Top Story: UK and Allies Vow Support for Ukraine as Putin Threatens Full Military Offensive
Kyiv, Ukraine – On the eve of a high-level international meeting in Paris, UK Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged that Britain and its allies stand ready to support Ukraine — both through the war and in securing a future peace.
Speaking to the BBC during a visit to Kyiv, Healey said the Coalition of the Willing — a group of nations backing Ukraine — is prepared to help “make the skies safe, to make the seas safe, and to secure the land” once a peace agreement is in place.
But the optimism was quickly overshadowed by a stark warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who — speaking from Beijing — vowed that Russia would achieve its goals militarily if Ukraine refused to accept a deal.
“If common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution,” Putin said. “If not, then we will have to resolve all our tasks militarily.”
The Russian leader reiterated his maximalist demands, including an end to what he called the “discrimination against ethnic Russians” — a claim widely dismissed by international observers as a pretext for the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
When asked about a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin appeared to mock the idea, suggesting Zelensky could come to Moscow — an “unacceptable” proposition, Ukraine’s foreign ministry responded.
Putin’s Threats Countered by Western Commitments
Healey brushed off Putin’s rhetoric as “bluster,” adding that Russia is “under pressure” both militarily and economically. He also emphasized continued U.S. engagement under President Donald Trump — who, despite criticism, Healey credited with keeping dialogue open and “not closing off any options.”
Trump, who last month hosted Putin in Alaska, has issued mixed signals. He recently expressed “disappointment” in Putin and threatened consequences for Russia’s refusal to pursue peace, though critics accuse him of offering Putin undue legitimacy on the world stage.
Meanwhile, France is set to host the Coalition of the Willing on Thursday, where allies are expected to affirm long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. According to the Élysée Palace, the group is ready to offer training, weapons, and even potential troop deployments — pending U.S. confirmation and a ceasefire agreement.
“Putin’s dirty money returned with interest,” Healey added, referencing the UK’s announcement of £1bn ($1.24bn) in seized Russian assets repurposed for military aid to Ukraine.
On the Ground: Russian Attacks Intensify, Civilians Pay the Price
Despite growing diplomatic efforts, Russia has dramatically escalated its aerial attacks. On Wednesday alone, Ukraine faced over 500 drones and 24 cruise missiles — one of the largest single-night assaults of the war.
Last week, a missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building killed 22 people, including four children — one of the deadliest attacks in months. The scene remains filled with broken stairwells, ruined belongings, and grief-stricken survivors.
Ihor Maharynsky, whose wife Natalia died in the blast, was out of town when it happened. Now, standing amid the rubble, he voices the anger many Ukrainians feel — not just toward Russia, but toward what they see as Western softness.
“Peace talks with Putin? With this ****?” he asked, furious over Trump’s warm reception of Putin. “It is peaceful people who are dying.”
Ceasefire Still Elusive, but Peace Framework in Motion
Despite the growing chorus for a ceasefire, Germany and other European powers have downplayed expectations for major announcements in Paris. Berlin, Rome, and others have ruled out sending troops to Ukraine without a formal peace — though they remain committed to military and economic support.
Ultimately, Western officials believe that any lasting ceasefire must be brokered between Washington and Moscow. For now, that remains an uncertain path.
Putin may speak of light at the end of the tunnel — but for many Ukrainians, the bombs are falling harder than ever.
