Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow will achieve its objectives in Ukraine by force if Kyiv refuses a peaceful resolution, signaling continued tension after a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack.
Putin’s comments, reported by state news agency TASS, came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attacks, stating they demonstrated Russia’s intent to prolong the war, while Ukraine remains committed to peace.
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Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss possible ways to resolve the conflict, which began nearly four years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
During a Kremlin inspection, Russian commanders claimed Moscow’s forces captured towns in Donetsk, including Myrnohrad, Rodynske, and Artemivka, as well as Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine rejected some of these claims, calling them false.
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The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed ongoing defensive operations in Myrnohrad and Huliaipole, stating that fierce fighting continues, particularly in Huliaipole, where Ukrainian forces still hold significant parts of the town.
Access to the frontlines remains limited, making verification of territorial claims challenging. Media and analysts rely on satellite images and geolocated footage, but rapidly changing conditions can delay or partially obscure accurate information.