Putin rejects ‘outlandish’ ceasefire proposals, says Russian strikes are crippling Ukraine

Vladimir Putin says Ukraine and its Western backers failed in what he describes as a 40-day attempt to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia through missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure and logistics. He claims Russian forces continue advancing and says Ukraine’s strikes have not changed the battlefield situation, while conceding they have caused economic damage and civilian losses inside Russia. On talks, Putin says Russia is ready for dialogue only “on the basis of realities on the ground,” dismissing unspecified proposals as “outlandish” and unacceptable. Ukraine and Western analysts interpret that formulation as Moscow insisting on recognition of its military gains and maximalist demands rather than signalling readiness for a compromise settlement.