Putin says Ukraine’s statehood at risk if pattern of war continues

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with the heads of municipalities during the all-Russian municipal forum in the town of Odintsovo in Moscow region, Russia, January 16, 2024. Sputnik/Sergei Savostyanov/Pool via REUTERS

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Ukraine’s statehood could face an “irreparable blow” if the ongoing pattern of the war persists, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to retaining its territorial gains. Putin’s remarks came in a televised statement following Switzerland’s agreement to host a global summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Putin dismissed what he referred to as “so-called peace formulas” under discussion in the West and Ukraine, rejecting what he characterized as “prohibitive demands.” He stated, “Well, if they don’t want (to negotiate), then don’t!” Putin highlighted the current military situation, claiming that not only had Ukraine’s counter-offensive failed, but the initiative was now firmly in the hands of the Russian armed forces. He warned that if this trend persisted, Ukrainian statehood could suffer a severe and irreparable blow.

In recent months, Putin’s statements regarding the course of the war have adopted a more confident and assertive tone, particularly in light of Ukraine’s counter-offensive failing to make significant gains against well-entrenched Russian forces. Currently, Russia controls 17.5% of Ukraine’s territory.

Putin dismissed talk of negotiations, characterizing it as an attempt to compel Russia to abandon its realized gains over the past year and a half. He asserted the impossibility of such abandonment, stating that everyone understands the impracticality of such a scenario.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s proposed peace formula includes provisions for the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, and the withdrawal of Russian troops, among other points. However, Russia insists that any negotiations must account for the “new realities” established by its forces on the ground.