Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that there is "reason to believe" Russian forces could ultimately dismantle Ukraine's military capabilities, doubling down on Moscow's aggressive posture amid stalled peace negotiations. Speaking during a visit to a nuclear submarine crew in Murmansk, Putin asserted that Russian troops maintain the "strategic initiative" across the entire frontline, adding that Russia is advancing "persistently and confidently" toward its objectives.
While emphasizing Russia's preference for a "peaceful solution" to the conflict, Putin stressed that such a resolution must align with Moscow's interests, declaring that the root causes of the war "must be eliminated." In a notable proposal, he suggested the possibility of Ukraine being placed under temporary administrative supervision to facilitate elections and agreements meant to achieve a lasting settlement.
The remarks come as international observers warn of potential renewed offensives in eastern Ukraine. Analysts note Moscow's persistent focus on military dominance, even as diplomatic channels remain inactive. The proposal for temporary governance in Ukraine echoes earlier Russian demands for Kyiv to accept federally mandated neutrality—a point previously rejected by Ukrainian authorities.
Global markets reacted cautiously to the developments, with energy futures edging higher on concerns over prolonged instability in the Black Sea region. Business leaders in Asia are monitoring cross-border economic impacts, particularly in supply chains and commodity prices.
