Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a sharp warning about the future of the Ukraine conflict, insisting that Moscow will end its military operation “only after achieving its goals.” In an interview, Putin said the war—now nearing its fourth year—would persist until Russia secures what he described as the “liberation of Donbas.”
Putin Claims West Pushed Russia Into War
Putin rejected suggestions that Russia initiated the conflict, instead accusing Kyiv and its Western allies of provoking the crisis.
“Our special military operation isn’t the start of a war, but rather an attempt to end one that the West ignited using Ukrainian nationalists,” he said.
Putin insisted Russia was left with only two options: “Either we take back these territories by force, or eventually Ukrainian troops withdraw.”
Kremlin Says It Is Protecting ‘Russian People’ and Cultural Values
The Russian president accused Ukraine of undermining Russian interests by limiting the use of the Russian language and restricting access to religious and cultural institutions—claims Kyiv denies.
“Russia is determined… to protect its interests, protect its people living there, protect our traditional values, the Russian language, and so on,” Putin told India Today, Indian News Channel.
He alleged that Ukraine had targeted the Russian Orthodox Church and confiscated religious sites, framing Russia’s actions as necessary to restore what he considers rightful cultural influence in the region.
Putin Points to 2014 Ukraine Uprising as Trigger
In one of his strongest remarks, Putin blamed the 2014 ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych for setting the stage for today’s war.
“The West backed Ukraine and supported the events by orchestrating the coup d’état… That triggered the events in Crimea and in Donbas,” he said.
Putin argued that Russia attempted diplomacy but was forced into military action due to escalating violence against Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine.
“After eight years of relentless violence against those citizens of Donbass… we were forced to recognise these republics and provide support,” he added.
Putin Meets PM Modi in India Amid Sanctions and Global Tensions
Putin is currently in New Delhi for a two-day visit, his first to India in four years. He will hold high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at deepening cooperation on defense, energy and trade.
India remains one of Russia’s largest buyers of arms and seaborne oil, even as Western sanctions attempt to isolate Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
