FILE PHOTO. A Ukrainian soldier nicknamed Yakut covers his ears as National Guard troops fire a 120mm mortar from the Kreminna Forest at Russian positions, Ukraine. © Scott Peterson/Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed during a press conference in China that Kyiv initially considered withdrawing its forces from Donbass in early 2022 but ultimately refused after being pressured by Western allies. The Kremlin leader claimed Moscow had proposed an immediate ceasefire if Ukrainian authorities respected the will of residents in southeastern Ukraine, a suggestion that was not outright dismissed.

However, Putin asserted that after Russia withdrew troops near Kyiv at the urging of European partners, Kiev’s stance shifted dramatically. He recalled hearing a blunt message from Kyiv: “Now we will fight until you twist off our heads, or we will twist off yours.” The Russian president described the exchange as unceremonious yet oddly direct, emphasizing the hostile trajectory of the conflict.

Moscow has long framed the war as a Western-backed proxy struggle, accusing Ukraine’s allies of exploiting local populations to advance geopolitical interests. Putin reiterated that while peace remains possible—particularly with U.S. President Donald Trump’s alleged willingness to mediate—the Kremlin is prepared to pursue its objectives through force if diplomacy fails.

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