Putin Says Russia Will Halt War Only if Ukraine Withdraws From Occupied Territories

During a visit to the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscow would suspend its military campaign in Ukraine — but only on the condition that Kyiv pulls back its forces from territories Russia claims as its own. Otherwise, he vowed, Russia’s army would continue its offensive until those lands are seized.

“If Ukrainian forces leave the territories they hold, then we will stop combat operations,” Putin said. “If they don’t, then we will achieve it by military means.”

The announcement underscores Russia’s longstanding demand for full Ukrainian withdrawal from contested zones — a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected — and hardens Moscow’s posture just as diplomatic efforts intensify.

On the Frontlines: Russia’s Grinding Offensive and Encirclement Claims

According to Russian leadership, the army has made recent advances in Ukraine’s eastern regions, including near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in the embattled Donetsk Oblast, areas long at the center of fierce fighting. Moscow claims that Ukrainian forces in some towns — including Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov — are “completely surrounded.”

Moscow further asserted progress near other hotspots such as Vovchansk, Siversk, and moves toward the important logistical hub at Hulyaipole.

Still, independent observers and Ukrainian officials urge caution about accepting those claims. According to a recent assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), while Russian forces have achieved localized advances, there has been no confirmed operational-level breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Pokrovsk offensive remains one of the most contested sectors, with heavy street fighting, attempts to encircle Ukrainian defenders, and continuing uncertainty over whether Kyiv’s forces can hold.

Washington’s Diplomacy Amid War — And Moscow’s Calculated Response

At the same time as the Kremlin’s military pressure continues, Washington has revived efforts to broker peace, putting forward a draft proposal that it hopes could lay the foundation for a lasting agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Putin acknowledged the U.S.-backed plan, saying it “can be the basis for future agreements” — but only if Moscow’s core demands are met, namely, Ukrainian withdrawal from Russian-claimed territories.

He further questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s current leadership under martial law, suggesting any deal signed directly with Kyiv would be legally “almost impossible.” As a result, he indicated that Russia would only negotiate with major powers — a stance that drew criticism in Kyiv and among its allies.

With U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to arrive in Moscow soon for talks, and additional diplomatic activity planned, the coming days could prove critical — yet the core impasse over occupied land remains unresolved.

War’s Human Cost, and the Stakes for Europe and the World

Since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia’s assault on Ukraine has triggered one of the worst humanitarian disasters in Europe since World War II. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, while millions have been displaced.

The conflict has also reshaped global politics and security dynamics. For Europe, the outcome could determine regional stability for decades. For Moscow, the strategy appears twofold: advance militarily to strengthen bargaining power, while using diplomacy to seek international recognition for its territorial claims.

For Kyiv, the stance remains unchanged: no ceding of territory, no matter the battlefield pressure or international negotiations.

As the war nears its fourth year, the question remains: will diplomacy prevail, or will continued fighting redraw Europe’s map by force?