Putin Threatens ‘By Force’ Push in Ukraine After Massive Kyiv Attack, Ahead of Trump–Zelensky Meet

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning that Moscow could pursue its military objectives in Ukraine by force if Kyiv refuses to engage in a peaceful settlement, as diplomatic focus intensifies ahead of talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump.

Putin's comments come amid a renewed escalation on the battlefield and growing international scrutiny over Russia's intentions, particularly following one of the heaviest recent attacks on Ukraine's capital.

Russia signals no compromise without talks

Speaking through Russia's state news agency TASS, Putin said Moscow believed Ukraine was deliberately delaying a negotiated end to the war. According to Reuters, he warned that Russia would act unilaterally if diplomacy failed.

"If Ukraine does not want to resolve the conflict peacefully, Russia would resolve all goals of its 'special military operation' by force," Putin was quoted as saying.

The Russian leader's remarks underline Moscow's hardened position as the conflict nears its fourth year, with no ceasefire framework currently in place.

Kyiv hit by major overnight attack

Putin's statement followed a large-scale Russian assault on Kyiv and nearby regions. Ukraine reported that around 500 drones and 40 missiles were launched during early morning hours, killing at least one person and injuring around 27 others.

Ukrainian officials said the bombardment lasted nearly 10 hours, marking one of the most sustained attacks on the capital in recent months and causing damage across multiple residential areas.

Zelensky calls strike Russia's response to peace efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a direct rejection of diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the war.

Zelensky said the prolonged assault on Kyiv and surrounding regions was "Russia's answer to our peace efforts".

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to meet Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. The discussions are expected to centre on security guarantees for Ukraine and unresolved territorial issues in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Canada condemns attack, announces fresh aid

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also reacted strongly to the latest strike, saying that lasting peace would require cooperation from Moscow.

"We have the conditions... of a just and lasting peace, but that requires a willing Russia, and the barbarism that we saw overnight... shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine," AFP quoted Carney as saying during a stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while travelling to Florida to meet Trump.

Carney announced new economic assistance worth CAN$2.5 billion, or about US$1.82 billion, for Ukraine. He said the funds would help unlock international financing "to begin this process of rebuilding" the country even as fighting continues.

"And this really showed that Putin doesn't want peace, and we want peace," he added.