Putin: We Will Achieve Our Goals Whether by War or Peace

The United States is preparing to launch a new package of sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector, in a move aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine according to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan.

Meanwhile, Moscow considered any new measures that could harm efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin described European warnings of a major war with Russia as "hysteria and lies," affirming that Moscow does not want war but is ready to fight and will achieve its goals in Ukraine, whether by war or peace.

The Russian president added that the "Burevestnik" cruise missiles with unlimited range and the "Poseidon" unmanned submarine will ensure strategic parity and security for Russia for decades to come, confirming that Russia will continue to work on improving these two types of weapons.

He pointed out that strengthening strategic nuclear forces is a priority for Russia, as they are a fundamental element of deterrence. Putin's statements come at a time when the war in Ukraine is experiencing ongoing tension amid stalled diplomatic efforts and growing Western fears of the conflict expanding, while Moscow insists it is proceeding to achieve its objectives unless a political settlement is reached.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg agency quoted its sources saying that Washington is preparing to impose new sanctions on the Russian energy sector if the Russian president rejects a peace agreement with Ukraine.

For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is aware that some U.S. officials are considering imposing additional sanctions, considering that any new measures would harm efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries, according to Interfax agency.

U.S. officials believe that the previous sanctions imposed by Washington and the G7 countries on major Russian oil producers and hundreds of tankers since 2022, although they have not changed Putin's political decisions, have led to a decline in Russian crude prices and worsened economic crises in Moscow.