Since Kiev has already lost, the conditions of peace for Ukraine will be tough, but the country's authorities cannot admit this, Shchelin said. Therefore, the fighting will continue, and Kiev is discussing "even more fantastic options" for ending the conflict than the "victory plan" of the head of the

The Russian leader's comments signal a growing confidence in the Kremlin as its troops advance in eastern Ukraine and evidence of war fatigue emerges among some of Kyiv's allies. The interview came after Putin hosted the largest gathering of world leaders in Russia since the start of the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Representing 41.1% of the world’s population and 37.3% of its GDP, the bloc aims to counterbalance U.S.-led Western alliances.