Putin, "Ukraine Operation Has Not Even Fully Started"... Suggests Possibility of Prolonged Conflict

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly pressured the West and Ukraine by suggesting the possibility of escalation, stating that Russia’s full-scale military operations in Ukraine have not even begun yet. As Russia’s declared main objective of fully occupying the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine becomes more visible, this is interpreted as a firm rejection of the early ceasefire possibilities raised both domestically and internationally, and as a tough stance to strengthen internal control.

According to TASS news agency on the 7th (local time), President Putin said during a meeting with the parliamentary party leaders of the State Duma that "Ukraine must quickly accept our demands, or else prepare for the worst," warning that "the operation in Ukraine has not even officially started yet."

He also targeted Western countries, saying, "The West says they will defeat us on the battlefield, so let them try," and pressured, "We do not refuse peace negotiations, but those who refuse should know that the farther they go, the harder it will be to reach an agreement with us." He continued, "I have also heard several times that the West intends to fight us until all Ukrainians disappear," adding, "This is a tragedy for the Ukrainian people, but everything is moving in that direction."

He urged Russian party representatives to support the Russian military, emphasizing, "There can be no doubt that the goal will be achieved in any case, but if the soldiers feel the support of the people behind them, it will be easier for them to carry out their mission."

This statement is interpreted as a move to dismiss expectations of early ceasefire negotiations raised inside and outside Russia and to strengthen internal control. Earlier, as the Russian military completely occupied Luhansk Province, one axis of the Donbas region, and reportedly captured more than 75% of the entire Donbas, there were expectations that Russia would officially enter ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine.

However, President Putin also mentioned the possibility of future peace negotiations. He stated, "We do not refuse peace negotiations. But those who refuse (Ukraine) should know that the farther they go, the harder it will be to reach an agreement with us."

Western countries including the United States are also concerned about the possibility that the Russia-Ukraine war will continue for a long time. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said in an interview with Fox News on the 3rd, "President Vladimir Putin is definitely not showing interest in negotiations," adding, "President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must decide when, under what conditions, and what would constitute his victory, but currently, even he would say that this is not the right time for such discussions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.