Putin: control over all of Donbas and a peace deal on Ukraine “do not contradict each other”

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, indicated that the withdrawal of Ukraine’s Armed Forces from Donbas is a condition for peace.

Responding to a question from an AP journalist, Putin said:

“Controlling the entire Donbas region and striking a deal on Ukraine do not contradict each other.”

The Russian president also claimed that Russian forces are “advancing on all fronts” and that the Ukrainian Armed Forces face a “catastrophic shortage of personnel,” saying that Ukrainians are, in his words, being “rounded up in the streets like stray dogs.”

According to Putin, monthly losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces amount to around 40,000 people, with another 20,000 deserting — while the army is replenished by only 15,000 per month. This, in his view, will lead “to the loss of territory.” According to Ukrainian authorities and military officials, Ukraine mobilizes 20,000 to 30,000 people per month.

During the same appearance, Putin also spoke about what he would say to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if they were to meet to sign a peace agreement.