Putin Declares Russia Will Seize Donbas by Force, Negotiations Stall

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his commitment to gaining full control of Ukraine’s Donbas region, stating Moscow will achieve this goal through military force if Ukrainian troops do not withdraw. This stance, revealed in a recent interview, underscores the ongoing deadlock in peace negotiations and raises concerns about the prolonged conflict.

Putin’s Ultimatum and Ukraine’s Response

According to statements made to India Today and broadcast on Russian state television, Putin asserted, “Either we liberate these territories by force of arms, or Ukrainian troops leave these territories.” This demand has been unequivocally rejected by Kyiv, which maintains it will not cede territory. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated Russia should not be rewarded for initiating the conflict.

Current Control of Ukrainian Territory

As of December 2025, Russia controls approximately 19.2% of Ukraine, including Crimea (annexed in 2014), all of Luhansk, over 80% of Donetsk, roughly 75% of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and smaller portions of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Approximately 5,000 square kilometers (1,900 square miles) of Donetsk remains under Ukrainian control.

Negotiation Stumbling Blocks

Russia has repeatedly sought informal U.S. Recognition of its control over the entirety of Donbas during peace talks. In 2022, Russia declared the Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia as part of Russia following referenda widely dismissed as illegitimate by the West and Kyiv. Current negotiations are stalled, with Russia demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donbas to end the war, while Ukraine insists on a ceasefire along the existing front line.

Continued Russian Presence Anticipated

A senior Kremlin official has indicated that Russian police and National Guard forces will remain in the Donbas region even after a potential peace settlement, to maintain order and oversee the industrial region. This prospect is likely to be met with resistance from Ukrainian officials.

Looking Ahead

Putin’s unwavering stance and the ongoing negotiations suggest a protracted conflict is likely. The potential for continued fighting for another two years, as suggested by both Putin and Zelensky, remains a significant concern. The future of the Donbas region, and Ukraine as a whole, hinges on the outcome of these negotiations and the willingness of both sides to compromise.