Putin warns Ukraine to leave Donbas or face forced removal

WISE NEWS PRESS / MOSCOW, RUSSIA — Dec. 5, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that unless Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, Russian forces will seize the territory by force.

Coming amidst ongoing diplomatic contacts with US President Donald Trump's team, this statement signals that Moscow is unlikely to back down from its territorial demands on the ground. Controlling approximately 85 percent of the Donbas region, the Moscow administration is increasing military pressure against Kyiv's insistence on territorial integrity.

Speaking to India Today, Putin summarized his strategy in the region: "Either we liberate these territories by force, or Ukrainian troops leave these territories."

Diplomatic traffic: Florida and Moscow talks

Despite Putin's harsh rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain active. Following a meeting between US and Russian delegations in Moscow on December 2, the diplomatic focus shifted to the United States. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Rustem Umerov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in Florida.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while categorically refusing to cede territory, confirmed that his representatives are continuing their contacts in the US. "Currently, the world clearly feels that there is a real opportunity to end the war," Zelensky said on X, adding that the process must be supported by putting pressure on Russia.

US President Trump described the talks in Moscow as "pretty good" but adopted a cautious tone, noting that "it takes two to tango." Trump added that his negotiators believe Putin wants to end the war.

Russian leader Putin (right) and his aide Yuri Ushakov met with US envoys in Moscow on Dec. 2. (Photo: Reuters/Pool/Sputnik)

Disputes on the table and military situation

Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that some US proposals appear "more or less acceptable" but require further discussion. The widest gap between the parties remains over the status of Russian-occupied territories and the prospect of Ukraine's NATO membership.

According to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces captured approximately 701 square kilometers of territory in November, bringing their control to 19.3 percent of Ukraine's total landmass.

Energy move from Europe

While diplomatic efforts continue, the European Union (EU) is tightening economic measures against Russia. Meeting in Brussels, EU officials reached an agreement to become completely independent of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described this decision as the "beginning of a new era," while a proposal to raise €90 billion for Ukraine's funding from frozen Russian assets was also brought to the agenda.

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