Putin says Russia can control Donbas while pursuing peace deal with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin told international media that Moscow is capable of retaining control over the Donbas region and at the same time signing a peace agreement with Kyiv. He said Russian forces have recently advanced, capturing roughly 2,440 square kilometres and that Russia now fully controls the Luhansk area and a large share of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia provinces.

Putin added that Ukraine faces a "catastrophic shortage of personnel," losing about 10,000 soldiers monthly and seeing significant desertions. He suggested that a compromise similar to the one reached in Ankara with former U.S. President Donald Trump could end the conflict quickly if Ukraine makes concessions. Regarding European involvement, he said EU countries could act only as neutral mediators, not as parties supporting one side in the ongoing war.