Russia has officially confirmed that its goals in the “special military operation” remain unchanged and will be achieved at any cost. President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is attempting to resolve the causes of the conflict through diplomacy; however, in the event of a refusal to engage in dialogue, it is prepared to use military force to “liberate historical lands.” He also emphasized that Russia possesses the capability to increase the pace of the offensive in key directions. In his speech, Putin repeated accusations against the West—specifically European countries, which he referred to as “little pigs,” and the U.S.—accusing them of unleashing the war after 2022.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov confirmed that Russian troops “continue to hold strategic positions” and allegedly control Kupiansk, claiming that over 70% of thermal power plants and 37% of hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine have been decommissioned.
Putin on the War and the West
Putin emphasized that Russia did not start the war in 2022, asserting that the conflict arose due to the actions of the West. “Today, it seems there is no civilization there—only degradation,” he noted, criticizing European states and their role in the war. The Russian President repeated the concept of “historical lands” that Moscow considers its own and expressed readiness for their “liberation” via military methods if diplomacy fails.
“We would prefer to eliminate the root causes of the conflict through diplomacy, but if they refuse to talk to us, Russia will achieve the liberation of historical lands by military means,” Putin stated.
He added that Western policy is creating the prerequisites for the continuation of hostilities and is raising the stakes of the conflict into 2026.
“The positions occupied, the bridgeheads created over recent months, and, of course, the unique tactical and operational experience gained in battles for breaking through the enemy’s deep defense, allow for an increase in the pace of the offensive in strategically important directions,” Putin underlined.
The President of the Russian Federation once again accused European countries of attempting to “benefit from the collapse of our country” and to “repay for past historical defeats,” stating that “we did not start the war; the West itself unleashed it.” He also reported that the “Oreshnik” missile system would be placed on combat duty by the end of the year.
Russian Rhetoric vs. Reality
Defense Minister Andrey Belousov told dictator Vladimir Putin that the “Zapad” (West) grouping of occupying forces had allegedly captured Kupiansk, and that the Defense Forces are “unsuccessfully” attempting to retake it. However, official data from Ukrainian authorities refute this, confirming that the city remains under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Russian Defense Minister Belousov continues to lie that Russia controls Kupyansk. In fact, most of the city is controlled by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and they are continuing to clear it of Russians,” said Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), on Wednesday, December 17.
Andrey Belousov also noted that more than 70% of thermal power plants and 37% of hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine have been put out of operation. The Minister added that, in his view, this has “directly impacted Ukraine’s ability to resist.” He emphasized that the policies of Europe and NATO are creating the conditions for continued hostilities in 2026, and that Russia’s primary task is to “maintain and increase the pace of the offensive.”
Such statements indicate Moscow’s intention to continue offensive operations and shift the responsibility for escalation onto the West, despite the discrepancy between the Russian side’s claims and the actual situation on the ground.
Conclusion
Today’s statements by Putin and Andrey Belousov clearly outline the Kremlin’s position: Russia seeks to maintain the pace of military operations and achieve its goals in the “special military operation”. Simultaneously, Moscow continues to blame European countries and NATO for the escalation of the conflict, attempting to justify its aggression through historical claims and unfulfilled security promises. At the same time, claims regarding the alleged seizure of Kupiansk and the critical destruction of Ukrainian energy infrastructure are elements of information warfare aimed at demoralizing the opponent. The mention of new missile systems and plans for 2026 confirms that Moscow does not intend to abandon its attempts at a forceful reshaping of borders. The Kremlin’s statements create the prerequisites for further tension in 2026 and demonstrate that the conflict may remain prolonged and large-scale.
