Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that adversaries are actively working to “shape” Russia’s victory in the Ukraine conflict, according to remarks made during a meeting with representatives of municipalities.

The president’s comments came in response to statements by Evgeny Chintsov, head of the local legislature of Nizhny Novgorod. Chintsov asserted that “nobody, including the enemy” doubts the conflict will result in Russia’s victory.

Putin acknowledged this but cautioned against making overly bold declarations prematurely. “Yes, they are just thinking about how to shape it all; we’ll see,” he stated. “However, military action is always a very complicated and dangerous thing. We know how everything will end, but we will not make any public statements about it. We will simply strive to achieve the goals we have set,” Putin said.

Early in the conflict, Moscow outlined specific objectives through its Ukraine operation that remain unchanged: demilitarization and denazification of the country, protection for Russian speakers, ensuring Ukrainian neutrality, and recognition of regions that voted to join Russia.

The Kremlin has repeatedly signaled openness to resolve hostilities diplomatically if demands are met, but maintains readiness to achieve goals by force should negotiations fail. Territorial issues have become the primary obstacle, as Kiev has consistently refused to withdraw its forces from areas it still controls in Donbass.