Putin says Russia is winning on battlefield, won't negotiate with 'terrorists' - Reuters

President Vladimir Putin said on September 1 that Russia is winning the war in Ukraine and that Moscow will not negotiate with the Ukrainian leadership, which he described as “terrorists.” He made the remarks at a news conference following a summit in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that Russia’s forces are advancing on the battlefield and expressing confidence that the enemy will eventually crumble, though he declined to specify a timeline.

Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory have caused real damage, highlighting the particular challenge posed by drones. He described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s warning that Ukrainian drones could effectively shut down Russian airspace as “state terrorism” and said Moscow would find a way to respond if such attacks occurred.

The president cited recent military gains, noting that Russian troops captured about 270 square kilometres of the Donetsk region in August and that a large group of Ukrainian forces was surrounded. He said Russian forces were continuing to push toward the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk and were preparing to launch massive strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Putin dismissed rumours that Russia would be forced to order a new military mobilisation as “utter nonsense.” He reiterated that Russia will not enter negotiations with what he termed “terrorists,” and he maintained that the conflict’s outcome remains in Russia’s favour.

According to the Russian leadership’s assessment, Russia now controls roughly one‑fifth of Ukrainian territory, four and a half years after the invasion began. Independent verification of the specific battlefield claims was not provided.

The statements reflect the Kremlin’s continued stance that diplomatic talks are off the table while it seeks to consolidate territorial gains and increase pressure on Ukraine’s infrastructure.