Putin defies Trump, sends fresh warning to the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin has restated his resolve to achieve Moscow’s objectives in Ukraine by military means if Kyiv continues to reject peace proposals.

Speaking in Beijing after attending a grand military parade that showcased China’s defiance of the US-led order, Putin made it clear that the war will not end on Western terms.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel if common sense prevails,” Putin told Russian state TV. “If not, we will resolve all our tasks militarily.”

Putin praised US President Donald Trump’s “sincere desire” to end the conflict following their Alaska summit last month but dismissed calls for a ceasefire. He insisted Russia will never surrender Donbas and demanded Ukraine drop its NATO ambitions.

Trump, hosting Polish President Karol Nawrocki in Washington, defended his record against Moscow, pointing to sanctions on India for buying Russian oil. “You call that no action?” he asked reporters. “And I haven’t done phase two and phase three yet.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of evading direct peace talks and is lobbying Washington to tighten sanctions and strengthen Kyiv’s defences.

Meanwhile, the UK and its allies are ramping up support. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed Britain has approved £1bn from seized Russian assets to arm Ukraine. “Putin’s dirty money returned with interest,” he remarked.