Putin issues blunt statement on Ukraine talks, openly voices war goals

While Russian propaganda continues to tout its usual «successes,» Vladimir Putin made another series of controversial statements about the war, negotiations, and Russia’s «main objectives.» This time, the Kremlin explained why Moscow is unwilling to consider any scenario that does not end on its own terms.

Russian media quoted Putin’s remarks.

Putin on negotiations

Putin claimed that Russia would not allow Ukraine to «impose its conditions» for negotiations. According to his logic, any option that gives the Ukrainian army an opportunity to regroup is automatically unacceptable.

«Saving the Kyiv regime is not part of our plans,» the Russian president said.

The Kremlin appears to maintain that it can still dictate the terms of any future settlement.

Putin outlines Russia’s war goals

Putin also repeated the already well-known theses about the «final liberation of Donbas» and other strategic plans that the Russian authorities have been voicing for more than a year, but which nevertheless failed to capture «Kyiv in three days.»

«The main task of the Russian Armed Forces is to completely liberate Donbas and Novorossiya,» he said.

In addition, the dictator admitted that Russia’s goal in the Sumy region is to create a buffer zone.

Statements were also made about an alleged shortage of personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the advance of Russian troops, and possible «diversionary attacks.»

«The Armed Forces of Ukraine is suffering from a catastrophic shortage of personnel, and Russian troops have about 10.5 kilometers left to Sumy,» Putin claimed, raving once again.