Amid more atrocities on Ukraine’s civilians, Putin Rejects Concessions, Vows to Capture Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has again openly rejected any concessions in Ukraine, vowing instead to carry the war to a “logical conclusion” that aligns strictly with Russian goals. His statement comes on the eve of a planned phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is increasingly seen as naive and out of his death in dealing with the Russian dictator, promoting a ceasefire without enforcing additional sanctions on Moscow.
In a newly released Kremlin-backed documentary, Putin declared that Russia has the resources and determination to bring the conflict to an end—but only on its own terms. “We must eliminate the root causes of the crisis,” he said, referring to Ukraine’s pro-Western orientation, its military support from NATO countries, and its refusal to submit to Russian dominance. Putin insisted that any peace must guarantee the “security of the Russian state,” a euphemism that Ukrainian officials interpret as justification for occupation and aggression.
After making a mockery of peace talks in Istanbul, Russia’s actions continue to signal bad faith. The Kremlin sent only mid-level representatives, offering no meaningful proposals. Instead, Moscow reiterated long-standing demands: that Ukraine surrender occupied territories, renounce NATO membership, and adopt permanent neutrality under conditions set by the Kremlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected these terms, stating that Ukraine will never concede its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, President Trump has announced a call with both Zelensky and Putin on May 19. He has framed the initiative as a diplomatic breakthrough, saying both sides are “tired of war” and want a resolution. But his administration’s unwillingness to escalate sanctions or impose clear consequences on Russia has led many in Kyiv and across Europe to question his approach.
“Russia is not negotiating—it’s stalling,” said one Ukrainian official. “These so-called talks are cover for continued attacks.”
That skepticism was reinforced on May 18, when Russia launched the largest drone attack of the war so far: 273 drones were fired at Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 88 drones, while others were used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The attack was seen in Kyiv as a direct message from the Kremlin that it has no intention of pausing its campaign of destruction.
With the Trump-Putin call looming, Ukrainian and European leaders are calling for a stronger Western response. They warn that peace cannot be negotiated from a position of weakness and that Putin’s strategy hinges on exploiting diplomatic hesitation.
“The war will not end because Putin has a change of heart,” said one Ukrainian MP. “It will end when Russia is forced to stop—militarily, economically, and diplomatically.”
As expectations build around the upcoming phone call, analysts remain cautious. Without firm pressure and clearly defined red lines, they say, the discussion is unlikely to produce anything more than another delay tactic from Moscow.
In the meantime, Ukraine continues to defend its territory—and its future—against a regime that still believes conquest is a right, and peace is something it dictates alone.