Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed on Wednesday to continue fighting in Ukraine if a peace agreement with Kyiv is not reached, while affirming that Moscow’s forces are advancing along the entire front line.

Putin told reporters in Beijing: “I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel… Let’s see how the situation develops. If that (agreement) does not happen, we must resolve all our issues militarily.”

He added that Russian forces “are advancing on all fronts” after more than three years since the war began, considering that Ukrainian forces lack the capabilities to carry out “major offensive operations” and are only trying to hold their positions.

Despite suffering heavy losses, the larger and better-equipped Russian army has made territorial gains in certain areas of the front, especially in Donetsk (east), for months.

On Wednesday, Putin again questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him the “head of the Ukrainian administration,” while confirming his readiness to meet with him. He said: “If Zelenskyy is ready, let him come to Moscow.”

Moscow accuses Zelenskyy of being “illegitimate” because his six-year presidential term ends in 2024. However, martial law in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022 has prevented elections from being held.