Putin Threatens Continued Armed Force Against Ukraine if Demands Are Not Met Through Negotiations

Latest Developments

‘Little Pigs’: Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to continue using force to achieve Moscow’s objectives in Ukraine if its demands are not granted through negotiations. “We would prefer to … address the root causes of the conflict through diplomacy,” Putin said on December 17. “If the opposing side and their foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means,” he added, warning that in such a scenario, “the task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will also be consistently addressed. Putin also lashed out at Ukraine’s European allies, calling them “little pigs” who hoped to “profit from the collapse of our country.”
‘Destructive’ Elements Removed From Plan: Putin’s comments came after Ukrainian and U.S. officials on Monday concluded their latest set of meetings on the U.S.-proposed peace plan, focused in part on security guarantees for Ukraine. “I think we’re closer now than we have been, ever, and we’ll see what we can do,” President Donald Trump told reporters after speaking by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Zelenskyy, who met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump advisor Jared Kushner, stated that elements of the original plan that would have been “destructive” for Ukraine “are no longer present in the new versions of the documents.” Zelenskyy added, however, that differences on territory remain unresolved, as Washington continues to press Kyiv to cede land demanded by Moscow.
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to Russian Port: Satellite imagery released by the Colorado-based company Vantor revealed damage to the Russian Black Sea naval port of Novorossiysk. The damage was reportedly caused by a Ukrainian-made Sub Sea Baby uncrewed underwater vehicle, which targeted the port during the night of December 15-16. The Security Service of Ukraine released a video of the attack and claimed that a Russian Kilo-class submarine “suffered critical damage,” a claim denied by Russian officials.

FDD Expert Response

“Putin is a wounded, cornered animal — he lashes out at everyone and can’t see he has a losing hand. Putin believes he needs another summer fighting season to achieve his goals on the battlefield. He is wrong, but that thought is driving his decision-making on a ceasefire.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“This is a typical intimidation tactic deployed by Putin to evoke more fear in the West in order to secure concessions to Russia’s maximalist demands. Nice words will not alter Putin’s behavior — only weapons and sanctions.” — Ivana Stradner, Research Fellow

“Washington is now working more constructively with Ukraine and Europe toward a consensus negotiating position. President Trump must ensure this relative unity survives the administration’s next round of talks with Moscow. And to encourage the Kremlin to compromise, the West and Ukraine need to put more pressure on the Russian economy and make Putin realize he cannot achieve victory on the battlefield.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director