Putin Warns Ukraine to Withdraw from Donbas or Face Full Russian Takeover

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a fresh and uncompromising ultimatum to Kyiv, declaring that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the embattled Donbas region or risk having the territory fully seized by Russian troops. The warning, delivered during a televised address in Moscow, marks one of the clearest indications yet that the Kremlin intends to push ahead with its military objectives despite mounting international pressure.

According to statements released by the Russian government, Putin insisted that the “only viable path to peace” would be the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian units from Donetsk and Luhansk. He argued that the regions, which Moscow claims to have annexed, hold “historic and strategic significance” for Russia. Putin further asserted that his government would “not hesitate to take decisive action” should Kyiv refuse to comply, reported by state media outlets that aired the speech nationwide.

Ukrainian officials quickly condemned the remarks, describing them as an attempt to force territorial concessions through intimidation. A senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky said the ultimatum amounted to “an outright threat against Ukraine’s sovereignty,” according to early reactions gathered from Kyiv’s presidential office. He added that Ukrainian troops would not retreat from internationally recognized territory under any circumstance.

International observers have noted that Putin’s statement appears timed to influence ongoing diplomatic discussions involving European and North American allies. Analysts from several geopolitical think tanks observed that Moscow may be trying to increase pressure on Ukraine ahead of winter, when energy disruptions and resource shortages could strain the country’s defenses.

Meanwhile, Western governments have reiterated their support for Ukraine. A spokesperson for the European Union said the bloc views Russia’s ultimatum as “escalatory and unacceptable,” according to reports from Brussels. The United States also condemned the remarks, with officials warning that Russia’s insistence on territorial gains through force violates multiple international agreements.

As tensions continue to mount, both sides remain entrenched in a conflict that has reshaped global security discussions. Ukraine maintains that any negotiation must begin with a complete Russian withdrawal, while Moscow insists that control over the Donbas is non-negotiable. With neither side prepared to yield, Putin’s latest warning signals that the conflict may be entering yet another critical phase, according to regional analysts monitoring developments.