Defiant Putin vows 'military means' to achieve goals if Ukraine talks fail

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday stated that Moscow was prepared to continue the conflict in Ukraine to achieve its war aims should diplomatic efforts fail.

His remarks come as the Russians make advantages on the battlefield across the front. The Russians took the holdout city of Siversk this week, leading to significant gains in the Ukrainian east in the short aftermath.

"We would prefer to do this through diplomacy, but if the opposing side and their foreign sponsors refuse to engage in substantive talks, Russia will liberate its historical lands by military means," Putin said, according to Russian state media outlet Tass.

Russia officially annexed four provinces of Ukraine after the beginning of the war, though it does not fully control any of them. Putin has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine must withdraw from the disputed regions as part of any agreement.

Talks have stalled as the Ukrainians reject territorial concessions, despite pressure from the United States to conclude an agreement.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.