Kathmandu: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the war in Ukraine will continue unless a peace agreement is reached, stressing that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail. Speaking to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday after his visit to China, Putin said, “Our troops are advancing on all fronts. Let’s see how the situation develops. If the ceasefire is ignored, we will have to resolve all our issues militarily.”

Ceasefire Stalled Despite Trump’s Mediation

The statement comes weeks after US President Donald Trump brokered a temporary ceasefire between Russian and Ukrainian leaders. However, the peace process has stalled, with neither side showing progress toward a long-term settlement.

No Immediate Talks With Zelensky

Putin ruled out an immediate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, even questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy. He claimed that at Trump’s request, Moscow had invited Zelensky for talks, but the offer was rejected. Still, Putin said Russia was prepared to send another high-level delegation to the peace process without naming who would lead it.

Escalation on the Battlefield

Even as diplomacy falters, the fighting continues. Reports from Moscow indicated that Russia launched over 500 drones into Ukraine on Wednesday, with shelling in a border town of eastern Ukraine killing at least nine civilians.