Putin Says Russia Advancing in Ukraine, Rules Out Talks With 'Terrorists'
Putin claims Russian battlefield gains in Donetsk, rejects talks with Ukraine's leadership, and dismisses mobilisation rumours.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Moscow's forces are gaining ground in Ukraine, while categorically ruling out negotiations with what he termed "terrorists" in Kyiv. Speaking at a news conference following a summit in Kyrgyzstan, Putin offered his most extensive public assessment of the conflict in recent weeks.
Putin claimed that Russian troops captured 270 square kilometres of Ukraine's Donetsk region in August, and that a large group of Ukrainian soldiers had been encircled. He further stated that Russian forces were continuing to advance towards the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. These claims could not be independently verified.
The Russian leader acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory have caused real damage, particularly highlighting the challenge posed by drones. However, he expressed confidence in Russia's ultimate victory, stating, "I have no doubt the enemy will crumble," without specifying a timeline.
Addressing domestic concerns, Putin dismissed rumours of a new military mobilisation as "utter nonsense." He also warned that Moscow's forces were preparing to launch massive strikes against energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
Putin characterised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's warning about drones potentially shutting down Russian airspace as "state terrorism," and said Moscow would find a way to respond if such an event occurred. While ruling out talks with the current Ukrainian leadership, he indicated that Moscow remained open to "concrete" settlement discussions if new momentum could be generated.