In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

What Happened: Putin, in a televised address, cautioned that Ukraine’s statehood could face a severe and possibly irreversible setback if the current pattern of war persists, reported Reuters on Wednesday. He asserted that Russia would not be compelled to relinquish the gains it has made.

Putin’s comments came shortly after Switzerland agreed to host a global summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Russian leader dismissed the peace proposals being discussed in the West and Ukraine, labeling them as “prohibitive demands.”

“Now it is quite obvious, not only (Ukraine’s) counter-offensive failed, but the initiative is completely in the hands of the Russian armed forces. If this continues, Ukrainian statehood may suffer an irreparable, very serious blow,” Putin’s statement translated.

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Putin’s rhetoric has grown increasingly assertive in recent months, particularly following the failure of Ukraine’s counter-offensive to make significant headway against well-entrenched Russian forces. Russia currently controls 17.5% of Ukraine’s territory.

He also dismissed the notion of negotiations as an attempt to force Russia to abandon the gains it has made over the past 18 months, emphasizing that this would be impossible.

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