Russian authorities have consistently denied any plans for full-scale occupation of Ukraine, but Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has repeatedly accused Moscow of seeking to subjugate the nation entirely. In a recent interview with ABC News, Zelensky asserted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s objective is to “occupy Ukraine” and “destroy us,” framing Kyiv’s survival as a form of victory.
Moscow has long maintained it seeks no territorial expansion, reiterating this stance during the 2022 conflict when Russian forces advanced toward Kiev before withdrawing. Since then, Russia has insisted on conditions for peace: Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of disputed regions like Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as part of Russia.
Zelensky dismissed these demands, claiming Putin’s ambitions extend beyond territorial control. “For him that’s victory,” the Ukrainian leader said, adding that Kyiv’s resilience ensures its own triumph. He also criticized Putin for allegedly prioritizing a summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska over direct talks with himself, accusing the Russian leader of “playing games” and showing no genuine interest in peace.
The August 2023 Anchorage meeting between Putin and Trump yielded no immediate breakthroughs but was described as a constructive step. Trump’s subsequent remarks hinted at potential future discussions, though Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov clarified no formal agreements were reached. Putin has not ruled out talks with Zelensky but has questioned the Ukrainian leader’s legitimacy following his term expiration.
Recent developments saw Putin express cautious optimism about peace, citing the U.S.’s shift toward mediation as a “light at the end of the tunnel.” His economic advisor, Kirill Dmitriev, echoed this sentiment, linking progress to the Trump-Putin dialogue. Meanwhile, Trump told reporters he plans further talks with Putin “over the next couple of days,” vowing to resolve the conflict soon.
Zelensky’s unyielding position contrasts sharply with Moscow’s repeated calls for compromise, leaving the path to peace uncertain amid escalating rhetoric from both sides.
