Charles Mains

Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow.

In recent days, Putin has touted new Russian battlefield gains, saying they opened the way for further advances this winter.

His latest comments, delivered to Indian media ahead of a visit to New Delhi, continued in that vein.

Putin said Russia would take the Donbass by force of arms if Ukrainian troops didn't pull back.

Kiev has rejected that demand, which includes lands claimed but not controlled by Russia despite more than three years of war.

Putin also offered comments on this week's meeting with White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis.

Putin noted he did not agree with several proposals in a U.S.

peace plan, but called the talks useful.

Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow.

The Kremlin often says it would prefer to achieve its goals in Ukraine through diplomatic rather than military means.

That was the core message of a lengthy press conference by President Putin in Central Asia.

Putin said he still considered a U.S.

peace proposal a loose roadmap towards ending the conflict...

that warned Russia would secure its territorial goals by force if Ukraine refused to withdraw voluntarily.

Putin also weighed in on recently leaked phone transcripts that suggested White House envoy Steve Witkoff was biased in favor of Moscow in the peace negotiations.

Putin called Witkoff an intelligent man who promoted the interests of his country.

Witkoff is expected back in Moscow for talks with Putin next week.

Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow.

A senior Kremlin aide confirmed Witkoff would meet with Putin next week to discuss the latest U.S.

efforts to end the war in Ukraine.