• Putin warns Russia may extend gains in Ukraine if peace talks are rejected.
• Russia's military advances in Ukraine are ongoing alongside diplomatic efforts.
• Ukraine's President Zelensky expresses readiness for peace talks but rejects territorial concessions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning that if Kyiv and its Western allies do not respond to the Kremlin's demands in peace negotiations, Moscow will seek to extend its military gains in Ukraine. During a military meeting, he remarked that while he prefers to resolve the conflict through diplomacy, if “the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue,” Russia will take action to “liberate its historical lands by military means” according to africanews, latimes, reuters, indiatimes, and scmp.

Putin’s statements follow increased tensions amidst ongoing discussions between Ukrainian, American, and European officials regarding a U.S.-drafted peace plan, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “not perfect” but “very workable.” However, he highlighted unresolved issues concerning territorial control, emphasizing that Kyiv would not concede areas to Russia without robust security guarantees from Western allies, as noted by africanews, latimes, and reuters.

Putin asserted that the Russian army is firmly maintaining a strategic initiative along the front line and mentioned plans to create a “buffer security zone” along the Russian border. He increased pressure by claiming that the military is now better trained and equipped than ever, reflecting a growing confidence in advancing operations, particularly in contested regions where Russian forces aim to consolidate control, reported indiatimes and scmp.

Amidst these developments, Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov reported plans for continued offensive operations in Ukraine, indicating that military actions are expected to intensify in the coming year. He emphasized that Russian forces are preparing to enhance their capabilities through improved reconnaissance and offensive strategies, reinforcing Moscow’s commitment to its territorial ambitions in Ukraine, according to reuters and scmp.