. The ongoing negotiations aim to find a resolution to the conflict, with various parties engaging in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and seek a peaceful settlement.
Tragically, the conflict continues to take a toll on civilians, with recent reports of children being killed in Ukrainian cities due to Russian attacks. The indiscriminate nature of the attacks has resulted in significant damage to residential areas and critical infrastructure, leaving thousands without basic amenities like power and heating, particularly as winter approaches.
As the conflict persists, global observers closely monitor the developments and urge all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. Amidst the turmoil, efforts to find a peaceful resolution remain paramount to prevent further loss of life and devastation in the region.