Putin Demands Ukrainian Withdrawal from Donbas, Threatens Military Action

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a new demand for the war in Ukraine. He stated that Moscow will achieve its goal of seizing the entire Donbas region either by military force or by having Ukrainian troops withdraw. Putin made the remarks as U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare for a new round of negotiations. The discussions are expected to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine's Donbas area. The Russian leader's statement frames two stark outcomes for the region. He presented the choice as either a complete Ukrainian military pullback or continued Russian offensive operations to capture the territory.