On December 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed an expanded meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) board, reaffirming his unwavering dedication to his maximalist war aims in Ukraine. During his speech, Putin declared that Russia will “undoubtedly” achieve its objectives in Ukraine, which have been the underpinning of the full-scale invasion initiated in 2022.
Putin indicated a preference for using diplomatic means to resolve the ongoing conflict, aiming to address what he termed the "root causes" of the war. This phrase has become a common shorthand in Kremlin discourse, referring to justifications for the invasion and the demands placed on Ukraine. Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to eliminate these “root causes,” which he defined as the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine. This terminology alludes to Russia's original objectives of significantly weakening Ukraine's military capabilities and replacing its government with a pro-Russian regime.
In his remarks, Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to achieving broader territorial aims, insisting that Russia will “liberate its historical lands” through military action if Ukraine and the West do not engage in serious negotiations. Kremlin officials, including Putin, have often referred to extensive Ukrainian territories, beyond the four oblasts Russia has illegally annexed, as “historical” and “Russian” lands. This includes cities like Odesa, which the Kremlin claims as a “Russian” city, and discussions around “Novorossiya,” a concept representing a region in southern and eastern Ukraine deemed integral to Russia.
The Kremlin has consistently dismissed peace proposals by the US and Ukraine, attempting to shift the blame for stalled negotiations onto Ukraine. Putin's assertion that Russia will seize its “historical” territories if negotiations fail appears to place the onus of continued conflict on Ukraine rather than Russia. His statements suggest a clear unwillingness to accept peace terms based on the US-proposed 28-point peace plan, which envisions Russia relinquishing control over territories outside of Crimea and the oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson.
During the meeting, both Putin and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov highlighted the ongoing military strategy to create and expand "buffer zones" in Ukraine. Belousov claimed that Russian forces have seized Kupyansk and are working to establish a buffer zone in Kharkiv Oblast, despite evidence of significant Ukrainian counteroffensives in the area. This strategy aims to reduce the threat of Ukrainian shelling against occupied regions, further indicating that the Kremlin intends to maintain a foothold in northern Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts.
Belousov reported that approximately 410,000 Russians have signed contracts with the MoD since the start of 2025, suggesting a robust recruitment effort. However, data from the Ukrainian General Staff indicates that Russian forces have suffered significant casualties, undermining the effectiveness of these recruitment claims. This disparity suggests that Russia’s ongoing mobilization efforts may not adequately replace its losses, raising concerns about the sustainability of its military operations in Ukraine.
In a broader context, Putin and Belousov emphasized Russia's military strength while threatening Europe, asserting that NATO poses a greater threat to Russia than vice versa. They highlighted Russia's ongoing military expansion, including advancements in strategic nuclear capabilities and new weapon systems. Belousov claimed that Ukraine and the West are prolonging the conflict to weaken Russia, necessitating continued Russian military actions into 2026.
On the ground, Russian forces are maintaining offensive operations in key areas such as Kupyansk and Luhansk Oblast, although confirmed advances remain elusive. Russian attacks have occurred in various regions, including northern Kharkiv and the Slovyansk-Lyman direction, but Ukrainian forces have reported significant resistance, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by Russian troops. As the conflict continues, the situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in a complex struggle for territorial control.
In summary, Putin's recent statements and military strategies underscore a steadfast commitment to Russia's maximalist objectives in Ukraine, indicating that the conflict is far from resolution. This ongoing situation highlights the critical need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine to ensure any potential peace agreement is sustainable.