"If No Agreement, 'Advance by Force'": Putin's Statement Indicates 'Negotiation Conditions' and the Reality on the Battlefield

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if Ukraine does not accept an agreement, Russia will "advance by force." His statement on December 27 was a strong message delivered at a time when battlefield movements and diplomatic schedules coincide. On the following day, December 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, intensifying the maneuvering over peace negotiations. InfoMoney

The Core of the "Achieve by Force" Statement—Pressure to Seize the "Initiative for Peace"

According to a report by InfoMoney, Putin stated that if Ukraine is not willing to resolve peace peacefully, Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine "by force," claiming that Ukraine is "not in a hurry for peace." The statement was reportedly conveyed by the Russian state news agency TASS. InfoMoney

This phrasing is more of a declaration to "set the terms of negotiation" rather than mere bravado. In other words, unless the conditions for ceasefire or talks are aligned with Russian demands, military pressure will not be eased—this is the structure that can be inferred.

After a large-scale attack, Zelensky rebuffs with "intention to continue the war"

In the same flow, it is reported that Russia conducted large-scale drone and missile attacks over the weekend, affecting the capital Kyiv and other areas. Zelensky suggested that such attacks indicate "Russia's intention to continue the war." InfoMoney

While discussing "peace" at the diplomatic table, strikes are delivered from the air. This seemingly "double-tongued" approach aims to simultaneously shake the opponent's public opinion, the fatigue of allied support, and the urgency of negotiations.

Trump × Zelensky Meeting and the "Pre-Call with Putin"—Whose Pace Will the Negotiations Follow?

Further attention was drawn when Trump stated that he had a "good, very productive" call with Putin. The Kremlin reportedly confirmed the call, and Trump hinted at a strong push for peace during his meeting with Zelensky. InfoMoney

The focus here is more on the "content of the ceasefire" than the ceasefire itself. Even if an agreement is temporarily halted with vague wording, the front lines could reignite. Conversely, a ceasefire in which demands are conceded carries the risk of being seen as "surrender" within Ukraine. The meeting is more likely to become a venue for confirming "what will not be conceded" rather than a "first step toward peace."

On the Battlefield: Claims of "Control" and Counterclaims of "Falsehood"—Information Warfare in Progress

In the military aspect, it is reported that the Russian side informed Putin of having controlled multiple cities in eastern Donetsk (Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Artemivka) and Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk in southern Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military has countered some claims as "false," suggesting ongoing combat in the relevant areas. InfoMoney

Here, apart from the "reality" of the front lines, there is an aspect of "politically effective battle results announcements." If it can be staged just before talks that "we are advancing" and "the opponent is cornered," it can provide an advantage in negotiations.

SNS Reactions: Three "Divisions"

The recent statement has also caused ripples on social media across various countries. However, the reactions are not monolithic. Broadly, they are divided into the following three directions.

1) "It's Only Natural if Ukraine Refuses"—Posts Supporting a Hardline Stance

On X (formerly Twitter) in the Brazilian sphere, there are examples of pro-Russian posts spreading with the sentiment of "if they don't withdraw from certain regions, they will be 'liberated' by force if necessary." X (formerly Twitter)

This type of post tends to strongly view "ceasefire = the opponent's concessions" and often presents Russia's demands as "conditions."

2) "Ceasefire is a Trap," "Stalling for Time"—Voices Warning of "Reinvasion Even if Agreed"

On the other hand, in English-speaking discussions on platforms like Reddit, there is a strong caution that "there is no proper agreement" and "a ceasefire will give Russia time to regroup." For example, in threads on r/europe, it is repeatedly argued that even if an agreement is reached, it will only lead to "re-invasion after rearmament." Reddit

Additionally, in discussions on r/geopolitics, the potential use of negotiations as a "means to create cracks" and the risk that concessions may lead to further demands are focal points. Reddit

3) "Trump is the Key"—Expectations and Concerns Coexist

With Trump's statement of having a "productive conversation with Putin," there are expectations on social media that "only the U.S. can move the ceasefire," while concerns about "pressuring Ukraine to make concessions" are also prominent. Whether the meeting itself becomes an "accelerator for peace" or "pressure for concessions" is a point of contention. InfoMoney

Points to Watch Now

1. The Definition of "Peace" is Misaligned: Russia tends to seek "ceasefire if conditions are met," while Ukraine seeks a ceasefire that ensures "security and sovereignty," starting from different points. InfoMoney

2. The Truth of Battle Results Announcements Influences Negotiations: The more opaque the reality of the front lines, the more domestic propaganda and international public opinion warfare accelerate, making compromise difficult. InfoMoney

3. SNS is Both "Public Opinion" and a "Battlefield": Hardline arguments, skepticism, and U.S. dependency arguments are simultaneously amplified, working to narrow political options. X (formerly Twitter)

Putin's statement of "advancing by force" is not only a suggestion of continued combat but also a "political message" to seize the initiative in negotiations. Whether the Trump × Zelensky meeting becomes the gateway to a ceasefire or intensifies the exchange of pressure, at least it can be said that as diplomacy moves, so do the battlefield and information warfare simultaneously. InfoMoney