By Charles Switzer
11:05am PST, Jan 30, 2025
Putin Claims War Could End in Two Months — If the West Stops Helping Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin, 72, suggested that the war in Ukraine could come to a swift conclusion if Western nations, particularly the United States, cut off their massive financial and military assistance to Kyiv.Speaking in an interview with state broadcaster Rossiya 1, Putin stated, "Everything can be over in a month and a half to two months. Ukraine practically has no sovereignty, in that sense."
His remarks come as the war drags into its third year, with more than $200 billion dollars in Western aid having fueled Ukraine's resistance.
Here are four key takeaways from Putin's remarks.
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Peace Talks? Not With Zelenskyy, Says Putin
While addressing the prospect of peace negotiations, Putin declared he was open to talks — but not with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he labeled "illegitimate" due to his extended term under martial law.Instead, Putin suggested that Ukraine's parliament or legal experts should appoint negotiators.
Zelenskyy quickly fired back on X, stating, "Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war."
The Ukrainian leader insisted that any discussions must respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Western Support…
The Biden administration remained steadfast in its support for Ukraine, supplying nearly $66 billion dollars in military aid, including advanced defense systems such as Patriot missiles and NASAMS batteries.However, growing frustration among American taxpayers and political critics has fueled debates over whether continued aid is simply prolonging a war that Ukraine "may not be able to win."
Putin's assertion that Ukraine is fully dependent on Western support has intensified the conversation about whether military aid is a necessity or a geopolitical gamble with no end in sight.
With President Donald Trump now in charge, the war's optics within the U.S. have become even murkier.
International Leaders Push for a Resolution
Pressure is mounting for both sides to seek a resolution, with President Trump hinting at new sanctions on Russia if negotiations stall.While Trump has called for an end to the war, his approach has been markedly different from Biden's signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy.
Furthermore, European leaders remain divided — some urging stronger measures against Russia while others are beginning to push for diplomatic alternatives. Putin's conditional offer for peace talks, combined with Zelenskyy's refusal to negotiate directly, has left world leaders scrambling for solutions.
A Humanitarian and Economic Crisis
As the conflict grinds on, the toll on both Ukraine and its allies continues to grow.Ukraine faces devastated infrastructure, displaced populations and dwindling resources while Western nations grapple with the financial strain of continued aid. Economic instability, inflation concerns and war fatigue are becoming increasingly evident, making the question of how — and when — the war will end more urgent than ever.
While Putin's claim that the war could be over in two months remains highly disputed, the global demand for a resolution is louder than ever as the conflict enters year three.