Story perspectives

Putin Threatens Force to Seize Donbas from Ukraine

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will seize Donbas by force unless Ukrainian troops withdraw.
Kyiv has rejected that demand.
In India Today, Putin said, "Either we liberate these territories by force or Ukrainian troops leave."
Putin said negotiations with United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were "difficult work."
Russia has controlled about 19.2% of Ukraine, including Crimea, since the 2022 invasion.

History

Historical Context

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, marked a significant escalation of hostilities that began with the 2014 annexation of Crimea. This invasion, which aimed to capture Kyiv and other regions, was met with fierce Ukrainian resistance and widespread international condemnation, leading to severe sanctions against Russia and raising concerns about regional stability, reminiscent of historical territorial aggressions like Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939.

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Story summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will seize Donbas by force unless Ukrainian troops withdraw.
Kyiv has rejected that demand.
In India Today, Putin said, "Either we liberate these territories by force or Ukrainian troops leave."
Putin said negotiations with United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were "difficult work."
Russia has controlled about 19.2% of Ukraine, including Crimea, since the 2022 invasion.

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