Putin rejects peace talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out peace negotiations with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of escalating the conflict to gain leverage in future talks.

In a stark warning, Putin claimed that Ukraine’s recent incursions into Russia’s Kursk region, backed by Western allies, are part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian society and halt Moscow’s advances in eastern Ukraine.

During a high-level meeting in Moscow, Putin questioned the possibility of dialogue with a neighbor he accuses of targeting civilians and nuclear facilities. He asserted that Russia’s military is intensifying its offensive, with the goal of expelling Ukrainian forces from Russian territory.

This latest development comes after Ukrainian troops reportedly launched attacks near the Russian border, prompting Putin to accuse Kyiv of “large-scale provocation.” Meanwhile, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has added to the tensions, with both sides trading blame for a fire that broke out at the site.

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“It appears that the enemy, with the support from their Western backers, is executing their directives, and the West is using Ukrainians as proxies in this conflict,” Putin stated, casting the conflict as a direct confrontation between Russia and Western powers.

He argued that Ukraine’s actions, which he claims include indiscriminate attacks on civilians and threats to nuclear facilities, leave little room for meaningful dialogue.

“What kind of negotiations can we have with those who indiscriminately attack civilians and civilian infrastructure, or pose threats to nuclear power facilities? What is there to discuss with such parties?” Putin questioned, effectively closing the door on peace initiatives.

According to Putin, Ukraine’s ultimate goal is to “undermine the unity and cohesion of the Russian people,” a strategy he insists will fail as Russia’s military strengthens its position. He noted that the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine has intensified, claiming that the country’s forces have increased their operations by “one and a half times” and are advancing along the entire front line.

Putin further highlighted the growing number of Russian citizens signing contracts with the Defense Ministry, framing it as a sign of national resolve in the face of Ukrainian aggression.

“The losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are increasing dramatically, including among the most combat-ready units and divisions that the enemy is transferring to our border,” he added, painting a picture of Ukrainian forces under significant pressure.

Adding to the growing tension, a fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s cooling tower over the weekend, sparking a new round of accusations between Moscow and Kyiv.

Russia has accused Ukraine of shelling the city of Enerhodar, where the power plant is located, while Ukraine has countered by accusing Russia of using the plant to “blackmail Ukraine, all of Europe, and the world.” The incident has raised international concerns about the potential for a nuclear catastrophe amid the ongoing conflict.