Putin Says Russia Will Achieve War Goals, Signals Expansion of ‘Security Buffer Zone’
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
MOSCOW — Dec 17, 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow would achieve its objectives in Ukraine either through diplomacy or military force, while signalling plans to expand what he described as a “security buffer zone” along contested areas.
Speaking during public remarks in Moscow, Putin said Russia preferred a diplomatic resolution but would continue military operations if negotiations failed to address what he called the “root causes” of the conflict.
He warned that if Ukraine and its international backers refused what he described as substantive talks, Russia would pursue its aims by force, including further territorial advances.
Russia Signals Continued Territorial Ambitions
Putin’s comments indicated that Moscow is prepared to seek additional gains beyond areas it already controls. Russia currently holds Crimea, most of the Donbas region, and significant portions of southern Ukraine, while also maintaining positions in parts of eastern and central regions.
“The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will be addressed consistently,” Putin said, suggesting further military pressure along the front lines.
His remarks come as fighting remains intense across multiple regions, with both sides reporting advances and counter-advances in recent weeks.
War at Critical Juncture
The conflict appears to be entering a sensitive phase as international efforts push for a possible ceasefire or negotiated settlement. Putin said Russian forces were advancing across multiple fronts, while acknowledging continued resistance from Ukrainian troops in contested areas, including parts of the northeast.
He rejected claims that Russia posed a broader threat to Europe, accusing European leaders of exaggerating fears and deliberately stoking public anxiety.
According to Putin, Russia does not seek a wider war beyond Ukraine but would respond if confronted militarily.
Analysis: What This Means
Putin’s remarks reinforce Moscow’s stance that military pressure remains central to its strategy, even as diplomatic language is kept on the table. The emphasis on a “buffer zone” suggests Russia is seeking not just control of current territories but additional depth along Ukraine’s borders, potentially prolonging the conflict.
For Ukraine and its allies, the statement underscores the difficulty of reaching a negotiated settlement amid fundamentally opposing objectives.
