On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the country’s “troops are advancing” and voiced assurance that Russia will achieve its goals militarily if Ukraine does not agree to its conditions in peace negotiations, as reported by The Associated Press.

“Our forces are moving forward along the entire line of contact, more rapidly in certain places and more slowly in others, but the adversary is pulling back in every sector,” Putin stated at his annual news conference, according to the report.

While the conflict continues, the European Union has recently approved a loan exceeding $105 billion for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his appreciation.

“I thank every European Union leader for the European Council’s decision to provide €90 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine for 2026–2027. This is substantial aid that genuinely bolsters our resilience. It is crucial that Russian assets stay frozen and that Ukraine has obtained a financial security guarantee for the future years. Thank you for the outcome and for the solidarity. Together, we are protecting the future of our continent,” he said in a statement.

Putin has maintained that Russia will fulfill its objectives regardless.

“The goals of the special military operation will definitely be met. We would rather achieve this and tackle the underlying causes of the conflict through diplomacy,” he remarked, according to a transcript from a Defense Ministry Board meeting held earlier this week.

“But, if the other side and its foreign backers decline to participate in meaningful talks, Russia will secure the liberation of its historical territories by force,” Putin stated.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has been working to help mediate a conclusion to the war between the two countries.