Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that adversaries are actively working to “shape” the outcome of Russia’s victory in the Ukraine conflict.

The remarks came during a meeting with representatives of municipalities following comments by Evgeny Chintsov, head of the local legislature in Nizhny Novgorod. Chintsov asserted that “nobody, including the enemy” doubts the conflict will end in Russia’s favor.

Putin concurred but cautioned against premature public declarations. “Yes, they are just thinking about how to shape it all; we’ll see,” he said. “However, military action is always a very complicated and dangerous thing. We know how everything will end, but we will not make any public statements about it. We will simply strive to achieve the goals we have set.”

Since the outset of the conflict, Moscow has maintained that its objectives remain unchanged. These include demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, protection of Russian speakers, and ensuring Ukrainian neutrality. Additional goals that emerged later also involve recognizing regions of Ukraine that voted to join Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly signaled openness to resolve hostilities through diplomacy if its demands are met, but retains readiness for force should negotiations fail. Territorial issues have become the main obstacle in talks, as Kiev has repeatedly refused to withdraw forces from the parts of Donbas it still controls.