VLADIMIR Putin insisted that Russia has no plans to take the rest of Europe, dismissing suggestions that Moscow aims to push beyond Ukraine as “ridiculous.”
Despite these claims, Russia’s war machine continues to churn out missiles at what experts describe as an alarming rate.
Putin has rubbished claims that Russia harbours territorial ambitions in EuropeCredit: Reuters
Putin said that hostilities will continue until Ukraine withdraws its troopsCredit: EPA
Russia continues to lay siege to Ukraine amid peace talksCredit: Reuters
In a game of smoke and mirrors, Putin offered his first hint of optimism, saying that the Ukraine peace plan could be a “basis for future agreements”.
The Russian leader stressed that some key details still needed to be ironed out, but that he was willing to work towards a deal.
He even went as far as to pledge not to attack other European nations.
Yet during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, he issued a stark warning: “If Ukrainian forces leave the territories they hold, then we will stop combat operations.
“If they don’t, then we will achieve it by military means.”
Against this backdrop, US Army official have warned Western diplomats that the Kremlin’s accelerating arms production is only increasing the likelihood of a global conflict.
In anticipation of possible conflict with Russia, Germany is scrambling to prepare its armed forces.
Earlier this month, Berlin announced that .
German officials have concluded it needs 80,000 additional professional troops to meet NATO’s target of 260,000 personnel.
While it has rejected reintroducing conscription for now, it hopes that voluntary recruitment will be enough to build the necessary force.
At the same time, top German officials have spent the past two years drawing up a vast 1,200-page secret war plan for how the country would respond if Russia attacked.
It laid out how some 800,000 German, US and other Nato troops would be needed for the .
The plan warned Russia could be .
In France, by re-introducing a limited form of military service.
Russia claims it has Ukrainian forces surroundedCredit: Reuters
Ukraine has said the claims that its forces are being pushed back are untrueCredit: Getty
Volunteers will be paid up to €10,000 (£8,000) to join the 10-moth programme.
This is being done in the hope that reservist numbers will grow by up to 50,000 each year.
These mounting fears across Europe help explain renewed diplomatic pressure to force a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
Western officials believe that even if a ceasefire would not halt Russia’s weapons production, ending the conflict could reduce the danger of the Kremlin unleashing its growing arsenal on neighbouring nations.
Against this tense backdrop, Putin declared that Moscow would only end the war if Ukrainian forces withdraw from all territories Russia claims it owns.
Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, but the status of this contested territory remains the main obstacle to any peace deal.
Putin boasted that Russian forces have encircled Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd.
Referring to these cities by their Russian names – Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov – he called this the fiercest and most strategically important battleground in the Donetsk region.
He went on to claim that Russia is advancing in Vovchansk and Siversk, and closing in on the logistical hub of Guliaipole.
“The Russian offensive is practically impossible to hold back, so there is little that can be done about it,” he said.
Ukraine flatly denies Putin’s assertions, insisting that its forces are not encircled in Pokrovsk or Myrnograd.
Kyiv maintains that its forces are continuing to resist the enemy’s push.
On the ground, Russia has made slow but steady gains in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, overpowering outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian units.
Across the Atlantic, Washington has renewed its drive to end the four-year conflict.
It has tabled an proposal it hopes to finalise in upcoming negotiations involving both Moscow and Kyiv.
Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 triggered Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Hundreds of thousands have been killed, while millions have been forced to leave their homes.
Russia first invaded Ukraine back in February 2022Credit: Getty
Nato are hoping to accumulate a significant army to counter the Russian threat
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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