The Russian leader accused Western politicians of plotting Russia's downfall and vowed to carry on with the war in Ukraine unless his demands are met.

He said Russia would achieve its goals by diplomatic or military means and would seek to expand a “security buffer” zone in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday that Moscow will seek to extend its gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies reject the Kremlin's demands in peace talks. U.S. President Donald Trump has unleashed an extensive diplomatic push to end nearly four years of fighting following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but Washington’s efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands by Moscow and Kyiv.

Russian Putin warned that Moscow will seek to extend its gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies reject the Kremlin's demands in peace talks

Russia's Vladimir Solovyov added to fears that a larger war will break out in Europe when he listed multiple countries Russia should "destroy."

Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Putin warned Russia could expand its territorial control in Ukraine if peace talks fail, saying Moscow prefers diplomacy but is ready to act militarily. The remarks come amid intensified US-led negotiations, with major disagreements persisting over territory, NATO and security guarantees. World News | Putin Warns Russia Will Expand Territory if Ukraine Peace Talks Fail.

Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. "Russia has been seeking diplomatic resolutions to contradictions and conflicts as long as there is the slimmest hope of success. Those who convinced themselves that Russia can be spoken to in the language of force are fully responsible for those missed opportunities," Putin said. World News | Russia Seeks Diplomatic Solutions as Long as Hope Exists: Putin.